The Western Caribbean on the Carnival Valor

I went on a singles cruise the  the Western Caribbean on the Valor and so the experience was a bit different to other cruises I have since been on.   It was a few years ago but I think still relevant.  The Valor is still doing the same route as it was then except for the Port of Roatan.  I hope you like this review even though it is a bit long

I stayed at an airport hotel overnight and took a shuttle to the dock and unloaded by bags with the porter.  It took around 1.5 hours to board, go through the scanner, get my picture taken and find my cabin.  I had an inside cabin and was sharing with someone the group had assigned me. The ship was a bit confusing in its layout and as it was so big (well the biggest I have been on).

The first day was at sea and it was formal night and the show was a dance show which was quite good but didn't quite flow.  Second day was in Grand Cayman and was by tender to dock.  At this port I did the Stingray tour which was just incredible. The water was warm and the creatures so silky but a little scary at first.  You go about 20 minutes by boat out to the sandbar.  Don't forget to take an underwater camera (I had a disposable one that worked fine).  The singles group had a 70s night and karaoke in the Paris Hot Lounge so taking an organized singles cruise can mean you have company and activities which is great.

Third day we docked at Roatan and I did the tour of the west side of the island.  We went to beach and shops, butterfly farm and botanic gardens. The people speak English and Spanish and eat the local iguanas (although they are protected).  Tonight was black/white attire and cabin crawl with the singles.  On fourth day we docked at Costa Maya and I took the Mayan Tour.  The ruins were very interesting bit it was very hot and humid there.  I spent the afternoon in the pool bar with a frozen Martguerita and with other singles from the group.  It was formal night again tonight and we all had pre dinner drinks in the Winston Bar.

We docked at Cozumel on the fifth day. Very pretty town and after shopping I went with a friend to Carlos and Charlies and had margaritas and joined in the conga line and danced a bit.  You have to try it!  The last day was at sea so I relaxed for awhile on deck in the sun.   By afternoon though we had a salsa lesson in the One Step Lounge which was quite fun.  The theme tonight was Caribbean and karaoke in the Paris Hot Bar where everyone was taking pictures of the groups we had spent time with during our cruise.  On debarkation day it took about an hour and I got a taxi fairly easily.

I really enjoyed this trip and it was a lot different being on a singles cruise.  I would recommend it to anyone traveling alone.  You can join in as much or as little as you want.  The Valor is a beautiful ship and I hope to travel on her again.