[Travelandtourism] Was Carnival Valor now MSC Divina Ship Tour and guide dogs

Wed May 13 23:08:02 UTC 2015

I think that Carnival really has come a long way, but I did tell Gary (Cruise Director) that they need to continue adding improvements.  Braille menus and fun times are still needed as well as audio description on their information channels for the blind, moving information boards throughout the ship to display announcements for the Deaf and hearing impaired and an app for smart phones that displays information that can be read in either braille or by using a screen reader.  
There were lots of walkers, electric scooters, both manual and electric wheelchairs so I know that they have done a wonderful job of trying to make all decks (with the exception of Serenity) accessible.  
Cheryl, I did not take my guide dog.  I planned to spend a lot of time in the water and she would have spent too much time alone in our cabin.  So I gave her a "vacation" at home.  Given that we ended up with very stormy weather for much of the trip and the boat was rocking quite a lot it was probably a wise choice.  The ramp connecting the tender and the ship kept coming unhooked when we were at Half Moon Cay and at one point it fell.  The Captain strongly advised every one who was on the ship to stay on the ship at that point. My legally blind son and his 3 blind friends (one total) were on the tender when the ramp fell and had to wait to board the ship.   

     On Wednesday, May 13, 2015 3:03 PM, Cheryl Echevarria via Travelandtourism <travelandtourism at nfbnet.org> wrote:

 Jana

It has been 11 years as well!

Tracie, I don't remember reading that you brought your guide dog with you, and if you didn't why not?

It might be time for another look at carnival.

I don't like most of their ships, but I am planning a group for sailing on the Carnival Vista from Miami in 2016, if anyone is interested.

But Carnival's accessibility has changed, as well as, many of the others that are here in the USA, the ones you normally hear about.

I recently did a ship tour of MSC Cruise Lines Divina here in NY, when she was sailing from Miami to Europe for the Summer. She is new to the US Market, so when they announced that they were having this here in NY. We took advantage of this, she will be returning in November 2015.

Very accessible ship. MSC Cruise Lines like many of the other cruise lines works with Special Needs Group, remember last year Andrew Garnett, owner of Special Needs Group came to our meeting along with Cathy Vazquez from Norwegian Cruise Lines.

I also took part in the Beta testing of the new booking engine for travel professionals on MSC, the head of the IT department was on board, it looked great, I tried it out. Also, I recommended that they down load the free versions of Windoweyes and Jaws so they can make sure whatever changes they are making will be able to read it.

So far, I have kept in touch with the IT Department and things are working great.

I have a video of the ship tour, but my darling Nelson, didn't do a great job of narrating, but you can hear a little of it.

Here is the link.

Part 1

https://youtu.be/SRzDubmRbhk

Part 2

https://youtu.be/5lkhzIZ9Lnw

Cheryl Echevarria, President
National Federation of the Blind's Travel and Tourism Division
A proud division of the 
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND - "Live the life you want"
www.nfbtravel.org
631-236-5138
cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

Cheryl Echevarria 
Travel is our specialty and offering the best of meaningful travel for all ages is our passion!
http://www.echevarriatravel.com
reservations at echevarriatravel.com
631-456-5394

Visit my website to get my FREE report, “Top 5 Good Reasons to Use a Travel Professional”

I build my business on referrals. Please pass my details on to friends and
family members that deserve the best vacation that they can imagine

P.S. – Families of all sizes is my specialty. Whether you are just starting out and looking for that romantic destination for your destination wedding or honeymoon. Booking that planned family vacation to Walt Disney World or that bucket list trip that Grandma  & Grandpa are planning for the family, I would love to help you. 

We have partnered with Braille Smith. www.braillesmith.com for all her braille needs.  Gail Smith is the Secretary of the NFB of Alabama

-----Original Message-----
From: Travelandtourism [mailto:travelandtourism-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jana Jackson via Travelandtourism
Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 2:50 PM
To: 'NFB Travel and Tourism Division List'
Cc: Jana Jackson
Subject: Re: [Travelandtourism] Carnival Valor

Awesome review, Tracy!  I sailed on the Carnival Triumph 11 years ago, and while I had a great time, I had to fight a few battles that should have been non-existent! <Smile>  Sounds like they've either come a long way, or maybe I just wasn't on the right ship! <LOL>  I'm glad you had such a great time, and this is VERY informative!  Blessings!

Jana

-----Original Message-----
From: Travelandtourism [mailto:travelandtourism-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cheryl Echevarria via Travelandtourism
Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 10:11 AM
To: 'Tracie Inman'; 'NFB Travel and Tourism Division List'
Cc: Cheryl Echevarria
Subject: Re: [Travelandtourism] Carnival Valor

That link only brings you to the website Tracie Inman:

Tracie I think still owns her own agency in FL, not sure. 

Here is the posting she was trying to post here.

I will find it and post it.

My husband, son, his friends, and I have just returned from a 5 day cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Carnival Valor. My husband and I celebrated our 23 wedding anniversary on the cruise. We had a balcony stateroom on Deck 8 with an amazing view. My son and his friends had an interior stateroom just a few doors down from ours. 

We were greeted at the terminal by friendly Carnival crew who were very helpful in directing us to the check in area. Check in was fairly quick and we were guided right on to the ship. When we slid our sail and sea cards a buzzer went off alerting the crew member who checked us in that we were special assistance guests and he escorted us to guest services were we were assisted almost right away.

Our room steward was awesome. He made sure we had everything we needed. Every night he created a different towel art and left it on our bed. We found the bed quite comfortable with plenty of pillows. Our steward also made sure we always had    clean and dry pool towels folded and placed in the same location since I am blind. The Valor crew also provided a flashing door bell, flashing alert system, and vibrating alarm since I'm also Deaf without my Cochlear implants. Our room steward provided me each evening with a Large Print Fun times as well. At meals, too, in the Washington Dining room I was given a large print menu. 

Throughout the cruise we were all treated like V.I.P.'s and our every need met. Crew and fellow guests alike were friendly and helpful. There was a tropical system and our Captain reversed the itinerary in an effort to avoid the bad weather. Despite his best efforts there was high winds and heavy rains. When we docked at Half Moon Cay the tender was rocking badly when I got on board. I couldn't walk the length of the tender to find a seat without falling, so other guests were taking me by the hand and handing me from guest to guest to assist me to the steps and down below where it was safer for me. On the island the crew made sure I was able to find where I needed to go to put my implants safely in a locker while I went to the beach and then helped find the food area at lunchtime. 

The dining experience was incredible, too. From the moment we walked into the Washington Dining room til the time we left we were given the utmost attention to detail and assisted with everything from holding out our chairs for us to handing us our napkins. The food was delicious every night. We h ad a choice of an everyday menu or that days menu items. We had a hard time choosing among the mouth-watering items on every menu. I found it difficult to choose just one. 

On our second night on board we went to Scarlet's Steakhouse. I can't begin to find the words to describe the out-of-this-world experience we had here. As with every other location on the ship and Half Moon Cay, we were greeted by friendly crew who escorted us to our table where we were given a bottle of our choice of wine. Two glasses of champagne were also on our table to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Our first course was sauteed mushrooms followed by salad and then our main course which consisted of our choice of the most tender steaks you can imagine, a shared desert, and our choice of individual deserts. I chose a hazelnut cheese cake and my husband chose a chocolate delicacy. Both were melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Our chef, Chef Natelaha, came out to speak with us twice and made us feel so special. 

Gary and Matey, the Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director, outdid themselves making sure that the entertainment was accessible to us. We were given a front row seat in the Ivanhoe theater and two amazing, and wonderfully experienced, DeafBlind sign language interpreters were provided throughout the cruise. The entertainment was the best you could imagine with every show filled with wonderful talent. 

Jeff, the manager of the Comedy Club, also made sure we enjoyed the entertainment. We enjoyed our evening there, too. Our seats were saved up front where we could hear & see what was going on and interpreters provided for the show. 

I cannot even begin to say enough about the food choices on the Lido deck. There was so many choices - and they were all so good. Every afternoon and evening pizza was available. Ice Cream was always available and could be found throughout the Lido Deck. There were plenty of sweets every day. Even if you didn't find what you wanted at the sweets bar you could go to the Candy store on Deck five and get what you wanted for a reasonable price. 

There was hamburgers, chicken strips, and hot dogs plentiful by the pool. Inside Rosies you could choose from the Mongolian Grill, a burrito bar, and plenty of other bars filled with a variety of foods. It seemed like the theme was changed each day. 

The Valor has plenty of swimming options. We enjoyed the options of four adult only hot tubs. We both enjoyed the option of going up to the adults-only Serenity deck. The hammocks were so wonderfully relaxing. 

For those who enjoy games there were many choices. Ping pone tables, bean bag toss, and life size chess were available on deck. There was a walking track, a basketball court, and putt putt golf up on deck. You could also choose from many options in the video game room or for the adults the Casino has many options from blackjack to slots. 

Even the coffee bar, Java, was awesome. We were waited on by a friendly crew member who made sure that our coffees were just the way we wanted them. 

We also enjoyed the taste bar on board. We were given little Italian meatballs and an Italian bread to sample. Oh so good! 

In addition to all the entertainment provided elsewhere on the ship the American lobby had its own choices. From Trivia throughout the day to a variety of sounds at night there was always something going on. You certainly never have an opportunity to get bored on the Carnival Valor! 

Shopping is another plentiful area on the Valor. The gift shop has lots to choose from with prices that aren't too unaffordable. There is fine jewelry and an art gallery onboard as well. 

Speaking of art, there is so many beautiful works of art displayed throughout the ship. Every deck has something different. We enjoyed our own art walk on the one day onboard where the weather was rainy outside. Every guest should take the time to explore the variety of art on board. 

For those who enjoy having a drink (or even if you just want a soda) there are plenty of bars and lounges all over the ship. It doesn't matter where you go you will always have an experience you won't forget. For those who just want a soda - buy the soda card. It is $30 (for just $5 more you can get the Carnival souvenir cup) and you can have all the soda you want. If you are an individual who enjoys having a drink you can buy a endless glass alcoholic beverage card for $50 a day (There is an alcoholic beverage mug shaped like the Ship's Exhaust and painted red and white for just $12. This mug entitles you to 20% refills of alcoholic beverages costing $10 or more). 

I should also mention that there is a DJ onboard the ship who offered plenty of music for the various venues on the ship. There was music a plenty through the day and the evenings. 

Children's programs and a kid friendly pool is available as well as a teen program. We didn't have little ones or teens on board with us so I can't comment on those. 

The ship also offers a multi-deck waterslide for the enjoyment of the adventurous guest. 

Although we didn't have time to check it out the Carnival Valor has a dive-in movie in the evenings with popcorn offered at the pool bar throughout the movie. 

Disembarkation was uncomplicated, too. Crew members were available to assist from the time we left our cabin until the time we were picked up at the guest pick up area. We were pleasantly surprised that it did not take long from start to finish to disembark from the Carnival Valor. 

We truly enjoyed our Carnival Valor cruise and are looking forward to cruising again in the future

Cheryl Echevarria, President
National Federation of the Blind's Travel and Tourism Division A proud division of the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND - "Live the life you want"
www.nfbtravel.org
631-236-5138
cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

Cheryl Echevarria
Travel is our specialty and offering the best of meaningful travel for all ages is our passion!
http://www.echevarriatravel.com
reservations at echevarriatravel.com
631-456-5394

Visit my website to get my FREE report, “Top 5 Good Reasons to Use a Travel Professional”

I build my business on referrals. Please pass my details on to friends and family members that deserve the best vacation that they can imagine

P.S. – Families of all sizes is my specialty. Whether you are just starting out and looking for that romantic destination for your destination wedding or honeymoon. Booking that planned family vacation to Walt Disney World or that bucket list trip that Grandma  & Grandpa are planning for the family, I would love to help you. 

We have partnered with Braille Smith. www.braillesmith.com for all her braille needs.  Gail Smith is the Secretary of the NFB of Alabama

-----Original Message-----
From: Travelandtourism [mailto:travelandtourism-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tracie Inman via Travelandtourism
Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 7:46 AM
To: Tracie Inman; NFB Travel and Tourism Division List
Cc: Tracie Inman
Subject: Re: [Travelandtourism] Carnival Valor

Above and Beyond Incredible - Carnival Review by SweetMermaid - Cruise Critic

|  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
| Above and Beyond Incredible - Carnival Review by SweetMermaid - Cruise 
| CriticCruise Critic SweetMermaid member review for Carnival Carnival 
| Valor cruise in May 2015 from Orlando (Port Canaveral) port to the 
| Bahamas. |  | View on www.cruisecritic.com | Preview by Yahoo |  |
|  |

    On Tuesday, May 12, 2015 8:14 PM, Tracie Inman via Travelandtourism <travelandtourism at nfbnet.org> wrote:

 Thought ya'all might enjoy this. It was just published on Cruise Critic. It is my very first Cruise blog. Above and Beyond Incredible - Carnival Review by SweetMermaid - Cruise Critic

|  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
| Above and Beyond Incredible - Carnival Review by SweetMermaid - Cruise 
|CriticCruise Critic SweetMermaid member review for Carnival Carnival 
|Valor cruise in May 2015 from Orlando (Port Canaveral) port to the 
|Bahamas. |
|  |
| View on www.cruisecritic.com | Preview by Yahoo |
|  |
|  |

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