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Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Valor

Large ship Bliss scored

Carnival Valor has a heroes and heroics theme, featuring a variety of themed restaurants, entertainment and activities. On Carnival Valor, you'll find spots designed for your palate, whether you prefer to be wined — check out Jeanne’s Wine Bar — or dined —…

  • 2,980guests
  • 110,000gross tons
  • 17cruises now
  • $298fares from

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Carnival Valor at dusk, when the evening entertainment is just beginning.

At a glance

Carnival Valor is a large-size cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line, in service since 2004. It carries 2,980 guests and 1,180 crew (2.5 guests per crew member) at 110,000 gross tons. It ties with 3 other ships as the 16th largest of 27 Carnival Cruise Line ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for family friendly (9/10) and lowest for adventure & nature and romantic (2/10). It is rated 3.5 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 3.5 out of 5 by Berlitz and 4 out of 5 by Cruise Critic. It has 17 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $298 to $1,361. 73 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable
3.5 / 5
Berlitz
3.5 / 5
Cruise Critic
4 / 5
Guests
2,980
Crew
1,180
Gross tons
110,000
Decks
13
Length
952 ft
Beam
116 ft
Maiden voyage
2004
Launched
2004
Refurbished
2021
Space ratio
2.5
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
2.5
Speed mph
26
IMO
9236389

Bliss scores

What Carnival Valor is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

  1. Active 6.0
  2. Adventure and nature 2.0
  3. Cultural 6.0
  4. Dining 5.5
  5. Entertainment 7.6
  6. Family friendly 9.0
  7. Party 8.0
  8. Romantic 2.0
  9. Spa and fitness 6.0
  10. Staterooms 8.0

Our review

Carnival Valor: Hero-themed cruises to coastal Mexico

Hosting more than 3,000 passengers when fully booked, Carnival Valor features a heroes and heroics theme as it calls on sand-filled, sun-soaked ports in the Caribbean and Bahamas. 

The theme carries through to a variety of themed restaurants, entertainment and activities. On Carnival Valor, you'll find spots designed for your palate, whether you prefer to be wined — check out Jeanne’s Wine Bar — or dined — direct your taste buds to the Washington or Lincoln dining rooms, or even Scarlett’s Steakhouse. Let yourself be swept away to the Dream Bar for a drink, or get carried away rooting for your favorites at the Bronx Bar.

Kids can get caught up in all the excitement of hanging with others their age at Carnival Valor’s three supervised youth spaces, and pretty much anyone will be thrilled by the 214-foot long, four-deck-tall Twister Waterslide.

Where Carnival Valor sails

Home port: New Orleans

Destinations: Carnival Valor sails mostly 4- and 5-night Caribbean cruises to Western Caribbean ports such as Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. 

Read the full review

Top dining options

Lido Restaurant

Carnival's Lido Restaurant is your one-stop destination for casual dining options such as Carnival Deli, Chef’s Choice, Mongolian Wok and Salad Bar. Seating is available indoors and outdoors.

Taste Bar

Stop by for a taste of the flavors awaiting you at dining venues across the Carnival fleet. Pick up a complimentary appetizer before dinner for a taste of something different.

Chef’s Table

Enjoy a multicourse dinner hosted by one of Carnival’s master chefs. The VIP experience starts with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for a select group of 14, followed by a tour to see the galley in operation and then a full-service dinner of appetizers, entrees and desserts not found on the regular dining menus. The experience is $75 per guest, and reservations are required.

Entertainment & activities

Choose your show and laugh out loud at Punchliner Comedy Club, one of the entertainment options during your Carnival sailing.
Choose your show and laugh out loud at the Punchliner Comedy Club. Andrew Hetherington / Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Punchliner Comedy Club

Carnival teamed up with renowned comedian and TV personality George Lopez, who helped select talent for the fleetwide Punchliner Comedy Clubs. Guests can enjoy an evening laughing along to the comedians’ jokes.

Serenity Adult-Only Retreat

The world you'll find yourself in is one of peace, sea breezes, swaying hammocks and a nearby bar. Reconnect with your partner, finish that book or do absolutely nothing at all.

Carnival's Seaside Theatre

Guests can watch a movie on the giant outdoor screen while relaxing in a pool or lounging on a beach chair. 

Casino

Feeling lucky? Head over to the onboard casino to try out a wide selection of slots and table games including blackjack, roulette and poker.

DJ IRIE

Carnival's DJs have all been trained by DJ IRIE, the Miami Heat's official DJ, to drop beats that inspire dancing in all areas of the ship.

Twister Waterslide

Slide and glide on the Twister Waterslide, three decks of twisting and turning water mania that’s perfect for splishin', splashin' and playin' at any age.

Bars & lounges

The Lindy Hop Piano Bar aboard Carnival Valor channels the carefree innocence and fun of yesteryear.
The Lindy Hop Piano Bar channels the carefree innocence and fun of yesteryear. Rick Diaz / Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Sports Bar

Guests can grab a drink and catch a game on the big flat-screen TVs, while keeping up with real-time scores from across the sports world.

Piano Bar

Pull up a seat, order your favorite cocktail, and let your friendly piano player know the songs you'd like to hear. Then join the sing-along for a hand-clapping, foot-tapping, finger-snapping good time.

Spa & fitness

Spa Carnival

Renew yourself with premium beauty and wellness therapies, like hot stone massages, aromatherapy or full-body wraps.

Fitness Center

There’s no excuse for leaving your fitness routine back on land with the fitness equipment available on board in the fitness center. Plus, there are also fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates and indoor cycling.

Family-friendly options

Camp Carnival

Camp Carnival is the place where the youngest cruisers (ages 2 to 11) will experience games, finger painting, story time, movies and more in a supervised environment, while their parents can be off having fun of their own. Carnival's babysitting program also offers, for a fee, a fun late-night option for kids while their parents stay out until as late as 3 am.

Circle “C”

Youths ages 12 to 14 can enjoy video games, scavenger hunts and dance parties at “Circle C” as well as enjoy getting outside with sports, pool parties and special shore excursions. Plus, they can enjoy all of this excitement with kids their own age.

Club O2

Teens 15 to 17 can enjoy the latest music with exclusive dance parties at Club O2, as well as video games and movies from the club's comfy seating and video monitors all over the place. They'll even have fun outside of the club, with pool parties, team sports and special teen-only shore excursions.

Your take

How about you? Have you sailed on Carnival Valor? We'd like to hear about your experience!

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

Interested in a cruise on Carnival Valor? Contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773 or by email. You'll often get a better deal than you can get by contacting the cruise line directly.

SEE ALL CARNIVAL VALOR SAILINGS

On board highlights

Dining

Where to eat on Carnival Valor

  • Chef's Table
    Chef's Table Gourmet · Dinner
    Additional cost
  • Main Dining Room
    Main Dining Room Continental · Breakfast, lunch & dinner
    No additional cost
  • Lido Restaurant
    Lido Restaurant Continental · Lunch & dinner
    No additional cost

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 2

  • Scuba divers and snorkelers may spot a ray or two in the waters off Cozumel.
    Scuba divers and snorkelers may spot a ray or two in the waters off Cozumel.
  • Snorkelers can view perfect starfish, sea star, nestled in the sandy lagoons of Cozumel.
    Snorkelers can view perfect starfish, sea star, nestled in the sandy lagoons of Cozumel.

Dining 6

  • A dessert sampler plate at Chef's Table aboard a Carnival cruise.
    A dessert sampler plate at Chef's Table aboard a Carnival cruise.
  • Enjoy an exquisite dining experience at Chefs Table for $75 per person.
    Enjoy an exquisite dining experience at Chefs Table for $75 per person.
  • Revel in a multicourse dinner prepared by the master chefs of Chef's Table during your Carnival cruise.
    Revel in a multicourse dinner prepared by the master chefs of Chef's Table during your Carnival cruise.
  • The Lido Restaurant on Carnival Valor, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
    The Lido Restaurant on Carnival Valor, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Enjoy premium-quality steaks, fresh seafood, salads and gourmet starters at the alternative restaurant Fahrenheit 555 on your Carnival cruise.
    Enjoy premium-quality steaks, fresh seafood, salads and gourmet starters at the alternative restaurant Fahrenheit 555 on your Carnival cruise.
  • For an extra fee, Chef's Table is your chance for a multi-course dinner prepared specially by the executive chef.
    For an extra fee, Chef's Table is your chance for a multi-course dinner prepared specially by the executive chef.

On board 12

  • Choose your show and laugh out loud at Punchliner Comedy Club, one of the entertainment options during your Carnival sailing.
    Choose your show and laugh out loud at Punchliner Comedy Club, one of the entertainment options during your Carnival sailing.
  • Enjoy private-label brews, appetizers and upbeat tunes from live musicians at RedFrog Pub on your Carnival cruise.
    Enjoy private-label brews, appetizers and upbeat tunes from live musicians at RedFrog Pub on your Carnival cruise.
  • Head to the BlueIguana Tequila Bar on your Carnival cruise if you like ice-cold cervezas and slushy tequila drinks.
    Head to the BlueIguana Tequila Bar on your Carnival cruise if you like ice-cold cervezas and slushy tequila drinks.
  • Get rejuvenated in the spa of the Serenity Adult Only Retreat during your Carnival cruise.
    Get rejuvenated in the spa of the Serenity Adult Only Retreat during your Carnival cruise.
  • The Ivanhoe Main Show Lounge aboard Carnival Valor.
    The Ivanhoe Main Show Lounge aboard Carnival Valor.
  • Enjoy a night of gaming at the casino during your Carnival cruise.
    Enjoy a night of gaming at the casino during your Carnival cruise.
  • The Caboose Teen Club aboard the Carnival Valor is one of the areas just for kids.
    The Caboose Teen Club aboard the Carnival Valor is one of the areas just for kids.
  • Youths ages 12 to 14 head to Circle C on Carnival Valor to meet new friends, play games and have fun.
    Youths ages 12 to 14 head to Circle C on Carnival Valor to meet new friends, play games and have fun.
  • Soak in the relaxing vibe of the Serenity Adult Only Retreat with your significant other during your Carnival sailing.
    Soak in the relaxing vibe of the Serenity Adult Only Retreat with your significant other during your Carnival sailing.
  • Frolic in the warm weather at WaterWorks, your Carnival waterpark.
    Frolic in the warm weather at WaterWorks, your Carnival waterpark.
  • Splish-splash the day away at WaterWorks, Carnival's onboard waterpark.
    Splish-splash the day away at WaterWorks, Carnival's onboard waterpark.
  • Have some fun with family members at WaterWorks during your next Carnival cruise.
    Have some fun with family members at WaterWorks during your next Carnival cruise.

More photos 12

  • Carnival Valor at dusk, when the evening entertainment is just beginning.
    Carnival Valor at dusk, when the evening entertainment is just beginning.
  • Carnival Valor sails out of New Orleans to ports in the Western Caribbean.
    Carnival Valor sails out of New Orleans to ports in the Western Caribbean.
  • The brightly colored King Boulevard Promenade on Carnival Valor.
    The brightly colored King Boulevard Promenade on Carnival Valor.
  • Carnival Valor's American Atrium celebrates American heroes and courage.
    Carnival Valor's American Atrium celebrates American heroes and courage.
  • The Washington Restaurant aboard Carnival Valor.
    The Washington Restaurant aboard Carnival Valor.
  • There's a lounge chair waiting for you on Carnival Valor so you can lay back and soak up the sun whenever the mood strikes you.
    There's a lounge chair waiting for you on Carnival Valor so you can lay back and soak up the sun whenever the mood strikes you.
  • The main pool on the Lido Deck of Carnival Valor.
    The main pool on the Lido Deck of Carnival Valor.
  • Carnival Valor cruises to the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean.
    Carnival Valor cruises to the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean.
  • Smaller ships in the Caribbean stop by to check out Carnival Valor.
    Smaller ships in the Caribbean stop by to check out Carnival Valor.
  • The Lindy Hop Piano Bar aboard Carnival Valor channels the carefree innocence and fun of yesteryear.
    The Lindy Hop Piano Bar aboard Carnival Valor channels the carefree innocence and fun of yesteryear.
  • Passengers can get their dance groove on at One Small Step Dance Club aboard Carnival Valor.
    Passengers can get their dance groove on at One Small Step Dance Club aboard Carnival Valor.
  • The Lincoln dining room aboard Carnival Valor.
    The Lincoln dining room aboard Carnival Valor.

Sailing now

Cruises on Carnival Valor

Plan my cruise
  1. 5 Night Western Caribbean from New Orleans 5 nights · from New Orleans Next Sep 19, 2026 32 dates from $298
  2. 4 Night Western Caribbean from New Orleans 4 nights · from New Orleans Next Sep 24, 2026 18 dates from $342
  3. 5 Night Western Caribbean from New Orleans 5 nights · from New Orleans Next Dec 30, 2026 from $767
  4. 8 Night Bahamas from Mobile Alabama 8 nights · from Mobile Next May 15, 2027 from $787
  5. 6 Night Bahamas from Mobile Alabama 6 nights · from Mobile Next May 23, 2027 7 dates from $575
  6. 8 Night Bahamas from Mobile Alabama 8 nights · from Mobile Next May 29, 2027 11 dates from $664
  7. 8 Night Bahamas from Mobile Alabama 8 nights · from Mobile Next Jun 12, 2027 3 dates from $672
  8. 6 Night Bahamas from Mobile Alabama 6 nights · from Mobile Next Aug 29, 2027 5 dates from $525
  9. 14 Night Caribbean and Panama from Mobile 14 nights · from Mobile Next Sep 26, 2027 from $1,282
  10. 7 Night Bahamas from Mobile Alabama 7 nights · from Mobile Next Nov 13, 2027 from $615
  11. 7 Night Western Caribbean from Mobile 7 nights · from Mobile Next Nov 20, 2027 from $794
  12. 6 Night Western Caribbean from Mobile 6 nights · from Mobile Next Dec 5, 2027 4 dates from $555
Show 5 more
  1. 8 Night Bahamas from Mobile Alabama 8 nights · from Mobile Next Dec 19, 2027 from $912
  2. 6 Night Bahamas from Mobile Alabama 6 nights · from Mobile Next Jan 2, 2028 3 dates from $592
  3. 14 Night Southern Caribbean from Mobile 14 nights · from Mobile Next Jan 16, 2028 from $1,361
  4. 8 Night Bahamas from Mobile Alabama 8 nights · from Mobile Next Mar 4, 2028 2 dates from $864
  5. 8 Night Bahamas from Mobile Alabama 8 nights · from Mobile Next Apr 1, 2028 2 dates from $814

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