Carnival Valor
“New Orleans' hometown Carnival ship — short Western Caribbean runs with a freshly renovated look.”
Carnival Valor has sailed from New Orleans for two decades, making her one of the most recognisable ships on the Gulf Coast since her debut in 2004 as the third ship in the Conquest class. A lengthy European drydock brought an extensive refurbishment, adding a new WaterWorks aquapark with twin racing waterslides, an expanded lineup of bars including Alchemy Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar, and refreshed public spaces throughout. She mainly sails short 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean itineraries to Cozumel and Progreso, with occasional longer voyages including transatlantic repositioning cruises, making her a favourite for Louisiana and Gulf Coast travellers who want an easy, no-fly cruise close to home.
Alchemy Bar — a speakeasy-styled cocktail 'pharmacy' where mixologists in lab coats mix handcrafted elixirs from spices, infused syrups, and fresh juices, giving Valor one of the most distinctive bars in the Carnival fleet.
What’s Onboard
Dining
- ✓Bonsai Sushi Express for made-to-order rolls
- ✓Guy's Burger Joint (Guy Fieri partnership)
- ✓BlueIguana Cantina for build-your-own tacos
- ✓Pizza Pirate, open 24 hours
- ✓Chef's Table exclusive multi-course dinner
- ✓Steakhouse for date-night dining
Pools & Recreation
- ✓New WaterWorks aquapark with twin racing waterslides
- ✓Serenity adults-only sun deck and pool
- ✓Two main pools with poolside big screen
- ✓Cloud 9 Spa and fitness centre
- ✓Mini golf and sports court
- ✓Whirlpools throughout the Lido deck
Entertainment
- ✓Alchemy Bar speakeasy-style cocktail lounge
- ✓Liquid Lounge main stage productions
- ✓Punchliner Comedy Club
- ✓RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar
- ✓Piano Bar 88
- ✓Casino with table games and slots
Cabins
- ✓Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suite categories
- ✓Cloud 9 Spa staterooms with spa access included
- ✓Cove Balconies close to the waterline
- ✓Family staterooms with connecting options
- ✓Ocean Suites with private balconies
- ✓1,487 staterooms in total
Family & Kids
- ✓Camp Ocean kids' club (2–11 years)
- ✓Circle C for tweens and Club O2 for teens
- ✓New WaterWorks racing waterslides and splash zone
- ✓Dive-In Movies poolside
- ✓Family-friendly menus at Guy's and BlueIguana
- ✓SkyBox Sports Bar family-friendly game viewing
Video Tour
Carnival Valor Cruise Ship Tour | Full Walkthrough and Deck-by-Deck Guide
- ✦Louisiana and Gulf Coast cruisers (drive-to New Orleans)
- ✦Short 4- to 5-night Western Caribbean getaways
- ✦First-time Carnival cruisers
- ✦Budget-conscious travellers
Travellers wanting the newest mega-ship scale or longer, more varied itineraries. Valor mainly sails short Western Caribbean runs to a limited set of ports.
5-night Western Caribbean from ~$500/pp (inside) to $1,600+/pp (suite)