CARNIVAL VALOR
The New Orleans icon. A mid-sized classic that balances "Fun Ship 2.0" upgrades with a layout that puts the party front and center.
- Guests
- 2,980
- Tonnage
- 110,000
- Ratio
- 37.0
- Crew
- 1,180
The Prodigy Verdict
The Soul of the South.
The Carnival Valor is a staple of the "Conquest Class," a design era focused on maximizing deck space and connection to the water. While she doesn't boast the rollercoasters of her newer sisters, she has been retrofitted with the essential "Fun Ship 2.0" upgrades, including Guy's Burger Joint and the Alchemy Bar. Her "Heroes and Heroism" interior theme is unapologetically bold—expect plenty of Americana and gold leaf. She sails short, intense itineraries from New Orleans, attracting a fun-loving demographic that prioritizes nightlife and value over modern boutique aesthetics.
- Quick getaways (4-5 day itineraries)
- Groups seeking high-value fun
- Those who love a lively pool deck atmosphere
- This is a high-energy environment
- Not ideal for those seeking total quiet or minimalism
- Focus is on pools and parties rather than thrill rides
The Zones
While not zoned like the Excel class, Valor has distinct neighborhoods of activity.
Lido Deck
The epicenter of the ship. Home to the main pool, the Seaside Theater (movies under the stars), and constant DJ entertainment.
The Promenade
Deck 5 is the nightlife artery. You can walk from the casino to the Alchemy Bar and the night club without changing floors.
Serenity Deck
The Adults-Only retreat. On Valor, this is forward-facing on a high deck, offering some of the best views away from the pool noise.
Shogun Club
The Casino. It is located directly on the main thoroughfare, making it a high-traffic, high-energy zone that integrates with the bars.
Heroes Tribute
An All-American lounge paying homage to armed forces personnel. A great spot for a cold pint and watching sports.
Camp Ocean
The hub for marine-themed youth programming. Divided by age group, it keeps the kids entertained so parents can relax.
Ivanhoe Theater
The massive main show lounge spanning three decks. Home to Playlist Productions, bingo, and the main game shows.
Piano Bar 88
A sing-along classic. Grab a seat around the revolving piano for a raucous, interactive musical evening.
Dining & Provisions
The Valor shines with its "Fun Ship 2.0" casual dining options.
Guy's Burger Joint
Poolside
The fan favorite. Freshly grilled burgers with a massive toppings bar. It gets busy at noon, but the line moves quickly.
BlueIguana Cantina
Poolside
Fresh tacos and burritos made to order. The breakfast burritos here are widely considered the best breakfast item on the ship.
Pizza Pirate
Aft Deck 9
Fresh, hand-tossed pizza available 24 hours a day. The pepperoni is a late-night staple after the club.
Mongolian Wok
Lido Marketplace
Select your own noodles and veggies, then watch chefs stir-fry them fresh. A popular complimentary lunch option.
Scarlett's Steakhouse
Fine Dining
Located at the very top of the atrium. A classic American steakhouse experience with premium cuts and excellent service.
Seafood Shack
Aft Deck
New England-style rolls, fried shrimp, and crab legs available for a la carte pricing. A great spot for a casual sunset dinner.
Sushi at Sea
Lido Deck
An a-la-carte counter on the Lido deck offering sushi and sashimi. Perfect for a light, fresh lunch or dinner.
Alchemy Bar
Cocktail Pharmacy
The best bar on the ship. "Pharmacists" mix custom cocktails based on your mood. It’s a major social hub in the evenings.
Where It Sails
Valor is dedicated to the short-cruise market from New Orleans.
- Homeport: New Orleans, LA
- 4 & 5 Night Western Caribbean
- Year-Round Departures
The standard rotation includes Cozumel (Mexico) and Progreso (Yucatan). These are beach and ruin-heavy ports perfect for short trips.
Check Availability
See dates for New Orleans departures.
Check DatesAffiliate disclosure: outbound booking links may earn CruiseProdigy a commission.
Cost Reality
One of the most affordable ships in the fleet, but be mindful of incidental spending on the shorter runs.
- Guy's Burgers & BlueIguana
- Pizza Pirate (24/7)
- Main Dining Room
- Serenity Deck Access
- Scarlett's Steakhouse
- Seafood Shack
- Coffee Shop
- Alcoholic Beverages
Crowd Hack: The "Secret Decks" on the Conquest class are located all the way forward on decks 6, 7, and 10. They are publicly accessible but rarely used.
The Vibe Check
Is this ship for you? It offers a classic cruise experience with a heavy dose of party atmosphere.
Lively and Unpretentious. The vibe is heavily influenced by the New Orleans homeport—expect good food, good music, and a very social crowd.
A mix of bachelor/bachelorette parties, families on a budget, and loyal cruisers who love the "smaller ship" feel compared to the mega-resorts.
Ready for the Big Easy at sea? Check pricing below.
Cabin Recon
The cabins on Valor are older in style but generally more spacious than modern ships.
Standard Interior
Functional and comfortable. A great choice if you plan to spend your time at the pool or the Alchemy Bar.
Aft-View Extended Balcony
These balconies overlook the ship's wake. They are significantly deeper than side balconies and offer less wind and a soothing view.
Captain's Suite
Located above the bridge, featuring a separate living room, two bathrooms, and a massive balcony. The ultimate space for entertaining.