Carnival Cruise's New Orleans-based ship gets a makeover
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The Carnival Valor now has two big waterslides and a smaller one for young children. Image: Courtesy of Carnival
Carnival Valor, the cruise line's New Orleans-based ship, now features a new waterpark, refreshed staterooms and other improvements — just in time for the busy summer travel season.
Why it matters: Upgraded ships help keep New Orleans competitive in an increasingly crowded cruise market.
The big picture: The Valor, built in 2004, spent several weeks undergoing the work in dry dock in Spain, according to Cruise Industry News.
- The Liberty, the cruise line's other New Orleans-based ship, is now getting work done at the shipyard, the report says.
What's new: Carnival said Valor had "sweeping" upgrades done in public spaces, such as new carpet and enhanced pathways. Other new features include:
- WaterWorks aqua park with twin slides on the ship's deck, according to a statement.
- Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, a feature on other Carnival ships that's only for active-duty service members and veterans.
- Improved options for the kids and teens clubs, with new gaming options and karaoke.
- Stateroom upgrades, including better lighting and USB outlets.
- Expanded casino with new gaming options.
- New personalized photo studio.
Zoom in: The Valor holds 2,980 guests and offers cruises from New Orleans to the western Caribbean.
Zoom out: The Port of New Orleans is the country's sixth largest cruise port and the only one that has ocean-going and river cruises, according to the port.
- Last year, it set a record of more than 1.2 million cruise passengers. An estimated 90% of cruisers travel from out of state, the port says.
- This is Carnival's 31st year sailing from New Orleans.
- Royal Caribbean, American Cruise Lines, Viking Cruise and Norwegian regularly sail from New Orleans too. Disney has seasonal sailings.
What's next: Valor debuted its upgrades last week in Barcelona.
- It's now crossing the Atlantic on its journey to New Orleans.
