Jump to content

Thinking about another Cruise


vdarrell
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hello

We are thinking about booking another cruise as we only have one other we are still new to this

We cruised Carnival Legend Western Caribbean Cruise last time

 

This time we are looking at 7day Eastern Caribbean Cruise leaving out of Maimi Oct 12th 2014 on the Conquest with ports of call (Half Moon Bay-St Thomas-San Juan-Grand Turk)

 

Was wondering if anyone could offer imput on this cruise or the cruise ship

Also any info on where to stay night before near crusie ship that offers shuttle from airport to hotel-to port.

 

Info on rooms we want balcony no obstructed views(no lifeboats etc) and quiet as possible not above casino-pool etc any recommendations?

 

Also info on travel Insurance I think we used Travel Ex (or something like that)last time

 

Any and all info -tips great advice is appreciated as I want to book this as soon as possible

 

 

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Conquest would not be my top choice for ships, but she is still a great ship if the nighttime shows don't matter. There are no obstructed balcony rooms on Conquest like there are on Legend, so no worries about that. I would advise to not get a deck 6 balcony, as there are some spots that are directly over noisy spots of the deck 5 promenade. Many spots are fine, but some can be noisy. I would go with deck 7 just to be safe: only staterooms both above & below, plus it's a nice central location.

 

I have not been to 3 of these 4 ports, but I've been to St Thomas 3 times. One of my favorite ports of all! Twice, we've taken cabs & the ferry over to St John and went to Trunk Bay. Maybe the most beautiful beach in the world, with some incredible off-the-beach snorkeling. On St Thomas, Magens Bay is beautiful but can be crowded. Sapphire Beach was not crowded at all, and had great views of surrounding islands. You can't go wrong in the Virgin Islands!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For the hotel I would stay in the Intercontinental downtown Miami. You'll be able to see the ships pull in, and have an easy ride over. It's also a great spot for shopping/dinner the night before located within walking distance of an indoor/outdoor mall. The Conquest isn't one of the newest ships, however it is outfitted with several of the 2.0 upgrades. You can research those on the Carnival site to see what interests you. In my opinion this is a terrific itinerary - plenty to do in all 3 stops. As far as cabin check out the aft balcony cabins. They're very quiet, and offer the best views at sea. 8450, 8452, 8454, 8461, 8459, 8459 as an example. Depending on where you want to be they're on decks 6, 7 and 8. Enjoy your cruise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You'll find the Conquest very different from the Legend. The Legend was by far my favorite Carnival ship. That class of ships has quite a bit of room per passenger. There's nothing specifically wrong with the Conquest, it's just different.

 

Half Moon Cay is my favorite private island so far; it's beautiful. In San Juan, we toured the fort and ate at the Parrot Club. In St. Thomas we took a catamaran cruise over to St. John to go snorkeling. I've never been to Grand Turk.

 

I've never cruised out of Miami, so I can't help you there. As far as the ship, I suggest going to Carnival's website and looking at the deck plans. Find a stateroom that has staterooms above and below it and you should be insulated from any noise. Also, try to find a good PVP (personal vacation planner) at Carnival and they can help you choose a good room.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you all for the responses they are appreciated

 

We are looking at Deck 7 mid ship for the noise and motion factor (as I am a light sleeper and get motion sickness )

Will check out L shaped balconies but really we are trying to make this a budget freindly cruise

 

We loved the Legend and know that they are not all alike but don't have much to compare it to.

 

Thanks for the info on insurance will check that out as i need a plan that has pre existing medical conditions and careflight off ship coverage(god forbid it be needed)

 

As for the ports and excursions we will be doing easy ones this trip such as walking from the ship to see things or taking a cab to nearby beaches

 

We do love historical things so if anyone knows of any we can either walk or catch taxi or bus to let us know.....Would love to snorkel but health issues will not allow me to .

 

Enjoying the planning but it is over whelming me

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As for the ports and excursions we will be doing easy ones this trip such as walking from the ship to see things or taking a cab to nearby beaches

 

We do love historical things so if anyone knows of any we can either walk or catch taxi or bus to let us know.....Would love to snorkel but health issues will not allow me to .

 

San Juan has 2 great historical forts, and the downtown area is full of wonderful historic buildings. From the ship, grab a cab up the hill to the Forts, and walk back down towards the ship.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

San Juan has 2 great historical forts, and the downtown area is full of wonderful historic buildings. From the ship, grab a cab up the hill to the Forts, and walk back down towards the ship.

 

 

thanks

 

8450 and 8457 are wider than the rest of the aft facing balconies, so I would recommend one of them.

 

getting ready to look at rooms now thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I will be on the Conquest in 14 days and plan on writing a full review with photos when I get back. We are actually going on the Western route, but we've been on the Eastern route on the Liberty and loved those ports (see my Liberty review in my signature). Half Moon was amazing and we also enjoyed the spectacular views in St. Thomas.

 

We have been on three Conquest class ships and one Spirit class, the Pride. The Legend and Pride are both Spirit class. DH really liked the midsize of the Pride, but enjoys the 2.0 upgrades of the Conquest class (namely, Guys Burgers! lol!). All Conquest class ships also have the seaside theater. Freedom hasn't gotten 2.0 yet. I'm not sure about Valor as we haven't been on her. The shows (Playlist Productions) have been a bit of a disappointment with 2.0.

 

One thing I KNOW I'll miss with Conquest is Serenity deck. When we booked her, we didn't realize she didn't have a Serenity area as all the other Conquest class ships have Serenity (Pride also has a Serenity deck).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I will be on the Conquest in 14 days and plan on writing a full review with photos when I get back. We are actually going on the Western route, but we've been on the Eastern route on the Liberty and loved those ports (see my Liberty review in my signature). Half Moon was amazing and we also enjoyed the spectacular views in St. Thomas.

 

We have been on three Conquest class ships and one Spirit class, the Pride. The Legend and Pride are both Spirit class. DH really liked the midsize of the Pride, but enjoys the 2.0 upgrades of the Conquest class (namely, Guys Burgers! lol!). All Conquest class ships also have the seaside theater. Freedom hasn't gotten 2.0 yet. I'm not sure about Valor as we haven't been on her. The shows (Playlist Productions) have been a bit of a disappointment with 2.0.

 

One thing I KNOW I'll miss with Conquest is Serenity deck. When we booked her, we didn't realize she didn't have a Serenity area as all the other Conquest class ships have Serenity (Pride also has a Serenity deck).

 

 

 

 

Thanks will look forward to reading your trip report and have fun

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lovestocruise ...WOW I just viewed your trip on the Liberty for the Eastern Carribean and loved it can't wait to read your Conquest one looking forward to all the pics of the ship I can say it will help me to see what i will be getting into. Thanks again for sharing I will probably have a few questions to ask you about the ports if you don't mind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have never sailed on the Conquest so can't help you there. However, I think the itinerary is one of the best. The beaches at Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk are wonderful. We were there several weeks ago for the first time and I can hardly wait to go back. St Thomas is beautiful as we did a tour of the island. Didn't do the beaches but they are highly rated. San Juan was a total surprise for me. We docked right in town and took the FREE bus located just across the street (ask) and it took us up and around both forts where you can get off to explore and get back on for a short tour and return to ship area. It was very beautiful. (We actually stayed on the bus and did it again.)

 

If you are on a budget the Intercontinental might be a little steep (over $200 per night.) Try googing "Miami hotels w/cruiseport and airport transportation". Sorry, I have no first hand knowledge as I have never stayed there.

 

We aso have a cruise that late in the year. It will be a long wait but worth it. Have fun!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great itinerary! You will love it. My suggestion for Miami hotel is Holiday Inn Port of Miami. It is right across the street from Bayside Marketplace - restaurants & shops & marina. Great place for pre-cruise and a little cheaper than the Intercontinental (also in that area). See which gives you a better rate. The transfer to the port is not free, but only about $4 per person.

St. Thomas you can book Godfrey Tours or Sunny Liston tours - do a Google search. They will take you shopping, sightseeing & to a beach and watch your things. Great way to spend a day in St. Thomas.

San Juan - forts are amazing. HMC is the best port of call in the Caribbean IMHO. Grand Turk is just okay, not my favorite. You can just get right off the ship and either go to the pool at Margaretville or the beach. It is rocky in that area, though. You can also rent golf carts right outside the gated area & explore the island. We did an ATV thing and enjoyed it.

Have a great cruise!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great itinerary! You will love it. My suggestion for Miami hotel is Holiday Inn Port of Miami. It is right across the street from Bayside Marketplace - restaurants & shops & marina. Great place for pre-cruise and a little cheaper than the Intercontinental (also in that area). See which gives you a better rate. The transfer to the port is not free, but only about $4 per person.

St. Thomas you can book Godfrey Tours or Sunny Liston tours - do a Google search. They will take you shopping, sightseeing & to a beach and watch your things. Great way to spend a day in St. Thomas.

San Juan - forts are amazing. HMC is the best port of call in the Caribbean IMHO. Grand Turk is just okay, not my favorite. You can just get right off the ship and either go to the pool at Margaretville or the beach. It is rocky in that area, though. You can also rent golf carts right outside the gated area & explore the island. We did an ATV thing and enjoyed it.

Have a great cruise!

 

 

thanks more great ideas ...have you stayed at Holiday Inn Port of Miami? If so is it nice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks more great ideas ...have you stayed at Holiday Inn Port of Miami? If so is it nice.

 

Yes, we have stayed here and yes, the rooms are very nice. Not huge, but clean and modern. I would try and get a room above 4th floor so you don't hear any traffic. If you get a room facing out towards Bayside you can see your ship docked in the morning! A nice way to start your cruise. They have a restaurant with a buffet breakfast or you can order a la carte. There is also a little Cuban coffee shop/restaurant called The Latin American Café which is right on the marina and a nice place to have breakfast.

Funny (or sad) story - the last time we stayed there we were having breakfast the morning of our embarkation and the news on the restaurant TV was the sinking of the Costa Concordia. Not a good way to start a cruise!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, we have stayed here and yes, the rooms are very nice. Not huge, but clean and modern. I would try and get a room above 4th floor so you don't hear any traffic. If you get a room facing out towards Bayside you can see your ship docked in the morning! A nice way to start your cruise. They have a restaurant with a buffet breakfast or you can order a la carte. There is also a little Cuban coffee shop/restaurant called The Latin American Café which is right on the marina and a nice place to have breakfast.

Funny (or sad) story - the last time we stayed there we were having breakfast the morning of our embarkation and the news on the restaurant TV was the sinking of the Costa Concordia. Not a good way to start a cruise!

 

 

That would not be a great way to start a cruise .......I have noted this info and must say my tablet is getting quite full from helpful info .....I think we are set on the cruise we want ...now have the hotel info we will probably use....checked out insurance (but if others could share what they use I would appreciate as there are so many to pick from) and as for our flights we will use one of our companion vouchers so that is pretty well a go......And checking out excursions or to do's (since we won't be able to do much activity due to my health issues we want basic things to do and see)

 

Thanks to all who have helped me and answering my questions and there will be more I am sure

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Responded to your insurance question - use http://www.insuremytrip.com Just figure the total for your cruise/air - I don't add in the hotel unless you had to pre-pay it. Then play around on the site - for instance $1999 is cheaper than $2000. So round it down rather than up and you may save some money. We usually go with Travel Insured or Travel Guard. I pick with one that has a high amount for med evac in case that becomes necessary - at least $100K.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...