Just off the Conquest

Just a brief kinda review....some of the good and the bad...but of course we are all different and what pleases me might not you.

It was an interesting trip...the port at New Orleans was not so bad as I expected after reading reviews...but then we arrived at 11am to ensure that we were not in the crazy 12-1pm crowd. We also left our car at the hotel for the trip, so took a taxi to the port vs trying to find parking there.

The ship itself is ok...not my favorite by far, but there IS no such thing as a bad cruise, right??? ;)

The LOVELY spot for those that want to read and listen to the waves as you sail all day is on Deck 3, no LOUD music, not much there except like minded snooze in your deck chair/read the day away types. We camped out there 85% of the time as this trip was a TOTAL RELAXATION trip.

I have a few complaints, things that annoyed me but might just be something you enjoy fully......LOUD MUSIC....AND IT WAS MAINLY ROCK AND ROLL TYPE!

OK...I prefer the insturmential type of music that is dinner/relaxing/can read or converse over without having to yell. The loud, in your face type of music ws played over the entire Lido deck area...both the pools and the dining areas. The two guys at the pool that played live island music were GREAT, and we totally enjoyed them....but the hard rock type of music blarring all day got on your nerves quickly. (Having said that, the 1,500 college kids and recent High School grads all seemed to enjoy this feature). ;)

The food was MUCH BETTER in the dining room than at the Lido Deck. I was very pleased with the beef dishes after reading such horrid reviews by others. I do NOT like my beef well done, so I ordered RARE and got the Med-Rare that I would have normally ordered.(So, now you know how to get Med-Rare meat, order RARE! ) We had our warm dishes served warm, despite having read many reviews that all the food is cold from previous posters. I thought the dining room food was more than decent, and the wait staff assigned to us were wonderful. The dining staff in the morning for open seating breakfast were a little pushy about you getting up and leaving to clear the way for the next group. I have NEVER experienced that in 13 cruises, so was a little taken back by it as we enjoy visiting with the new folks you get placed with each morning, but by no means lingered more than 5 minutes past completing our breakfast. The Filet Mignon was THE BEST I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!!!! Again, I ordered RARE and got a nice Med-Rare, but you could cut it with your fork and it melted in your mouth...so DON'T pass that one up on Friday nights menu in the dining room!!! We were assigned Renior for dinner, but had our breakfast and lunch in Monet and both were very nice...I think either would be most enjoyable.

We did not go to the Pointe, but heard mixed reviews of those that did. I suppose that one would be critical of the food when paying an extra $30 fee, but EVERYONE raved over the service there.

The one thing that was neat to experience, is that as an early riser, I was up on deck when we stopped and actually made a rescue at sea at about 6am on Friday morning as we were approching Cozumel!!!! There were 4 Cuban refugees on a small boat that were VERY HAPPY to see us! They were waiving their teeshirts over their head and screaming at us. I AM MOST PROUD THAT THE CONQUEST TOOK THE TIME TO RESCUE THESE POOR PEOPLE, AS ANOTHER SHIP (AND I WON'T MENTION THE NAME, BUT IT WAS NOT A CARNIVAL SHIP) THAT HAD BEEN ABOUT 20 MINUTES AHEAD OF US AT PORT ARRIVED ON TIME TO COZUMEL BY IGNORNING THEM....so to say that we were impressed with the fact that they did the right thing, was an UNDERSTATEMENT!!! WAY TO GO CONQUEST AND CARNIVAL!!!!! These 4 said that they had been to sea for 8 days, were out of water and food and I don't know how much longer they would have lasted should they have been passed up by us as well. I understand that they were turned over to the Mexican officials for processing....but are at least alive and not shark bait!

The ONE thing that is just STUPID is that they have PLASTIC CUPS in the Lido area for drinks......come on....WHO DRINKS COFFEE OUT OF A PLASTIC CUP?????? I went to the gift shop and purchased a coffee mug just to have the coffee in a coffee cup the entire trip.

We attended no shows, no games, none of the "fun" activities at all, but that was by choice. We wanted to just relax and even the 9 hour drive back home from NO yesterday seemed enjoyable because we were so very relaxed...so in that sense the cruise was a total success. Our 16 yr old son had a BLAST!!!!! We DID sign up for the Carnival Vacation Club, as it is a GREAT deal...so be sure to check up on that while aboard. We were MOST impressed that they made the presentation, and with NO PRESSURE AT ALL!!!!! We saw Kerri at 9am on Monday, considered for a day, came back with more questions for her on Tuesday afternoon and then decided to sign up on Wednesday. WE WERE NEVER ONCE PRESSURED, NO HEAVY SALES PITCH...THE PROGRAM SELLS ITSELF AND THEY KNOW IT!

Guess I shared this last bit about the VIP Vacation club to let you know that even tho we would probably not decide to sail the Conquest again, we WILL be sailing Carnival again, as it is a good value for your money and managed to offer both our wild and crazy 16 yr old a good time while we had the quiet and relaxation we desired of this trip.

Hi, We just sailed on the same ship.You can read my review here also.I would mention that the time of year you go on a cruise has a lot to do with the atmosphere.During may and june you have lots of high school grads and young adults on these cruises so the atmosphere is more party oriented.Plus you are sailing out of NO,which is the paty capital of the south.I have talked to others who have been on the conquest in the early spring and fall and the atmosphere was more relaxed.

CC

Just wondering why the OP wouldn't sail the Conquest again.

Was it the ship itself or was it the fact that a high percentage of the pasengers were younger and the music was too loud. I've been considering the Conquest for a future trip.

Thanks

Thanks for the review! :) I totally agree about deck 3..we did not spend a LOT of time there, but when we did..it was soooooo relaxing. We spent a lot of time on Lido during the day getting sun and eating pizza...but much of our time was spent on our balcony.

We were there during Presidents week and did not notice an overabundance of children... Did you go to the piano bar or the casino? Did you try the sushi bar? I too loved the food and the men in our group said the beef (filet & steaks) was the best they had ever had in dining room and at the Point.

again, thanks for the review....we WILL be sailing her again......:D

I would not consider it necessary to drive to NO to sail when there are several ships available at Galveston, which is much closer. No hotel, no long drive (only 3 hrs from the port to front door of our home) no taxis to and from the ship...also, the ship was just too big for me personally. I think that we all find ships that we are most "comfortable" with and mine is a smaller one personally.

The lines (especially at the pursers desk) can get quite long with 3,500 folks to tend to.

New Orleans is a party town, and I personally found the French Quarter to be a dirty area. The street smells are something when it is hot and humid. I use to think that I wanted to attend Mardia Gras some time in my life...but I think after seeing the French Quarter in May...I will probably pass. The thoughts of all that magnified by the celebration of Mardia Gras is more than I care to bargin for.

The Conquest has something for everyone. I, too, sailed in peak family/kids months last time. a good time was had by all of us. I, too am over 40. I suppose you just have to decide what you're going for and book according to purpose. Pick an off-peak time if you want peace and quiet. I'm booked on the june 12th sailing this year, and I'm actually going for R&R......I am aware of the party, but will escape to the quieter areas of the ship when needed. There's always an escape.

Happy cruising!

Galveston?

We sailed out of there on another line, and you're right....totally different atmosphere.

both excellent ships, tho.

In response to "why don't they have real coffee cups"... imagine if you were on the waitstaff in the buffet. Have you SEEN how many cups people use? They constantly have to replenish the cups. All that back and forth with heavy trays of ceramic cups. Heavier to load in dishwashers, heavier to carry, harder to stack. Plus lots of broken cups when people upset the stack or simply just drop them.

I was on the Conquest last November and did not like the ship at all. The cruise was great, the ship sucks. Layout of this class is horrible, only deck 5 goes from one end to the other. If you are on any other deck, you have to go up or down to get anywhere. Spirit class ships are much better to get around in, but that's MHO.

As for coffee cups, I learned after my first cruise that you take your own insulated mug for any drinks. Water, coffee, juice, etc.

I too went to Sunset Beach Resort in Jamaica, but after I went shopping downtown. There was no problem shopping on our own, I've done it serveral times in Jamaica and never had a problem. If you are approached, just look them in the eye and say "No Thank You", they will leave you alone. It can be intimidating to some inexperienced travellers, but Jamaica is really no problem.

We stayed at the Drury Inn and loved the location just outside the FQ. Within walking distance of the Quarter yet out of the noise. We had our group dinner at Mulate's and it was great.

We all loved New Orleans so much that we plan on doing a long weekend there, just the girls.

The Conquest rocks!

We agree! LOVED the Conquest.

We have sailed twice on her and plan to go again sometime in the future.

I personally loved Conquest...had a great time exploring New Orleans prior to our cruise, and found it to be much cleaner than Houston. The streecars are awesome...we spent the day riding them all. Early in the morning, we actually got in the car and rode the French Quarter {Bourbon Street area}...at 9 am on Saturday, most places were still closed...but what we DID see is all the business owners hosing down the area. ..and street sweepers. Most impressive. There is not one visible piece of graffetti on the streetcars, or anywhere in NO...so, I have to disagree with Debe. As far as the CONQUEST...checkin went fast, we were sipping umbrella drinks at 11:30 am. The CREW, the CD were awesome !! We had a blast May 8th sailing, and had met MANY from here on CC boards. Would I do it again? Hellllll yeah..it was not a bad drive to NO from Houston...however, I wish the itinery would change..DH did not like the boom,boom, boom stops, and all the sea days...thats his opinion...I love sea days !!

Things to ponder....

We DID do Sunset Beach...pretty, but VERY disappointing. The ocean is at best knee high...then you're in seaweed. Sorry, I am NOT walking in seaweed. Also...alot of coral...wear your watersocks !! We ALL from the CC boards here, went to the pool. The drinks may be included, but they were weak....I would not go back to Sunset Beach...and did not like the fact they held our sign and sail cards while we were there.

Caymans were ok...BTDT a few times...LOL it was very overcast, so we did not bother...instead we rode the slide at will...not 5000 kids in line LOL

Cozumel was awesome...took a cab to MR Sanchos ...we've been there 2 x before, and it is as awesome as always. Beach is free, but food/drinks are pay as ya go. Awesome food !! Awesome margaritas !!! We've never been sick. We've done Passion Island..pretty, and horseflies you can ride...Paradise beach, pretty, but the smell of sewer left me cold + the mosquitoes...yakkk Playa Mia...ok, just too many people and kids to just relax...

Travelling outta Galveston...hmmmmm Yes, embark, debark, parking are great !! No flying, 1 hour from home....BUT 2 things annoy me:

A. } Ecstasy sux ......crew is nasty from hell, raw sewage smell on promanade deck..public bathrooms without soap or working hand dryers, and in ALL my cruising on Carnival I have never felt so unwelcome.

B.} The itinerary from Galveston pretty much sux....a five day to Mexico {Calica/Cozumel} is great in February...but where is a decent 7 day?

I WILL try Elation...eventually...I need to cruise!!! Just not hurricane season....

Our plan is to fly to Cozumel,a 7 day all inclusive, and have 7 days at the beach we have come to love..the grown kids and family plan to fly in/out as needed with work schedules...I look fwd to it...

Yall have a great cruise :D

 

The drinks may be included, but they were weak

 

:eek: That's the first time I have read a review of SB stating the drinks were weak. What were you drinking? Did you ask for stronger ones? I drank Long Island Iced Teas there and they were fine.

I've only been on one cruise (Glory, conquest class) and absolutely had no problems navigating. I loved the fact I had to walk practically the whole entire floor I was on to get to the front, to get to the shops (without being bombared with smoke from the casino), the shows, or the photo places. It didn't bother me! Sure beated waiting for those slow elevators.

<<These 4 said that they had been to sea for 8 days, were out of water and food and I don't know how much longer they would have lasted should they have been passed up by us as well>>

When we were on our way back, we saw people in rowboats, who looked to be fishing. We figured we were sailing around Cuba at that point because of the fact the maps showed us around the area.

Other than the company we kept, I would have left Sunset Beach less than an hour after arrival...the beach suX. Even people staying at the Hotel/Resort complained.;)

We were forced to the pool...never tried the food, and only had a few margaritas...they were WEAK. We left, went back to the ship, ate, drank, went down the slide a few times, and had a blast.:D

TOO BAD Sunset Beach stank...would definately NOT reccomend it on this board for those who enjoy the ocean......Each to their own, and really sorry if I missed a better beach.:cool:

Safety, Baby.......safety!

Other than being with 14 people who could whipass...it was a WASH.:cool: