Just off the Conquest 1/9- any ?s

[luv2cruise123]

I'm going to be too busy getting caught up, but will try as I can to answer any questions.

We ate in buffet at all lunches (never did breakfast except 1 time room service and 1 time in dining room at lunch) pool grill, deli, dining room (every night except once at the Point. Went to ALL the shows, some lounges (briefly). No spa, no kid's activites. Drove down and that was a NIGHTMARE - especially debarkation. Entertainment was GREAT and food was ok. Service in dining room very slow and lacking. Beautiful ship- my 2nd time to sail on her. Had a great time - but will NEVER ever book an inside again.They are just way too small. Oceanview are bigger and not that much more - what was I thinking!

Went with Trevor Hudlin tour in Jamaica to Rose Hall, etc. and then to Sunset Beach Resort. Both were fabulous!

Stingrays with Cptn. Marvin and Paradise Beach in cozumel. All great also!

[cali-croozer]

Welcome back! Since you're offering........

 

1) how many were in your room.......we booked inside for the first time as we've got to save some money and we wanted 2 cabins. I thought they were the same size as the OV???

 

2) is there a shampoo/soap dispenser in the shower or do we have to pack our own?

 

3) what dining time did you have.......how was the service lacking?

 

4) is there salami at the deli (hubby's question)

 

5) did you get robes in your cabin (I know it's supposed to be only for OV and balcony, but some have said they had robes)

 

6) are there soda vending machines on the passenger decks?

 

I'll probably have more questions later. Thanx

[anclt]

Where did you park? This NOLA parking issue has got me so stressed out. I've been told the Fulton garage and then get shuttled to the pier on a bus from there. Fine, I can do that. But someone on another board said you couldn't get into the Fulton garage without a pass that you first had to pick up at the pier?!?

[sea_u_onboard]

But someone on another board said you couldn't get into the Fulton garage without a pass that you first had to pick up at the pier?!?

 

That's news to me :rolleyes:

[bunnycrawford]

We leave on Sun. 1/16 and are also worried about the parking. Spending Sat. nite in NO, planning on parking in Fulton, how'd it go? Was The Point worth the extra money? Anything you wish you had taken? How was Sunset Beach Resort, that's our plan, and we also have a vacation booked there in March(with non-cruisers)?

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!!!

[luv2cruise123]

It was just hubby and I in #8361 on 8th deck. Yes, Carnival ADVERTISES "same sq. ft. as OV, but it is quite obvious that there is a HUGE difference. We had 1 chair in front of a SMALL dresser area. Friends in OV had full size sofa with room to spare between beds and sofa. Other friends had baclonies, but they did not have as much space between sofa and beds as the OV did. They must have used some of space for balcony.

 

There is soap/shampoo dispenser. Yes, I believe they did have sandwich you asked about at the deli. No soda can dispensers that I saw.

 

We just "happened" upon an uncovered/fenced parking quite by accident. At the corner of Annunciation Street and ?. They shuttle bus you over and back. Back was the real nightmare. It was the "blue" parking lot is the only name that we got. Pay when you enter - $12 per day. We arrived at about 10:45 and had to wait only about 20 min. and were off to the ship. coming back was another story - stood outside for not usre how long, but way over an hour and half I beleive to ever get a bus. Just a zoo!

[luv2cruise123]

Yes there were robes in cabin and dining room service was SLOW. Position of our table was cramped it seemed and waiter often asked whoever was on the side next to the wall to "scoot up" so he could get by and not in a very polite manner. Everyone at our table loved bread and it was hard getting "seconds" on that.Saw the person you order bar drinks from first night only. Waiter now takes wine orders. I do believe it was our particular waiter. We were always the last ones to get out every night. In all fairness we were at a table for 8, but still other groups that size always beat us. Also could be that we were in BACK by window/wall. Table 201 in Renoir at second main dining time - 6:15 pm. Nice oceanview though - lower level.

[luv2cruise123]

Sunset Beach is wonderful - great value for $20! We ate in buffet and they have poolside burgers, etc. also. and of course, all the drinks you want is included - even give you towels - use of nonmotorized water equipment, lounge chairs, etc. Great pools also. Our tour with Trevor was fabulous as well - wish we'd had more time there to enjoy both. We did tour first, then SB.

 

I would definitely recommend anything else if driving in than doing the parking on site deal at any of the lots/garages. Problem was securtiy would let limos, taxis, etc. in and block the bus space for folks to get back to parking areas. no organization at all. Just an absolute zoo!

[luv2cruise123]

Wonderful service - definitely worth the money. Do NOT order crab legs however. They were NOT good at all! Do NOT go unless you have 3 hours! That was a group of 8, but again, another group behind us got out a little before we did. Tables for large groups are very limited so reserve early.

The steaks were all fabulous as was everything else I think.

[damcgee]

My wife and I just got off the Conquest as well. Her parents and mine accompanied us, though were all on separate floors. It was my first cruise, and I really enjoyed it.

 

Our waiters gave us the best service I have ever experienced, ANYWHERE. Matt and Rollie were their names, and they were exceptional. We also dined at the Point one night, and though I liked it, I didn't think it was worth the extra $25/person (30 after the obligatory tip).

 

I could not believe how lax customs was. They just took my form, and that was it. I was carrying a good bit more liquor than I was supposed to, but they never even read the form beyond a cursory glance.

 

One thing that was surprising to me was how AWFUL the shopping in Cozumel was. Most items were more expensive than they would have been in the US. I don't know if it is because of exchange rates or what, but it was awful.

[EKELLEY]

We were on the 11/7/04 sailing of the Conquest and contacted machupicchutours. They have a gated parking lot & you can park there for 12.00 a day with the 7th day free. They will shuttle you to & from the port. Click on the link below & call them because you have to make reservations.

 

http://www.machupicchutours.com/

 

Eileen

[cali-croozer]

Thanx for replying. We've been hit and miss with waiters too. On the Elation, great service; after the 1st night we always had our iced tea and chocolate milk for the kids waiting for us. On the Inspiration, very good head waiter, but had a terrible time trying to get the assistant waiter (I guess that's what they are) to remember to bring us our drinks (again, just water, iced tea and milk). The Conquest is next, so I'll have my fingers crossed!:)

 

Oh, did they have the waiters sing every night:confused: I wouldn't mind it if they'd serve us our dessert and coffee first, but on the last cruise, had to wait for the "entertainment" to end first. I've decided, though, that we'll just have to participate more this time if that's the case. Go with the flow and have fun.

[cali-croozer]

We were on the 11/7/04 sailing of the Conquest and contacted machupicchutours. They have a gated parking lot & you can park there for 12.00 a day with the 7th day free. They will shuttle you to & from the port. Click on the link below & call them because you have to make reservations.

 

http://www.machupicchutours.com/

 

Eileen

 

OMG! I'm reading too fast. I thought you contracted some kind of disease:eek: called "machupicchutours". Then I slowed down and read your whole post. LOL

[waterbound]

EKelley... Did you feel your vehicle was safe with Machu Picchu Travel?? I used your link and this place sounds great.. When you got back were they waiting right there for you? How did you find them upon return?? Their website says "we will transfer you for FREE as soon as possible" .. once you parked your car how long did you have to wait to get a ride?

[EKELLEY]

Our car was locked behind a gate & we felt it was safe. We got there about 10:30 & waited for about 20 minutes before we left for the pier. After the cruise we called them while we were getting off the ship & they were waiting for us after we went through customs. I would park my car there again.

 

Eileen

[Izzy Bee]

Debbie, Glad to see your Conquest post. Oh, BTW, did your hubby hit again in the casino? He sure was lucky on the Conquest before!!

waterbound: we also parked where EKELLEY parked. One person in our group had new convertible T Bird, and I was a little worried about it, but after meeting the folks at machupicchutours, felt extremely safe. Using machupicchutours made our cruise so much easier.

We joined up with EKELLEY at the parking area prior to the cruise and our group rode the tour bus to the terminal with no problem. Like EKELLEY said, one call to machupicchutours as we debarked and the bus was lined up waiting for us.

Highly recommend machupicchutours to make your cruise parking/debarking easier.

[bethaniesmom]

Debbie, glad to see you made it home safely, we got back about two hours ago, and agree with you about debarkation....what a mess....otherwise we too had a wonderful cruise, and my son and his girlfriend announced their engagement thursday evening at dinner....more to celebrate!

we ate in dining room every night, lido buffet most lunches, room service once....finally found the ice machines the last night...

no big surprises for us...we had a wonderful time but wasn't that impressed with the itinerary, probably will go back to southern Caribbean next time...

 

Beverly

[zydecocruiser]

Hap Hap Happy New Year Izzy, Eileen and the rest...

 

Izzy - Looky what I got Jan 1. So far, I like 2005!

[yl1]

I too just got back today from the Conquest 1-09-05 I also highly recommend Machu Picchu Travel for the parking. It is family owned inside parking $12 per day pay forsix days seventh free. They picked us up in five minutes after we called them.

Yes, getting off the ship is a Chinese fire drill. How dis organised can one place be? The road is only one lane wide for 3000 people. Also dont forget the train that came by and blocked the road. We hiked out on foot one block pulling the suitcases on the wheels and it saved one hour easily.

Best part of our cruise was Sunrise Beach. $20.00 for all food and drinks cant beat it. #2 highlight was Paradise Beach, we met Tom and he runs a great place. #3 was the Blues piano bar on the Conquest Jamie is a great piano player and singer, this was the place to be to have fun. Bob

[waterbound]

Thanks guys for posting about Machu Picchu.. I do have one more question for anyone.. How do they handle the luggage issue?? There are 8 of us so there will be quite a bit of luggage.. Do they have any problems with getting your luggage with you? I think we will be going with this..

[chieft26]

We used Machu Picchu in December, along with some other cruise critic folks. They were great, right on time and as advertised. We had a pretty good size group and they did not have any problems with the luggage issue at all. Great to deal with and if we sail out of New Orleans in the future, we'll use them again.

[ConquestMike]

I too just got back today from the Conquest 1-09-05 I also highly recommend Machu Picchu Travel for the parking. It is family owned inside parking $12 per day pay forsix days seventh free. They picked us up in five minutes after we called them.

Yes, getting off the ship is a Chinese fire drill. How dis organised can one place be? The road is only one lane wide for 3000 people. Also dont forget the train that came by and blocked the road. We hiked out on foot one block pulling the suitcases on the wheels and it saved one hour easily.

Best part of our cruise was Sunrise Beach. $20.00 for all food and drinks cant beat it. #2 highlight was Paradise Beach, we met Tom and he runs a great place. #3 was the Blues piano bar on the Conquest Jamie is a great piano player and singer, this was the place to be to have fun. Bob

Welcome back Bob, that was a quick trip home, didnt think youd be home until today, we had it easy disembarking since we had an early flight we were the first group off the ship and we were at the airport by 9 am, than actually sat the until 430 because our plane was under the weather and needed attention, so much for hoping to be home by 3 yesterday..

[ConquestMike]

Loved the itinerary except for Jamaica, had a wonderful time in Jamaica thanks to Carolyn Barrett of Barrett adventures but wondering why does it seem all cruises stop at one less deirable port when there are so many more desirable ports?? I would prefer more time in Cozumel, a late night slow sail over to Cancun and a whole day there rather than going to Jamaica and having less time in Cozumel and Cayman...Though Carolyn made it a good day there it is a place I would never ever go back to. But to make a positive out of a negative there is the thought that since the cruise ships stop there that we our spreading our luck to people who are less fortunate..Now Cozumel and Cayman there is soooo much to do in either port, in safety and in more modern ways. My family and I did the Stingrays with Capt. Marvin's (34.00 per person) and than they headed off to seven mile beach while I went Scuba diving for the first time with Eden Rock (80.00), all these things within walking distance of each other or a very short cab ride and all in a very safe envoirnment, plus all the shopping is right there, very convient port..Cozumel we had booked the Royal Dolphin Swim before the cruise, (all our excursions were booked before the cruise) which was scheduled in the afternoon so my wife and one of my daughters did a little shopping when we arrived, again a very convient port, and than we headed over to the National Park and hung out on their beach for a little while before my wifes dream of swimming with the Dolphins came true, a very well organized place and beautiful here, 5 minute cab ride from the docks, it was 125.00 per person plus the entrance fee of 12.00 per person into the park which was at least 40 per person cheaper than booking through Carnival and already having a place reserved for an excursion that sells out very quickly on board. This was our most expensive excursion but for someones dream it was worth it!!!

[ConquestMike]

Thanx for replying. We've been hit and miss with waiters too. On the Elation, great service; after the 1st night we always had our iced tea and chocolate milk for the kids waiting for us. On the Inspiration, very good head waiter, but had a terrible time trying to get the assistant waiter (I guess that's what they are) to remember to bring us our drinks (again, just water, iced tea and milk). The Conquest is next, so I'll have my fingers crossed!:)

 

Oh, did they have the waiters sing every night:confused: I wouldn't mind it if they'd serve us our dessert and coffee first, but on the last cruise, had to wait for the "entertainment" to end first. I've decided, though, that we'll just have to participate more this time if that's the case. Go with the flow and have fun.

Cali, the Waiters did their shows 3 or 4 times during the week and our very sweet Assistant Waiter (Sverolana) made sure she swooped up the kids to participate with them, she was a real sweet woman whm I wish all the luck in the world to, my wife and her became friends, as much as you can with the staff, since she also worked the restaraunt in the morning and they would talk for 15 or 20 minutes in the morning, my wife wished Sverolana could sit down over coffee like a regular person but obviously she was not allowed to. Si, our Waiter was also wonderful, I would always be trying things I never tried before and after the second night he wouldnt leave my side when ordering until I ordered a second entree or starter, it became a standing joke with the wonderful tablemates we were assigned with, he did little tricks many times and was just a wonderful man himself and I will miss both of them, we had so much fun because of them and our tablemates that dinner was much more about the experience rather than the food and we were never in a hurry to leave. Though the food was good and a few items along the way were excellent, especially the Salmon Saturday Night which Si forced on me LOL we never worried about how fast or slow service might be on a particular night and never noticed if it might be slower on one night or another. The bar waiter was nice in a professional way, not much personality but always remembered who had what drinks each night and would have em waiting for those that had the same drink each night..Some of the tables around us I think we envious we had so much fun at our table and I think it is truly a compliment to these 2 who we were lucky to have assigned to us

[vivalas]

Was there a chocolate buffet? What nights were formal nights? We want to make reservations at the reservations only restaurant and would like to choose a sea day, but not on formal night. Also, on a night where the dining room menu is not the best choices. What are your thoughts? Thank you