Surprise trip for Daughter - Conquest 6-26 - Lots of fun - Pictures & Review

[texnewbie]

a

 

ITS VERY hard!!! BUT, she is married now, living the dream, AND we get to have MANY vacations together. We have cruises, meet up all four of us at Sandals resorts, and of course she comes home, and I go out there. So, we have ended up spending probably MORE quality time together in the last four years than when she was here at Uni. We have lots of mum and daughter trips, funny, I surprised her on her last trip home, she had five minutes in our kitchen, (after 24 hours travelling) suitcase wasnt even out of the car, and I gave her a video, we were off THAT NIGHT to Marrakech, Morrocco! I never imagined when she took a summer job in the Caymans, she would meet "mr right" , get married, and live happily ever after..but it happened, so we deal with it. For her sake, I am happier she is in an idylic safe life, than the rat race of corporate UK.. and we have skype which is our lifeline..but yes..its hard, and we can never go more than a few months without a vacation or home visit either way.

We met her then boyfriend, as our ship docked in Grand Cayman he flew over for the day, had an entourage of our family meet him:)

Then they both came cruising with us, and he proposed on board at formal night in front of us all:D

And now..we ALL cruise together meeting up in either Miami or New York

Sooooooo ; life is not too bad

You give your children wings, but one day, you gotta let them fly :)

May you and your daughter have all of your dreams come true!

 

That is so awesome!!!!

 

Amazing!!!!

 

Yes we do give our children wings and yes one day they have to fly and what a great place for your daughter to fly!!!!!

 

Thank you for the sweet words... If we strive for our dream then they usually do come true... When you wish upon a star...

 

Thanks again.

Carolyn

[texnewbie]

Great photo I did these on gourd 2/15/2009 on the Conquest my very first time eastern Caribbean it been very beautiful blue water from island and I voyage on the Conquest start KW from FL, FB from Bahamas, and NB from Bahamas is great but I love Key West, FLA it vvveeeeerrrrryyyyy beautiful blue close green water were great. And I have second time from eastern Carribbean on the Triumph same on the Conquest from 2009.

 

I can't wait more review.

You did good job....

 

I love Key West tooooo. the water is beautiful.... 2 more days and my review and pictures of Key West... I took lots of pictures there.

More to come

Carolyn

[carnivalcruiser10]

I love Key West tooooo. the water is beautiful.... 2 more days and my review and pictures of Key West... I took lots of pictures there.

More to come

Carolyn

 

Thanks we trip in western caribbean on the Conquest!!

[texnewbie]

Your review is wonderful! Our first cruise was last October on the Conquest, and I just booked our next one for March on the Magic. It's nice to have your review in the meantime....:)

 

We're looking to Cruise on the Magic in January... Going this exact itinerary except Key West, then Freeport, then Nassau... On this itinerary your in Key West for most of they day - 7:00 to 5:00. On the cruise that I'm doing this report on we were only in Key West Port of 8 hours 7:00 - 3:00 - Which really isn't that long... When the shops didn't open until 9:00...

 

Thanks for reading!!!

Carolyn

 

May I have it as well? :D

 

thompsonke@cox.net

 

YUM YUM!!!!!!!!

 

Loving the review! We are going on Conquest in Sept. Can't wait and this is just getting me more excited! :D

 

Where are you going?

Western or Eastern???

Have fun!!!

Carolyn

[texnewbie]

Great Review! I love all the pictures and you are such a wonderful mother to do this with your daughter. Our first cruise was on the Conquest and she got us hooked!

 

Looking forward to the rest!

 

Thanks for the sweet compliment... Rae is hooked now!!!!!!!

She's ready to go again and again...

 

Enjoying your review and pics!

 

I am interested to see if you think your day at Atlantis was worth the almost $300:eek:! Please let us know.

 

Wait and see.... :rolleyes:

Thanks for reading...

[texnewbie]

Oh I think that is great! Disney seems like a great company to work for and so much fun. I can't wait to sail on a Disney cruise but haven't had the chance to get in on a great deal. At their regular rates we each could take 4 cruises on Carnival compared to one on Disney.

 

I noticed you had a bunch of pillows on your bed. Did you bring them with you or did they give you extra ones? I ask beacause I want to bring mine with me.:D LOL I'm not sure I will have room in my suitcases.

 

That's great that Rae finally met some friends. So cute that she danced with the younger ones too! She made their whole cruise I bet.

 

So true about sailing with Carnival 4X's... Expecially since we live close enough to drive to port, not fly...

 

I forgot to answer your queston about pillows....

 

We brought them in our suitcase... I don't go anywhere without my pillow or as my husband calls them a piece of paper with a Satin pillow case around it... They are so flat...

 

Thanks

Carolyn

[Soonerbaby]

We're looking to Cruise on the Magic in January... Going this exact itinerary except Key West, then Freeport, then Nassau... On this itinerary your in Key West for most of they day - 7:00 to 5:00. On the cruise that I'm doing this report on we were only in Key West Port of 8 hours 7:00 - 3:00 - Which really isn't that long... When the shops didn't open until 9:00...

 

 

We are going to do a different itinerary next time (after the Western on the Magic in March), and are really considering this one, so I am looking forward do your port reviews! :)

[Justgettinstarted08]

I am loving your review. I'm wondering about the Reef Grill. How did you know to go there? Did you go there on an excursion? Can you just go there by taxi and use the beach?

[tmt218]

I have been on two Disney Cruises and fixing to go on another one in December, We are going on the New Disney Dream.. The best time to get on a Disney Cruise fairly Cheep is the First two weeks in December that is when we usually go. We got our room fairly Cheep. And while we are on the Cruise we go ahead and book another one because you can usually get Discounts and Room Credit. But we still have to save up for it.. Hope this helps..

 

 

Thanks! I will have to look into that. I guess I am looking at the wrong dates to go. Plus I don't book early enough. DD may have to miss a few days of school but i'm sure she wouldn't mind. I just need to do it before she gets older.

[tmt218]

PS!! SHe called me one day, crying her eyes out,,...she met Pooh bear in one of the underground tunnels with his "head" off..... never forgot her on the phone to me bawling over pOOH bEAR :D

 

 

That's so funny! I had the same experience. We took a trip to Disney with my Girl Scout troop. One of the things we did was a tour that took us behind the scenes. When I saw the costume area I started crying. I was so sad. It has taken me a long time to get over it.

[tmt218]

So true about sailing with Carnival 4X's... Expecially since we live close enough to drive to port, not fly...

 

I forgot to answer your queston about pillows....

 

We brought them in our suitcase... I don't go anywhere without my pillow or as my husband calls them a piece of paper with a Satin pillow case around it... They are so flat...

 

Thanks

Carolyn

 

 

Thanks! I am going to try to pack mine but they are BIG. I don't sleep well on Carnival pillows.

I was telling my Mom about the towel clips and how they hold our towels from blowing away. Well she bought me the flamingo ones today! :D She also bought the blue/yellow fish ones. I'm so excited.

 

I am looking forward to your day in Nassau. We have been twice and have yet to go to Atlantis. We have planned to go but it just doesn't work out.

 

[dapaddo]

I am loving your review! We are going on the Conquest in October and I love seeing amazing pictures of the ship! I must ask, what hotel did you stay in? We are flying into Houston and my BIL and SIL with our neices and nephew will be picking us up on their way from Dallas. By the look of your pictures it would be perfect for our group (7 people). Would love your feedback. Loving all the pictures and review, our whole groups first time on the Conquest and my BIL, neices, nephew and friend's first time on a cruise. I look forward to seeing your beautiful pictures! Glad you all had a great time!!!!!

i am on the same cruise as you please join our roll call.....

[texnewbie]

I am loving your review. I'm wondering about the Reef Grill. How did you know to go there? Did you go there on an excursion? Can you just go there by taxi and use the beach?

 

REEF GRILL - GRAND CAYMAN My husband found the webcam for me before we sailed the first time and I would watch it everyday before we sailed...

We just caught a taxi there, I don't remember how much, it seems like it was about 5 miles from the port.... It was not an excursion that carnival offers...

They didn't have the pool when we were there, it's new... It also looks really nice... It does cost to use the beach chairs and stuff... But it was worth it...

We loved it...

I uploaded some pictures of Reef Grill October 15, 2009..

 

 

 

Sweet hubby, he doesn't like the sun...

 

 

 

 

[texnewbie]

We are going to do a different itinerary next time (after the Western on the Magic in March), and are really considering this one, so I am looking forward do your port reviews! :)

 

Sounds like your going to have a blast....

I'm about to work more on Nassau...

Thanks for reading...

Carolyn

 

Thanks! I will have to look into that. I guess I am looking at the wrong dates to go. Plus I don't book early enough. DD may have to miss a few days of school but i'm sure she wouldn't mind. I just need to do it before she gets older.

 

I think you need to do what's best for your family...

Family comes first....

Disney comes second.... :D:D:D LMAO...

 

Hope it all works out.

Carolyn

[texnewbie]

That's so funny! I had the same experience. We took a trip to Disney with my Girl Scout troop. One of the things we did was a tour that took us behind the scenes. When I saw the costume area I started crying. I was so sad. It has taken me a long time to get over it.

 

Doesn't Disney just give you great memories... No matter what they are... I love Disney!!!!

 

Thanks! I am going to try to pack mine but they are BIG. I don't sleep well on Carnival pillows.

 

I was telling my Mom about the towel clips and how they hold our towels from blowing away. Well she bought me the flamingo ones today! :D She also bought the blue/yellow fish ones. I'm so excited.

 

I am looking forward to your day in Nassau. We have been twice and have yet to go to Atlantis. We have planned to go but it just doesn't work out.

 

 

I put my pillows on top... then smush them down as you attempt to zip your bag....

 

My experience at Atlantis... Well... :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[texnewbie]

i am on the same cruise as you please join our roll call.....

 

Hope you joined your roll call... It's fun to get to meet people that you'll be sailing with...

Thanks for reading...

Carolyn

[KruisingMarina]

Hi Carolyn,

You and your daughter are awesome and the pictures are just phenomenal! I can't help but to reminisce those beautiful places you visited... We have stayed in Atlantis, it is a huge resort with a lots to do. I am sure you had a great time!!!

[texnewbie]

Nassau!!!!!!!

 

Okay, Where was I....

 

It's been a really long day... I don't know about you guys but I'm already ready for the weekend....

 

Although we have a wedding this weekend... I really wanted to try to make it over to Tyler, Texas to see my middle son. He is working Pine Cove Camp and he has from noon on Saturday until 2:00 on Sunday off... But I forgot about this wedding... so no trip to see my Brady!!!!

 

So we've made it down to solid ground... Now we're in line for our excursion to Atlantis along with 7100 other people....

 

Now as you might know, I'm not a complainer and if things aren't going really good, I just try to make lemonade... So our little travel guide who's voice was as loud as a mouse... was trying to get all 71000 people to follow her... Finally off we all went..

 

Little Travel Guide...

 

 

All of us attempting to line up... LMAO...

 

 

Rae getting on the bus... The bus would hold around 30 people...

 

 

Smile Mom!!!

 

 

Rae yell's "Everyone behind me SMILE"

 

 

The bus ride took all of about 15 minutes, we went up and over the bridge... And if you've never been in a bus in Nassau Bahamas - YOU are in for a real treat........ SCARY!!!!

 

More to come...

[carnivalcruiser10]

I can't wait next write!!!

[texnewbie]

Nassau!!!!!

 

We made it over to Atlantis... Or at least some part of it... I'm still not real sure where they dropped us off at... It's so confusing...

 

Coral Towers... I think... Was our drop off area...

 

 

Near the Marina...

 

 

 

Another little foot note about me... I am very organized... yes my husband would love to tell you how all of my hangers in my closet match, and how I attempt to get everyone else hangers to match too but he loves to mix them up and drive me CRAZY!!!!! He does Laundry.... Great husband...

 

Once you get off the bus, your suppose to follow your travel guide.... But all 4 buses that pull up unload all at the same time, so all the sudden no one knows who to follow or where to go... So as we are heading up to a building... Now I wouldn't know if we were heading up to Atlantis or just a small shopping strip: It was very confusing... I don't know but I wanted to enter Atlantis through the front door... Not the shopping strip... Although I loved the shopping... I just expected to enter through the front door....

 

Here's some shopping pictures...

 

 

 

Now as we passed through the shopping on into an atrium area with this beautiful Glass Sculpture.. It was amazing....

 

 

More of the Tour Guide....

[carnivalcruiser10]

Nassau!!!!!

 

We made it over to Atlantis... Or at least some part of it... I'm still not real sure where they dropped us off at... It's so confusing...

 

Coral Towers... I think... Was our drop off area...

 

 

Near the Marina...

 

 

 

Another little foot note about me... I am very organized... yes my husband would love to tell you how all of my hangers in my closet match, and how I attempt to get everyone else hangers to match too but he loves to mix them up and drive me CRAZY!!!!! He does Laundry.... Great husband...

 

Once you get off the bus, your suppose to follow your travel guide.... But all 4 buses that pull up unload all at the same time, so all the sudden no one knows who to follow or where to go... So as we are heading up to a building... Now I wouldn't know if we were heading up to Atlantis or just a small shopping strip: It was very confusing... I don't know but I wanted to enter Atlantis through the front door... Not the shopping strip... Although I loved the shopping... I just expected to enter through the front door....

 

Here's some shopping pictures...

 

 

 

Now as we passed through the shopping on into an atrium area with this beautiful Glass Sculpture.. It was amazing....

 

 

More of the Tour Guide....

 

That pretty I did these in 2009 it is great. Did you see fish these??

[texnewbie]

Nassau!!!!!!

 

That beautiful Glass Sculpture was amazing...

 

Now as we passed by that beautiful Glass Sculpture and on into the Casino... Our travel guide informed us to put our camaras away... As we walked on through the Casino we came upon another Beautiful Glass Sculpture... It was a beautiful Blue Jelly looking thing... It was amazing... More beautiful then the first one...

 

Now on out the Casino and a right turn outside...

 

 

 

If your not paying attention our tour guide is gone... She's moving and of course we're looking and trying to take pictures...

 

Here's a picture of the Micheal Jackson/Oprah/whomever elses suite... $25,000. per night...

 

 

 

 

Oh a cutie pie...

 

 

More to come!!!

[texnewbie]

Nassau!!!

 

Again our tour guide is booking it... Of course we're just strolling along.... Checking out the scenery...

 

Rae is deathly afraid of sharks... and its really kind of fun to tease her about... So here's some shark tanks.. along with stingrays

 

 

 

Now time to catch up with our travel guide...

 

Finally we caught up and she was now giving us instructions on how to find our way back to Coral Towers, and over here is the towel hut

and over there is the ....

and over there is the....

and over there is the...

 

 

 

 

I'm so confused... I didn't catch any of that except where to find the lockers... So off we went to the towel hut to get our towel and then we were free to go... We were so excited to be here....

 

Our plan was to find the lockers to put my pool bag in...

 

Now I want you to take a look back at how empty these pictures looked... Meaning not many people there....

 

Hahahahahaha.

 

Now I wish I would have taken pictures but I didn't...

 

This place was packed.... I mean packed...

 

Finally we found the building for the lockers, the line was as long as our ship... Okay maybe not that long but it was really long...

 

So we stopped and tried to figure out what we wanted to do.. :rolleyes:

 

Now I've been to Disney in July and August... I've been to the water parks where they are closed because it's so crowded, but I've never been to Atlantis and let me tell you this place was packed... VERY....

 

We tried to find maybe one empty chaise lounge... But no.... We checked out lots of the swim pool areas and still no open chaise... We looked at the lines for the slides and we were like "ON MY GOSH" You've got to be kidding me... They were so long...

 

So we decided that we would head to the beach....

 

More to come!!!!!

[texnewbie]

Nassau!!!!

 

We're off to the beach... Which is where we wanted to be anyways... We love the beach, although we really love a water park too...

 

Now over the bridge we went...

 

The BEACH!!!!!! It's amazing....

 

 

 

White sand and clear blue water....

 

Of course once we hit the sand our shoes were off and we were heading for the water...

 

Then along came Tony...

 

"Come on and ride the wave runners"

 

They are so much fun... $70.00 for 30 minutes...

 

Rae was like, "Please Mom, Please, Please, Please..."

 

"Maybe" I said...

 

Please please please....

 

Well ok...

 

Tony was like "come on - follow me"

 

and we said, no we're going to put our stuff down, well be there in a little while...

 

Tony was like - "You find Tony, he'll take care of you"

 

and we were ok...

 

So off we went to find us a chair to put our stuff down on and sit in the sun...

 

But up came a young man... he was like - "Tony sent me to make sure you find him'... We were like "ok", we'll be there in a little bit and he just stood there and waited and waited... He even helped us get our chairs and told us that our stuff would be safe...

 

Now, I didn't bring with me our pass ports but I did have about $150.00 in cash and my credit cards, sign and sail card and my camaras, so I was really nervous about leaving my pool bag and Rae's purse there... We took off our cover ups and stuffed them in our pool bag along with Rae's purse. Then I forgot to get cash to pay for the wave runner so I still had to dig out some cash, so this young man watched me do all of this...

Again, this made me really nervous.... But off we went....

 

Now I've never been on a wave runner in my life... I've skied since I was 5 but we just had boats nothing else... Rae had been on one, one time... so we weren't to sure if we could do this...

 

Well, the young man took us to Tony and with in 30 seconds we paid Tony our cash, he gave us our instructions and off we went....

It was the most fun I've ever had... We laughed and laughed and laughed... Rae started off driving and about 15 minutes into it I was like, "I want to drive" so you should have seen us trying to change drivers without falling off the wave runner... It was so funny.... We just laughed and laughed at each other...

 

All the sudden out comes the young man that was taking really good care of us and told us it was time to come in, but I had checked my watch when we started and it had only been 23 minutes... So when we got to shore, I told Tony that we still had 5 minutes and he was like "Your the boss Momma" and off we went for our last 5 minutes... It was so much fun. We ended up switching places a few more times... It was really fun to drive it...

That was the best $80.00 I spent at Atlantis...

Once we got back to our lounge chair everything was okay and nothing had been touched...

I was so glad....

Check out the clouds coming in...

More to come...

[texnewbie]

Nassau!!!!!

 

Now that was so much fun... We were kind of worn out from it, but most of all our eyes were burning... We wore our sunglasses but water sprayed all over us... It was so much fun...

 

We laid there for a little while and then we decided that we would go and find us some lunch, it was 11:45 and we didn't eat anything on the ship before we had to our Atlantis Excursion...

 

So we picked up our stuff gave our free lounge chairs to someone else and off we went... back to the mad house...

 

Now really in these pictures it doesn't look like a mad house at all... But this area was by the beach entrance and this pool was a bike water ride area, along with snorkling lessons, and board standing thing... (I'm not real sure what that's called)

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a really pretty area...

Take note of the clouds...

 

More to come...