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CONQUEST REVIEW-5/8/05 Long!

CruisinfromKansas

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CruisinfromKansas

CruisinfromKansas

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Well I hope this isin't too long but just wanted to let everyone know that we had a aweosome time and it went as expected as we have cruised before and will go again!

We left KC area 19:30 on Friday evening and took K68 to 71 Hwy in Missouri and stayed on that until we hit I-40 and drove to Clarksville and stayed the night there. That next morning left there and went I40 to Little Rock and then down HWY 65 (I don't reccomend this route for the person in Missouri asking me to post directions we took, it goes down to 55MPH at Pine Bluff, we then went I-20 to I-55 to New Orleans it took us approximately 15 hours to drive down there.

We stayed at the Maison on St. Charles it was reccomended on this site and the only room they had left was the Bienville Suite RM 244, it was a very nice room and it cost us 150 to stay there but that included the parking and keeping our car there for the 7 day cruise. We ended up eating supper at La Madeleine French Bakery and Cafe it was okay food. After that we went to the Daquari Shop and got a drink, be careful they are STRONG!! The Chez Pierre lounge & bar was nice also.

Sunday morning we got up and the valet staff called and said they had a early opening so we got around and met the limo down there earlier then we planned. Now the limo is a decent limo but don't expect at 05 cadillac limo to take you to the port, it was an older model but it was still fine with me, I didn't have to drive and glad I didn't! I can't remember what time we got on the ship but compared to other cruises I thought it went smooth it took 1 hr & 45 minutes to get on, but at least they have chairs you can sit in. We got on the ship a little after 14:00 so we had plenty of time to get drinks, take in the sun and check things out. I went to bed around 23:00 and we were still in the Mississippi.

The Boat I was impressed with, the last cruise we were on was the Celebration out of Galveston and it showed its age, the CONQUEST I thought was gorgeous, I was really impressed walking into the atrium when we boarded, they have done a good job on the decorations I think also, doesn't seem like a 70's ship, it was real clean, Lido deck was happening all the time, our room was very nice with the balcony, I was surprised how spacious and how big the bathrooms were in cabin 8348. I can't remember if the Celebration at the time had smoking on certain sides only but I think that was okay, I just found my smoking side and stayed over there.

Monday woke up and the seas were calm and sun was signing just hung out on Lido and ate luch at the grill, nothing special but a great day overall. Our room stewards name was Samuel and he was fantastic during the whole cruise, I someone on here gets him as there steward! We went to the Captains Cocktail party it was okay, they all get old after awhile and we had more VIP parties all week long, just learn to go sometimes and not always they can get a little boring. We also signed up for the Vacation club on this trip and we love it, I personally think its a good deal if you can afford it but I think they have their package priced pretty darn good for the deals you get out of it. Chris out of CapeTown S. Africa was now our Concierge for the remainder of the trip and he was great the whole trip if you have a chance to talk to him do so, he is a character.

Tuesday we didn't do that much but we went to the art auction, wife had to much sun the day before but it was okay if you are into that, I couldn't believe the people putting down over a grand for art but to each there own, we won a free piece of art and got another 2 for attending, they are pretty neat. We also went to the past Carnival guest party and it was fun.

Wednesday was Jamaica, it was interesting to say the least, we had already decided to go to SunSet Beach and it was a good time, there were quite a few people from the boat that we had met that went there also and I had a great time, I figured the beach would be a little better but it sure beats the sand we have in Kansas! Getting on and off the ship was easy.

Thursday was Grand Cayman, we had never had to tender before so that was interesting and different but went pretty smooth. We got on the island and it was packed, I think there were 4 or 5 other cruise ships there at the same time. We went to the H-D shop there for souveniors and then we had booked the Turtle Farm, Hell and Stingray excursion through Carnival. Turtle farm was interesting, Hell was ugh I guess just a big tourist attraction and sales ploy but it was fine. Stingray excursion sucked for me but the wife had a good time, the weather was really rough, too many people and I wasn't doing too good health wise since I didn't take my Bonine that day but it was still a very interesting excursion, those rays are huge! Don't put any squid in your pockets! Ha. The destruction on the island was amazing that hurricane did some major damage. Tendering back on went smooth, we were on the last boat but we got off pretty fast.

Friday was Cozumel always our favorite place to visit. We ended up doing the Passion Island excursion through Carnival, Hector our tour guide was great and had a lot of knowledge about the island. The Myan food was great, best Guacamole I have ever had and I'm not that big on it. The beach was beautiful and peaceful, you could always drag your chair and find a nice quiet spot, the weather was perfect that day also. It was all inclusive and the Coronas went down pretty easily. The ride out on the boat to the island went real good and same way coming back, the only part I would caution anyone on is that if you do a excursion through Carnival is don't plan on much shopping time unless you book your excursion early. There were a lot of people upset that they couldn't do much shopping downtown. Cozumel has changed alot since 4 years ago, I really liked the new shopping area down past the pier, it looks alot better then years past. Cozumel can swallow the crowds from the other ships being in port better then Grand Cayman.

Todd Wittmer was the cruise director on the ship and he was the best one that we have ever been around, he is a younger guy and very friendly, funny and personable. The morning show is very good I thought, you can get some good information on the happenings on the boat for that day and you can also win prizes. I thought his presentation was very good for the debarkation process also, I would reccommend it for first timers.

Carlo Queirolo was our captain and was very nice also at the private parties. He also had some nice announcements about the weather conditions and where we were at also.

We ate at the late sitting for supper and sat at table 148, I thought the food was good and some bad, but for a ship that has to feed over 2500 guests I thought they did a great job. I had steaks mostly and always ordered them medium rare and they came out a perfect medium. I also usually ordered 2 main courses instead of an entree. As bad as I hate to say this our waitress sucked, you could tell she hated her job and was just plain unfriendly, her assistant however was really nice and friendly ( I tipped her more then the main waitress). One thing that still ticks me off about cruising though it the tip on the last night for the maitre D, he showed up only the last two nights of our cruise, now again I really don't expect him to show up every night but then Carnival really expresses how he needs to get tipped..For What? If he trained our waitress then he needs to get fired, but I went ahead and gave him a few bucks. Well everything can't be perfect can it?

Cezanne Restaurant I thought for a buffet had some real good food and well some not so, but overall I was pretty impressed with what they had. I don't eat breakfast but my wife does and she liked the breakfast there in the mornings, the last day at sea I had a omlette (sp) and I thought they were really good.

Pauls Deli we ate there once and I really liked it. I had a reuben and the wife had something on a country style roll, we split them up and they were both real good.

I felt also for 95% of the time everyone on the ship staff was very friendly, the room service staff that brought me my coffee was always nice in the mornings (Tip em). We went to the pursers desk once and they were really nice also. Note: if you use a credit card and check both figures on your TV the main card holder that signed for the S&S card is the correct balance!

We also met some great people from this message board. I wish I would have found this place earlier. Specail thanks to everyone with all the tips and reviews it made it smooooooth sailing.

Hello to: Lynn and Carla, Billy and Chris, Big Daddy and Crew, A couple from Baton Rouge from the Lido deck bar, Marilyn and Louis from the boot. Couple crazy dudes from Mobile Al.

One thing I forgot to mention and I can't remember the night it was going on but there were a lot of people from LA with Jake Chimento, I met quite a few of them and they were really nice. Jake and the Nifty Fifty was a aweosome. Swamp Rock is some good tunes. Jake and his wife was really nice also.

Well I'm done with this one, since we joined the vacation club hopefully we will go again later this year. If anyone has any questions just reply and I will answer as best I can remember. Bon Voyage

Oops forgot debarkation, it was quick we were back at the hotel by 0915 and left NO. No hassels no nothing.

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christhree

christhree

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Andrea,

 

Kiss Tommy @ casino bar for me...tell him I miss him...

Conquest is an awesome ship...the crew and cruise director, Todd, and his staff were awesome, friendly, and one of the best we've had in 9 cruises with Carnival.

It was great meeting everyone from Cruise Critic, and enjoyed the time spent with them all. What an awesome time we had !!:D

The only thing that was not my favorite was the Dining menu..but then after 9 cruises, we knew it never changes, so it did not effect the trip.

There is self disembark{carry all your own baggage}...yes, the VIPs go 1st { like Robert did}, however, we missed them by only minutes when arriving at the hotel to get our car .

Have a great trip Andrea! Bon Voyage

~C

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DGNewton

DGNewton

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Informative Post - Thanks

 

We are from Wichita Kansas ( fam of 5 3 boys 16,16 & 18) and are sailing 5/29 on the conquest. 5 DAYS to VACATION! We were going to drive too, but opted to fly. We arrive in New Orleans Friday and are staying at the Embassy Suites.

 

We booked Capt Marvin for snorkeling and wondered how to get early tender tickets. I assume there is a meeting. Can one person go and get the family tickets?

 

Gald you had a blast! We never had a bad cruise, even in a hurricane on the Festival!

 

By the way you are quite right, the sand sucks in Kansas, moved here from Tampa! However, Andover is a great place to raise my kids through High School and the oldest just finished his first year at K-State.

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Safeteeguy

Safeteeguy

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Thanks for the review! We'll be staying at the Maison St. Charles too and were told the transportation to the pier was available (if we left our vehicle at the hotel) but we'd be on our own getting back to the hotel. I gue$$ a taxi would be available?

 

On tipping, we prepaid for whatever that's worth, but are we expected to take a roll of cash to tip every Tom, Dick and Harry that we run into? This is our first cruise and already planning our packing needs...sheesh the four of us are up to 12 bags! Do the cabins have sinks or do we need to pack ours from our kitchen?

 

Thanks again for the reviews. We also met some cruise critic folks online that we plan on meeting in person...really excited. Only two weeks!!!!

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CHRISnAMY

CHRISnAMY

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On tipping, we prepaid for whatever that's worth, but are we expected to take a roll of cash to tip every Tom, Dick and Harry that we run into? This is our first cruise and already planning our packing needs...sheesh the four of us are up to 12 bags!

 

In a word,.....YES! You do need to bring a roll of cash (mainly ones, a few fives) for tipping. Even though your main tipping is pre-paid, you still need to have cash for porters, room service, etc....anybody who gives you really good service. Keep in mind that the tip for the porters is per bag, so at 12 bags, you're looking at a hefty tip! But, whatever you do, don't tip grudgingly. If someone doesn't deserve tip, talk to the pursers desk about it. Otherwise, if you get great service, tip generously!

 

Have a great trip, and please, post a review when you return & let us know how it went!

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DGNewton

DGNewton

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Like they said, take half the stuff out, that's all you need...we bought duffle bags at wal-mart $28 each (we bought 2 last cruise) and they work great....we pack all our stuff in those and 1 garment bag.....family of 5 (boys 16,16 & 18)...

 

We've crusied many times and the last we overpacked!.....not again.....

 

We have to outside rooms on the Riveria deck and I plan to drop a $20 on our cabin steward right up front..been told on these boards to do that.....purchases a few drinks (adult kind..lol..) in New Orleans to take on baord too....

 

We also did some laundary on board last year...for whatever that's worth....they'll do it for you too...

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tricktsm

tricktsm

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Question about decks on the front of the ship... On the Elation we were able to go out on deck up front and take pictures and look out..but on the Conquest the front looks different. Will be able to go out front and have the wind blow through our hair and take pics?

 

Thank you?

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Kentucky Pride

Kentucky Pride

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It is great to read your reviews. I can use all the advice and tips I can get concerning all areas of cruising. My husband, daughter, some in-laws and a good friend will be cruising Conquest 11/20/05. This is my husband's, daughter's and my second cruise. First one Western Caribbean on 10/02 on Celebrity. We didn't know what to do or expect then, yet we had the best time. Needless to say, my husbands wants us to cruise at least every 3 years. We still don't know much so we need your help. Just a few questions: 1) Does Conquest sponsor a cruise critic party? 2) Can someone explain or prepare us for tendering? We missed the GC last time because of bad weather. 3) What are fun passes? 4) How long does it take to get cabin assignments? 5) How do you get invited to the Captain's party? 6) We've asked for Oceanview in hopes of an upgrade. But just in case we don't receive an up grade what is a good section on the ship? Pardon my ignorance, but what is the "aft"?

I'll have more questions, I'm sure:rolleyes:

Thanks for all the help:)

 

Sharon

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lanie67

lanie67

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Informative Post - Thanks

 

We are from Wichita Kansas ( fam of 5 3 boys 16,16 & 18) and are sailing 5/29 on the conquest. 5 DAYS to VACATION! We were going to drive too, but opted to fly. We arrive in New Orleans Friday and are staying at the Embassy Suites.

 

Howdy neighbor! You will be coming back from your cruise when we are having our CC get together in NOLA, I am flying out of KC on Friday June 3rd and headed back Sunday the 5th.

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