My Conquest 8 Day review. 2/21-3/1

[Froufie]

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How could anyone forget Waddles! :D:D In fact I believe I have a picture with him - stashed away somewhere? (okay I also remember Captain Cupisti from one of my cruises - but that's a whole other story;);))

 

Waiting to hear more about Waddles' adventures on the Conquest!:)

[campdaan]

How could anyone forget Waddles! :D:D In fact I believe I have a picture with him - stashed away somewhere? (okay I also remember Captain Cupisti from one of my cruises - but that's a whole other story;);))

 

Waiting to hear more about Waddles' adventures on the Conquest!:)

Froufie... !!!!

 

Well, it's about time I heard from a familiar face !

I sure do miss those awesome CruiseCritic group cruises.

Stay tuned !, More to come !

Post that Waddles pic. Please.

[campdaan]

You provided a great review. It was probably not a good idea though to go on the cruise with the flu...

 

It was more like a quick-onset nasty cold. Runny nose, congestion...

We discussed the options if we were denied boarding.

And we checked in to the Ship's medical center very early in the trip. And at no time did they think we needed to be quarantined.

We've been on ships that have a norovirus, and we were not even close to being that sick.

I appreciate the concern.

We are seasoned cruisers and feel we dealt with it appropriatly.

And thank you for the kind words about the review, I'm having a great time re-living the experience.

I appreciate all the kind words.

[campdaan]

 

I also remember Captain Cupisti from one of my cruises - but that's a whole other story;);))

 

 

A few of our cruisers have been smitten with Claudio...

I got to chat with him for a few minutes on the promenade.

Always such a pleasure.

Edited March 9, 2015 by campdaan

[scubaflgirl]

Thanks for your review! We will be on the ship next week:D

looking forward to seeing the captain ;)

[xcourtx]

How was it with the balcony divider covering one of the windows? I'm on the conquest next year and am debating opening our balcony divider with our friends in the room next to us... it would be SO fun but I'm worried about how it is with the window being blocked off. Any photos of what it looked like from inside looking out? Great review so far :)

[campdaan]

 

How was it with the balcony divider covering one of the windows? ...

 

It would be SO fun...

 

 

Just do it...

The window is partially covered, and it's 50/50 that it could be their window.

Sorry, no pics. In fact I don't think I took any of our room.

[campdaan]

OK... Let's get back to the pics...

Everyone sing... "The millionaire and his wiiiiiiife...."

 

We saw this couple everywhere, and he always had his hat !

They looked like they were loving every minute, and when I talked to them we had quite a few good laughs.

There was the usual dancing in the dining room.

 

And, basking in the warmth of another sea day...

 

 

The obligitory funnel shot...

 

The Aft pool...

 

I did'nt take any food-porn this trip. I had pictures from previous cruises, and I was watching my weight.

We left the ship with a zero balance on the sail and sign, and I managed to lose 2 pounds. Wow.

[campdaan]

Let's keep the pics coming...

This was Mike trying to catch an egg that was dropped from Deck 5. He did quite well.

 

A bunch of chips I had collected playing roulette. This was nothing compared to the guys who were dropping benjamins like they were going out of style.

I did pretty good for my level of play, and walked off the ship in the plus column.

 

And another stunning sunset...

 

 

We had a nice gentle roll during the entire trip, just enough to have a few days of sea-legs when we got home.

[PGCRUISERS]

How does one manage a 0 balance on the sail n sign?

 

Love the review thanks for sharing

[campdaan]

 

How does one manage a 0 balance on the sail n sign?

 

 

It was easy. I worked about 25 days in a row, and averaged about 85 hours a week.

That, and I tripelled a few hundred bucks on the roulette table.

Not only did I walk off the ship without a S&S bill, I put $500 down on next years cruise, with a $100 obc and 2 friends and family certificates.

[campdaan]

Let's see if we can wrap up with some pics around the ship.

I was playing with a star filter, so that's why some of the lights look like stars.

This is looking straight up the atrium.

 

The entrance from Lido.

 

A map of Cape Cod at Guy's Burger Joint.

 

Looking down at the entrance to the Monet restaraunt.

[campdaan]

The sunflower atrium.

 

 

 

 

 

The Promenade.

 

And the coffee shop, where I chatted with the nice barrista everday, when I got my "Grande Americano".

 

And finally...

 

We landed in Boston. And it was snowing...

The plane had to wait while they plowed a space for us at the terminal. Plus it was freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezing !

And it was'nt long before I was back in the plow truck, like the cruise never happened.

[campdaan]

Just wanted to add...

We traded out #1 priority luggage tags and got #30's instead.

We vacated our room about 8:30 and headed to ensconce on the lido and have breakfast.

I had booked a day room at the Rodeway Inn on State Rd.

For $49, They promised a shuttle would pick us up at the port, and we would have a room to use for the day, with a shuttle ride to the airport later. All included.

We got off the ship 10ish, claimed our bags and zig-zagged out past customs.

I called for the shuttle and they said it would be about 45 minutes. Which was more like an hour.

Check-in was smooth and the room was pretty OK. We ate at the on-site pub, and I had some really good coconut shrimp and a salad.

Most of us napped, and my GF went to read by the pool. I also burned up some time on the free wifi.

They got us to the airport, and all considered it was the best post cruise "excursion" ever !

This place runs like a clock. And they have a guy on a bullhorn in the lobby announcing shuttles to the port, airport and local mall, like it was an old Greyhound station.

Mind you, it's not a 5-star hotel by any means, it served it's purpose well, and I would use them again. No problem.

http://www.hotelftlauderdale.net/dayroom.html

[sjn911]

Just wanted to add...

We traded out #1 priority luggage tags and got #30's instead.

We vacated our room about 8:30 and headed to ensconce on the lido and have breakfast.

I had booked a day room at the Rodeway Inn on State Rd.

For $49, They promised a shuttle would pick us up at the port, and we would have a room to use for the day, with a shuttle ride to the airport later. All included.

We got off the ship 10ish, claimed our bags and zig-zagged out past customs.

I called for the shuttle and they said it would be about 45 minutes. Which was more like an hour.

Check-in was smooth and the room was pretty OK. We ate at the on-site pub, and I had some really good coconut shrimp and a salad.

Most of us napped, and my GF went to read by the pool. I also burned up some time on the free wifi.

They got us to the airport, and all considered it was the best post cruise "excursion" ever !

This place runs like a clock. And they have a guy on a bullhorn in the lobby announcing shuttles to the port, airport and local mall, like it was an old Greyhound station.

Mind you, it's not a 5-star hotel by any means, it served it's purpose well, and I would use them again. No problem.

http://www.hotelftlauderdale.net/dayroom.html

 

Great tip and idea at end of cruise...thanks!!!

[Reneeaz1982]

Cruising on the Conquest in October for the first time with 2 kiddos.....

 

Saw your pic of the sauna and towel wall. Are these in the spa or gym area? I was curious if those and the showers are available to anyone or you have to pay? Where about are they located? Thanks in advance.

[campdaan]

Cruising on the Conquest in October for the first time with 2 kiddos.....

 

Saw your pic of the sauna and towel wall. Are these in the spa or gym area? I was curious if those and the showers are available to anyone or you have to pay? Where about are they located? Thanks in advance.

 

The Steam room and sauna's are available for everyone to use.

 

Both the Men's and Women's locker rooms have them.

 

To get a locker, just ask, and they will trade you a key for your sail and sign card, NO CHARGE, right at the front desk of the spa

 

Have a great cruise !

Edited March 10, 2015 by campdaan

[shaharis1701]

Great review, looking to book Conquest and gave some good ideas what to expect.

[robvan]

Just wanted to add...

 

We traded out #1 priority luggage tags and got #30's instead.

 

We vacated our room about 8:30 and headed to ensconce on the lido and have breakfast.

 

I had booked a day room at the Rodeway Inn on State Rd.

 

For $49, They promised a shuttle would pick us up at the port, and we would have a room to use for the day, with a shuttle ride to the airport later. All included.

 

We got off the ship 10ish, claimed our bags and zig-zagged out past customs.

 

I called for the shuttle and they said it would be about 45 minutes. Which was more like an hour.

 

Check-in was smooth and the room was pretty OK. We ate at the on-site pub, and I had some really good coconut shrimp and a salad.

 

Most of us napped, and my GF went to read by the pool. I also burned up some time on the free wifi.

 

They got us to the airport, and all considered it was the best post cruise "excursion" ever !

 

This place runs like a clock. And they have a guy on a bullhorn in the lobby announcing shuttles to the port, airport and local mall, like it was an old Greyhound station.

 

Mind you, it's not a 5-star hotel by any means, it served it's purpose well, and I would use them again. No problem.

 

http://www.hotelftlauderdale.net/dayroom.html

 

 

We stayed at this Rodeway last year. The pub at this hotel was awesome. Had the best prime rib for a very reasonable price ever.

[CrusinCyndi]

How did you like Embassy Suites? DH and I are staying there beginning of September for 1 night pre-cruise.

 

Was the hotel crowded with people waiting for the shuttle to the port?

 

How was the quality overall of the hotel?

 

Did you have the free breakfast?

 

Do you have any other pictures of the hotel besides what you posted already?

 

Sorry for all of the questions.

 

Thanks for any information you can provide me !!

[campdaan]

How did you like Embassy Suites? DH and I are staying there beginning of September for 1 night pre-cruise.

 

Was the hotel crowded with people waiting for the shuttle to the port?

 

How was the quality overall of the hotel?

 

Did you have the free breakfast?

 

Do you have any other pictures of the hotel besides what you posted already?

 

Sorry for all of the questions.

 

Thanks for any information you can provide me !!

 

We really liked the Embassy Suites.

 

Location is superb. And the FREE breakfast was fantastic !

 

I don't have other pictures, sorry.

 

And do yourself a BIG favor and take a taxi to the port, it's short money compared to the long aggravation of the shuttle.

[sunshinecruiser62]

Hi Daan,

Excellent review of our cruise!! This had, by far, my favorite places.....Aruba being #1! Absolutely stunning with the nicest people! Highly recommend it to all! Another thing I totally agree with is taking a taxi to the cruise port from your hotel. For the $20 (including tip) it costs, it saves so much time and aggravation!!

Happy you survived the snow season and hope to see you, Waddles and the ladies on a future cruise!!

 

Michelle (Organizer of the M&G)

[campdaan]

Thanks Michelle !

 

Snowmageddon seems so long ago.

 

But we are gearing up for the Glory... Waddles could'nt be more excited. :D

 

We may even have Mike Pack as our CD.

 

And as far as the taxi's are concerned... I'm done with Hotel and Airport shuttles. Free is nice, but milling around the lobby with crowds of irritable people and the tons of luggage... ugh.

 

I have all the Florida port taxi's on speed-dial.

 

I consider the taxi's, my FTTF.

[Darcy8]

We had such a good time on this cruise that we are booked on the same one this coming February. Bringing some friends along this time to share the fun!:D