short review of last week's CONQUEST

[gorgousgeorge]

just got back from New Orleans and a week on the Conquest. Have been on most Carnival ships in the past 15 years and have to say the Conquest seems to have brought all the good things together. Those of you who might say the food is not as good as previously, I found the food to be very good, especailly the Lido deck for lunch - carved meats everyday and even though they said the ship was full (Easter week) not much of a line at any time. Only exception was deli where from 12 to 1 you had to wait. Attitude of crew seemed very good. What I did notice was alot more people who were "flakey" when it came to formal dinner. Either they came late (I mean really late, like 45 minutes) or wore jeans, t-shirts etc. I remember when after about half an hour, you would be locked out, but apparently in an effort to please, the wait staff is bending over backwards (one of them said the ship did not want people taking food back to their rooms and making a big mess). In Montego Bay we went to Sunset Beach Resort and Spa, a short cab ride from the ship and the $20 covered lunch and all drinks. Would recommened this. In grand Cayman booked stingray at pier for $35 and were on small boat with 14 people. Look for the signs after you get off the tender. In Cozumel went to Dzul Ha for snorkeling. Great off the rocky beach but you have to swim out a bit, so if its your first time, consider going with the ship. Wife played Video all the evening hours and machines were pretty tight. Would highly recommend Conquest. Any specific questions, will quickly reply. Regards.

[sksadams]

How much was the taxi in Montego Bay? Was the food and drinks at the Sunset Beach good?

Until my FIRST cruise!!
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[drwestlake]

I've heard of an all inclusive hotel/beach for $20, but i was not given the name. This sounds like maybe the same one. They said the cab was $2 each person each way, and the $20 included food, drink, chairs, paddle boats, kayaks. Children $10. Does this sound familiar?

[gorgousgeorge]

taxi was $3 per person each way. food was very good beach type food - jerk chicken (best I ever had), burgers, fries, etc. Red Stripe on tap and local rum, vodka etc. all you wanted. workers are not suppose to take tips, but please slip them a dollar or two when they serve you. chairs, towels, paddle boats all included in price. don't know about price for kids.

[dljones]

Did she have any luck at all on the machines? If so, which ones?

Thanks

[gorgousgeorge]

she plays video poker. on ships she plays quarters (since you are a captive and ships are generally tight anyway). At the bank of machines she was playing (in front by the walkway) she was down about 6 hundred and finally hit a royal that brought her back to even. She hit the only royal she saw on that bank and she played for hours everyday. Not to say that one might walk in and make some money but the machines seemed pretty tight especailly relative to last year on the Glory where she hit 4 royals during the week.

[sksadams]

Was there a swim up bar at the Sunset Beach Resort? We were thinking about doing Dr Caves beach but I think this might work out better I have two guys that like to drink so I think we can break even at $20. a head. Was the beach nice and the pools?

Until my FIRST cruise!!
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[sksadams]

One more questions was there certain times that you could be there? We were looking at another resort but you couldn't arrive until 11:00 but the taxi ride there was $30.00 one way and we would have needed three taxies.

Until my FIRST cruise!!
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[CROSS-DRESS GEORGE]

It was for all day. We got there about 11:00 am and left about 3:00. Yes, one of the pools had swim-up bar. In my opinion, it was the best deal I have ever seen anywhere.

[W8NTOCRUISE]

Hi George!

We are cruising soon on the Conquest and were considering Wyndam Rose Hall when we were in MB. We had heard it's not frequented by the mass of cruisers that visit Drs. Cave. Did you feel Sunset Beach was less crowded? We're trying to avoid the "sardine's lined on a beach" effect. We like our space, will we get it at Sunset? Thanks!

Carnival Conquest leaving May 9, 2004
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[gorgousgeorge]

Sunset Beach Resort & Spa was very large, actually had 2 seperate beaches with a rock jetty between. Was not crowded and had areas with few people around. My wife and I don't like to rub butts with other people also. If you have been to Jamacia before you know that not being in a secure area can be intimidating for some people. Generally speaking, anywhere the tours take you is crowded.

[QTPieRye]

George..... do you or your wife recall what the minimum table limits were in the Casino for blackjack and/or craps? Do they have $2.00 tables or are they all $5 and $10??? Thanks [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

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Girls Only Conquest!

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Sensation Family Cruise

[gorgousgeorge]

saw no $2 tables. but, if the casino is not busy, it wouldn't hurt to ask the manager if one could be set-up (female manager on last weeks Conquest). This usually requires that you and your friends play for a minimum amount of time. Good Luck

[bomber000]

Hey George did you book this through the ship or just take a taxi there and pay admission? Thanks!

Carnival Paradise 08/99
Carnival Pride 05/02
RCCL Sov of Seas 11/02
Carnival Legend 04/03
Grand Princess 11/03
Celebrity 01/04
Carnival Conquest 05/04

[gorgousgeorge]

actually got off the ship about the same time some of the crew members did and asked them where they were going. I have found that asking the crew, especailly the better paid members, has always worked.

[bomber000]

Good idea...thanks George [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Carnival Paradise 08/99
Carnival Pride 05/02
RCCL Sov of Seas 11/02
Carnival Legend 04/03
Grand Princess 11/03
Celebrity 01/04
Carnival Conquest 05/04

[westerfiek]

[quote name='gorgousgeorge']Sunset Beach Resort & Spa was very large, actually had 2 seperate beaches with a rock jetty between. Was not crowded and had areas with few people around. My wife and I don't like to rub butts with other people also. If you have been to Jamacia before you know that not being in a secure area can be intimidating for some people. Generally speaking, anywhere the tours take you is crowded.[/quote]

George:

we are going on the Conquest 22 Jan 06 from Galveston. We have been to Jamaica many times (land trips) and once last year by cruise ships. I wasn't happry w/ Mo'Bay last time (shopping center was crappy only place to go was Margaritaville) so when I saw your post on Sunset Beach I thought that would be the way to spend the day in Mo' Bay.

What do we need to do? Hire a JUTA cab at the cruise terminal? What should that cost each way to Sunset Beach?

Do we just show up at the resort? I would like to have some sort of reservation.

Any help you could furnish me would be greatly appreciated.

thanks much!!

[cheshyrkat]

[quote name='westerfiek']George:
we are going on the Conquest 22 Jan 06 from Galveston. We have been to Jamaica many times (land trips) and once last year by cruise ships. I wasn't happry w/ Mo'Bay last time (shopping center was crappy only place to go was Margaritaville) so when I saw your post on Sunset Beach I thought that would be the way to spend the day in Mo' Bay.
What do we need to do? Hire a JUTA cab at the cruise terminal? What should that cost each way to Sunset Beach? Do we just show up at the resort? I would like to have some sort of reservation.
Any help you could furnish me would be greatly appreciated.
thanks much!![/quote]

westerfiek: I don't think this person has posted in a really looooong time. Maybe if you posted on the ports of call board you'd get a better response. Just a suggestion!

Good luck with your plans. Last time I was in Montego Bay was 1999 so I can't help all that much, but I agree that the stop there would do best with some planning. When I was going in September (didn't get there because of weather) I was planning to do horseback riding on the beach. Maybe next time!

[S.P.Q.R./Morunt]

We went a couple weeks ago. We caught a cab with another couple standing around. I think it was a few bucks each. The driver tried to talk us into going to another beach for just 30 dollars each. He reminded us the cost was 45 each at SB. We declined. When we got to the gate, they told us 40 each.
We had a blast. The beach was beautiful. We used their snorkel equipment and paddle boats for free. The rum drinks were great, I tried them all and liked the purple one. We ate at the grill, chicken and pork were good. The inside buffet was better, we grabbed a plate and ate outside with a view of the ocean. Theres a pool with a swim up bar. theres another bar we didnt go to at the end of the beach. We used the small casino and won a little. We checked out the new waterpark, not very big, but lazy river ride was cool and we went down the slide. We had a great time.