Conquest July 6 review

[mics pics]

Hi all,

Better late than never - been taking me forever to unpack, download pics, you know the drill.

My last cruise was on the Valor two years ago, and that cruise was done with a group of nine other people. This cruise was my very first solo cruise. I have traveled by myself before, just never on a cruise so I didn't anticipate any problems.

I flew into Houston Hobby on Saturday and took Galveston Limousine Service to Galveston. I booked the trip ahead of time for $65 RT. It's a good price for one person, but once you start adding more people to your trip I'm sure a regular limo or renting a car becomes more cost effective. They had a booth right outside baggage claim so I just got my bags, checked in, and about 15 minutes later, off we went. They are on a set schedule that is posted online on their website. It took about an hour to get from the airport to Galveston, but there was quite a bit of traffic due to a bit of rain and people heading to the beach.

I stayed at Harbor House, booked through Priceline way back in March. Glad I did it that way as HH booked full and was requiring a two night stay. When I booked it through priceline I got it for $130 which is pricey for one, but it was a gorgeous hotel and for the ease Sunday morning, WELL worth it. When I arrived my room wasn't ready yet but the front desk said they would call me on my cell phone once it was. I left my bags under the steps in the lobby and headed down the Strand. I was only gone about ten minutes (maybe) when HH called and said my room was ready. I headed back and stopped at a liquor store on the side street headed back to HH. It's halfway between the Strand and HH as you are looking at Charlie G's. I picked up a bottle of wine there. It's a small store and does not have a giant selection, plus prices were pretty high for liquor. It'll do for those that want to grab something before getting on the ship. For example, a 750ml bottle of Absolut vodka was $25.99.

I didn't request a specific room so I was pleasantly surprised when I opened my door and was looking at nearly the exact same view as the HH webcam.

I dropped off my things, then wandered a bit through Galveston. I didn't really have time for much but I did see "The Great Storm" since I just finished reading "Isaac's Storm" about the 1900 hurricane. I ate dinner at Fisherman's Wharf and had the triple shrimp combo which was delicious. The place was absolutely packed with quite a long wait but I got a table immediately and was next to the water, so sometimes going solo has its benefits.

Took photos of the then-empty cruise terminal, and headed back.

The next morning I planned on getting up early to watch Conquest come in. I thought 6 a.m. would be plenty of time. I got up, opened the curtains, and there she was! Already docked. Exciting to see her, but wow, it seemed like she was really early. Ended up, the crew immigration check was that day, so maybe they got in a bit early to help out? I don't really know.

I opened up my window and basically spent all morning listening to the debarkation announcements and watching the goings on through my binoculars.

In the second floor lobby of the hotel they have a continental breakfast with cereals, danishes and bagels, and some fruit and yogurt. Pickings were getting slim later in the morning and they ran out of coffee so if you are a caffeine addict, go early. Of course, they did have coffee makers in the rooms as well.

After getting re-packed and ready, I headed to the cruise terminal at 11 a.m. It's literally a one block walk. I hadn't even gotten near the baggage check in area when a porter/longshoreman greeted me with a cart. I gave him my bags and a few bucks and off I went. An older gentleman was trying to avoid the porters but from what I could tell it didn't look like there was an easy way to just check your bags in yourself. I'd say, save yourself the headache and just tip the guy.

Check in was a breeze at that point. Have your fun pass and passport ready as you show them often and soon. Up the escalators, through security, and to a check in agent. I was done and waiting in line for embarkation at 11:15! I had my bottle of wine in my carry on and they didn't even mention it, since it is allowed.

I received a sheet that said they were going to start embarkation early, but staterooms would not be ready until 1:30 p.m. Embarkation started right at 11:30, starting by zones. I was in zone 5. Got the embarkation photo, and went through the maze to get on board the Conquest. The ship security photo was being done in the Lobby and went quickly and easily. I was on board in no time. I know it was well before noon and I was on board enjoying my Fun Ship Special.

The nice thing about getting on the ship so early was walking around taking photos, enjoying the ship before it got to be a zoo. I went straight up to Lido deck and plopped into a deck chair for a bit, then wandered and took photos. By the time I ate lunch at Sur Mer (yes the fish and chips are all that, and more!) I went back down into the lobby and it was craziness. The cabins weren't ready at 1:30 yet. Many people were just hanging out in the hallways waiting but it wasn't worth it to me so I went back down to the lobby to get another DOD. Once I noticed mass quantities of people moving into elevators I figured the cabins must be ready, and they were - about 2:00 p.m.

I went to my cabin and started to unpack. I was in 6393, which is in a great location. It's by the aft elevators (not all the way aft, more toward the center) and by the laundry. I literally went down one flight of stairs and popped out right by the specialty coffee shop and casino. Nice.

The cabin was set up for the two twin beds. I originally planned on having the cabin steward push them together, but for one, I never saw him the first night, and two, it worked out better having one bed for throwing things on. (and keeping the towel animals) I don't usually move around too much even in my big bed at home so I was comfortable and happy.

I started unpacking since all my bags were already in front of my cabin when I got there shortly after 2 p.m. At 3:30 they called for the muster drill. Yes, it gets crowded but it wasn't really bad. They do it as fast as they can, truly.

They ask you to carry your life jacket and then put it on during the muster drill so you know how to do it. Easy enough. So no one put it on until necessary and they let us take them off quickly. It was easier to just leave it on, though, as many people did.

The thing I was most upset about was that we started to sail away when we were still trying to leave Deck 4 after the muster drill. No biggie, but I would have liked to watch us leave the cruise terminal.

I still got to see most of it, and saw dolphins jumping next to the ship in Galveston bay.

I watched a good portion of the deck party, enjoyed a DOD, and watched Galveston fade into the distance.

Just an FYI, they were painting portions of the ship both during embarkation and during the sea days, so some people probably didn't like that. I just noticed the smell and it triggered a line from the movie Titanic: "I could still smell the fresh paint." Made me laugh. :)

I had late seating dinner so that gave me plenty of time to enjoy sailaway, unpack, and get ready for dinner.

At dinner I met my tablemates, who were wonderful table companions and great friends by the end of the week. I was in the Monet dining room, table 324, in the aft portion down by the windows. At first it seemed like we were stuck in the back as an afterthought but it ended up being a really nice place to sit. It's just odd when you first show up and are by a service station. Kind of like sitting next to the kitchen. But it was fine, and since I had my back to it I didn't even remember it was there. At my table was me, one other solo who only showed up a couple times, and a family of four and their eldest daughter's boyfriend. One chair remained empty the whole time so I don't know if someone was assigned and just never showed up. It worked for us.

Our headwaiter Michael (from India) and Reynaldo were really sweet and kind. Whatever we ordered on the very first night showed up every single night thereafter. Rhonda (the mom) ordered Capuccino and

Abbey (youngest daughter) got milk before dessert and never had to ask for it again. Abbey just loved that. While they didn't ask our names, by the end of the cruise they did know them just from us talking to each other. Dress was indeed casual but most people were already fairly dressed up since I think most of us had our bags already. I'm sure early sitting dinner was a different story.

The Welcome Aboard show was hilarious, simply because one of the guests that Ralph brought on stage had her wig pulled off during the YMCA bit, and she took it in stride. Ralph called her Hot Mama the whole rest of the cruise.

I got back to my cabin and it was all made up, but I only had the Capers. No chocolates or towel animal. Huh. I still hadn't seen the cabin steward which seemed so odd to me since my last cruise I already knew my cabin steward and she knew my name on the first night. I wasn't thrilled but wasn't going to let that ruin the trip. It was a long day, and the timing just wasn't working out. It ended up that my cabin was the very LAST one that my steward had in his line up of 27 cabins, so he was usually way down the hall whenever I was looking for him.

Off to bed, and I slept hard. Boy, those Carnival comfort beds sure are nice.

More in a bit, just wanted to get started. Enjoy!

[TakeMeAway1001]

Nice review so far, looking forward to the rest :)

[mics pics]

Thanks, I just goofed on the size of the pics. Oh well, my webshots album is public if anyone wants to see them up close and personal.

That's what I get for doing it at five in the morning my time. :p

[TakeMeAway1001]

Hey I give props to those that include pictures :) With some of these impressive reviews lately it's going to be pretty hard to compete when I get back in October.

[mics pics]

Monday was the first sea day. My mission was to win a ship on a stick, and I was successful! I played people and places trivia and won. I noticed that as the week went on, more and more people showed up for trivia games, so my suggestion is if you are into this type of thing, get started early in the cruise. Another bonus was that this game was at 9:30 in the morning so I probably won just because the real brains were still sleeping.

I ate breakfast nearly every day in the dining room, and the food was good. The lady doing seating in the dining room always seemed to be flabbergasted when I showed up. I don't know if it was because I was by myself or if she was just overwhelmed but almost every day she just had me "follow" someone and it usually led to awkwardness when the waiter was seating people. It got downright ugly on the last sea day when a couple I was seated with flat out told me that I needed to be re-seated. That was fun. :eek: I was fine with open seating because I met quite a few really neat people but for those who didn't go to the dining room for breakfast or lunch, they didn't know it was open seating and were always shocked when I sat down with them. The aforementioned couple said they were waiting for their daughters but when they walked into the dining room I heard them say "two people." Hint: If you want to be seated together, go together.

I didn't let it bother me, though, because I did meet some great people, and it was worth it to me for the food. I ate in the Lido deck buffet for breakfast the day we went to Grand Cayman and the food was good but the peace of the dining room is nicer.

The ice carving demo was today, but I didn't get to see much of it due to the mass crowds of people. I tried getting up on higher decks but there were so many people right by the ice carving demo that you couldn't even really see around them. One of the couples I met who had a cabin on Deck 9 said they couldn't even get past the crowd to go to their cabin.

Pushing would have worked I guess but who wants to be rude on day 1 of their cruise?

Tonight was formal (oops, I mean elegant) night. The captain's cocktail party for late seating was at 7:15, then dinner. At the cocktail reception in the Degas lounge, they had live music, dancing, cocktails, and some appetizers. It became quite crowded in there, so arrive fairly early. That gets you a seat and more free cocktails.

Ralph, the cruise director, introduced the Captain, who then introduced the officers.

More music and dancing, then time for dinner.

<br>

Dinner was wonderful, I had the lobster and shrimp. I would have loved to eat the prime rib too, but I don't think I had room for it.

I wish I had copied down the dinner menus each night because I was sure I wouldn't forget, and of course, I did.

The in cabin TV system had the menus listed and they were also posted outside the dining rooms.

The warm chocolate melting cake was perfect the very first night, and then every night after that it was basically hot fudge sauce. That was ok, because it gave us opportunities to try out other desserts. I don't remember what night it was served, but the bitter and blanc was unbelieveable. Our headwaiter had no problem bringing us more of anything we wanted, so if we decided we still wanted warm chocolate melting cake, he got it. We sure kept him busy but ate everything in sight.

Like Sunday night, the main show was after dinner. They warned people both before the show and in the Capers that the costumes and choreography were a bit on the suggestive side, and guessing by the conversations at breakfast and lunch the next day, some people truly were surprised. I just wish I was built like those dancers! LOL

It didn't offend me, but I think people were just amazed by the thongs.

The promenade deck and lobby are set up nicely for formal night photos, and they do casual photos the other nights on Promenade. It can get crowded, but just watch where you are walking and be careful of the photographers.

I spent far more money on photos than drinks or the casino! It's hard to pick from all the photos they take. I could have avoided it by just not posing, but I'm a camera ham. That, and I wanted pics of me dressed up and wouldn't have any otherwise, except for the standard arm in shot like the above photos.

Just a side note, there is no channel with a bow cam, so if you are in an inside room, set an alarm. I usually woke up pretty early on my own, but days where I needed to get up, the wake up calls were perfect. I brought a nightlight but never used it since I slept the night through and turned on lights when I woke up. I could see how it would be needed in the middle of the night, though.

My cabin was next to a steward closet and I did hear banging around in there in the afternoon when I was in my cabin, but overall it wasn't bad. My biggest noise issues were the teenagers hanging out in the halls at 2 a.m. talking and people in the laundry room talking. Some door slamming problems, but people do that in hotels too. I don't know why.

The music from the casino bar area just one deck below could be heard when I was in the hallway directly above it (not near my cabin) but I don't know what it was like in the cabins. Once I fall asleep I sleep hard but it's the falling asleep with noise that is difficult for me.

My next cruise I'm all the way forward, so maybe less traffic will make it quieter.

The 'secret' doors are wonderful. I spent so much time out there, and rarely had more than a few people out there with me. Usually it was just someone out there to smoke, and they would go right back inside.

I didn't spend any time out on deck because I'm really fair skinned and I was trying to avoid sun burn or sun sickness, so I don't know what the deck games were like. It sure seemed like people were having fun out there! Luckily, I'm getting brown now, so can spend quality time outside on my cruise next month.

I'll do more later, have to work today. Hope everyone enjoys their Sunday.

[mics pics]

Hey I give props to those that include pictures :) With some of these impressive reviews lately it's going to be pretty hard to compete when I get back in October.

 

I just love reading the reviews, photos or not. :D

It really takes me there with them, even if I'd never been on that ship. I was ruined though...the whole cruise, I kept thinking "oh, I've got to remember that for my review" ha ha

I'll definitely be looking forward to your review too. ;)

[JawjaBoy]

Great review! Can't wait to read more!!! I'll go ahead and say it, that blue dress in your album is smashing! Very classy!!!

[rebeljohn]

Nice reiew and pics.............looking forward to the rest.............

[Honeybear1974]

Great review, cannot wait to be on her...March 2009 seems so far away....:)

[lovebug33]

Great review! I will be on the Conquest three weeks from today! Huzzah! How did you post pics?

[mics pics]

Great review! I will be on the Conquest three weeks from today! Huzzah! How did you post pics?

 

Hi Lovebug, I uploaded the pics I knew I was going to post in the review to Webshots. When you have a photo in your album, you can click on a link that says "forums". I just clicked on it, copied it, and then pasted it into the review.

 

That's what's taking me so long - uploading the pics to Webshots takes a long time on my connection. But I'm getting more photos as I go along. :)

 

Jawjaboy, thanks for the compliment. ;) I love dressing up, thank goodness for the mirror - got a lot of photos that way. lol

[*Mach*]

Great job!! I'm lovin' this review!

I sail solo, as well, so I understand some of the issues that you ran into.

The Conquest is my favorite ship in the fleet. That opinion may change at some time but it's gonna have to be a heck of an experience to top the ones I have on the Conquest!!

[hkmom]

can't wait for more, we sail next month.

[cjkumbaya]

I'm really enjoying your review and pics - thanks so much for sharing. Look forward to more!

[mics pics]

They really do a lot of things during the sea days - you could spend the whole day outside or the whole day inside and truly not miss a thing. And that's not counting any casino time!

This was my lazy day - played a little trivia, played some bingo, went to breakfast, went to lunch, basically bummed around. The galley tour was today, and I highly recommend it. Not so much for the actualy galley itself, but Victor, the Maitre'd had some really interesting information, and people asked good questions. I'm glad I video'd it because when I re-watched it a couple days ago I remembered some things he talked about. Still, the galley tour is always fun and interesting, and I love seeing how sparkling clean and huge the place is. It was interesting to find out the reason deck 3 is so screwed up is because the galley runs the length of that deck between the Monet and Renoir dining rooms. Makes sense!

I don't have any photos, though, sorry. I only used my video camera and juggling more than one camera for me gets to be dangerous to others. :eek:

Tonight started the trend of the late show being before dinner, so I had to readjust my schedule to get ready an hour early so I could see the show, then go to dinner. I missed a couple shows just because I was too darn tired and needed a nap, but that's ok. Cruises are all about doing what you want to do. And I preferred a nap. :p

Jamila was the singer tonight who sang a little bit of everything from Broadway to Motown to popular - she definitely was talented. However, if you are looking for a show that is more wow than anything, this was pretty simple. She gets on board in Galveston then flies home from Montego Bay every week. Ouch, talk about frequent flier miles.

Tonight was the Mardi Gras deck party. At 10:00 p.m. everyone met in their designated areas for the colors. (I'm just reporting, don't kill the messenger...) At each stop the dancers and/or social hosts led the group through some dance moves and each team chanted their cheer. This went on for about an hour, each team getting points for how well they danced, etc. Funny enough, each team seemed to get the same number of points. I digress... Finally the teams went out to Lido deck for conga lines and more dancing and craziness. I was done for the night, but the most humor I got happened just as I was going inside. It was absolute mayhem out on Lido deck, pure noise and music, you can imagine. Anyway, as I was going inside a couple of guys who seemed like they'd been drinking all day asked me if there was a party somewhere. I said, "yeah, just go outside." They didn't believe me, and said they couldn't find it. I laughed, said follow me, and showed them. Oh my gosh, the looks on their faces were priceless. I have no idea how they missed it.

After all that they were showing "Rocky Horror Picture Show" in the Degas lounge. I missed it, but a couple I met at breakfast the next morning said that the Carnival crew had all the props and it was the most fun they ever had. If you've never seen the movie or taken part in the 'interactive' part of seeing this movie, I highly suggest it. I wish I didn't miss it. Like Ralph said, the movie is not real good but the props make it hilarious.

I went to the shopping talk, but I don't think it was really necessary. Most of the information Kathryn gave out could be found at the shopping kiosk, and of course, she was pushing the Carnival recommended stores. I wasn't really shopping for anything in particular, so I attended the talk to see what she would suggest. If you want the few goodies she throws out, sit in the front rows off to the sides. If you sit front and center you'll probably miss out on everything. It did get chaotic, it's amazing to see how looney people will get for something they may not even want or need. :rolleyes: I didn't do any shopping in Jamaica or Grand Cayman, and only a little in Cozumel. I didn't encounter any spectacular deals on anything, but like I said, I wasn't looking for anything in particular. I did buy a little bit of silver in Cozumel, and that was a decent deal. In Grand Cayman, if you want a t-shirt from Del Sol, GO EARLY. I was talking to people who said the store was wiped clean by lunchtime.

 

Not much going on for me that day, so it was a perfect day at sea.

 

Just a side note, just before this cruise I bought an Olympus 1030SW, which is a compact digital waterproof camera. This thing is amazing. I can take video clips with it, both underwater and out of water. I used it in all three ports of call and just had a blast with it. I'm very glad I bought it. I didn't worry about it at beaches like I would have with my digital SLR. It was compact enough to carry with me everywhere and I used it quite a bit. They sell it on board also, but for the regular retail price. I got mine online for just under $350.

 

Along those lines, after living in a dry climate for 15 years, I didn't even ~think~ about compatibility issues with a camcorder and going from air conditioning to humidity. I kept turning the stateroom temp up because I'm always cold, but it still kept my cabin pretty cool. Each day that we came into port, I grabbed my camcorder and went out to the forward part of the ship through the 'secret' doors. I'd start videotaping us coming into port, and then BEEP BEEP BEEP condensation warning. I'd have to take the tape out, leave the camcorder open, and wait for it to dry out. I tried keeping the camera warm but obviously going from inside the ship to 84 degrees with humidity will freak out any cassette tape. I just learned to get out on deck earlier to dry the tape out, then start videoing.

 

Next up, Jamaica. Thanks for being patient, I'll write as fast as I can. :D

[Luanne21]

Wonderful review.

[Rockportgirl]

Wonderful review so far, I can't wait for more. I'm anxiously awaiting to hear what you thought of Sunset Beach... we're going there in September. :)

[Kathyne]

I'm sailing on the Conquest in September. Thanks for making me feel like I'm already there.

[douglinc@msn.com]

Excellent review, we will be on the Conquest 8-24.

 

Doug

[dickens56]

I am waiting for the rest of your review. I am on the Conquest Thanksgiving week with a large group of family and friends. I have enjoyed you review so far.

[triciawrites]

Your review is excellant.

I have been thinking about taking a solo cruise, and now that I see your pictures and your reviews it seems realistic.

Have you any special tips for a single cruiser? I went with my kids and friend 6 28 08. We got back from the Fantasy on 7 3 08, first cruise and I loved it. My family, not so much. I cant wait till I can get back out on the ocean. I am trying to narrow it down between taking a return trip on the Fantasy or switch to Conquest. I need to go to a port that is within driving distance.

[Snoozeman]

Glad to hear they brought back RHPS.:)

[bnsilly]

Hey Tricia...you would not be disappointed in going with Conquest..I can't wait to go back!! :p

[douglinc@msn.com]

Wow, still waiting for the rest of the story.

 

Doug

[mics pics]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your patience, I'm back. I should have waited to write the review when I could sit down and get it all done in one shot, but you all know how 'real life' is. No one spoiling you and giving you time to do the fun stuff.

I'm housesitting for my parents while they are on a cruise, and they only have dial up. So if I suddenly disappear during a post, don't fret. I'll be back.

Just as a side note, I forgot my capers at home, so I might forget details but I'm sure someone will fill in where needed.

Actually, on days that we were in port not much was happening on the ship anyway, so I think it'll be okay.

I'd never been to Jamaica before, either on a cruise or land vacation, so the only things I knew to expect came from CC members. I also know to approach everything with an open mind.

My tablemates were talking about doing the Carnival excursion to Sandals, so I told them about Sunset Beach since I was planning on going there. They really appreciated the tip since it would be a lot less expensive for a group of 5! (I think the Sandals excursion sold out anyway...so it worked out.) Kathryn, the super shopper, was pushing the $15 shopping shuttle, and there was a long line for it in the terminal. I didn't do it, and my tablemates didn't either. They just caught a cab to do some quick shopping, then another cab to Sunset Beach. The shuttle runs every half hour only, so be prepared if you decide to do it. I think the last shuttle returns to the port at 4 p.m. Warning to anyone who doesn't like dealing with the aggressive shopkeepers: this was the biggest complaint I heard from several people. They just didn't like the over the top people begging (or pushing) for business, especially when it was all for the same stuff. I can't put in my own experience here, but I guess it might be just an amped up level of what is experienced in Mexico.

I took a cab to Sunset Beach, and here I have a warning for solo travelers: Make buddies on CC or on the ship who are doing the same thing. I spent $10 for a cab to Sunset Beach, and it's walkable for some people. I argued, and the cab official showed me a chart that said for 1-4 people the cab is $10. Then it's $3 a person. I could have waited for more people but I ate breakfast in the dining room and got a late start compared to everyone else. I was pretty sure no one else would be going there. So I paid. And honestly, I thought of the JUTA tag too late - I was just so stunned I didn't double check if they were official or not. That was my first rip off, but it's my own fault, so I can't complain.

It was a very short (but bumpy) ride to Sunset Beach. I got dropped off in the back entrance by a security guard, and the guard walked me to the back area by the swim up pool bar and restaurant. I paid my $40, got my receipt, turned over my S&S card, and got my pink bracelet. The woman just vaguely pointed to where everything was, so I wandered kind of aimlessly, but I did find my way. I parked myself over by the waterslides. There is not much shade, but they do have a few umbrellas around and if you get there early enough, (or late enough after people get hot and leave) there is a little area with a roof overhead for shade.)

Over by the small beach is a swimming pool with water volleyball set up.

A walkway divides that area and the water slide area. Just past the beach are a few people selling handicrafts. They generally leave you alone but they will try to get your attention. Their prices are higher than shopping downtown if you can handle the chaos for the low price.

The restrooms were very clean and were right behind the bar. Next to the bar is the grill with hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, and other stuff too. I wasn't real hungry and didn't eat much so I don't remember what all they had there. They also had pop and soft serve ice cream. The bar had really good rum punch and while I didn't taste much in the first one, the second one knocked me on my butt. I don't know if I'm that much of a lightweight or if it was the heat! They sure were good, though. They also made some delicious looking pina coladas and other frozen drinks. Everything, including the beer, looked fantastic. I did go check out the restaurant but didn't eat there. If you don't want grill food and are ready to get out of the sun, I'd suggest it.

My friends from dinner were there also, and I asked if I could catch a ride back to the ship with them. No problem! The cab driver (JUTA) wrote down all our names, cut off our wrist bands, and retrieved our S&S cards for us. $3 each to get back to the ship. That was more like it for me.

I'm not really sure I used $40 worth of food/drink/amenities at Sunset Beach, but it was worth it to me for the safe enviroment, and it really was a good place to spend the day. I had a blast on the waterslides, so if anyone saw the big kid playing in the pool, that was me. :p

It really was a nice place. Looking back on the photos, I can see all the places people could lay in the sun in just about total privacy.

Construction was going on in places, but not in any of the spots we were in, except for one walkway. I'd say it's nearly complete.

Going through security in the cruise terminal wasn't an issue at all, it was actually easier than airport security. I didn't see anyone getting patted down, although signs were present warning it could happen.

So, to sum up, I didn't have any issues in Jamaica, but I also didn't go anywhere near where people said it was absolutely ridiculous. If I ever went back to MoBay, I'd head straight for Sunset Beach again. And get those frozen foo foo drinks.