Carnival Conquest Review

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Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Conquest
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SBERKRAM
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s

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Value for Money
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Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2016
Cabin: Balcony
Traveled with children

We had been on the Conquest a few years ago so we had no problems returning for this itinerary - Grand Turks, La Romana, Curacoa, Aruba. Embarkation was better than our last experience in Miami. Ship seemed clean, cabins clean, all in good working order. We hit a little weather and rough seas but it wasn't too rocky on board and nothing compared to what CNN and FOX were showing on the TV. The itinerary changed as we had Hurricane Mathew to deal with so we skipped La Romana and had a sea day. This wasn't too disappointing considering. The daily itineraries seemed pretty typical for Carnival. We noted some additional nickle and dime costs on drink service, fish and chips, tea bag charges, parties, wifi, internet, texting on ship, casinos, etc. The cabin stewards and staff all seemed as good or better than previous. We had a balcony with 4 peeps. Mr. Pande and a gentleman from Haiti were excellent. My-time-dining head waitress Aristania (sp?) ran a tight ship and was best to dine with. Haley the director seemed very good and sincere. The shows were good but you can tell they are replacing performers with cinematronic stuff. The mind reader guy and motown singer were both great shows. Food was at par with past. Lines weren't bad for dining, activities. Comedy was okay as one comic missed us due to the hurricane so we only had one on the way back. Ashlee the comedy manager was sincere and good at providing shows despite the issues. Wife finally won something from the slot machines (first time ever). We had 2 teen kids with us and kids club kind of grew on them as we went. There were some volatile kids in both O2 and Circle C but they learned to deal with them or change course. They had up to 4 guys burgers per day (thanks for not charging extra for that). The pizza place was real stingy with ingredients - its more like flat bread art then pizza. Disembarking was not fun. If you have early flights get going early! We had late flights and lingered. The lines were 1-2 hours to get to customs. Carnival blames US Govt. but I'm sure if Carnival picked up the OT that Customs might supply more than 3 agents. $12 cab fare to FLL airport. We used a lyft to get to cruise terminal but make sure the driver knows how it works.

Grand Turks: stepped off to Carnival beach area. Snorkled. Bring food for fish. Coral reef less than spectacular. Small island with not a ton of attractions. Bad phone reception. Lots to rent/do off of the ship. Carnival's excursions seem pricey so I would only do them if in a dicey port (Dominican Republic).

Curacao: Walked off ship and across pontoon bridge to shopping area. Got the standard trinkets. Chose an excursion with Erics ATV Tours (Google Maps). Easy pickup at security gate and nice afternoon ride and tour through the streets, Agave farm, Cave, Coral beach, past kite surfers, over a few off-road courses. Much cheaper than cruise and more mom and pop business feel and perspective which we like. Flow and Jerry were great guides.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin 8E

Standard 4 person balcony. Port side-forward. Nice access to a quiet large balcony on the front of the ship that few use. Good for star gazing, etc. No complaints on room, comfort, amenities, noise, access, location, etc. Would recommend.

Port Reviews

Aruba

Aruba: Rented a car from Hertz at the Renaissance (hotwire works well) and drove to all the sites: lighthouse, beach, granite stone mountain, Natural Bridge, Gold smelter thing. Then wife did some shopping. The hurricane storm surge wreaked havoc with the beaches. Lots of sea life washed ashore but little damage otherwise. Traffic was bad in the afternoon. Good for family but a tour might be best for a couple.

La Romana (Casa de Campo)

Hurricane Mathew cancelled this port for us. Sea Day. We were trying to find a dune buggy ride not associated with Carnival. We found one but they said they weren't available.....

Grand Turk

Grand Turks: stepped off to Carnival beach area. Snorkled. Bring food for fish. Coral reef less than spectacular. Small island with not a ton of attractions. Bad phone reception. A few independent things to rent/do off of the ship. Carnival's excursions seem pricey so I would only do them if in a dicey port (Dominican Republic).

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

We stay at the Best Western Oceanside which is close to the Airport, Beach, and Cruise terminal. Nice walking around area. Stopped at Publix for alcohol and essentials then cruise ship via Lyft.

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