I used cruise reviews to prepare for our trip. We celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary this year and we wanted a good experience for our trip. I'm not sure which ship some of the people I've read were traveling on, but our experience on the Carnival Conquest couldn't have been more perfect. I work in the travel industry, and realize that there are some people who aren't happy with anything.

The embarkation process was painless. I am a patient person, so that helps. We arrived at the pier as the previous cruise was still disembarking. They were running late so the terminal was a mad house. We entered and waited to the side till to allow other passengers to exit easily. When the check in lines opened, our documents were verified and we received our Sign and Sail cards, but were asked to continue to wait to the side till the baggage personnel could take our luggage. When the last passenger was gone, they quickly took our luggage and we moved to the famed YELLOW chairs. After a short wait, we were cleared to board the ship. All in all,the process was timely and painless.

Once on-board, I was amazed. We had cruised once before, in the early '80s, and we were in awe of the ships size and decor. We went to the Lido deck for lunch and by 3 p.m., had our luggage and cabin. We were on the Upper deck forward, cabin 6274. Throughout the cruise,we were amazed at how little noise we heard. Again, we were so pleased with our cabin, the balcony has us really spoiled! Read more