Our cruise on Carnival Conquest was tagged on to the end of a fabulous 12 day bus tour around Texas with Archers Direct so we had no choice of cruise line. We'd never cruised with them before and, unless in a similar situation, we probably won't cruise with them again. Although the ship was impressive, clean and enjoyable we were less impressed with some of the passengers! We are 'ordinary working class people' and have cruised MANY times with other lines so please don't think we're snobs, 'cos we ain't! But many of the passengers we loud, and my Mum would have said, uncouth! We're certainly not opposed to enjoying life on board to the full and partying is part of any cruise. It was certainly taken to the limit on this cruise! I am a musician and love most types of music but I also like a little peace and quiet whilst on holiday. Trying to find any peace or anything approaching quiet on this ship was almost impossible! (except in your cabin or dining room). The main pool area was dominated by a LARGE video screen with a sound system that must have been approaching the threshold of pain!! This played throughout the day and evening. Consequently trying to find a suitable spot to listen to ones own music or read a book etc. was really difficult. Even the 'quiet' pool area at the rear of the ship had loud-ish music playing. We chose to take dinner in one of the main dining rooms and were impressed by the quality of the food and the service (although, as with most recent cruises, the food was often tepid). Breakfast and lunch was usually taken in the buffet and was OK too. The cruise director was possibly the best yet! His team worked tirelessly to provide the best possible entertainment throughout each day. The 'live' shows weren't of course live. (I wonder what the Musicians Union are doing allowing music with no live musicians at all being used)! The 'lead' vocals were live and of a very good standard so too were the dance routines and the dancers. The lighting and graphics used were VERY impressive and for once the music in the theatre was punchy and at a suitable level to be involving but not deafening. (other ships take note). I've been VERY frustrated over the years with sound engineers that have used levels more suited to a rest home than a theatre. The rest of the entertainment was fairly average. The band had a great female singer and although competent looked bored and had no personality. The boy/girl duo had a varied repertoire but again lacked personality and stage presence. The singer/guitarist we saw on one occasion was (sorry mate) awful! Drinks on board were similarly priced to other cruise lines we've used recently. Embarkation and disembarkation were pretty hassle free.

To sum up, a very nice ship, well appointed but more suitable for families who love to party!!