Carnival Conquest Review
Carnival Doesn't Disappoint Cruisers on Conquest, FTTF
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This was our family's 3rd cruise, but 2nd cruise on the Carnival Conquest during Christmas week. Given that the cruise was sold out, the ship was obviously crowded, but that didn't keep our family from making the most of our days, enjoying lots of activities and having a wonderful holiday vacation.
First off, we always take advantage of the price protection guaranty with the Early Saver booking. This (again for the 3rd year), allowed us to upgrade our room from a Deck 8 balcony room to a Deck 11 (Spa Deck) room. Although they convinced me this was an upgrade, I would not suggest moving to the Spa Deck balcony room over the lower levels. Our biggest disappointment was the noise level from people on Deck 12 constantly moving deck chairs, as well as not getting to enjoy any disembarkation from any of the ports from our balcony without crowds of people standing 5 feet above looking down on us. While the Spa Deck did have great access to the Kids Club/Spa/Pool areas, it was not worth the compromise of losing the privacy the regular balcony rooms provide.
In our opinion, the dining options on the Conquest are a great. Typical lunch options, although it would be nice of Iguana Joes was open later in the day so that the only options until 6 were not burgers and pizza. However, the Guys Burger Joint never disappoints. Make sure to enjoy one (or ten) during your cruise. The kids loved the endless ice cream, and there were plenty of options throughout the other buffets through the day. As for the main dining room, this year, our service team was less than extraordinary. We had late dining which we typically choose, but our service staff seemed more than overwhelmed by the time we got served. Our food was taking over 30 minutes between appetizers/main course throughout the duration of the cruise, and we found the options on the menu a little lack luster compared to the two years prior, however, the food served was always great quality and exceptional taste. There was no food that we didn't enjoy, just preferred the options that the older menu provided, and liked the "Didya" they used to have to allow trying additional unusual options. Ovenall, we were pleased with the dining, but would have enjoyed a more welcoming staff experience (but we do consider this was a packed cruise).
Cabin Review
Balcony
We upgraded to this cabin from a Verandah deck (Deck 8) cabin (which we had the year before). The upgrade to Spa Deck was not worth it. Definitely enjoy a balcony cabin from Deck 8 or 9, for the privacy alone. This floor in general was very quiet, but the front of the boat, high floor was not as enjoyable as the lower floor/midship location we have had the 2 previous years.
Port Reviews
Ocho Rios
We did not book an excursion through the cruise line, but due to our overall feeling of unease with the locals, I would strongly suggest you book through an organized provider. The locals in Ocho Rios were very pushy and there was not as much safety surrounding the immediate area of the cruise port.
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
We took a taxi to a local beach in Grand Cayman with no problems. The beach was beautiful, the services provided there by the locals was outstanding. Everyone in Grand Cayman was very welcoming, hospitable, and a pleasure to do business with. A very safe place to save the money on the cruise ship excursions and spend $20 getting to and from the ship to a beautiful beach with lots of amenities. Even the pricing at the beach for the jet ski rentals, snorkel rentals, etc was very accomodating.
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
We stayed overnight in Ft Lauderdale at the Hilton Garden Inn Cruise Port. Great hotel, very easy in terms of working out the transportation to the cruise port in the morning. No complaints whatsoever.