We first sailed on the Conquest in 2004 & 2005 (this is our 12th Carnival cruise, Platinum member, both 49 & 50 yrs old) and there have been some great changes but she is starting to show her age. The staff was absolutely amazing though. I was used to the staff being almost invisible as they went about their work on the lido deck - this crew would smile & say hello as you passed. It took me by surprise but I really liked it!

They were also very helpful. For example, I noticed that smoke salmon & cream cheese w/bagels was not on the room service menu anymore but I found it at the deli. Only problem is they opened at 11am. When I mentioned that I loved that for breakfast, Shyam at the deli immediately offered to make me a plate of cream cheese and salmon and wrapped it up so I could keep it in my fridge. It was enough for 3 days worth! I ordered bagels & coffee from room service & enjoyed some great breakfast moments on our deck. He caught me walking by a couple days later & flagged me down to let me know he was setting some aside for me and just tell the breakfast crew (omelette station) to pull the plate out for me. I was so incredibly touched at this kind and unsolicitated act. This warm and friendly overtness was seen throughout the ship, from the entertainers to all levels of staff.

We got the privilege of having Eric Brouman "the voice from above" as our cruise director but it was his last week on this ship. He was energetic & creative. He started the first night off with a "pub crawl" which he announced at the welcome aboard show. We met in the lobby where he talked about activities we could see there, followed by a dance off & a drawing for a free drink. Next stop was the live guitarist in the casino lounge (more dance off's & drawings which was held at each stop), then to the piano bar, karaoke bar & finally the Vincent bar which is buried at the back of the ship by the comedy club. Excellent martini's & a great live band that played a different genre every night (The Fanny Pax). The bar tender said that bar was pretty dead until Eric started the pub crawl. It was packed every night we went in with all different age groups & the little dance floor was packed. In fact, all the areas were well attended w/all ages having fun together. It really broke the ice & got you exploring the night life early in the cruise. Read more