We have just returned from our 8 day cruise on Carnival Conquest, our 3rd cruise with this Cruise line. We had 2 days at sea at each end of the trip, with 4 port visits. Embarkation was simple, despite the fact that our flight arrived at 7:00am, we waited at Fort Lauderdale airport until around 9:00am and then were taken to the ship in a Carnival provided bus. Lines were very short to check in at that time, staff were great. We waited until around 11:30am in the lounge then boarded to be greeted by a wecoming staff and a stop at the bar for our first, of many alcoholic drinks. Our balcony cabin was excellent, no complaints. Deck 8 quite close to the elevators which was appreciated when we returned to our cabin late in the evenings.

We had previously booked our own excursions on each island, with the exception of a Carnival trip to an island on Dominican Republic at a cost of $75 each. Save your money! It was a great disappointment...all we received was a boat trip to the island and a glass of rum punch as we arrived. No food provided..we wished we had packed a picnic. Everyone was complaining that it was poor value for money. On a positive note, our trip on Grand Turk was first class...snorkeling and conch diving, followed by lunch of fresh conch salad on a white powder sand beach on an exclusive island. As we arrived at the island about a dozen stingrays came to greet us in the shallow water. Run by a husband and wife team we highly recommend Exclusive Escape Tours..they were amazing! Also don''t miss the kayaking and snorkeling trip on Bonaire...reserve with Mangrove Information Center. A real Eco tour.....you've never snorkelled until you do so in the mangroves!

Back to the ship...we had debated on whether or not to prepay for our beverages at $50 per person a day. We are so glad that we did, it included glasses of wine with dinner, the great specialty coffee options, all bar drinks (including 18 year old scotch which my husband loved) plus martinis at the Alchemy bar. We certainly had our money's worth over the duration of the cruise! The shows were first class, our favorite being the mentalist Rich Purpura...incredibly funny with some awe inspiring tricks. Don't miss the piano bar...sit up at the circular bar which surrounds the piano player who sings all of the songs you know..a whole lotta' fun. We reserved the Chef's table, it was an excellent choice, with superb food presented as works of art! Well worth $172.50 for 2 people. It also includes a tour through the ship's galley which is so interesting. Read more