We just returned from our 6 day 40th anniversary cruise on the Carnival Conquest, leaving Ft. Lauderdale and going to Bahamas, Half Moon Cay and Amber Cove, Dominican Republic. My mother, sister and her significant other and two nieces, all adults, joined us for a total of 5 cabins. We were grateful for the wonderful weather. The Captain, Cruise director Chloe and all of the crew and the other passengers were always so hospitable and welcoming to us. This is our 4th cruise and we always get a balcony cabin. The room had plenty of space for our things and us. We usually have kids with us so it was nice to be on our own! The bed and bedding felt so good! As usual, the balcony was wonderful to see the open sea and to people watch on the port days. We ate dinner with our family each night and the food was great. It's nice to choose whatever you want and more than one, if you want! We did the sea day brunch, Green Eggs and Ham breakfast, afternoon tea and the cooking show in the Steakhouse. The staff works so hard to make sure we are treated well. I can't say enough for their work ethic in the dining and our stateroom and all over the ship. Arya, Alfred and Tomsi were very friendly and attentive in the dining room and called us by name each night. Our steward greeted us by name as well. Our room was always freshly done and the towel animals are fun. We had a fish, monkey and bat. We enjoyed the comedians - standing room only - and Bryant in the piano bar - he sang a romantic song for an anniversary dance- very sweet. The big shows were ok and the singers had a lot of talent but I like the Broadway style shows better. We didn't watch too much of the games and contests but saw the Love and Marriage show on the TV playback. That was hilarious and the couples were good sports! There were great outdoor movies every night. More food than we could eat! We always enjoy the ice cream and frozen yogurt. Ports: Nassau was ok and beautiful, we’ve been here before, we enjoyed the Historical Society museum , walked around a little, shopped in the straw market and went back to the ship for lunch. Half Moon Cay is paradise!! I have never seen such an amazing sugar sand beach and beautiful clear blue water. I thought Trunk Bay on St. John's was terrific but this was better. We pitched in together to get a Villa from Carnival. It was fantastic and we would recommend it highly!! We took our own snorkel gear but Carnival does provide it with the villa as well as food and drinks and your private bathroom. Take the shuttle and go down the beach some as the beach was very crowded right at the drop off. The barbeque( hamburgers, hot dogs, jerked chicken and all the trimmings) was very yummy too! Again, the hard work of these crew members is amazing!! The sea days were fun to just hang on the ship and take a nap and mosey around. Great times! At Amber Cove, we walked outside their area(thank goodness for the Pedicab for my Mom). A gentleman set us up with an English speaking taxidriver who could take all 7 of us for the day. I had a list of the places I wanted to go, The Chocolate Factory, The Cigar Factory, the Amber Museum, St. Felipe Church for the beautiful stained glass windows and best of all, lunch at Big Lee's Bar and Restaurant. It was an awesome day and the driver even took us to a private club and we swam and snorkeled a little. Carnival was very organized for both embarking and debarking. It just takes time to get everyone from point A to B and back. We stayed at the Best Western on Hwy 84 the night before and it was excellent and right next to a strip center with a grocery store, Big Lots, Dollar Tree, liquor store and several restaurants there. We ordered water from Carnival for our room and took a bottle of wine and 12 pk pop with us and it worked perfectly for us. Our nieces got the Cheers card and enjoyed trying different drinks. We used AllStar Shuttles from the hotel to the port and to the airport. They were right on schedule! It was a very fun and exciting vacation. Thanks Lord for the wonderful weather and time with our family and friends. Can't wait for the next time!