Carnival Conquest Questions

Hi,

My wife and I will be on the Conquest leaving from Galveston the last
week in November (7 days, to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and somewhere in
Mexico depending on storm damage). - This will be our second Carnival
cruise, and I have several questions that I hope someone can answer.

This is a pretty big boat. - To avoid lines, delays, etc., I'm thinking
that it would be wise to arrive about three or four hours early, using
the time to explore the ship and get oriented, and, on leaving, to take
our time getting off the ship, since we will be driving down to
Galveston and aren't on any particular schedule. Has Carnival improved
the processing over the past several years on this ship (or other
Conquest-class ships), and how are they doing currently as far as
waiting times, etc. Has anyone taken the cruise from Galveston?

I enjoyed the shows and some of the activities on our last cruise, but I
also look forward to relaxing with a book, watching the ocean, etc. Any
suggestions on where to find a relatively quiet area on the ship? (On
our first cruise, I found that the library was fairly busy, but several
of the lounges and discos were substantially empty during the day and
afforded lots of comfortable seating, ocean views, etc.) Do these
Conquest-class ships have decks, with deck chairs, suitable for a quiet
hour or so? I've also seen reference to a string quartet on some of the
Carnival cruises. - Anyone remember seeing one on a Conquest cruise?

I've seen several recommendations for the Point restaurant, which we
plan to try, and for the seafood restaurant. - Where is the seafood
restaurant, and is this an alternative to the main dining rooms, or does
it cost extra?

Any recommendations on things to see and do in Jamaica and Grand Cayman?
I don't have a lot of interest in stingrays and turtles but would be
interested in seeing some of the historical sites, museums, etc., if
there are any that are recommended. What languages are spoken on these
two islands, other than English? Incidentally, what is
"Margaritaville"? We have been to the city of Tequila, in Mexico, but
I've never heard of Margaritaville. Sounds like an interesting concept.

Last, for the Carnival-bashers, I'm aware that Carnival isn't the most
up-scale cruise line, and that folks have different tastes, but I'm
going to go with the flow and enjoy the aspects of the cruise and
sections of the ship that appeal to my wife and/or me. On our last
cruise, for about $500 per person, we enjoyed the following: saw lots
of beautiful scenery and some spectacular sunsets; watched the varying
colors of the sea and experienced the change in climate as the ship
cruised to more southern latitudes; had some interesting conversations
with other passengers while enjoying dinners, with some rather nice
wines, that would have been in the "special treat" category here in
Houston (And we didn't even have to drive through traffic to get to the
restaurants.); enjoyed some pretty impressive Broadway type shows and
music, outstanding comics, etc.; received consistently pleasant and
helpful service; (I) ran on the upper deck each morning while enjoying
360-degree ocean views, and got in some neglected reading. From the two
Mexican ports we toured the Chitchen-Itza ruins (very impressive); and
enjoyed shopping and walks around the island and on the mainland. I
learned to scuba dive for the first time and watched flora and
multi-colored fish in the ultra clear water; practiced my Spanish while
bargaining with the natives; had a few Margaritas at Carlos and Charlie;
etc. Overall, it seemed like a pretty decent vacation experience at a
fair price, and I'm looking forward to the November cruise.

Jim

Jim Cate wrote:
> Hi,
>
> My wife and I will be on the Conquest leaving from Galveston the last
> week in November (7 days, to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and somewhere in
> Mexico depending on storm damage). - This will be our second Carnival
> cruise, and I have several questions that I hope someone can answer.
>
> This is a pretty big boat. - To avoid lines, delays, etc., I'm thinking
> that it would be wise to arrive about three or four hours early, using
> the time to explore the ship and get oriented, and, on leaving, to take
> our time getting off the ship, since we will be driving down to
> Galveston and aren't on any particular schedule. Has Carnival improved
> the processing over the past several years on this ship (or other
> Conquest-class ships), and how are they doing currently as far as
> waiting times, etc. Has anyone taken the cruise from Galveston?
>
> I enjoyed the shows and some of the activities on our last cruise, but I
> also look forward to relaxing with a book, watching the ocean, etc. Any
> suggestions on where to find a relatively quiet area on the ship? (On
> our first cruise, I found that the library was fairly busy, but several
> of the lounges and discos were substantially empty during the day and
> afforded lots of comfortable seating, ocean views, etc.) Do these
> Conquest-class ships have decks, with deck chairs, suitable for a quiet
> hour or so? I've also seen reference to a string quartet on some of the
> Carnival cruises. - Anyone remember seeing one on a Conquest cruise?
>
> I've seen several recommendations for the Point restaurant, which we
> plan to try, and for the seafood restaurant. - Where is the seafood
> restaurant, and is this an alternative to the main dining rooms, or does
> it cost extra?
>
> Any recommendations on things to see and do in Jamaica and Grand Cayman?
> I don't have a lot of interest in stingrays and turtles but would be
> interested in seeing some of the historical sites, museums, etc., if
> there are any that are recommended. What languages are spoken on these
> two islands, other than English? Incidentally, what is
> "Margaritaville"? We have been to the city of Tequila, in Mexico, but
> I've never heard of Margaritaville. Sounds like an interesting concept.
>
> Last, for the Carnival-bashers, I'm aware that Carnival isn't the most
> up-scale cruise line, and that folks have different tastes, but I'm
> going to go with the flow and enjoy the aspects of the cruise and
> sections of the ship that appeal to my wife and/or me. On our last
> cruise, for about $500 per person, we enjoyed the following: saw lots
> of beautiful scenery and some spectacular sunsets; watched the varying
> colors of the sea and experienced the change in climate as the ship
> cruised to more southern latitudes; had some interesting conversations
> with other passengers while enjoying dinners, with some rather nice
> wines, that would have been in the "special treat" category here in
> Houston (And we didn't even have to drive through traffic to get to the
> restaurants.); enjoyed some pretty impressive Broadway type shows and
> music, outstanding comics, etc.; received consistently pleasant and
> helpful service; (I) ran on the upper deck each morning while enjoying
> 360-degree ocean views, and got in some neglected reading. From the two
> Mexican ports we toured the Chitchen-Itza ruins (very impressive); and
> enjoyed shopping and walks around the island and on the mainland. I
> learned to scuba dive for the first time and watched flora and
> multi-colored fish in the ultra clear water; practiced my Spanish while
> bargaining with the natives; had a few Margaritas at Carlos and Charlie;
> etc. Overall, it seemed like a pretty decent vacation experience at a
> fair price, and I'm looking forward to the November cruise.
>
> Jim

We just got off the Elation in Galveston on Thurs and went to Veracruze
and Progresso. Great trip a little choppy on Sat avoiding Wilma. On
Thur when we got off if you could carry your own luggage you reported
to the Mikido lounge ant 7am and we were off the ship through customs
by 7:20am

"Jim Cate" <jimcate@pdq.net> wrote in message
news:11m77t0hmtj70ce@corp.supernews.com...
>
> Hi,
>
> My wife and I will be on the Conquest leaving from Galveston the last week
> in November (7 days, to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and somewhere in Mexico
> depending on storm damage). - This will be our second Carnival cruise,
> and I have several questions that I hope someone can answer.

> I enjoyed the shows and some of the activities on our last cruise, but I
> also look forward to relaxing with a book, watching the ocean, etc. Any
> suggestions on where to find a relatively quiet area on the ship? (On our
> first cruise, I found that the library was fairly busy, but several of the
> lounges and discos were substantially empty during the day and afforded
> lots of comfortable seating, ocean views, etc.) Do these Conquest-class
> ships have decks, with deck chairs, suitable for a quiet hour or so? I've
> also seen reference to a string quartet on some of the Carnival cruises. -
> Anyone remember seeing one on a Conquest cruise?

You will find lots of places to relax and read your book. One place that is
remarkable, though not very quiet, is the very front of the ship. When I
went on teh Conquest last December, I was in cabin 6205. When you step out
of the cabin, there is a door to your left that takes you to the starboard
deck. You can walk around to the front of the deck and there is a wooden
bench there. The only thing you can hear is the ship sailing at 20 mph
through the sea. It is an incredible sound.

The string quartet that you were asking about plays classical music will
often be playing in the afternoon at the Lobby Bar, on Deck 3 (Lobby). You
will see them playing when you board the ship, if you board around noon. A
jazz quartet plays at Alfred's Bar, on deck 4 (Atlantic).


> I've seen several recommendations for the Point restaurant, which we plan
> to try, and for the seafood restaurant. - Where is the seafood restaurant,
> and is this an alternative to the main dining rooms, or does it cost
> extra?

The seafood restaurant is called Sur Mer, and to get to it, you take the
stairs that are next to the dessert section on the Lido deck. They ahve some
familiar and more exotic seafood and it is very good. I am not into Sushi,
but they have that as well at Sur Mer as well as a Sushi Bar that I think is
located on Promenade (Deck 5).

> Any recommendations on things to see and do in Jamaica and Grand Cayman? I
> don't have a lot of interest in stingrays and turtles but would be
> interested in seeing some of the historical sites, museums, etc., if
> there are any that are recommended. What languages are spoken on these
> two islands, other than English? Incidentally, what is "Margaritaville"?
> We have been to the city of Tequila, in Mexico, but I've never heard of
> Margaritaville. Sounds like an interesting concept.

In Montego Bay, there is a tour Carnival has called "The Spirit of Montego
Bay" whichi visits some historical sites such as the St. James Church, built
in the 1770's and there is the Croydon Plantation, which has coffee groves.
I enjoyed Margaritaville and enjoyed the Cheeseburger in Paradise and a cold
Red Stripe. There was a great view of the bay and the Conquest from
Margaritiaville.

In Grand Cayman, there are some historical sites you can walk around town to
see, if you are not interested in heading to the stingrays, turtles or the
beaches. There are also the stores that sell the rum and rum cakes.


> Last, for the Carnival-bashers, I'm aware that Carnival isn't the most
> up-scale cruise line, and that folks have different tastes, but I'm going
> to go with the flow and enjoy the aspects of the cruise and sections of
> the ship that appeal to my wife and/or me. On our last cruise, for about
> $500 per person, we enjoyed the following: saw lots of beautiful scenery
> and some spectacular sunsets; watched the varying colors of the sea and
> experienced the change in climate as the ship cruised to more southern
> latitudes; had some interesting conversations with other passengers while
> enjoying dinners, with some rather nice wines, that would have been in the
> "special treat" category here in Houston (And we didn't even have to drive
> through traffic to get to the restaurants.); enjoyed some pretty
> impressive Broadway type shows and music, outstanding comics, etc.;
> received consistently pleasant and helpful service; (I) ran on the upper
> deck each morning while enjoying 360-degree ocean views, and got in some
> neglected reading. From the two Mexican ports we toured the Chitchen-Itza
> ruins (very impressive); and enjoyed shopping and walks around the island
> and on the mainland. I learned to scuba dive for the first time and
> watched flora and multi-colored fish in the ultra clear water; practiced
> my Spanish while bargaining with the natives; had a few Margaritas at
> Carlos and Charlie; etc. Overall, it seemed like a pretty decent vacation
> experience at a fair price, and I'm looking forward to the November
> cruise.

Like what Mr. Leppla said, I don't concern myself with other people's
opinions. I have been on 4 Carnival Cruises (Conquest twice!) and the next
three I have booked are also on Carnival, including one in 28 days to the
Bahamas. I have been only on Carnival primarily because the past four
cruises were out of New Orleans. For me, the cruises are a great value and
like you, get to see some great ports, great scenery, and wonderful food (I
need to jog around the deck like you do!). You are going to enjoy the
Conquest very much.

David Jacobson
Baton Rouge

Jim Cate wrote:

>
> Hi,
>
> My wife and I will be on the Conquest leaving from Galveston the last
> week in November (7 days, to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and somewhere in
> Mexico depending on storm damage). - This will be our second Carnival
> cruise, and I have several questions that I hope someone can answer.
>
> This is a pretty big boat. - To avoid lines, delays, etc., I'm thinking
> that it would be wise to arrive about three or four hours early, using
> the time to explore the ship and get oriented, and, on leaving, to take
> our time getting off the ship, since we will be driving down to
> Galveston and aren't on any particular schedule. Has Carnival improved
> the processing over the past several years on this ship (or other
> Conquest-class ships), and how are they doing currently as far as
> waiting times, etc. Has anyone taken the cruise from Galveston?
>
> I enjoyed the shows and some of the activities on our last cruise, but I
> also look forward to relaxing with a book, watching the ocean, etc. Any
> suggestions on where to find a relatively quiet area on the ship? (On
> our first cruise, I found that the library was fairly busy, but several
> of the lounges and discos were substantially empty during the day and
> afforded lots of comfortable seating, ocean views, etc.) Do these
> Conquest-class ships have decks, with deck chairs, suitable for a quiet
> hour or so? I've also seen reference to a string quartet on some of the
> Carnival cruises. - Anyone remember seeing one on a Conquest cruise?
>
> I've seen several recommendations for the Point restaurant, which we
> plan to try, and for the seafood restaurant. - Where is the seafood
> restaurant, and is this an alternative to the main dining rooms, or does
> it cost extra?
> Any recommendations on things to see and do in Jamaica and Grand Cayman?
> I don't have a lot of interest in stingrays and turtles but would be
> interested in seeing some of the historical sites, museums, etc., if
> there are any that are recommended. What languages are spoken on these
> two islands, other than English? Incidentally, what is
> "Margaritaville"? We have been to the city of Tequila, in Mexico, but
> I've never heard of Margaritaville. Sounds like an interesting concept.
>
> Last, for the Carnival-bashers, I'm aware that Carnival isn't the most
> up-scale cruise line, and that folks have different tastes, but I'm
> going to go with the flow and enjoy the aspects of the cruise and
> sections of the ship that appeal to my wife and/or me. On our last
> cruise, for about $500 per person, we enjoyed the following: saw lots
> of beautiful scenery and some spectacular sunsets; watched the varying
> colors of the sea and experienced the change in climate as the ship
> cruised to more southern latitudes; had some interesting conversations
> with other passengers while enjoying dinners, with some rather nice
> wines, that would have been in the "special treat" category here in
> Houston (And we didn't even have to drive through traffic to get to the
> restaurants.); enjoyed some pretty impressive Broadway type shows and
> music, outstanding comics, etc.; received consistently pleasant and
> helpful service; (I) ran on the upper deck each morning while enjoying
> 360-degree ocean views, and got in some neglected reading. From the two
> Mexican ports we toured the Chitchen-Itza ruins (very impressive); and
> enjoyed shopping and walks around the island and on the mainland. I
> learned to scuba dive for the first time and watched flora and
> multi-colored fish in the ultra clear water; practiced my Spanish while
> bargaining with the natives; had a few Margaritas at Carlos and Charlie;
> etc. Overall, it seemed like a pretty decent vacation experience at a
> fair price, and I'm looking forward to the November cruise.
>
> Jim
>
>
>
>
Jim,

Best place we found for relaxing outside is on the deck above the Lido
deck, mostly along the sides of the ship. Usually plenty of chairs in
those areas (no pools or entertainment to draw big crowds). Daughters
and I liked the stern on that deck for sunning, but there is some noise
from pools below. Inside, you'll find that most of the day the seats
along the starboard side on Deck 5 are very comfortable and quiet. Near
the specialty coffee shop offers the advantage of coffee and pastry
(extra cost, however).

Can't comment on boarding in Galveston, as we sailed from NOLA last year.

The classical quartet played in the Atrium upon boarding, and in the 4th
floor bar some afternoons (Alfred's?). Jazz in the evenings in Alfred's
was very enjoyable, but be advised that this is the cigar lounge.

Didn't try the Point, as the service and food in the main dining rooms
seemed 5-star enough for us, WITHOUT the extra tariff! I THINK the
seafood restaurant is on Deck 10, above the Lido deck, toward the stern,
and I THINK it is accessible from the rear of the buffet area.

Can't comment on the shore attractions, as I prefer to stay on the ship;
but, daughters had a ball at all three stops. They DID NOT take any of
the ship's tours, but rather booked private scuba dives in the Caymans.
In the other two ports (Montego Bay and Cozumel) they hired taxis at
the dock for tours at very reasonable prices. Even rented a jeep in
Cozumel! However, they were well protected by beefy guys who were
trying for ship-board romances! Fortunately, both girls (adults, mind
you) have more level heads than to go for that!

I know lots of folks look down their noses at Carnival, but we
thoroughly enjoyed both cruises we took together in the last two years.
Also, each daughter separately took other Carnival cruises. We found
the food and entertainment to be top-notch on all cruises. The Destiny
was a bit less deluxe than the Conquest, but still fine for us. The
relaxed atmosphere, with only 2 formal nights, suited us to a T. I used
to go to Vegas every 3 months for some 20 years (lived in Phoenix), and
found the entertainment on the Conquest to be a mini version but just as
professional.

The Conquest has a track around the funnels, either Deck 11 or 12 (10
laps around is a mile, but watch that headwind!). There is even a small
basketball court up there.

HTH!

Stranger

--
Why is it the sensors seeking intelligent life are pointed away from earth?

Stranger,

Thanks for the information. Very helpful.

Jim




me@ wrote:

> J

Jim Cate wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> My wife and I will be on the Conquest leaving from Galveston the last
> week in November (7 days, to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and somewhere in
> Mexico depending on storm damage). - This will be our second Carnival
> cruise, and I have several questions that I hope someone can answer.
>
>
> I enjoyed the shows and some of the activities on our last cruise, but I
> also look forward to relaxing with a book, watching the ocean, etc. Any
> suggestions on where to find a relatively quiet area on the ship? (On
> our first cruise, I found that the library was fairly busy, but several
> of the lounges and discos were substantially empty during the day and
> afforded lots of comfortable seating, ocean views, etc.)

There is a balcony area off of the main lobby, I think on deck 3. It is
almost deserted, and a very relaxing place to read for a while.
(Forgive the non nautical terms).
>
> > Any recommendations on things to see and do in Jamaica and Grand Cayman?
> I don't have a lot of interest in stingrays and turtles but would be
> interested in seeing some of the historical sites, museums, etc., if
> there are any that are recommended.


We had a blast on the Canopy Tour in Jamaica. It is called Zip Lining
in some areas. You can read the description on Carnival's web site.

Jim Cate wrote:
> Hi,
>
> My wife and I will be on the Conquest leaving from Galveston the last
> week in November (7 days, to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and somewhere in
> Mexico depending on storm damage). - This will be our second Carnival
> cruise, and I have several questions that I hope someone can answer.
>
> This is a pretty big boat. - To avoid lines, delays, etc., I'm thinking
> that it would be wise to arrive about three or four hours early, using
> the time to explore the ship and get oriented, and, on leaving, to take
> our time getting off the ship, since we will be driving down to
> Galveston and aren't on any particular schedule. Has Carnival improved
> the processing over the past several years on this ship (or other
> Conquest-class ships), and how are they doing currently as far as
> waiting times, etc. Has anyone taken the cruise from Galveston?
>
> I enjoyed the shows and some of the activities on our last cruise, but I
> also look forward to relaxing with a book, watching the ocean, etc. Any
> suggestions on where to find a relatively quiet area on the ship? (On
> our first cruise, I found that the library was fairly busy, but several
> of the lounges and discos were substantially empty during the day and
> afforded lots of comfortable seating, ocean views, etc.) Do these
> Conquest-class ships have decks, with deck chairs, suitable for a quiet
> hour or so? I've also seen reference to a string quartet on some of the
> Carnival cruises. - Anyone remember seeing one on a Conquest cruise?
>
> I've seen several recommendations for the Point restaurant, which we
> plan to try, and for the seafood restaurant. - Where is the seafood
> restaurant, and is this an alternative to the main dining rooms, or does
> it cost extra?
>
> Any recommendations on things to see and do in Jamaica and Grand Cayman?
> I don't have a lot of interest in stingrays and turtles but would be
> interested in seeing some of the historical sites, museums, etc., if
> there are any that are recommended. What languages are spoken on these
> two islands, other than English? Incidentally, what is
> "Margaritaville"? We have been to the city of Tequila, in Mexico, but
> I've never heard of Margaritaville. Sounds like an interesting concept.
>
> Last, for the Carnival-bashers, I'm aware that Carnival isn't the most
> up-scale cruise line, and that folks have different tastes, but I'm
> going to go with the flow and enjoy the aspects of the cruise and
> sections of the ship that appeal to my wife and/or me. On our last
> cruise, for about $500 per person, we enjoyed the following: saw lots
> of beautiful scenery and some spectacular sunsets; watched the varying
> colors of the sea and experienced the change in climate as the ship
> cruised to more southern latitudes; had some interesting conversations
> with other passengers while enjoying dinners, with some rather nice
> wines, that would have been in the "special treat" category here in
> Houston (And we didn't even have to drive through traffic to get to the
> restaurants.); enjoyed some pretty impressive Broadway type shows and
> music, outstanding comics, etc.; received consistently pleasant and
> helpful service; (I) ran on the upper deck each morning while enjoying
> 360-degree ocean views, and got in some neglected reading. From the two
> Mexican ports we toured the Chitchen-Itza ruins (very impressive); and
> enjoyed shopping and walks around the island and on the mainland. I
> learned to scuba dive for the first time and watched flora and
> multi-colored fish in the ultra clear water; practiced my Spanish while
> bargaining with the natives; had a few Margaritas at Carlos and Charlie;
> etc. Overall, it seemed like a pretty decent vacation experience at a
> fair price, and I'm looking forward to the November cruise.
>
> Jim