luvtovaca

I'm hoping Viking is later than 3:30. Otherwise, that will put quite a damper in our Lucerne plans. Unfortunately, I booked through a travel agent, and I can get no information from Viking. My travel agent has been less than helpful. Learned my lesson for the next time though -- I will book direct.

We have a few things in common...We are also sailing this route in April with Viking, and also booked through a travel agent who has been less than helpful with this type of information. (I am very used to planning our own trips.) Anyhow, friends of my in laws sailed this route with Viking recently and I asked the same question about timing and arrival. The answer from their experience was that they were taken directly to the ship from the airport and were on board by around 11 am. There was a buffet lunch served, followed by a walking tour of Basel for those interested, cocktail hour at 5:30, dinner at 7:15 and cast off was at 9 pm. Hope this helps!

We also picked Conquest over Magic for the Christmas cruise we just took last month. I narrowed it down to both and our adult kids ages 18 to 21 actually chose the older Conquest without the ropes and water slides the Magic has as they were more interested in going to ports we had not been to. We had a great time. I could have eaten only at Guys, Blue Iguana or the BBQ place the entire 8 days, all were very good (in my opinion). The ship does show its age, but it offers a lot and we enjoyed it. This was an 8 day Eastern to Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Maarten and St. Kitts. Enjoy your cruise and initiating the newbie cruisers!

One person from each room needs to go to guest services as soon as you board. Get "room only" keys to each others rooms. Then, sleep and live where you want for the cruise. As long as you aren't trying to put 3 in one of the 2 only rooms, this should work. The booking rules are pretty much just that. Once on board, Carnival and the room stewards don't care who sleeps where as long as the numbers in the cabins are correct.

We got off the Conquest a few week ago. Had 11:30-12 check in time. Got to port around 11 and dropped our bags with porters. They didn't check our time and we got in line. We were through check in, security had our S&S cards, etc. pretty quickly. By the time we got through we hit the restrooms and our boarding group (5) was called. We never sat down! On board by noon or so.

I had found out on these boards that the Steakhouse Bar had a scotch or brandy or something that was in the $25 range, so we went there one night, just for the bar, not to eat (well 2 nights actually as the first night they made DH and DS leave since they were in shorts). Anyhow we told the bartender our plan and she said the most $$ she had that was permitted under Cheers was Hennessey and Hennessey XO at $14.95 a piece. So we each chose one, drank them and left. Had I been able to convince the men on the family to wear their dinner pants every night pre or post dinner and not just TO dinner, we would have gone more often and definitely gotten our $ worth LOL! Most of the drinks at Alchemy come close though, being in the $11.95 to $12.95 range. We are not big whiskey, scotch or cognac drinkers anyway and with the bottles of water, shakes and vitamin waters we consumed plus the alcoholic drinks we surely came close to breaking even. (Afraid to actually add it up!) We like the flexibility of trying things and not worrying about it if we didn't like it and got something else.

We just got off the Conquest last week. We booked late and the earliest available time was 11:30-12. I asked on these boards and folks said actual earliest is 11. I can tell you it wasn't "strictly" enforced (or at all). We arrived via shuttle from our hotel and were in the line to enter the terminal after checking our bags with the porters by 11. No one stopped us or checked our documents to see what time we had. They also didn't stop people who brought full sized suitcases into the terminal, although they must have sent them back at some point as these folks were sans HUGE suitcases once in the boarding area. We checked in, went through security, got our S&S cards, and were given boarding zone 5. We literally had time to use the bathrooms and were called to board and on the ship by noon, maybe a little later. I am one of those who likes to be at the port super early when it has been allowed. First time with staggered boarding for us. We have never had a line because we always arrive just as they open to let you in. This time we had the lines which moved quickly, but we didn't sit around once through them. So, same amount of time, just moving through instead off waiting. Hope this helps!

Just wanted to come back on here and say we had a positive experience with Karib on Christmas Day. I know there have been mixed reports. We had pre-reserved 2 golf carts and they were very responsive to all correspondence. They were waiting exactly where they said they would be and our carts were ready to go. Gave us a map, some instructions and collected our balance (of course!) and the $6 for gas. Boogie was a hoot giving us his take on the island! Carts were in OK shape. One was slower than the other. If we didn't have 2 we probably wouldn't have noticed. I would definitely recommend them.

We were just there on Christmas Day. Had pre reserved 2 golf carts through Karib. Mixed reviews on here, but only vendor that was responsive and we had a great experience with them. Only complaint and really wasn't an issue was that one cart was faster than the other (only cared because our young adult kids cared lol!). I agree with the others, definitely do the cart first, return it and do anything else you want. Ours was guaranteed held for one hour after ships arrival (they track the ships) unless we notified them otherwise. We went down to lighthouse, paid our $3 entry fee which is in turn put toward any purchase at the snack shack or gift shop, then to Pillory beach to look around, on to Governors to hang for a while and stopped at Jacks Shack where my family decided they didn't want to stay (bummer). Returned carts and hung at beach at the port before getting back on the ship. Driving was just fine and I'm a worry wart! There is little to no traffic and they all are very aware of the tourists and even honk and wave before and during passing you! We enjoyed our day, hope you do too!

My kids were all mixed up too. They are twins so same birthdate and system was confused by it. They each had multiple VIFP #s as well. Our PVP took care of it. She had to contact another department though. They combined each account and issued one VIFP # per person. So, if your parents have multiple VIFP#s it is still able to be fixed. You just have to get through to the right person I guess. For us it was our PVP. Within a few hours, it showed up correctly on line.

If you are referring to the free trolley, which I think you are as that's the one people on here recommend walking to a different stop for...My advice is to avoid it!!! We waited and waited only to find people we met on our ship had gotten on it The got off at the stop we were waiting at as it took a half an hour to go 2 blocks! It appeared there was only one trolley. My mom waited as we toured the fort and she only saw one trolley come and stop. It got there maybe an hour after we did by cab. We ended up taking a cab to El Morro for $17. Did we get taken paying that to go maybe a mile or so? Probably, but after waiting in the heat we gave up and were frustrated so $17 for 6 people didn't sound bad!

Also just of Conquest. I've always used the hair dryers provided. This one was as bad as the other posters have said! It ate my hair more than once which led to a burning smell, its tiny, has little power and the two worst things are the cord comes out of a drawer which gives no freedom drying long thick hair and also you have to hold the power button down to make it work. I will always bring my travel hair dryer from now on!

The bad: it looks like half the crew is missing. Dinner took 90 minutes on the first three nights. Drink orders were wrong, the lido ares take a long time for tables to get cleaned, there is an absence of cruise staff as the production dancers did the sail away party and the ship needs a good power washing. If dress guidelines are your thing stay away. Basketball shorts and hats at the first formal dinner last night, guys without shirts and women without swim cover ups getting lunch were the norm.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I agree we had the same experience in the main dining room except the first night. We had no issues with Lido being cleaned and cleared. In fact they seemed to be right there as soon as we finished to clear our plates. As far as the attire, we saw the same things mentioned here, but I don't think that is a Conquest thing, some folks just do their own thing if no one says anything. I have to say I don't care what folks wear to dinner, as long as they are clothed. But bathing suits without cover ups anywhere is just gross and unsanitary. At least wrap a towel around yourself people others of us will be sitting where you just sat to eat!:eek:

And today we are not being let off the ship as of 1:30pm here in San Juan. 11am was our scheduled time of arrival. The ship could not make speed.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

This happened to us in San Juan on Conquest last week. It was very choppy and windy and it wasn't because the ship COULDN'T make speed it was because it had to pull into port slower than usual for safety. We got off an hour later than scheduled but they did let us stay an hour longer too.

We were just there. We also have twins who are now 21, but I am a worry wart Mom and when they were 2 years old I would have definitely felt safe with them at Carambola. The beach is narrow but decent size, however as you walk further down toward the black sand beach portion where there are island type beach club/bars it gets extremely narrow. We saw many families with little ones down that end and literally their chairs were at or in the water. This particular stretch of beach didn't seem safe for the young kids. The water was pretty choppy the day we were there. So, my point is if you go to this stretch of beach, Carambola is the best area for what you want, stay in that area. You can reserve lounge chairs and umbrellas for $10 a piece. They provided so much shade that we put the umbrellas down for a bit to actually get some sun! The bathrooms are VERY clean and there are showers to rinse off as well. We didn't order anything but there is food and drink service as well. We enjoyed our day. It is about a 15 minute cab ride from the port and should cost $4 per person each way.

We are just of the Conquest and had a wonderful time. That being said, I can see how people say she shows her age/wear and tear. Nothing that ruined our vacation, but needs some freshening up which I hear she is due to get soon in the fall? We loved Guys burgers, Blue Iguana (breakfast burritos!) and the BBQ station had great pulled pork! The ship was pretty easy to navigate, although I do prefer a ship with an outside deck that goes all the way around. The crew was fantastic, so polite, referred to each of us by name and went out of their ways to make your day great in whatever way possible. We had a last minute switch to your time dining from late dining and except for the first night, service was extremely slow. Not sure why as the waitstaff was constantly working and coming around. We figured either too many folks showed up when we did and not enough staff, or the backup was in the kitchen. Didn't bother us except one night where we were late to the show because of it. This was not of our favorite cruises or ships, but we had a great time! We enjoyed the shows, the 80's one and Flick were our favorites. Piano bar and comedy clubs were also a great time! As for no serenity area, in my experience unless I am looking for a chair by myself, I have never gotten a spot so I didn't miss it. This cruise there were 3 of us looking for chairs together so that would have been even harder with serenity. If that is the only downfall for you, I say go for the Conquest anyway!

Did you go to the Piano Bar at all? Who was the entertainer? How were they?

 

Thanks!!

We are just off this sailing too. We spent a few nights in the piano bar so I will give an honest answer of our experience. Ewart was the piano player. We've had better on other cruises, but he kept us entertained and knew each and every repeat customer by name, which impressed us. It tended to be the same 12-15 songs every night and there were a lot of requests he "didn't know" and he didn't have an iPad "live" as others have had in the past to get the song you want. Not sure if that's a Carnival thing or the piano player. Songs were also repeated on the same nights, which we didn't mind since if we missed a favorite he was still willing to play it again. Other piano players have said they've already played it and refused. For us its the people who go that make it even more entertaining!! We really enjoyed ourselves each time we went!

The new policy is also for fire safety, not just making a mess of the doors and walls. We just got off of a Christmas cruise on the Conquest and I can tell you it didn't appear to be being enforced. We brought on 2 small tabletop pre-lit palm trees as well as gel window clings and a short strand of battery operated lights. I found most on clearance or at a dollar store, so I was fully prepared to toss and cut our losses if anything was confiscated at security or taken down by room steward. None of that happened. I took it all down before we disembarked. Funny, though for a holiday cruise there were very few doors decorated, even less than I've seen on any cruise. There were stockings, wrapping paper, hats, foam cutouts, etc. on several doors, though, all of which are supposedly not allowed. I used long Christmas themed socks as stockings for each of our rooms for under the trees as I figured if they called me out on it they were technically "clothing". (Got that tip here on Cruise Critic!).

We are booked on Glory for Feb 11 out of Miami. We want to book FTTF but it is sold out. Do they ever open up more spots as the cruise date gets closer? Appreciate any insight.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

This is all the OP asked. Just sayin'...

I've had the same problem for our sailing later this week. Been checking multiple times a day when I can. Scored FTTF the other day BUT only for one cabin (we have 2). Hoping another opens up but if not, I'll need to cancel the one we do have. (Probably make someone else happy LOL!) So, yes, keep checking. I'd heard first thing in the morning worked for some, not sure why, but that's when I found the one I got!

Thanks! We leave in just a few days so not sure I will email. But good to know in the future. Enjoy Alaska! It's on our list...

ETA I went ahead and emailed, figured what the heck!

We actually are having this done on our Alaska cruise next summer. We actually have already informed carnival in writing with both Booking Numbers so they could remove the panel. We were told by carnival that they have to notify Coast Guard of the rooms that are having this done and that the sooner we ask the more likely we have of being able to have it done. They confirmed via email to us so we can just present this on board if its not done already.

 

we also made sure that our joining rooms were capable of having it done when we booked because some rooms they cannot do this to due to location and or barrier is not removable.

Could you elaborate on how you notified them and got confirmation? We have had this done once and are planning on doing it again on our cruise next week. Both times, before booking we made sure via the cabin website and our PVP that the balconies we chose were able to have the divider removed. Last time, we went right to guest services upon boarding as we were told (and one member from each cabin has to go) and plan to do the same again. If there is a way to have it prepared in advance, I'd love to know! Thanks!

Grand Turk as well as all of the ports on this Conquest sailing 12/23 are one hour ahead of Eastern Time. So one hour ahead of ship time. Hope this helps. We are also looking forward to being in Grand Turk on Christmas Day!

We felt slightly less "laid back" on NCL. Also didn't like having to prebook the shows we wanted to attend. I'd rather get there early grab a good seat and have a drink and relax than have to decide before I've even boarded the ship where and when I want to be each night for entertainment. That being said we enjoyed both lines and would cruise both again! For us its itinerary and date based choices followed of course by cost. I also agree with the previous poster who noted the Legend was an awkward layout. My family would laugh as they saw me going round and round the pool decks when I was just trying to get back to the cabin! (I don't have a great sense of direction though.) But again, would still sail that ship again! We have thoroughly enjoyed all of our CCL and NCL cruises! Have a great trip, we would love to do Alaska some day!

Glad it got sorted out! We had a similar problem because our DS's are twins. Carnival got confused with the same birthdates! Was fine for first 2 cruises, oddly though. Called our PVP and she took care of it. They issued a completely new number for one and credited the missing cruise. Computers aren't as smart as we humans give them credit for!

Not necessarily - in our experience with private tours most go by island time and expect you to do so as well. Last winter in both St Kitts and in St Maarten ship time was 1 hour different than island and both of our private tours operated on Island time. Both were with reputable well known companies.

Thank you! Someone "gets it". This is exactly why I posed the question. Now I know I'm not being a worried tourist. I will re-contact the tour operator when it gets closer...