PamalaX

We cruised 10 days to Alaska and back ending on the 20th and they did have the blue blankets and are readily available if you ask the cabin stewards 

There is a YouTube l feed with audio if you want to listen in.  They opened the cargo side but the cruise channel remains closed as the accident took place in the narrowest part.  Along with investigation they mentioned in audio that the smaller ship ( 30ft they’ve said ) that hit the ferry sank.  My question there is what sort of depth clearance they have if it one the bottom in the passage point?  Anyway if you have access try that port of Miami live channel with audio and you can hear more 

What are they going to do with all those ships? Unload and anchor offshore?  There is not near enough space to have all in port at once.  What about all the staff on all those ships?  Port cams will be crazy to watch the next few days I would think,  

Ready for more.

Did they have a Quest game on The Glory when you sailed? Apparently not all ships do the game but being such a hoot when on The Conquest last year I was so hoping there would be a Carnival Quest night. I don't know if you went so you'd know first hand but if you have the Funtimes it might be listed one night, very late... 11 or 12, in those.

Just curious since we leave this Saturday and I am so hoping to Quest again.

I actually also prefer cruising a bit smaller ship on Carnival as well. Breeze the biggest we've been on nice we have actually stuck with conquest class after that cruise. Breeze was a lovely ship and we had a fun trip but it just felt much more crowded to me than the feel I get on a conquest size ship. The pool area was a big sell for me. The stadium seating style around the pool on the smaller ship just offers so much more room. I liked the Breeze for looks but when it comes to the right size crowd and best pool set up I go smaller Carnival every time..

Less a complaint more than a face that says it all.

The Never Ending Birthday

Last year we cruised right after my son's 19th birthday. Not sure how they do it but each night they seemed to bring cakes and do the birthday sing deal to several people in the dinner hour. I never told them my son had a birthday near sail time so I can only assume they get birthdays around or near the night of dinner from guest info.

No one told them but BOY OH BOT DID THEY KNOW about his birthday.

The first night with cake and song went nice. He was little embarrassed but handled it well because it was a one time deal. At least he thought it was a one time deal. Again I don't know how they get names and birthdays for dining celebrations if you do not actually request one but they had his this one cruise became the never ending birthday for my Ryan.

FOUR different nights along came a cake and the waitstaff singing to him.

Yes, the easiest thing in the world would have been to tell them but it was almost impossible since they hid the little cake for a surprise until the last moment so you didn't know it was coming AGAIN until they were all gathered around the table. You can't really say *You did this last night... the night before..,. and the night before.. * when they are already standing there with candle lit and singing. There was no way to stop it gracefully do that Conquest cruise will forever be the cruise of Ryan endless birthday.

No complaint really but there is still funny to be had in the story and this picture of his face as he sees them coming with yet another cake and chorus of * Happy Birthday to you... *

We set sail on the 13th as well so its great to get to come along for the ride now. Thanks so much for sharing and have a great trip.

We were on the Breeze a few years back and got on an elevator that had two boys ( about 14 & 12 ) in the back with one sitting on the floor head in hands as the other leaned over him. Watching for a moment a man next to them asked if they were okay. The older one said their parents had gone to the steak house and while they were gone the other boy had gotten into the mini bar and tried a bunch of the alcohols in there. Before the man could say anything the older one asked the guy if there was any trick he could use to sober up his brother before his parents came back and caught him. The man looked at the boys and said "Not really and it doesn't matter because all those little bottles cost a fortune. Even if you sober him up you're going to be dead meat when your Dad see's the bill." The one on the floor stood up looking suddenly sober as the older one turned green -- I suspect there was a keep an eye on your brother in the deal -- to the point I thought he was going to barf before tiny bottle boy did. Couple beats and the boys shuffled out through the open door to meet their doom.

My money is on waiting for the old *buy and drink get wifi* when they are port to send an update.

We'll see if we hear from them while in port tomorrow. If not could be one of those tell ya about it when we are back in the USA reports. Either way I look very forward to hearing all about the trip.

Cannot wait to see your pictures.

Have a great trip!

It was next to us coming and going this time around and my kids, 22 and 19, had no envy at all. All they saw was crowds and long lines when they saw the size of that one next door. Heck because of the lower passenger numbers and the great layout around the pool area they even preferred the Conquest to our Breeze trip. They enjoyed and certainly saw the appeal in the new and bigger but they love relaxing around the pool so much that all the tiers and lounging room on that size ship won out. Just booked for next year and they passed up Vista for another Conquest class ship in Glory.

Have a great time.

San Juan?

Just for curiosity does anyone know why port days here are so short? We were only there until 2pm this cruise and our next is still only to 3. Not really a big deal I guess but I'm just sort of wondering since it always seems the shortest stop.

Lets go mostly pictures with a bit of commentary.

Some went up to the Fort for time but beyond that we just sort of hung around town having a drink, getting a bite and SHOPPING. Shopping was good. Daughter got herself a snappy MK knock off ( should have gotten myself one ) handbag while the rest of us bought T shirts. Beyond the shopping for keepsakes I love how everyone went nuts at the CVS before boarding. Crazy busy in there with cruisers buying soda, snacks and all kinds of goodies in bulk like they were back in the USA. USA shopping and boy oh boy did everyone go right for their cellphones.

Conquest in the San Juan sunshine.

Well in the sun until the rain came at sail away time.

Only rain we got all cruise it really came down in buckets leaving San Juan.

Love the look of it all there.

Cobblestones all over with narrow roads. Find it visually appealing to the point I just sort of wandered around looking at it all much of the time.

A Hillary gal myself I thought some would enjoy this.

Rain starting to fall as we go we got one last look at the fort on sail away.

My pleasure. I love reading reviews -- been reading Glory ones since we booked a week back -- so I figure the least I can do in return is offer up one myself.

As for the embarkation issues thing we only went to Port Everglades this once and heading back to Miami for the next cruise I think we'll be hard pressed to give it another go. Beyond the problems from this go these is something much more appealing about the Miami port for me. The facilities you use are very nice and, if you are lucky enough to be be pointed wrong way around, I LOVE the experience of going down and using the turning basin before you set sail. If something comes up that cannot be passed up we may try again but for no once was enough.

Now that I think about it has anyone, one with more experiences there, had a smooth or easy embarkation at Port Everglades? One from the past or even perhaps an update from those of you still to leave out of there this Summer. I'd be curious to hear how it went after you sail and wager a few others would want to know as well. Just if you are willing of course.

Two ports down and two to go I say its time for a look around the ship.

Sound good?

Daughter who just graduated college had a nice run of luck.

Won $50 at BINGO and was picked and won at Hasbro the Game Show.

Okay its not a *big girl job* win yet but it was still a nice little run.

Deck parties!

This was 80's night and what you are seeing is a lot of less than pro dancers working their very best Thriller moves.

Movies, with enough popcorn to go around for a change, anyone?

Shows were good BUT even I am starting to wonder how often the come up with new ones after seeing "The Brits" yet again. Seriously how often do they change these shows? Lines were long for the comedy shows but this was the first time I ever got in and got a good seat without having to wait forever outside beforehand. More points for the May sailing.

Did some karaoke and finally was able to stay up late enough to go to *The Quest*... which is tons of fun and a complete riot. Well maybe not so much fun if you are easily offended but we loved it and understanding "the first rule of Quest is we don't talk about Quest" lets just say I'm glad I had on a long blouse so the potential son in law could borrow and wear my skirt when he needed it most. Just go... or ... uhhh... maybe don't if you get offended or embarrassed easily.

Sorry for the gap in posting. We took what we called a hometown excursion to the art museum all day yesterday.

Anyhow, back now lets get back to it.

On to stop two, St Kitts.

The guys, husband and son, had a snorkeling excursion planned so they were up, fed and off the boat bright and early. That left the daughter, her fella and I to enjoy the port. That was the idea until we stepped off the boat and the *Got a great tour for you* guys came calling. They were a little pushy but the one we finally gave in and stopped to talk to was also funny and sweet. I guess lesson learned there is if one of them rubs you the wrong way walk on to the next. Anyway he started his pitch on a great and beautiful tour of the island complete with tasty rum punch for only $15 each. Young and on a tight budget the daughter pulled a ten out, looked at it and said "I don't know." After a quick look at their faces and a motherly "You think you really want to go." I pulled out a twenty making the man say "Hey! Thanks to your Mom it looks like its a beautiful rum punch tour for $5 each." Laughs all around the kids passed over their 10, my twenty and they were on their way.

The daughters review upon return:

"Sort of thought we were going to get murdered when the guy led us down an alley and behind a building but at the end of that was a full open air bus of people and we felt safer knowing that was a lot to kill all at once. Kidding aside its was really a great tour. The scenery was beautiful, punch was good and everyone had a good time together for the two hours."

She says its a really good deal if you are looking for something to do there spur of the moment and don't want to break the bank.

That left me on my own.

For the record I suffer from Fibromyalgia. Struggling with pain all the time and crippled by it if I push too hard I tend to let them go off and do these things while I hang about shopping and enjoying the port. While it sounds a little sad and lonely believe me its not at all to me. I LOVE people watching and being Mom, wife and a host of things with loads of people around means I am rarely alone in real life. A cool drink with a comfy seat where I can sit and watch the world go by really is my idea of good time. I probably look a lil pathetic doing this to passers by but I really am having a great time.

Great port with fun had by all.

As always any question at all just ask away.

Oh and PICTURES!!

We just stayed at the Springhill Suites in Dania Beach. While its a little bit higher we only paid about $140 a night for a really good sized room ( two beds and a fold out couch in the sitting area ) that had a big shopping center and restaurants right across the street. We had a rental car so we didn't need it but they said they had port transport available for guests to the port.

Oh and on the rental car idea if you look around you can get one dirt cheap for a day or two. We paid $24, $35 with all the taxes and such, for a full size car big enough for 5 and Alamo gave us transport to and from the port in the deal. If you think you may want to do a car at all do some searches at the travel sites for cars and then just wait for better prices. Once you show your interest they will just keep sending you lower and lower price offers. We needed something bigger but if we could have done with a smaller that sat 4 the last offer I had via email was a compact for $17 a day.

Happy travels!

Yep, agreed that is one great day trip for anyone with a day in St Maarten.

Yeah we were hearing the same thing inside the building. The number varied from 4 to 6 people but some people not showing up as going off the ship ( really wonder if they may have gone out without card scanned ) was what we heard over and over about the delay.

Sorry to hear you suffered that badly in the muster. I was extremely uncomfortable but never really feeling I'd drop. Oh and I was in the second to the back row at just 5ft tall. The more they said take a step back and scoot closer together the more I was getting squished in there. Everyone around me much taller I couldn't see anything at all and felt like there was NO AIR down my way. The only saving grace was the guy next to me, one I suspect had had a few, making jokes about our muster area "C". Just a little fun'n on the fact we were in "C"

"Can you C anything?... I don't C why we have have to stand here so long ... Can they C we are dying in this heat." Myself and another joined in with our own C jokes and all had fun until I sang "Oh say can you C". Right about then the mans wife looked over at all of us and said " Enough! ". Not mean, pretty funny timing and lets be honest as miserable as we all were the lady had a point so we shut up and waited sweating quietly until released. :)

Maho Beach and the motherload top dog of plane-spotting.

The endless birthday boy, Ryan, is a life long aviation junkie who began studying Aviation at Western Michigan University in the fall of 2015. After completing his freshman year and spending a life time -- started after 5th grade -- taking summer plane-spotting trips it was at last time to go to the spot all aviation junkie long for.

After extensive research thanks to the webcam from PTZTV we knew Tuesdays were fabulous days for heavy ( really big planes) arrivals and departures. He was going see good stuff and *ride the fence* behind a big, big aircraft. It was a moment of a lifetime for him and I highly recommend a trip out here for anyone who finds that sort of thing even a little entertaining.

Wasn't long after we got there it was clear something big was on the way in.

Something real, real big!

Drawing a huge crowd and load of excitement when she landed things got even more fun when she turned around and readied to leave an hour later.

People went right for the fence to do the world famous *riding the fence*.

Can't say I was thrilled to see it but both boys, son and husband, ran off to join the rest of the crazies.

She came down, turned around and was ready to go.

Hold on boys!

Both described it as holding on for dear life while being hit in the face by the heat of 100 furnaces as the little needles from high speed sand grains pelt your body. Awful sounding to me they were beyond thrilled and loved every minute of it. Be bragging on this one for years. LOL

Heck of an experience!

To be honest it was fairly expensive at $9 a head for the cab both out and back, big $$ for lunch on the beach and way too much in the gift shop. It was pricey but in the end it was worth it and I would do it again as well as recommend it highly to anyone who thinks that would find that sort of thrill

First stop after two sea days was St Maartens. First time here and really the reason, get to that in the next set of pictures, we were on this itinerary.

For now how about a few general pictures of St Maarten's.

Loved the port for many reasons and really hope to go back one day. Its a beautiful place with one attraction we had to see.. again that part coming soon.

For now...

Gorgeous place we hated to leave.

At least this sight as we sailed away help.

Just so I don't keep you wondering I will get to pictures of our day trip at St Maarten right away. ;)

I've certainly heard some don't care for the ship and naturally respect that. That said we really like it and honestly do to the point we sailed her our last two in a row and actually went out of our way to chose another Conquest class ship ( The Glory ) for next May.

I know she is a little older and may need some fixes here and there ( we did see a lot of painting and other repairs here and there which was new from our 2014 Conquest trip ) but there is something about her that has been good for us personally. I think the biggest thing for me is crowds. Biggest comparison for me and the reason we developed an affection for Conquest was a trip on Breeze in 2013. Don't get me wrong it was a beautiful ship and great trip but it also really felt so much more crowded. Never got near the pools there and each time there the buffet lines ran all down the side to or past the deli window. Very nice but just too big and too many people for me. Pool deck, movies, buffet, theater and all the rest just have a less crowded ease to me on Conquest... hopefully also on her sister Glory too. Never much of a line at the buffet, great seats for shows including comedy and always a good spot for sunning and movies nights is just a big win for us.

As far as service aside from the perpetual BDay cake thing our dining experiences were super this time. Best prime rib I ever had on a cruise, endless lobster tails -- they kept bringing the guys another one! -- and all our servers were nothing short of adorable. I did run into a couple cranky bartenders but just a couple and some of the others made up for that 10x over. I was using my TWD Tervis tumbler and always had a smile for the one bartender that always gave me a "Looks like Walking Dead Diet Coke is back... how much ice this time love. Stuff like that sort of wipes out the bad to me. Food and drink service aces our cabin steward, on his first trip out, was wonderful and I must say the guy cleaning the smoking area on his last trip out before a break -- "Mr. Look a Whale! -- was utterly fantastic.

I guess it comes down to each individual experience? I'm sure many thought the brand new Breeze ideal where I felt miserable in the crowds and lines. Crowds the worst for me I suppose the lack of that may make me not notice things other may see far more clearly? Sorry to hear it wasn't as good for for others I just wanted to share my points of appreciation for those yet to try The Conquest. Take her out, put your feet up with a cold drink and see what you think. :)

So you were guys were stuck standing too then. Hopefully there were at least restroom? The worst part where we were was the stuck just before the security check so long. Once one person had to go NOW ( its was a really long time so you can blame anyone) many needed to so the security people ended up restroom escorts. Looks like it didn't go well for anyone that day. Sure hope that sort of thing is the exception and not the rule there.

Impressive with so much in airport, hotels and the rest it really was just that one thing that pushed us back to Miami. Knowing my luck we'll have some of the same in Miami next May. LOL

Actually we had two sea days before St Maarten so I will slip some stuff in here, including a hilarious story about the birthday that never ends, before getting to the St Maarten port day.

Love my sea days! Part of my favorite thing about cruising is these days. Husband and daughter are big itinerary planners so time like this when they can not do that is fantastic.

Loads of looking around the ship, sunning, eating and just plain old taking it easy.

Dancing late into the night.

After all that we have the Birthday that never ended.

My son has his 19th birthday on May 8th. First dinner on the MDR they came over with a lil cake and made a event out of singing to him. Very nice and enjoyed then it wore thin and had us all laughing to tears when the same thing happened over and over all cruise long.

I have no idea if they just look for someone who has a Bday near that time or what but none of us ever told them to do it once let alone night after night. Once it had happen THREE different dinner times the boy lived in fear of the wee cake. He would spend dinner looking around to see if there was a cake at the ready and would make plans to make a run for it if he saw it coming again.

It really was hilarious and while I know they easy thing to do was to say they already did the cake when the brought it again you really couldn't because by the time you knew it was going to happen AGAIN there was already a crowd gathered, lighted candle and staff standing around happily singing. Just couldn't say "been there and done this" in the middle of their song and smiles.

So this was the cruise of Ryan's endless 19th Birthday.

WE got there at about noon? You guys should be fine with the FTTF. I think those people were the ones sitting in the lounge area rather than standing in the son. Our issues we unusual I think and once they did the search and cleared the ship things moved fast.

Have fun!!!

Embarkation was horrific. We dropped off the car got our free Alamo bus to the port and thought WOW this so easy. WE WERE WRONG! Everything went smooth until just after we went through the Id check and got into the line for the metal-detectors. Sorry to hear you guys were stuck outside for that mess Joanne. As we stood for hours inside I wondered what was happening outside the building. Relived to hear they were giving water it must have been just miserable out there. Cool inside we were still getting tired and before long security had to start escorting people from the line to bathroom. A real mess and I don't know if its true but the word inside was there was a search underway because 4 people were not checked out -- by body or just missed card? -- the ship. It took forever, people beyond grouchy everywhere and I won't be including a sail away picture but we looked like axe murders rather than gleeful vacationers after the embarkation process. No idea if this is normal or often for Port Everglades but the experience was so bad we booked our next for May 2017 back to Miami.

Here is the point where we pulled up and thought "This is easy"

Oh and the muster. Anyone ever just drop to the ground from heat and fatigue in one of those? Completely understand the why but I just wish there was some way to keep from feeling I may pass out from the heat crammed so tight with everyone out on that deck.

Getting going a nightmare we made it and with drinks in hand and down the hatch everyone enjoyed out sail-a-away.

Oasis was our Port Buddy

Away she goes and that means we are next,

No clue what this was about but made one fell awful safe as you sail.

After the long wait everyone got in the swing of things real fast. I think everyone had a bite to eat and went right for the sun after the embarkation struggles.

Away we go!

Daughter in the white hat wasted no time shaking it with cocktail in hand.

Here we come ST Maarten!