Sunshine or Conquest for 8 day Southern Itinerary?

Hey guys!

Just back Saturday from our family Magic cruise and DH and I are looking at a Southern for next February.

Looks like we've narrowed it down to the Sunshine or the Conquest. DH doesn't like to fly so Sunshine would be best travel

wise, but we've already been on the Sunshine and never on the Conquest. We did like the Sunshine though!

Sunshine is a 3 port, 4 sea day cruise going to Aruba, Curacao and Grand Turk. Conquest is a 4 port, 3 sea day cruise going to

Princess Cay, Grand Turk, Curacao and Aruba.

DH likes port days more than sea days, I don't really care either way. We have never been to Aruba, Curacao or Princess Cay.

Help me decide - what are your pros and cons on ships and itineraries?

Thanks in advance.

I've never heard of 4 ports in 3 days. Is that really a thing?

I've never heard of 4 ports in 3 days. Is that really a thing?

NO...LOL....She meant 4 days at port and 3 sea days for the cruise

Since DH likes port days, how about the brand new Horizon over Valentine's Day leaving on Feb 9? It goes to Aruba, Curacao, Grand Turk and La Romana DR. It'll be the newest afloat with all of the bells and whistles. Here's a link to some of the new shows that will be on the ship, including the return of live music to the main showroom. https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=8419. And just in case DH likes beer, here is a link about four new craft beers that will be brewed onboard. https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=8324

Princess Cay would tip the scale to the Conquest for me

Hey guys!

 

Just back Saturday from our family Magic cruise and DH and I are looking at a Southern for next February.

 

Looks like we've narrowed it down to the Sunshine or the Conquest. DH doesn't like to fly so Sunshine would be best travel

wise, but we've already been on the Sunshine and never on the Conquest. We did like the Sunshine though!

 

Sunshine is a 3 port, 4 sea day cruise going to Aruba, Curacao and Grand Turk. Conquest is a 4 port, 3 sea day cruise going to

Princess Cay, Grand Turk, Curacao and Aruba.

 

DH likes port days more than sea days, I don't really care either way. We have never been to Aruba, Curacao or Princess Cay.

 

Help me decide - what are your pros and cons on ships and itineraries?

 

Thanks in advance.

Too funny. We did the Magic and January and are having the same debate at our house regarding the same 2 ships and stops.

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I like comedy. The Conquest comedy club is much better than sunshine’s. So I would go on the Conquest. Otherwise, I like both ships. And I love the southern itinerary, so either way will be awesome.

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I like to simplify travel legs if possible, so I would pick the Sunshine cruise if it meant eliminating flying as a required mode of transportation. But I like driving, so what do I know?

OTOH, that extra day at Princess Cays may be the Cherry on Top. Oh wait, that is on all Carnival ships... yuck yuck.

I'll experience Princess Cays for the first time very shortly (one week from today, I believe)...I hope it is as good as it sounds!

We have been on both ships in the past year....Sunshine last May and Conquest last month. They are probably our two favorite Carnival ships. We are big fans of the southern itineraries and we are already booked on the Sunshine for next February.

We preferred the Sunshine for the Serenity deck (has its own pool and waterfall), while we enjoyed the larger comedy club and theater venues that are on the Conquest.

In my humble opinion, you can't go wrong with either one of these ships. Maybe we will see you if you choose the February 15 Sunshine sailing.

NO...LOL....She meant 4 days at port and 3 sea days for the cruise

YES - that's what I meant - Thanks for clarifying for me lol!

Too funny. We did the Magic and January and are having the same debate at our house regarding the same 2 ships and stops.

 

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JaxsMama - Maybe we need to get together and help each other decide - lol!

My PVP says definitely the Sunshine but I'd love to do Princess Cay!!

Princess Cay would tip the scale to the Conquest for me

That's the only reason I would want to do the Conquest - and the fact that we would be close to Miami

and I could finally meet our PVP who has been a Godsend to me so many times!

We have been on both ships in the past year....Sunshine last May and Conquest last month. They are probably our two favorite Carnival ships. We are big fans of the southern itineraries and we are already booked on the Sunshine for next February.

 

We preferred the Sunshine for the Serenity deck (has its own pool and waterfall), while we enjoyed the larger comedy club and theater venues that are on the Conquest.

 

In my humble opinion, you can't go wrong with either one of these ships. Maybe we will see you if you choose the February 15 Sunshine sailing.

Cruising Sparty - We have never done the Southern itinerary so we are very excited about it. Just cruised with 4 of our 6 kids (Yes, I know I need to change my screen name) and I've definitely decided no more cruises with the littles (4 and 3) until they are a tad older.

As of now we are leaning toward the Sunshine on Feb. 15 so we may very well be cruising with you!

We are starting to sway towards the conquest for a few reasons. Flying into FLL the day before we can get a free airport transfer to the hotel we like then free shuttle to port. Also, the March 2 sailing stays in Aruba from 10am to 1130pm and that is our favorite port to visit.

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We are starting to sway towards the conquest for a few reasons. Flying into FLL the day before we can get a free airport transfer to the hotel we like then free shuttle to port. Also, the March 2 sailing stays in Aruba from 10am to 1130pm and that is our favorite port to visit.

 

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That sounds awesome! Never been to Aruba - tell me what it is you like so much about it? What should we plan

on doing?

That sounds awesome! Never been to Aruba - tell me what it is you like so much about it? What should we plan

on doing?

The beach is absolutely beautiful. It's like the corona commercial with white sand, blue skies and tuqurise water. We took the public bus to the end of eagle beach and walked back towards the ship. There are plenty of bars to stop in a long the ways for a drink or food. We were thinking this trip we would take our kid out to the beach for the day then return to the ship and change and drop him at kids club. Then head back out for dinner and maybe hit one of the casinos near the port.

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We sailed Sunshine last April and that was one of my favorite cruises to date. The staff made the trip memorable for us. The comedy club was a lot of fun as were the Atrium parties.

We had a spa interior right by the Serenity Deck. Just so you know, it is not a pool but an oversized bathtub. The pool decks were jammed packed. I am not a sun worshiper so that part did not phase me.

Aruba was on my bucket list forever. We arrived on their Memorial Day and everything was closed. We took a tour that we thoroughly enjoyed, but it was not what I had always envisioned. Curacao however we loved.

The specialty meals we had on Sunshine were to die for, as was the Chef's Table. All worth every single penny.

We are going on Conquest in November and getting married on Grand Turk, so really happy to hear so many positive comments on this particular feed.

We cruise for itinerary now more than anything, so in your case, figure out what is most important to you. Whatever you pick, you will have a great time.

I have been on the Sunshine and I loved it.

The waterfall was fantastic.. But it is not a pool that it flows into. Maybe a large jacuzzi size.... Much much smaller than I thought it would be. But I enjoyed sitting just to the left of the waterfall on the 2nd deck of the 3 that are the serenity, in the shade, watching concerts on the big screen while the rest of the ship enjoyed Key West. And sipping the best Mojito I had ever had.

Yeah..I am a lucky girl!!

Princess Cay would tip it for me too. I’ve sailed that itinerary a few times (without PC) and loved it! Have fun!!!

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The beach is absolutely beautiful. It's like the corona commercial with white sand, blue skies and tuqurise water. We took the public bus to the end of eagle beach and walked back towards the ship. There are plenty of bars to stop in a long the ways for a drink or food. We were thinking this trip we would take our kid out to the beach for the day then return to the ship and change and drop him at kids club. Then head back out for dinner and maybe hit one of the casinos near the port.

 

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Ooh that sounds gorgeous, I'm a sucker for a beautiful beach.

I just checked and the Sunshine is in Aruba from 11 or 1 to 11 pm as well!

We sailed Sunshine last April and that was one of my favorite cruises to date. The staff made the trip memorable for us. The comedy club was a lot of fun as were the Atrium parties.

We had a spa interior right by the Serenity Deck. Just so you know, it is not a pool but an oversized bathtub. The pool decks were jammed packed. I am not a sun worshiper so that part did not phase me.

Aruba was on my bucket list forever. We arrived on their Memorial Day and everything was closed. We took a tour that we thoroughly enjoyed, but it was not what I had always envisioned. Curacao however we loved.

The specialty meals we had on Sunshine were to die for, as was the Chef's Table. All worth every single penny.

 

We are going on Conquest in November and getting married on Grand Turk, so really happy to hear so many positive comments on this particular feed.

 

We cruise for itinerary now more than anything, so in your case, figure out what is most important to you. Whatever you pick, you will have a great time.

Yes, we've already been on the Sunshine 2 times and enjoyed it both times. Thanks for your input and congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Hope you have many happy years together!

The Conquest does not have much for kids to do if kids are included in your family. The aft pool is adults only. The other pools are small and only one little slide. If kids are included I would choose sunshine.

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The Conquest does not have much for kids to do if kids are included in your family. The aft pool is adults only. The other pools are small and only one little slide. If kids are included I would choose sunshine.

 

 

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Sunshine is a disappointment....Its like they crammed everything into it. Very crowded after the remodeling from the Destiny. Blew it big time when they took away the aft pool and added Havana bar.... Really only 1 pool.... I do not call the circle "dipping pool" by waterfall near serenity a pool. The waterpark area is a nice add and is a definite plus vs Conquest with only a waterslide. But thats about it ....Conquest flows better , it has 3 pools (yes 1 is adult) and its rooms and eateries look like they belong...not squashed in. Also...even as Destiny...ship never flowed well. Especially getting to Dining room. Lastly..one of the most instable ships in Carnival fleet. Ship has always had more movement/rocking than any other of the Carnival ships I've sailed on. Just my opinion...but I would definitely go with Conquest

I am booked for the Conquest Southern in April 2019 LOVE the Conquest Class of ships

I just picked the Conquest today, I picked it because it leaves on a Saturday instead of Friday. :D