CONQUEST 6/27-7/4. IMHO Review

[Texarribean Chick]

A little background. We are seasoned CCL Platinum cruisers. I am 45 and DH is 48. We tend to lean towards CCL other than any other lines because of our Platinum status and "party" atmosphere and best value. In thinking of exactly how I wanted to write this review (and this is my first review) - I'm thinking maybe, "if it's too loud, you are too old." And it is time for us to try a different cruise line.

 

Embarkation Day - Sunday June 27th.

 

We live in Spring, Tx, so our commute to Galveston is brief. We leave home around 10:00 am and arrive in Galveston around noon. We park at Galveston Park N Cruise. Our first time to try this new location and we are very pleasantly surprised. Small parking area; but only booked on line the day before we left. $45.00 on line ($50.00 at the gate with no reservation). I am hesitant to give out this little secret - this location is excellent. Right across the street from terminal. DH drops me off with luggage to porter. Whips across Harborside - one quick right and you are parked. Parking lot is small; but secure with gates and for an additional fee, you can have covered parking. Plenty of room between each vehicle, so no risk of "door dings". DH walked back to terminal before I even had a chance to place one last minute phone call to say bye to friends and family.

 

By this time, lines are beginning to get long. As mentioned, we are Platinum CCL members. I ask embarkation staff where to go for PLAT and was told that we still needed to stand in line up the ramp because PLAT only began at a certain point. To my disappointment, we get in the back of the line. No worries, we only wait for about 15 minutes and once reaching a certain point, we receive the VIP treatment we are accustomed to and proceed through security scanners with no problems. Honestly, I think this was just an embarkation supervisor showing her authority.

 

Up to Lido for lunch and libation. On the way, we pass display to book reservations for supper club. We stop to make reservation for Tuesday at 7:00. We are told they are booked on Tuesday. We mention that we are PLAT and are allowed the reservation immediately; but still could not receive our 7:00 pm request. 7:30 was the best they could accommodate. Another disappointment because as PLAT - they are supposed to accommodate any request and it was not like we had waited to make our reservation. Once again, no worries, 7:30 was close enough.

 

We find a table to enjoy lunch. Typical Lido deck treats and bucket o beer. We always begin our voyage with bucket o beer (although they still are not stocking Bud Light Lime) and our lido deck service waiter accommodated our request for a "snowman" bucket of ice. This is just a little something we always request with our first bucket o beer. It is fun and any waiter that knows what we are talking about without hesitation (and even those that do not) receive an extra tip.

 

After lunch and kicking DH's butt in 500 Rummy, we head to the aft pool bar for Meet N Greet with other CC members from our roll call. The first thing we notice at the aft pool is the fact that an entire aft pool window is shattered and yellow tape surrounds the area and one of the hot tubs is closed for maintenance and is also surrounded with yellow tape. (More on the maintenance of the ship later.) We visit with others from our roll call and head to our cabin for muster drill.

 

We are in cabin 7262 - Cat. 11 suite. Our room is prepared and our luggage delivered. We unpack and prepare for muster. Muster drill is quick and easy compared to years past. We enjoy sail away on our balcony and decide after a long work week, the best thing for us tonight is to stay in, relax and order room service. No MDR for us tonight.

 

We order room service. It is delivered promptly and courteously (as usual). We order Reuben sandwich and Steak and Brie sandwich. Both of which are cold with barely toasted buns. Two iced teas with sugar substitute; but never received the sugar substitute. Disappointed; but tired at this point, we just call it a night.

[barbevrn]

Good start! Out of curiousity....what is a "snowman" bucket of ice???:confused::p

[Texarribean Chick]

Good start! Out of curiousity....what is a "snowman" bucket of ice???:confused::p

 

Hi there, a snowman is just where they pack your beer in the bucket of ice and then top off the top of the bucket with crushed ice (and they have to go to the aft bar to get the crushed ice, therefore more effort is put into the project) and then decorate a face in the ice with cherry for nose, orange slice for smile, etc. It has always been fun for our daughter, so we always get one (even when she does not travel with us). Kind of a little tradition.

[mom4mj]

Thanks for the tip on the parking lot. We might try that one when we cruise next year. (Although the price will probably have gone up). DH not having to wait for the parking lot shuttle is a bonus!

 

The snowman sounds adorable. Only thing is I'd have to drink the entire bucket myself. DH doesn't drink and our boys are too young! That might be a good way to start the cruise though. LOL

[cruisetexas]

On our last Freedom cruise, one of the back windows at the aft pool was also shattered. Did it get fixed while you were on board? Seems like it took a few days for them to fix the one on the Freedom.

 

We haven't gone out of Galveston for a long time due to the same old itinerary. I was so excited to see the Triumph and Magic coming, but seems like the itinerary won't be changing at all...ugh. John Head did mention something on his blog about the Magic possibly doing 9-10 day cruises sometime in the future.

 

Thanks for the start of the review!

[Texarribean Chick]

Day 2 - First Day at Sea - Elegant Night

 

In watching the impending weather, TS Alex, the previous week we had thought that this was going to be more of a cruise in the Bering Sea (Deadliest Catch) than a cruise in the Caribbean. Much to our surprise it all turned out well. Our first day at sea was rainy and terribly windy. Kudos to the Captain for making it as smooth as possible. The seas were only 7-9 ft., which we have been in less turbulance and felt it more on the ship; but the Capt. had all stabilizers out and all was well. We tried to lay out on Lido deck; but with the constant rain, we tended to just sit under cover on the Lido and relax and play cards. Once again, I had to show DH who was the 500 Rummy Queen. Ha ha. We did enjoy coffee on our balcony, delivered as requested from room service. DH and self are big coffee drinkers and always order 2 pots, or coffee for 4 and this room service staff always understood and delivered exactly what we asked for. One thing I will mention that I liked was that actual ceramic coffee cups were used on this ship instead of the typical plastic mugs received on all other ships we have been on.............

 

At the end of the day, with rain pretty heavy, we decided to go to the adults only aft pool hot tub and enjoy. Of course, we had to wait to enter because it was packed. The other hot tub was still not working and surrounded with yellow tape as it would be for the remainder of the cruise and there was always a wait to get in the other. I will mention that my sister sailed the Conquest the week before me and said that the same hot tub was out of service the entire week she cruised as well.

 

Back to our cabin to dress for dinner. This was the first elegant night. We did receive the (2) dress shirts from valet service on time. One to be cleaned and one to be pressed. We have requested this on every cruise we have been on and ever since receiving our PLAT status, we have never been charged for this service. Much to our surprise, thecharge for the cleaning of the one shirt should up on our folio review. We challenged this charge via telephone with the Guest Services Desk and were told that we were correct, this service should be complimentary; but that the charge was put on our folio by our cabin steward and could only be removed by the cabin steward and to take the matter up with him. We did so, and he asked his housekeeping supervisor and we were told that only "wash and fold" service was complimentary. We understood and thought that we would just take it up with the Guest Services desk in person instead of via a phone call. We dressed for dinner and on our way to MDR - stopped by Guest Services and were frankly told the same thing. Valet is chargeable and "wash and fold" is complimentary. The charge to clean one men's dress shirt is $13.00...........wow - we get it for $.99 cents all day long at home and certainly would choose NOT to use this service had we thought it was chargeable and the fact that after 12 cruises as PLAT we had never been charged before, really upset us. Needless to say, live and learn - the charge was not removed and we will never make this mistake again.

 

I had ordered (1) bottle of liquor from the Bon Voyage Department and this was the end of day two and I had read before where sometimes you do not receive your order on the first day. We had to call and ask where our bottle was................it was delivered 30 minutes later while we were dressing for dinner. I have to wonder would it have been delivered to us at all had we not called and checked on it.................

 

When it is just the two of us traveling, we prefer anytime dining. On the way to dinner, we did stop and enjoy the casino for just a bit and one of the only dances we would have the entire cruise. The casino band was a country type band and although their talents were good - they did not play the type of music we like to dance to..........being from the South, we do a lot of two-stepping and were really looking forward to a lot of that type of music considering this was a cruise out of Texas. Much to our surprise, we two-step more on cruises out of Florida and the type of entertainment provided on those itineraries. DH did well at the Blackjack table and would continue to do so for the remainder of the cruise. I on the other hand, made my typical $100. donation to the casino. Ha Ha.

 

Our dining assignment was in the Renoir Dining Room. We arrived at 7:30ish and were seated immediately. DH and self both had the lobster which was its typical small size. All of the food we received was slow and cold. I understand that CCL (along with all lines) has cut down the number of staff in the dining room; but this was ridiculous. The quality of food and service has really really gone down hill. I did not notice this as much on our last 3 cruises, so I have not quite decided if this is a lack of servers or just the Conquest herself. I also noticed this with the Lido deck staff. There was never a time during lunch that I did not have to for the most part, clean my own table to sit down to have lunch. Especially on the outside decks of the Lido. Every single day, there were numerous tables available; but all were if need of cleaning. TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTING!

 

DH enjoyed the Mongolian Grill every day although we could never sit down to lunch together. He always had to wait at least 45 minutes in line at the Mongolian Grill (one day he actually waited in line for 1 hour.) Since the MG is so good and popular, I wish CCL would open another area to serve this type of food and avoid the terribly long lines for just one location. I on the other hand only found the Lido deck salad bar to be fresh and had that everyday for lunch or the hot dog. It was always good.

 

Having seen all of the CCL shows - DH and I choose not to attend those, so after dinner we once again tried the Casino. DH did well again. We then went to Henri's Disco for 70's/80's music. We did enjoy this dancing for as long as it lasted ; but this only lasts for one hour. And believe me, after only ONE hour, it's over! I don't quite understand this, considering that the disco was full of folks crowding the dance floor and really enjoying the play. Once the hour was over and they went to the the "European" techno type music, the disco was empty for the rest of the night. Or at least until about 2:00 am - when last DH and myself past by the disco before going back to our cabin. Seems like CCL could see "who is enjoying what" and devote more time to please their audience.

[brn2crz]

Interesting a thorough review so far.

Just a quick question.You said the band was a country band,but didn't play music for 2 stepping?

[Texarribean Chick]

Awakened at 6:00 am with the knock on the door and "room service" - once again, our order was delivered right on time. Pull back the curtains and nothing but blue sky and sunshine. Yew Hew! Have coffee on the balcony, quickly apply sunscreen and it's look out Lido deck, here we come. Chair hogs were out in force; but no problem. With just the two of us, finding deck chairs is never an issue. This was probably my favorite day. Winds were really high and it was difficult to keep things from blowing away but we did not care! Lido deck band was one of the best I have heard. I made two requests and they played both. Not only did they sound good - they had great personalities and the lead singer did a lot of mingling in the crowd - I enjoyed the personalization he added to the day. One thing I do not like is the morning show on the seaside theatre with the cruise director. Some folks like that; but not my bag.........I'd rather hear good music. Thank goodness it only last for 1/2 an hour. We so enjoyed this day. Opposite of what has been previously mentioned about the lack of "food" staff on the Lido deck - the bar staff was just a little over zealous. One thing that really annoyed DH was the fact that every 10 seconds, there was bar staff stopping to ask if we needed anything else. That is so accommodating; but at the same time, they didn't just walk by and say "service?" - they actually stood in front of you until you answered them. I suppose that is wonderful if you are looking for service; but we could have a full new bucket of beer and another and then another and then another would come by wanting to sell us more. Seems like they should cut down the bar staff and add to the food service staff.

 

I will say that I am the type of person who really enjoys an interactive cabin steward. Although ours did a good job in keeping our room tidy and we were never without ice, or bottled water, or fresh towels, or towel animals - I couldn't even tell you what his name was or what he looked like. He was very stealth - once again, just not my preference and he did his job well.

 

Tonight was The Point Steakhouse. We arrived at 7:30 and were seated immediately. Curiously when we made our reservation and a 7:00 mealtime was unavailable and we were originally told that the entire night was booked - I would venture to say that the restaurant was only 10% to capacity. Oh well, we were offered a Ribeye (which is typically not on the menu; but Ribeye's were a special offer on this sailing.) Since this is our favorite cut, we both ordered them. Mine was superb. DH's on the other hand was similiar to the CCL Classic flat iron steak available in the MDR. He was disappointed; but needless to say - my steak was big enough to feed an army. After ordering the escargot and crab cake for an appetizer and then of course the salad - we were full when it came to the main course. We did not have room for dessert and the wait staff was kind enough to offer to pack up our dessert to go which surprised me. Needless to say, we had cheesecake with our coffee the next morning for breakfast. Very nice! We have never been disappointed with any of the supper clubs and will continue to enjoy them on each vessel. That being said, we do prefer when there is some sort of entertainment offered in the Steakhouse and have only found that to be on the Pride and Valor. Having a dance in between meals tends to break up the monotony and make the long wait go quicker.

 

After dinner - once again to the Casino where DH enjoyed another great night. We then went to the lobby bar and the entertainment there was just okay. We also tried the piano bar and it was just so-so. I am a smoker and even that bar gets too smokey for me and especially DH - he's not a smoker.

 

Failed to mention that we did attend the adult comedy on day 2 and he was entertaining and funny although as usual - we couldn't get in to the first showing at 10:00 and had to wait for the midnight show. Too crowded and more so than at the Lido deck, the chair hogs were out! Since this is so popular - CCL should move the adult comedy to the theatre to accommodate more guests. I did like the fact that two seating were available - 10:00 and Midnight.

[Texarribean Chick]

Interesting a thorough review so far.

Just a quick question.You said the band was a country band,but didn't play music for 2 stepping?

 

A lot of polkas and "Upon against the wall, redneck Mother" type stuff. I have always been so super proud to be from this wonderful Lone Star State; but for once - I kept that knowledge to myself! I have "two-stepped" to more Motown music played on voyages out of other ports.............

[Texarribean Chick]

Up at 6:00 again with perfect timing on coffee. We were supposed to arrive in port at 9:00; but were informed that we would be about 30 minutes late due to slow sailing caused by trying to avoid TS Alex. We actually get into port and cleared to leave the ship around 10:00. We get in line to exit the ship and what a crock..........we were told that you could exit on 3rd floor forward. When this got too crowded, CD came on loud speaker and said they were also opening an exit aft as well. Then we were directed to a third exit 3rd floor forward by a CCL staff member as they were again opening another exit. Now, I only know of two ways to exit the ship and I thought this was curious that they were actually opening up a third exit. After waiting in the hall for around 30 minutes behind many others, I said to DH something is wrong...........and low and behold another CCL staff member comes to us in the hall and directs us again. As it turned out - we were in the hallway for 30 minutes with no open exit that existed..........fumes out of my head flying now........I get over this and we finally get off the ship. We booked through CCL the Dreamer's Catamaran Sail and Snorkel. I had never done this excursion before and rarely book through CCL; but with all of the due unrest in Jamaica - I felt we had better be safe than sorry. I had started a thread on the CCL board and Ports of Call board with no responses on this excursion. We were pleasantly surprised. I can't speak much for the snorkeling as I am not fond of snorkeling and typically book these type of excursions for the sail. There were three boats available and we were on the Tropical Dreamer (blue) boat which was the smallest of the three. I asked to be on this particular boat upon the recommendation of my Sister who had done the same excursion the week previous. There was plenty of room for roaming and sitting or just laying out on this vessel vs. the others who carried more passengers and looked over crowded. We so enjoyed the short sail to the reef where snorkelers exited the vessel. The crew was very pleasant and explained all necessary to snorkel and the equipment looked new and well kept. This also included complimentary drinks (Red Stripe Beer and assorted mixed concoctions for $70.00pp). One crew member in particular, Sarge (in Charge) as he was known was very friendly and accommodating. After snorkeling we were taken to Margaritaville for about 1/2 and hour and then the sail back to the pier. The excursion began and returned to the cruise ship pier, so there was no need for taxiing anywhere else, which I really liked. We chose the early morning sailing option, 9:30 to 12:30. After returning to the pier, we briefly shopped in the pier flea market and returned to the ship.

 

We then went to the Lido deck and enjoyed the afternoon on the ship while others were in port. This is the first time we had ever spent half the day poolside while in port and may choose do take advantage of less people on the ship in the future. We were allowed extra time in port since we had arrived late, and since MoBay is notorious for pier runners, and our balcony was port side, we decided to enjoy the view to possibly see the funny last minuters. Only one call for a family of four one time over the loud speaker and then we left port. I suppose they were already on board. We did enjoy watching the local high school band play on the MoBay pier. DH took a nap and I began showering for dinner.

Went to dinner around 8:00 tonight and all was good with immediate seating. There was absolutely nothing on the dinner menu that tickled my fancy - so just had the always scrumptous Chocolate Melting Cake and coffee. I am noticing more and more men in shorts and ball caps at dinner. I understand that cruising has become much more casual and much more affordable for all; but still do not understand who would want to look at a man's hairy legs while enjoying a dimly lit dinner with linen table cloths and waiters in bow ties. I did not notice this as much on other sailing and am wondering if this is just more common on the Conquest. Either way, it is not my preference and wished others would appropriately dress for the MDR. Frankly, that is what casual dining is for - IMHO. After dinner, entertainment was once again lame, so after DH was successful again in the casino - we turned in around midnight.

 

On a side note, we later learned that there had been a terrible jet skiing accident in MoBay where two CCL passengers were seriously injured. I could never find out any other information on this incident and was just curious if anyone had any information. I have witnessed some terribly tragedies while cruising and always hope and pray for these families and curious what the final outcome was. If you know about this, please share.

 

More tomorrow...........bye for now.

 

Chick.

[JRock59]

Keep it coming I LOVE hearing about it! We sailed with friends on her last November going East and for Christmas this year we're heading West. :D And in May on the Ecstasy we had the same Platinum "hmmm" when boarding but once we got up the winding ramp to the lady who checked our fun pass and id's she had us ushered to the VIP line. :) I think once the area is re-vamped for the Magic that might change as I've read the waiting area will be on the first floor. (I know I can't figure that one out either!). In Miami back in February once we got to the door going in the building and again funpass and id's were checked they escorted us right through the middle of the lines to the front and the Carnival folks there pushed us through ahead of non-VIP (or Platinum) members. :p

 

I have a feeling before she heads to NOLA they might put in in for a bit of sprucing up. As the folks over there deserve to get her back shinny, pretty and almost looking like new. ;)

[JRock59]

I am noticing more and more men in shorts and ball caps at dinner. I understand that cruising has become much more casual and much more affordable for all; but still do not understand who would want to look at a man's hairy legs while enjoying a dimly lit dinner with linen table cloths and waiters in bow ties. I did not notice this as much on other sailing and am wondering if this is just more common on the Conquest. Either way, it is not my preference and wished others would appropriately dress for the MDR. Frankly, that is what casual dining is for - IMHO.

IMHO you see more of this in the summer months when it is still so warm at night on deck. Folks just don't want to wear long pants. But as for the hats no excuses EVER! That's just rude. You should have mentioned it to either the MD or Hostess as on our Conquest Cruise last fall the eldest gentelman at our table did say something to the MD and he got a very welcome response! They do like to hear things and if we as Cruisers don't say anything than aren't we also at falt? Of course again it's just MHO............:)

[T2C]

"After returning to the pier, we briefly shopped in the pier flea market and returned to the ship."

 

Hi, we are going later this year and never been to this country, how are the merchants at the piers flea market? We've heard bad things about aggressive venders in this country, i's not stopping us from taking an excursion but would like to know if we should make a stop at the piers flea market. TIA

[mdrobtx]

Even though I haven't made it to Platinum or Diamond (RCL) yet, you have mentioned several reasons why it has little or no bearing on the service you receive.

I cruise with a friend who has 48 cruises. He is Platinum on Carnival and Diamond+ with RCL and I'm always wondering what the big deal is.

It has on occasion paid off during embarkation and with free drinks in the concierge lounge on RCL. And a few trinkets they leave in the room.

 

Oh, but I'm enjoying your review. :)

[prattmom]

FYI that whirlpool was closed/roped off during our June 6th cruise... Hmmm...

[OKLandShark]

I am enjoying your review. I am sitting at work reading this b/c it is pretty slow yet after the holiday weekend and it is taking me back to my first cruise on the Conquest a few years ago.

 

Thanks for helping me take a short vaca from my desk!

[Texarribean Chick]

"After returning to the pier, we briefly shopped in the pier flea market and returned to the ship."

 

Hi, we are going later this year and never been to this country, how are the merchants at the piers flea market? We've heard bad things about aggressive venders in this country, i's not stopping us from taking an excursion but would like to know if we should make a stop at the piers flea market. TIA

 

I had heard the same thing and frankly, when I was in Jamaica 10 years ago they were very aggressive; but we found them very friendly this time. At least the pier flea market vendors were. They proudly displayed their crafts and if you were not interested, no big deal.

[Texarribean Chick]

I had thought perhaps this day might be a nightmare with having to tender; but much to my surprise - it was a breeze. We were up and off the ship immediately. We must have caught the first or second tender because when we arrived in town - there was hardly anyone there. This was the day we had nothing planned in advance. We did not book an excursion; and just intended to go to Seven Mile Beach. And that we did - we caught a cab to a location that was offered as an excursion by CCL; but I was not interested in paying the high dollar fee. We had narrowed it down to 2 locations, either the new spot, Tiki Beach or The Royal Palms. We settled on Tiki Beach. The cab fare was minimal - if I remember correctly only $5.00 for the two of us. Tiki Beach is approximately 5 miles from the tender pier. When we arrived the place had not really even opened for business just yet; but they allowed us to enter. This is a huge open air restaurant/bar with nice tables and chairs and flowing cloths. Even had a couple of those outdoor beds to relax on. For a $25.00 pp entrance fee you receive 2 chairs and an umbrella and each a free glass of some sort of rum punch. We took it. The beach was beautiful as always; but right on a reef, so there is some negociation in the water. As the day went on we decided to partake in libation. DH went to the bar and ordered a bucket of beer. Well - they do carry US domestic beer and a bucket of Bud Light (6 beers) was $40.00. WOW - needless to say - we had the one bucket. Swam, people watched and returned to the tender pier at around 2:30 and immediately caught a tender. The last tender arrived on schedule to the boat shortly after 3:00 pm and we were on our way.

 

This evening was once again - boring with entertainment. We ate dinner in the MDR. Once again service was good; but quality of food was terrible. Believe me folks, I know that it is hard to serve absolutely delicious gourmet meals to over 2000 people; but the meals could have at least been hot! Off to casino - where once again DH was "da man" and then to the cabin balcony for a nightcap and off to sleep.

 

On this night I did encounter one of the Casino hosts to order my (1) free drink for being a part of the Casino players club. He at first seemed to be a bit bothered with me; but ultimately was kind and served my drink. I have never seen so many Casino Hosts on any vessel I have ever been on before. There must have been at least 6 or 7 of them on the Conquest.

[Texarribean Chick]

Coz. is by far our favorite port on the Western itinerary. Off the ship as soon as possible.

No problems this time - we docked at Puerta Maya as usual. I have gotten to where I like this pier better than Punta Langosta. For the first time, I see that we are immediately being bunkered. Must admit that I have never seen this before and can only think that it is because the Capt. had stabilizer out the entire beginning of the cruise when seas were a little rocky which created more drag, therefore using more fuel. Just my little theory........anyway, on to stand in front of the webcam (so family and friends can see us) and then a little shopping. A brief stop at the norm - LaPharmacia/Deli (that still cracks me up) - they only need a soda fountain. Ha ha. A few silver charms for DD's bracelet. We have been to most all of the beach bars on Coz. and our favorite is Nachi Cocum. We did not book in advance this time, thinking that we would just play it by ear. We used to enjoy Playa Azul and thought perhaps we would go there since it had been a while. Much to our surprise, our cab driver informed us that Azul was pretty much gone after the last hurricane (I do not know which one) and they had not rebuilt. So, we decided just to head down to NC and take our chances. They were not booked up in advance and we were able to join the fun. If you have never been to NC - we highly recommend it. $50. pp AI - drinks, food, and superb service all day. We found our spot on the beach under the perfect tiki hut with 2 chairs. Ordered up a margarita and Pacifico and leaned back.

One thing that was unusual, the first 12 yards of water was "muddy" this time.........Manuel, our waiter said that it had been kicked up by TS Alex. True that because my Sis (who was just there the day before TS Alex went through) said it was clear as a bell. We did experience one brief shower in the afternoon that only lasted about 10 minutes and we just sat at the swim up bar (freshwater pool) and ignored the rain. Once again, I cannot recommend NC enough to anyone that is looking for an awesome beach day. Food is out of this world! Ask for Manuel or Carlos - both offer pampering beyond belief.

 

We stayed at NC for the entire afternoon and went back to the ship as requested right at 5:30 to once again watch the possible pier runners. None. Gee, seems everyone on the Conquest was either responsible or had a chaperone'! ha ha.

 

After over indulging all day - DH and self decided to just call it a night. DH went to Lido deck casual dining for some pasta and I ordered a grilled cheese from room service. Must say - this time the sandwich was actually grilled/melted and tasted great. But like my mom always said, "if you starve them long enough, they will eat anything." LOL!

[Jeffy294]

Coz. is by far our favorite port on the Western itinerary. Off the ship as soon as possible.

No problems this time - we docked at Puerta Maya as usual. I have gotten to where I like this pier better than Punta Langosta. For the first time, I see that we are immediately being bunkered. Must admit that I have never seen this before and can only think that it is because the Capt. had stabilizer out the entire beginning of the cruise when seas were a little rocky which created more drag, therefore using more fuel. Just my little theory........anyway, on to stand in front of the webcam (so family and friends can see us) and then a little shopping. A brief stop at the norm - LaPharmacia/Deli (that still cracks me up) - they only need a soda fountain. Ha ha. A few silver charms for DD's bracelet. We have been to most all of the beach bars on Coz. and our favorite is Nachi Cocum. We did not book in advance this time, thinking that we would just play it by ear. We used to enjoy Playa Azul and thought perhaps we would go there since it had been a while. Much to our surprise, our cab driver informed us that Azul was pretty much gone after the last hurricane (I do not know which one) and they had not rebuilt. So, we decided just to head down to NC and take our chances. They were not booked up in advance and we were able to join the fun. If you have never been to NC - we highly recommend it. $50. pp AI - drinks, food, and superb service all day. We found our spot on the beach under the perfect tiki hut with 2 chairs. Ordered up a margarita and Pacifico and leaned back.

One thing that was unusual, the first 12 yards of water was "muddy" this time.........Manuel, our waiter said that it had been kicked up by TS Alex. True that because my Sis (who was just there the day before TS Alex went through) said it was clear as a bell. We did experience one brief shower in the afternoon that only lasted about 10 minutes and we just sat at the swim up bar (freshwater pool) and ignored the rain. Once again, I cannot recommend NC enough to anyone that is looking for an awesome beach day. Food is out of this world! Ask for Manuel or Carlos - both offer pampering beyond belief.

 

We stayed at NC for the entire afternoon and went back to the ship as requested right at 5:30 to once again watch the possible pier runners. None. Gee, seems everyone on the Conquest was either responsible or had a chaperone'! ha ha.

 

After over indulging all day - DH and self decided to just call it a night. DH went to Lido deck casual dining for some pasta and I ordered a grilled cheese from room service. Must say - this time the sandwich was actually grilled/melted and tasted great. But like my mom always said, "if you starve them long enough, they will eat anything." LOL!

 

Thanks a bunch for the Nachi review, we are sailing on the Freedom on the 31st and we are booked at Nachi, cant wait.

[Texarribean Chick]

This itinerary was a little different than I am accustomed to...........we typically have one day at sea going out and two days at sea returning home. I missed that last day at sea. We were up early since we had retired so early the night before. Perfectly timed coffee and croissant on the balcony then out do Lido. This time - the second level of Lido overlooking the pool was comfortable instead of being blown away with the wind like day 2. For those that have never cruised before, try deck 10 instead of deck 9 around the pool. It allows for more breeze on the really hot, still days. We spent the day poolside - once again having the "dome dog" as I call them and waiting for DH to get through the Mongolian Grill line. Poolside games were fun and there was a call for the ship building contest; but never a contest. I supposed no one on this voyage built a ship. I have watched many contests before and look forward to this poolside game; but no takers. I think perhaps CCL should advertise this function more and then maybe they would have more participation. As many times as I have seen all of the pool games - I still enjoy them everytime. The Hairy Chest Contest, ice carving, etc. Although I do wish they would bring back the horse racing and oily pole pillow fight. That was always good for tons of laughs.

 

Tonight for dinner - back to MDR. We did get a pleasant surprise from our waiter with cake and singing "Hoppy Anniversary" - it was our anniversary; but I had not ordered that and neither had DH. It must have come from our PVP - anyway, pleasant surprise.

 

After dinner - to the casino once again where DH won enough to finish off paying our S&S.

He just loves it when they pay us to cruise. Ha Ha again. We did go to the midnight adult comedy show - hoping to see the Ventriliquist that my sis had said was so funny the week before. No go - the comedian was someone that we had seen before and the act was a little different - and I must say VERY VERY raunchy. Trust me, I am no prude; but this was more than just racey - it was downright gross. We laughed a little and stayed for the entire show.

 

Back to the room to set out our luggage and one last nightcap on the balcony!

[mj_holiday]

Can you post the web address for the web cam you mentioned in your posting?

[cruisetexas]

We've been on six Carnival cruises and I've not heard of the ship building contest. Can you explain what that is?

Thanks

[Texarribean Chick]

Can you post the web address for the web cam you mentioned in your posting?

 

http://www.puertamaya.com

 

double check the times. Even tho ships time on this cruise is CST and so is Cozumel - the cam seems to be off by about 11 minutes or so. It only refreshes every 1 minute, so you could be missed. The cam is right in front of the ruins fountain and 3 flagpoles. Have fun!

[Texarribean Chick]

We've been on six Carnival cruises and I've not heard of the ship building contest. Can you explain what that is?

Thanks

 

this is a contest where you actually build a ship made out of anything you can find while on the cruise ship. I have seen them made out of empty beer cans, banana peels, etc. It must float! When you enter your ship in the contest, the final test is if it can float. They place your ship in the main pool and see if it floats. It is really fun for the kids - some kiddos that are destined to be engineers, really do well.............good luck.