Carnival Conquest - May 14 - Any Advice?

[enki]

Hey everyone! New member here. We are booked to go on the Carnival Conquest out of Fort Lauderdale on May 14th. 2016 and are really looking forward to it. We have the St Martin, St. Kitts, San Juan and Grand Turk itinerary. We've only been on one cruise before (Carnival Legend) back in 2011, so this will be our second.

 

We enjoyed the first cruise a lot, and much more than I anticipated, and with a 3-year old daughter, figured this would be the easiest way to enjoy a family vacation since they have a kids program (Club Ocean) that will give the wife and I some alone time.

 

I've been reading the forum on people's experiences and overall most people seem to really like it outside of the slightly dated decor. We ended up getting an ocean suite (7259) because there will be three of us, we would like a little more private space and the cost wasn't much more than a standard room.

 

On our previous cruise, we ended up doing excursions at all four ports, but on this one, since its in what I believe to be safer locations (versus Belize, Roatan and Cozumel) I wondered if it would be better to just 'wing it'. We don't have any big desires, but want to have a good local experience. I'm leaning towards the San Juan Fort Tour, which looks cool, but others have said you could just do it solo with more time and less cost.

 

I did enjoy the casino on the last cruise, but mainly the Texas Hold-em table, which was all automated and made it easier to play with random people. Met a lot of good fellow cruisers there. Does anyone know if this exists on the Conquest?

 

Anyway, we were just hoping for some feedback on what to or not to do, and ideas on how best to have a good vacation.

 

Thanks!

[NW Native1]

The San Juan Forts tour is are very walk friendly tour you can do on your own. Check out the Ports of Call section, there is some really great advice from some very experienced cruisers :)

[evandbob]

San Juan has history and local food, great to explore by foot or local shuttle bus.

 

Grand Turk has a beach right along side the pier, and the further you walk down, the better the beach.

 

St Maarten has a local water taxi to wing you to Phillipsburg for shopping, eating and beach.

 

St Kitts you can grab a cab and go to any beach club like Friars, Reggae or Carambola, go up to the Brimstone fort, or visit the Marriott resort.

 

For any of these activities, you can decide what you'd like to do over breakfast that morning, little pre-planning is needed.

 

On the ship, try the Taste Bar for appetizers when it is open pre dinner.

 

Safety is a relative term, so do what makes you comfortable. I've never felt unsafe in any port I've visited, but I'm a New Yorker and used to weird and diverse encounters.

[enki]

The San Juan Forts tour is are very walk friendly tour you can do on your own. Check out the Ports of Call section, there is some really great advice from some very experienced cruisers :)

 

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

San Juan has history and local food, great to explore by foot or local shuttle bus.

 

Grand Turk has a beach right along side the pier, and the further you walk down, the better the beach.

 

St Maarten has a local water taxi to wing you to Phillipsburg for shopping, eating and beach.

 

St Kitts you can grab a cab and go to any beach club like Friars, Reggae or Carambola, go up to the Brimstone fort, or visit the Marriott resort.

 

For any of these activities, you can decide what you'd like to do over breakfast that morning, little pre-planning is needed.

 

On the ship, try the Taste Bar for appetizers when it is open pre dinner.

 

Safety is a relative term, so do what makes you comfortable. I've never felt unsafe in any port I've visited, but I'm a New Yorker and used to weird and diverse encounters.

 

I appreciate the advice.

 

I'm originally from NY as well, and never had a concern in the city, though looking back at it I probably could have been more careful. Granted I was younger than and didn't have a wife and kid to worry about too though :). Unfortunately, unlike NYC, it's hard not to look like a tourist on vacations to the Caribbean. When I was 13, I was fortunate enough to go on a sailing camp to the BVI and had a great time. We walked all around the towns in Tortola, Virgin Gorda and some other islands along the way. Was never worried about safety and never had any issues, but when you see some stories nowadays about tourists being targeted, etc., it makes one concerned.

 

On our first cruise, we went to Belize and went on an 8 hour excursion to these temple ruins (forget the name offhand). It was amazing and hands down our favorite part of the cruise. Even the 4 hour round trip bus ride was pleasurable and gave us a chance to really see the country and meet people. But from what I heard, you do NOT want to walk around Belize City past the tourist center where the port is. There's a heavily guarded perimeter to keep tourists safe. I wasn't sure if there were similar concerns in these ports of call as well.

 

We really didn't know much about the ports prior to our visit last time, but figured this time we would do more research on this go around and see if we could save some money over the Carnival options. Based on what I read, including your comments, I think we'll probably opt for a more self-guided tour at these stops. Maybe a scuba excursion on one for me :).

 

We live in Florida, so neither of us are super excited about beaches. Maybe spend some time at one just to relax, but we'd much more prefer historical, cultural or general entertainment options.

[Jehaams]

I agree with another poster about San Juan. Just do a walking tour yourself. There are maps every few blocks so it's easy to tell that you are on the right track. There's also a free trolley but I have no experience with that.

 

For st kitts I recommend the batik factory at romney manor for shopping. The grounds are lovely there as well. Carambola is a nice beach resort. No charge to get in just chair rental and food/beverages costs. There was no pressure to spend any $when wee were there. We actually had to track someone done to pay for a chair.

 

For st maarten I highly recommend a trip to Pinel island. Gorgeous little island of the coast of the french side. We kayaked out there but you can take a ferry. There are some resorts on Pinel but we just went it on our own and hiked around to some very secluded beaches and did some great snorkeling.

 

Have a great trip.

[Darcy8]

Grand Turk would be a great place for a dive.

[rxnrn]

Will be on this cruise with you! Having been to all of these ports, I would make them all beach days except San Juan. Since you have a 3 year old, I think that would be more enjoyable than tours of the island. Grand Turk you just walk off the ship and there is the beach. St Maarten and St Kitts we are taking cabs to the beach on our own. Since you have never been to San Juan, I agree with others to walk/trolley around and see the forts(especially since only there from 7a to 2p). We have seen Old San Juan several times and will be taking the beach break tour from Carnival for 4 hours(have done this also). There is a train ride at St Kitts around the island, but I think your child would be bored. You will have fun no matter what you do!

[LaCal]

Yes they have the poker pro Texas Holdem table

[enki]

Grand Turk would be a great place for a dive.

 

That was my thought too. I dove in Roatan and Grand Cayman and had a blast. This time I'll probably only get to slip one in.

 

I agree with another poster about San Juan. Just do a walking tour yourself. There are maps every few blocks so it's easy to tell that you are on the right track. There's also a free trolley but I have no experience with that.

 

For st kitts I recommend the batik factory at romney manor for shopping. The grounds are lovely there as well. Carambola is a nice beach resort. No charge to get in just chair rental and food/beverages costs. There was no pressure to spend any $when wee were there. We actually had to track someone done to pay for a chair.

 

For st maarten I highly recommend a trip to Pinel island. Gorgeous little island of the coast of the french side. We kayaked out there but you can take a ferry. There are some resorts on Pinel but we just went it on our own and hiked around to some very secluded beaches and did some great snorkeling.

 

Have a great trip.

 

Thanks for the advice. I did a lot of San Juan research last night on the ports of call forum and definitely agree that walking is the best option. In addition to the ports, we want to get some mofongo and coladas at the recommended restaurants. Plus just see Old San Juan.

 

I'll check out those other places you recommended too.

[enki]

Will be on this cruise with you! Having been to all of these ports, I would make them all beach days except San Juan. Since you have a 3 year old, I think that would be more enjoyable than tours of the island. Grand Turk you just walk off the ship and there is the beach. St Maarten and St Kitts we are taking cabs to the beach on our own. Since you have never been to San Juan, I agree with others to walk/trolley around and see the forts(especially since only there from 7a to 2p). We have seen Old San Juan several times and will be taking the beach break tour from Carnival for 4 hours(have done this also). There is a train ride at St Kitts around the island, but I think your child would be bored. You will have fun no matter what you do!

 

Awesome, maybe we'll run into each other!

 

I think Grand Turk will definitely just be a nice family beach and relax day, especially since it's the last one. San Juan we do want to walk to the forts and see the city, though I'm not sure if our daughter could handle much of that. The train/boat excursion at St. Kitts looked good and a few people have recommended it (including my parents who go to Nevis every year), so that might be a winner. Nothing on St. Martin really peaked my interest, so that might just be a beach and hang out day too.

 

Have you used the Club Carnival/Ocean before? We were thinking of letting her stay with them on two of the excursions (probably OSJ and the train ride) to let us get out and have some alone time walking around. A bit nervous about leaving her, so I was hoping someone had experience with it. She goes to day care so is used to being in those types of environments, so not too worried about that. We told her about it and she was very excited to meet new friends and play.

 

Yes they have the poker pro Texas Holdem table

 

Woohoo! Thanks!

[shandora]

My kids went to Club Carnival when we were on our last cruise but whenever we left the boat they came with us. I was much too concerned about something happening to us and them being stuck on the boat alone. I know this is a pretty crazy thing to think about but especially when you are not planning on doing Carnival sponsored tours, things can happen.

[stevec999]

Grand Turk is always a good beach day. Just walk off the ship and find a spot. It can get crazy with multiple ships in port.

 

San Juan, see the Fort and walk around Old San Juan. The old city area is relatively safe.

 

St Martian , we have just walked off the ship and also have done tours. Wife wants to do one of the sailing catamaran snorkel tours this next time.

 

St Kitts, never been but when we are there next month we are taking a tour that a train takes you around much of the island and you finish up on a boat ride.

 

BTW we will be on the Conquest with you on the 14th ;).

 

We usually take ships tours. They do cost more but in the big picture its not that much and a lot less hassle. Plus if you ship misses a port or your tour gets back late you don't have to worry about it.

 

On our cruise last month our tours in Columbia and Costa Rico were both back well after the ships departure time and the ship was there waiting.

 

Steve

[GMRPHRN]

You may have seen this already. The beach on Grand Turk (at least away from the main tourist beach) is very rocky with spurs in the water. Definitely take water shoes. Also, you burn really fast in the Caribbean so I recommend sunscreen (reapply) and protective clothing for the little one. There is not much else at Grand Turk unless you do an excursion.

 

Also, I have AT&T and was able to use my phone while in San Juan. In Grand Turk there is free WiFi at Margaritaville. You will see ship crew sitting outside using it. Just ask someone what the password is.

[Florings]

We're from Florida too, and rarely do any beach excursions while on our cruises. Our last cruise in September was on the Conquest, and we loved it! Great ship and plenty to do.

 

In San Juan, we hopped on the trolley right across from the pier and rode it to the forts, where we then walked around on our own. I believe it's $5 entry fee and it covers both forts. At the forts, you are at the high point of the city, so it is an easy walk back toward the port. We did some shopping, ate a bite of lunch and relaxed in one of the many city parks (more like city squares) with a cold drink. While it was enjoyable, I always feel that I am not making the best use of my short time in a port if I don't take some sort of planned tour. Far too much time "wasted".... wandering around on our own.

 

In St. Kitts, we booked a tour with Leo Christopher (christopherom at yahoo dot com). It was $30 an hour for a four hour tour. There were 4 of us in his nice air conditioned van and we split it 4 ways with generous tip. We went to all the main tourist spots, what awesome and beautiful views. He would stop at various places - even where cashew trees were growing so we could try to break them open...not an easy feat. The batik factory and gardens, the highest point of the island where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet, etc. I highly recommend him.

 

In St. Maarten, since we had been here before, we thought we would take the local transportation (bus) from the port to the French side to go to the bakeries. It was $4 per person round trip, certainly cheap enough. BUT - yikes! On the way from the Dutch to the French side, I noticed the driver was slowly letting off the gas and we were coasting/drifting into the other lanes. I could see his face in the rearview mirror and he was sleeping!! I yelled at him to stay awake, but from then on I was very uncomfortable. We made is safely, none the worse for wear - went to Sarafina's bakery where we bought several pastries and a cold drink. I love sweets and was so excited to go here, but you know it was just average, nothing special. Good - but not over the top like I was hoping for. Again, though we had toured here before, I felt like we wasted a great deal of the day with no set plans as we bussed it back to the Dutch side and just wandered aimlessly until time to reboard the ship.

 

Unfortunately, we missed Grand Turk since Hurricane Joaquin was roaring right over that area and had another day at sea...

 

Still, loved being on the Conquest. It is a great ship with wonderful staff. Enjoy your cruise!

[mosaic_mom]

In St. Kitts, do the train ride. Your little one will love it.

[Yellowbird75]

Only port we've been to is San Juan. The fort tour was only $10 for the two of us and was less than a mile walk from the boat (uphill but not too bad unless you have health reasons not to). We walked around the rest of the city and just absorbed it all. It was great. Grab some ice cream from the square on the way back. :D Enjoy!

[lizzyplague]

We're doing the fort tour in OSJ (May 14th sailing too) Did the city/Bacardi factory the first time around.

 

St. Kitts and St. Maarten are firsts for us but we lined up a city tour and the coastal hike.

 

Grand Turk's the relaxation day. Just gonna hang out on the beach and walk around the shops.