Double the Fun Conquest Pictorial Review (1/3/16 and 4/24/16)

[PurdueChefAmber]

Hello CruiseCritic!! I am Amber and I am going to be comparing, contrasting and reviewing my two trips on the Carnival Conquest. The first trip was January 3, 2016 to January 9 2016 with my husband in an Aft-Extended Balcony (8454) and April 24, 2016-April 30, 2016 with my mom in an interior cabin (7424).

 

Both cruises were awesome but quite different from each other which was sort of shocking to me!

 

My husband and I are more laid back and love our sleep, hahaha! Mom is more outgoing and loves to party. I tried a lot of different foods, activities and shows throughout the two cruises.

 

I am from South Bend, Indiana (GO IRISH!) and we have two small kids 3.5 and 2. They have not sailed yet! DH (Matt) is turning Gold on the Vista on January 8 and I am platinum (Thanks mom and dad).

[PurdueChefAmber]

For DH cruise, we stayed in Chicago Friday Night and utilized a Park Sleep and Fly rate for O'hare. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency OHare, which was an awesome hotel and experience. We parked in their garage for 9 days and had ZERO issues and the shuttle was VERY efficient.

 

Below are the details and pricing for the hotel.

 

Parking & Hotel Dates

1 room with beds for 2 people

1 night hotel stay - room:

01/01/2016 - 01/02/2016 (night before flight)

9 days of parking:

01/01/2016 - 01/09/2016

Additional Package Details & Requests

Additional Package Details:

*IMPORTANT: Upon entering the parking lot, use the right lane, and push the button to receive a parking ticket. Present that ticket to the front desk when checking-in to the hotel for validation.

Shuttle Frequency:

Our shuttle runs every 15 minutes from 4am to 12 midnight. For pick-up between 12:00 midnight and 4:00 a.m., guests must call the hotel directly 847-696-1234 to schedule a pick-up.

Shuttle Hours:

24/7

 

Payment Details

 

Paid to ParkSleepFly

Deposit $21.42

Service Fee $5.00

Total $26.42

 

Balance Due at Hotel

Deposit -$21.42

Room charge $119.00

Estimated Taxes & Fees* $15.47

Total $113.05

 

Estimated Total Cost

Paid to ParkSleepFly $26.42

Due at Hotel $113.05

Estimated Total $139.47

 

We checked into the hotel around 6 pm and headed over to Giordanos for my favorite pizza! (Putting up these pictures are CRAZY! I have lost 30 pounds between cruises, so, that is why I look different)

 

 

We flew on American Airlines on a direct flight to Miami where we would take an UBER to Fort Lauderdale.

 

Here I am, excited to be on the plane!

 

 

The flight was easy from ORD to MIA. It took just over 3 hours and it was a smooth flight. We touched down around 12 pm.

 

Yay! We are here!!

 

We requested an UBER after getting our bags and UBER told you where the driver would pick you up. We were in a car in under 5 minutes and had an easy drive to Ft Lauderdale! (45 minute ride and with discount, it only cost us $15!!!) A note on UBER.... many drivers do not like driving into the ports so it might take a little longer for someone to pick you up but someone will. Also, you do not have to tip the driver but they REALLY appreciate it and some will rate you less than a 5 if you do not tip, especially on short trips.

 

Moving on...

 

We get to the Embassy suites a little after 1 and went to the front desk. I will warn you, I love Embassy Suites but had a lack luster experience at this one... We figure we cannot check in since check in starts at 4 but we go to get our name on the list to check in and the front desk employee had quite the sassy attitude. I said something to the effect of, "Hi, I know we are early but do you have any idea when we might be able to check in?" She responds "Check in is at 4, so....4." No smile, nothing. Jeez, sorry. We headed over to the luggage room to drop the suitcases and head to lunch. They tagged our bags and gave us tags.

 

 

We headed directly behind the hotel where there was a shopping center with what looked to be a lot of dining options. We were right and decided to try Gilbert's 17th St Grill which proudly stated that they had the Best Hamburger in Southern Florida! Nice!

 

 

 

It was AWESOME!!

**********************************************************

[PurdueChefAmber]

Oh, here is the front of the menu to Gilbert's!

 

 

After lunch, we stopped into the Publix next door to get a few snacks and some wine. There are lots of little shops in this shopping center. Funny enough, though, there is no where to get swimsuits, water shoes, or anything of the like. You would need to go across 17th to ROSS if you need any reasonable priced clothing.

 

It was about 3:30, so, we decided to head back to the hotel. We checked with the front desk if there was an update on check in. Nope. "Did you receive a call? No? We will call you when a room is ready." So, we decided to head out and sit by the pool! It was a gorgeous day and pretty pool!

 

 

 

Hey, this view isn't too bad!

 

 

4:30 rolls around and we still haven't heard anything so we went to the lobby. YIKES! There were at least 75 people standing around, looking angry, with A LOT of luggage. The check in line was out the door. At this point, people are starting to get an angry crowd mentality and speak very loudly with others about their frustrations. I stepped outside and called the hotel and asked to speak with the manager. I explained the situation in the lobby and asked that he come out and just communicate what was happening and let everyone know realistic check in times. He refused to do that but he told me to come to his office and he would check us in. He said that they were having a rough time turning the hotel over and gave us a $50 dining/drink voucher. He retreated back into his office. We dropped our luggage off and headed down for some free drinks!

 

[PurdueChefAmber]

The hotel, minus the snafu's, was very nice. It was huge, had a lot to do around it and had a nice view of the port. We could not see the Conquest but could see a lot of other ships. I got up nice and early on Sunday morning to see what I could spot!

 

 

We were on the top floor. There is an observation deck on the top floor that has a great view of all the ships! It is a great spot to shoot some photos. Our hotel for my mom and my cruise (the Hyatt Regency) did not have as good of views or such a deck.

 

 

 

 

[PurdueChefAmber]

After the managers reception (Domestic Beers, House Wines, well liquor mixed drinks, pop, punch, chips & salsa, vegetables with ranch, pretzels, and popcorn) we requested an UBER and headed The Pirate Republic Seafood & Grill. This place was SO cool. It was right on the water and had boat parking. It is a dog friendly restaurant, which I loved, too! http://www.piraterepublicbar.com/

 

I will say that Mom and I went to Coconuts in Fort Lauderdale which BLEW The Pirate Republic out of the water but more on that later.

 

We enjoyed our food. My husband wasn't super hungry. He got the steak bites which are across from the Oysters in the Oyster picture. He said they were ok but a little tough. The atmosphere is what makes this restaurant. We had a great waiter. Along with being dog friendly, on the water, and having good food, they had a swimming pool, too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were tired after dinner so decided to call it a night and go to bed. The next morning we would be boarding the Conquest! Hooray!!!

[PurdueChefAmber]

Ok, so, mom and my cruise. We decided not to stay overnight in Chicago as our flight was at 9 EST. I googled parking options and ran across http://www.parkrideflyusa.com/booking-details.php?id=33

 

They were SOOOOO awesome. We paid online, presented the printed receipt and they told us where to park. The shuttle followed us to our car, removed and loaded our luggage into the bus before we got out of the car and swiftly drove us to Midway (Southwest)

 

RESERVATION ITINERARY

Type: Exclusive, Discounted OUTDOOR rate

Parker: Amber Pulford

Airport: Chicago Midway International Airport - MDW

Check In: 2016-04-23 06:00:00

Check Out: 2016-04-30 15:30:00

Vehicle: Hyundai Sonata 2015 Orange

 

PARKING FACILITY

Midway Park Ride & Fly

5200 West 47th Street

Chicago, IL 60638

888-720-7275

 

PAYMENT INFORMATION

Paid for by: Judy Henderson

Base Cost: $84.00

fuel Surcharge: $2.00

Airport Access Fee: $8.40

Local Tax: $6.40

County Tax: $5.04

Subtotal: $105.84

Reservation Fee: $3.99

Total Amount Paid: $99.25

PAID IN FULL

 

They gave us a slip to keep where it would tell us our spot number and who to text when we landed. This worked like a charm. (Take a picture of this in case you lose your slip!)

 

 

We got to the airport with 2 hours to go until boarding. I had checked into our flight the day before and got boarding group B. We checked a total of 3 bags which was all included in our fare. Yay Southwest!

 

We headed over to Harry Carey's for Breakfast where I enjoyed a yummy breakfast burrito and my mom had a mimosa and fruit! Vacay had started!!

 

 

 

I just HAD to get my Chicago Popcorn Fix!!!

 

 

After breakfast and picking up an in flight snack, we boarded, excited as could be!

 

[reerun25]

Enjoying the review so far, can't wait for more!!

[PurdueChefAmber]

With Southwest, you pick your seat and mom and I chose aisle seats next to each other. The flight was uneventful and 3 hours later, we touched down in Fort Lauderdale!

 

 

After my terrible experience at the Embassy Suites, I was not ready to give them another chance so I booked with with the Hyatt Regency 17th St. Convention Center which was very close to the Embassy Suites. The shuttle came and got us at the airport about 20 minutes after I called. They charged me $2 for the ride which I thought was strange.

 

Check in was smooth and we were to our room within 5 minutes. What a change!! This hotel was clean but not nearly as pretty and grand as the Embassy Suites. The staff was so much better, though. The room was nice and large with a separate eating area. The gym was small but did what it needed to.

 

 

Mom and I decided to try Coconuts which was a 15 minute Uber ride from the hotel and I am sure glad we did! It was AWESOME!!! It was right on the water and the food was delicious.

 

 

You have to try the scoobies! I inhaled them before I took a good picture. They come with bread a garlic butter dipping sauce. YUM

 

 

[dollbanks]

Great start to your review! Can't wait for more!

[PurdueChefAmber]

Dinner at Coconuts was not cheap but it was worth EVERY PENNY.

 

 

 

After dinner, we decided to walk down to the ocean which was just two blocks away for public access. It was a beautiful night.

 

 

We did a ride share Uber back to the hotel and called it a night. We were excited to embark the Conquest in the morning!

 

The breakfast at the Hyatt Regency was very basic with cereals, fruits, toast, bagels and a few hot items. The Embassy Suites beats them with how grand their free breakfast is.

 

I had intended to take an Uber to the port, as, with DH and my cruise, that worked well. However, the shuttle guy was ready to do and he offered to take me $5 a person and that was close to what I paid for an Uber. Turns out, he had a much easier time taking us to our Terminal than Uber did.

 

Ok, switching gears back to January for our Embarkation morning!

[PurdueChefAmber]

Hopefully this doesn't get too confusing. We are now back to Embarkation Morning for DH and my January cruise!

 

I could not sleep because I was so excited! I tossed and turned and chatted with some of my roll call that could not sleep either! I checked my email and had an exciting email!

 

 

We headed down to the hot breakfast and it was PACKED. The elevators are very slow so if you can take the stairs, do it. (THEY NEED MORE ELEVATORS!!!!!) The breakfast was great. They had powdered eggs (blech), cruise bacon, sausage, hash brown potatoes, cereals, breads, pastries, pops, juices and coffee! The food was ugly, so, no food porn!

 

We took the stairs back up to the room and packed up! I was anxious and wanted to head to the port. I requested an UBER at 10:15 and we were off! The port traffic was not bad at all. The UBER driver had to show his pick up request, ID and paperwork and we had to show our boarding passes and IDs. We were through the line in 10 minutes. We were at Terminal 9 which was somewhat chaotic. We were told to drop our luggage in a cluster of luggage. The porters were all busy so we prayed the luggage would get to us. It did, don't worry!

 

 

We went into the port and walked straight through and up to check in. Being platinum, it is AWESOME being able to bypass the line but AWFUL walking by everyone waiting. We got heckled and it made my stomach hurt. We walked into the VIP lounge where they had lemonade but no cookies We chatted with people and were able to board right after 11:30. We walked up the gangway and ding, we were in!! Woooooohoooooo!!! (this Embarkation was 10 times better than mom and mine!)

 

We walked up to 8454 and were immediately able to drop off our bags and we saw a surprise! Thanks John Heald!

 

 

 

After dropping off our bags we went off to explore the lido deck. This is my first sailing with 2.0 upgrades so I was so excited to see all the differences! We knew we wanted a Guy's Burger to start and a drink from the Red Frog Rum Bar! I found that I liked the drinks here and at Blue Iguana with floaters so that they were not so sweet.

 

[PurdueChefAmber]

The Guy's Burger's were better on mom and my cruise. I heart them.

 

 

 

I hadn't sailed in years and I missed the ceviche at Fish and Chips so I had to go get it. It did not disappoint!

 

 

We were so excited to check out the Aft Adults Only pool which is my favorite spot on the Conquest Class ships!

 

 

 

I think we probably ate ice cream cones, swirl, of course, at this point!

[dollbanks]

My husband and I will be celebrating our anniversary on our cruise in August and would love a surprise like that. May I ask how did that happened and how can I get a surprise like that?

 

Also, love your pictures.

[pirate4me2]

Hooray, I am so excited to read these 2 reviews! I keep debating on cruising on Conquest, and I would like to sail from Ft Lauderdale as it would be a new place for us to explore. Anxiously awaiting more of your review. :)

[PurdueChefAmber]

Side note, Matt really enjoyed the Thirsty Frog Beer and was disappointed that you could not get it in the MDR. Hopefully since the Vista will be brewing it on board, they will have it available everywhere.

 

After our treats, we headed back to the room to meet our Steward. Our Stewards were Suri and Ari. They were AWESOME! I left them $20 and note asking for ice and for our mini fridge to be emptied. They did this when we were at dinner and chilled our wine for us. They were some of the best stewards I ever had but this is also the first time I tipped my stewards in the beginning of the cruise. (Thanks CC)

 

We had our waters, shore excursion tickets, my Sea Day brunch drink ticket and other documents laid out for us on our counter.

 

 

The muster drill bell went off right around 3:45pm and lasted an hour. I was sad because all the other ships left when we were in the drill so we couldn't see them take off. Oh well. Right after drill we went to Alchemy for the Martini Tasting class which I LOVED! You pick 3 different ones you want to try and they will make up another one that they think you will like. You them try to put them in the right order and if you do, you get a cute glass charm!

 

 

 

We chose the correct order and each had one more drink. I did a Sazerac and Matt had the Cucumber Sunrise. The Cucumber Sunrise was not my cup of tea but seemed like one of the more popular drinks that they served (my mom ended up LOVING it). Alchemy will make you just about anything you desire. It was one of our favorite hang out spots. I love whisky and they could do the most creative drinks with it!

 

After our fun time at Alchemy, we went to the taste bar and that was always yummy and offered on random nights.

 

[PurdueChefAmber]

After enjoying our taste bar, we decided to go check out the menu for the MDR. We were going to the Steakhouse for the wine promo and I wanted to make sure you all saw the menu!

 

 

 

 

 

[PurdueChefAmber]

Although Matt and I went to steakhouse, mom and I did eat in the MDR on our first night and we failed at our dinner choices.

 

We had shrimp cocktail (old faithful, good, not great) Mahi mahi (TERRIBLE) and the chicken (dry) the cheese plate (yum) orange sherbert (yum).

 

 

Does this look like fish to you? Yuck.

 

 

 

[PurdueChefAmber]

Steakhouse, in contrast, was MUCH better of a first night pick. Mom and I went to the Steakhouse, too, but on Tuesday night. I will talk about BOTH Steakhouse experiences here. (This review may seem all over the place but this is just how my brain is working right now).

 

Matt and I went to the Steakhouse for our 6:30 reservation and it was very slow in there. I was surprised since the first night is always busy because of the wine promo. Service was great and we chose to get 50% off of any bottle of wine since DH is not a big wine drinker. Her suggestion was awesome.

 

 

Mom and I had Cheers so her and I opted for a moscato and pinot gris. I loved the Ecco pinot.

 

 

MY FAVORITE SOUP IN THE WORLD!! Carnival Lobster Bisque. I got it both times.

 

 

I chose the Grilled Portobello and he got the Beef Carpaccio instead of salad

 

 

[PurdueChefAmber]

Mom and I went a slightly different route with appetizers. I, again, got the lobster bisque and mom got the shrimp cocktail. Both were delicious!

 

 

 

Butter and toppings for bread

 

Brioche

 

 

Steakhouse swag hahahaha

 

 

The steakhouse was cruise elegant but most everyone was in a sun dress.

[PurdueChefAmber]

Mom and I enjoyed our time as much as Matt and I did.

 

 

The steakhouse is a must for me!

 

For mains I got the sea bass with mom and the surf and turf with Matt. I LOVED both but the Sea Bass wins.

 

 

 

Mom got the filet and Matt got the Spice Rubbed Ribeye.

 

 

Edited May 2, 2016 by PurdueChefAmber

[PurdueChefAmber]

As I am sure you are all aware, the Steak House has HUGE cheesecake, so, mom and I split one and Matt and I skipped on dessert.

 

 

The experiences were very similar on the two cruises but with Matt and I, we were sat right by the smoking deck window which sort of killed the mood. Try to sit on the other side of the restaurant.

[familyglow2008]

We requested an UBER after getting our bags and UBER told you where the driver would pick you up. We were in a car in under 5 minutes and had an easy drive to Ft Lauderdale! (45 minute ride and with discount, it only cost us $15!!!) A note on UBER.... many drivers do not like driving into the ports so it might take a little longer for someone to pick you up but someone will. Also, you do not have to tip the driver but they REALLY appreciate it and some will rate you less than a 5 if you do not tip, especially on short trips.

 

So, Uber gets to rate it's passengers on if they tip or not? That's Uber-ridiculous!!!

 

[PurdueChefAmber]

We requested an UBER after getting our bags and UBER told you where the driver would pick you up. We were in a car in under 5 minutes and had an easy drive to Ft Lauderdale! (45 minute ride and with discount, it only cost us $15!!!) A note on UBER.... many drivers do not like driving into the ports so it might take a little longer for someone to pick you up but someone will. Also, you do not have to tip the driver but they REALLY appreciate it and some will rate you less than a 5 if you do not tip, especially on short trips.

 

So, Uber gets to rate it's passengers on if they tip or not? That's Uber-ridiculous!!!

 

 

Yes! Isn't that crazy!?!

[Yayamama77]

Wonderful review. I cruise on the Conquest for my first cruise ever in June b

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[JaneAustenite]

Enjoying your review! We'll be on the Conquest in June and I'm excited. We're probably doing a different itinerary, but, I love reading about the ship beforehand.