Just off the 10/23 Conquest. Part 1

[blyle]

First let me say that I have been on 9 cruises and will skip the basics!

 

FYI. The previous cruise missed all scheduled ports and when they arrived in Galveston the lovely customs agents made EVERY CREW MEMBER stop what they were doing to go through customs. ALso there was a cruise agents convention of 800 including reps from various cruise lines. No one began boarding unitl after 1PM. It was very crowded and many were not happy since they had been there since early in the AM.

I strongly suggest that you do not get there early. Due to the added passengers on the Conquest and shortage of customs agents those debarking late were meeting those getting there early and that made for some crowded conditions, traffic snarls, bus problems, shuttle probs etc. DO yourself a favor until the port officials can get this right don't put yourself through it. Stay at home or at your hotel! Right now I do not see the conditions changing until more agents are on duty!

 

Embarkation: mostly mentioned above. The agents were very quick and we were through at the desk in a few minutes it was the long wait after in the reception area that was the problem. Once it started it went quickly. A paper was given when we checked in and it told of the cancellation of Cozumel due to Wilma. They tried all week to find another port but ALPHA and BETA kept us on the move.!

 

Cabin: Booked 5 days before at a great deal and had a cat 6A Riviera. Due to the high seas we could not have been happier. Bad weather and high seas would have made a balcony useless. We loved it down there it was quiet, convenient and believe it or not many of the experienced cruisers were with us. Got there and remote did not work, cabin steward thanked us for telling him and we had new batteries within 10 minutes. Shower head loosened and he had the plumber there in 20 minutes. Great service, wonderful new towel animals we had never seen before. Cabin steward was one of the best ever.

Since we have had balconies on our last few cruises we forgot that without one the room is larger due to the fact that the balcony in cut into the room size not added on to the room size. We loved all the room. Great bedding as before and nice bathroom with lots of shelves. Wet bar with food remained locked for us.

 

Food:

We always eat in the dining room since the portions are controlled and we feel better not piling on food at the buffet. Selections were varied and food was plentiful at all meals. We had 8 pm dining and a round table with great couples and that made for an enjoyable week. Point was $30 and we did not eat there. One thing they do not have free cookies anymore. Each cookie will cost you $1 on the conquest.

I did attend 2 of the wine tastings in the Point at noon each day and it was a great little seminar on wine. 4 glasses and a plate of fruit, crackers, cheese for $9.20. You have to look hard in the capers to find it but it was well worth it. Much different from others I have attended on other ships.

 

Staff: This was one of the friendliest staffs in the fleet. You can see that they really like one another. In speaking with them they explained that they have not had a normal cruise in many weeks starting before Katrina. They have had shortened and lengthened cruises, itinerary switiches, ship changes, and a new embarkation and debarkation port. They have learned to be flexible and roll with the punches!

 

Casino: Lots of winners on day one but much less on the other days.

 

Entertainment: We saw both Las Vegas shows and enjoyed them. Wonderful female vocalist who leave in 2 weeks will be hard to replace! Did not care for the Mr Bourbon street a singer who appeared 2 nights. Comedians were hilarious. Band was great. Did not go into the disco because we spend most of our time in the Piano bar with Damien. He was the best I have seen. He is a marvelous classically trained pianist who sings wonderful songs by Sting, U2, Beatles, Billy Joel, Dan Fogelberg, not the campy songs. If you just let him do what he likes you will have a great experience! Have him play Moon over Bourbon Street or Moon Dance. At different times other crew will come in to join him on songs from Phantom etc and it is wonderful. He won't be there much longer so please take the time to go and see him. They also had classical music and solist by the casino. Unlike the Elation no one was specifically designated as Country Western!

 

The Hawaiian Murder Mystery was fun too! As was the haunted house that they constructed the last sea day. The entire crew and cast were inside and everyone enjoyed it. Ship was decorated for Halloween!

[FamilyDoc]

Thanks for the great review! 12 of us are going on the Conquest 1/15/06 and the recent reviews have been pretty negative. I had started to worry. It sounds like you had a blast. Did the ship seem crowded to you? (At times other than embarkation, I mean.) If you think of anything else that might improve the journey for those of us coming up relatively soon we appreciate the posts.:)

[blyle]

Family Doc,

Before I post part 2 I want you to know that the Conquest is a beautiful and very large ship. IF you don't like it then you won't like any large ship. The crew has had some hard weeks with all the changes but if you speak to them for a few moments you will get a glimpse into the world. We gave them a little time and they remembered us all week. They were friendly to everyone but I believe that they are gun shy and expecting everyone to complain about the missed ports, debarkation, leaving from Galveston. They have had to reach into their bag of tricks each week. Due to the fact that the ship had 800 cruise agents on board we were very lucky. I am sure they went out of their way to make everyone happy on this cruise and hope that they treat you the same way. Honestly the crew was great as they always are for us. We had a great cruise even with all the changes! Carnival can't control the weather or the seas!

 

One thing I suggest is the Bar Coupon book. We like the exotic drinks and the daily specials so we always buy books of drink coupons. They include the tip and we don't have a large bill on the ship because you pay in advance when you order them before the cruise. You just give them a coupon for drinks or even a bottle wine or champagne. It is very easy and they can be used on a future cruise if necessary. I bring the souvenir glass and just have them fill it!

 

Stay tuned for Part 2

[greatful]

Thanks for a great review appreciate any & all reviews as we await our turn :)

[GayleR]

Casino: Did not go into the disco because we spend most of our time in the Piano bar with Damien. He was the best I have seen. He is a marvelous classically trained pianist who sings wonderful songs by Sting, U2, Beatles, Billy Joel, Dan Fogelberg, not the campy songs. If you just let him do what he likes you will have a great experience! Have him play Moon over Bourbon Street or Moon Dance. At different times other crew will come in to join him on songs from Phantom etc and it is wonderful. He won't be there much longer so please take the time to go and see him.

 

How much longer will he be on the Conquest? Do you know?

[blyle]

WEATHER: The next time anyone complains about missing a port or being rerouted due to weather I will tell them to be happy they did not get close to it. On Monday when Wilma was crossing FLorida the waves were bouncing off the FLorida Panhandle and causing us some very high seas and rough water. I have cruised many times and at Monday Breakfast I actually left the dining room because I thought I was going to be ill. A crew member told me not to give in to it or that would start a cycle I would not like. They said don't try to walk straight go side to side, don't lie down, just walk and my all means DO NOT BEND OVER! after an hour I was fine but many were not. One tip for rough seas. THe cook will prepare lots of food made with ginger . Ginger is supposed to combat sea sickness. I ate ginger soup, gingercake, and anything else that had ginger. I notice the crew also eating the ginger foods and it did help! One last tip take the meds early DON"T WAIT!!!

 

We had sun on Tuesday, bad rain on Wednesday in Jamaica ( ALPHA ) and many excursions cancelled. We went into the terminal and to the right where all the taxis were. A family had just had a tour with RANNY (ronny) an elderly gentlemen. It was very cheap and worth it. WE got another couple and decided to share the van. We went out and asked for him and they pointed him out. He took us to a native arts and craft store and the other couple wanted jewelry so we went to the same store as the cruise line tour. WE then went on an island tour because Ranny knew the back roads and avoided the bad flooding. It was a great day even though it rained.

 

TIP: When Jamaica has heavy rains the rivers drain into the beach area along with sewage, trash etc. The bacteria count can be very high. You will ;see the strip of brown near the beaches. It is best to avoid it after a rain! This is something they don't tell you but we asked and were told it was true as I had heard. You could see debris floating in the normally beautiful water. Also there are now 3 safe taxi ids not just JUTA so ask on the ship .

 

Grand Cayman - On Thursday we were the first cruise ship they had seen in 2 weeks and they did not know we were coming. The port was actually closed but they let us in. Lots of tours available and we were taken to the Marriott. Due to Wilma the beach had eroded and rocks were brought in with the waves but we were welcomed and allowed to use the facilities, pool,chairs, towels, bar, etc. They were glad to have us . its a $4pp taxi ride but going back we walked out front and took the bus for $2 each and then stopped at the Lobster Pot for lunch. THe weather was threatening and then the downpour began. Again tours were cancelled and many never got to see the beautiful water of Grand Cayman! We were back on the ship by 4 and though it rained we enjoyed our time at the beach and at lunch. Bad Weather due to BETA

 

TIP: Don"t buy at Grand Cayman US prices are high due to the exchange rate. You will pay more than the cayman price which is already high. Go to the Tortuga rum cake store for a sample of every kind of rum cake.

 

Summary: Our table mates were wonderful. We were a diverse table and everyone had a story! Our entire table came to dinner everynight it was great. We met hurricane victims, travel agents, and local residents! Due to weather the extra day gave us 2 days to rest at the end and that helps. We found out that this weeks cruise will go to Playa Del Carmen which is a great port! Hope that Continues. I hope that all future cruisers will be patient and give Carnival some time to work out the disembarkation problems. The Conquest was caught unexpectedly by Katrina and had to have contingency plans. Then along comes, Rita, Wilma, Alpha and Beta. They will get it right!! I would never tell people not to leave from Galveston because it has always been relatively easy. Today they said there was much improvement from the last 2 weeks so they are aware of the problem. Also there were many that have read on these boards that they should leave when the first tags are called and not wait. That caused the most problems because their luggage is in an area that they can't get to until the others are off. DO NOT leave until your color is called or you will have a harder time getting your luggage and a longer wait on line.

 

Now for a great story. This morning we ate breakfast with an elderly couple who lost everything in Katrina. They just purchased an older house in Mississippi before the cruise but since the cruise was already paid for they decided to go. They told us many interesting inside stories and that their entire family, all relatives lost everything. They also told of all the help friends and neighbors gave. Then the bombshell. They had booked the 7 day Elation a year ago and called to see if it was sailing and they told them yes. He dropped off his wife and went to park. She saw all the Conquest tags and asked and was told that the Elation changed to the Ecstacy itinerary and left Saturday the day before, so they had missed it. When her husband arrived she was in tears because after all they had been through this was the last straw. It seems they don't get mail because they have lived in different cities, hotels ets. SO they spoke to someone at the port and Carnival got them on the Conquest with no questions asked. It was a heartwarming story that ended our cruise. They were so upbeat and positive and proud to be taking care of their lives. When you hear a story like that how can you complain about the food or the entertainment! My goodness things could be lots worse. My husband said referring to me. "I would have found my wife passed out on the floor"

 

There may be a part 3 if I think of more. Just ask away!

[blyle]

I think he said until December and then he was doing pre production for a rock opera! He said he has been on the ships for quite some time and would like to come back after pre production is through. He is from New Zealand.

[greatful]

Great review really appreciate. Did you say if you have ability to upload Capers when you have time? Thanks again !

[JSCruiser]

 

 

Now for a great story. This morning we ate breakfast with an elderly couple who lost everything in Katrina. They just purchased an older house in Mississippi before the cruise but since the cruise was already paid for they decided to go. They told us many interesting inside stories and that their entire family, all relatives lost everything. They also told of all the help friends and neighbors gave. Then the bombshell. They had booked the 7 day Elation a year ago and called to see if it was sailing and they told them yes. He dropped off his wife and went to park. She saw all the Conquest tags and asked and was told that the Elation changed to the Ecstacy itinerary and left Saturday the day before, so they had missed it. When her husband arrived she was in tears because after all they had been through this was the last straw. It seems they don't get mail because they have lived in different cities, hotels ets. SO they spoke to someone at the port and Carnival got them on the Conquest with no questions asked. It was a heartwarming story that ended our cruise. They were so upbeat and positive and proud to be taking care of their lives. When you hear a story like that how can you complain about the food or the entertainment! My goodness things could be lots worse. My husband said referring to me. "I would have found my wife passed out on the floor"

 

There may be a part 3 if I think of more. Just ask away!

 

What a heartwarming story. I am glad Carnival could work things out for them. I imagine Carnival had a lot of cancelations related to Wilma and had some empty cabins to accomodate them.

It sounds like you had a great time on your cruise despite the change of itinerary and rough seas. Thanks for the great review.

[blyle]

Sorry I can't upload capers but would be glad to give general schedule or answer questions. I did not keep the ads inside.

[Rowan555]

When was the past guest party?

 

Also, do they still have low carb selections on the new menus for dinner?

 

Thanks!

[blyle]

Yes they have low carb selections. Past guest party was on Tuesday at 3:15 until 4:00. Very odd time and no one went. May have been due to the Travel agent conference using all the rooms.

[eelyak]

Did they disembark by decks? Do you recall which decks were first?

[Mgetta]

When was the nightly shows scheduled for late diners? How long did it take to get off the ship in Grand Cayman? When did the last tender return to the ship?

[Salty Dawg]

Due to the fact that the ship had 800 cruise agents on board we were very lucky. I am sure they went out of their way to make everyone happy on this cruise and hope that they treat you the same way.

I wonder if the ship's personnel were on their best behavior to influence those cruise agents? The previous week's sailing wasn't so lucky!

[gypsyrose]

blyle, I have never read a more positive review. Too bad everyone doesn't have your outlook on life. You apparently don't let anything get you down and that is a wonderful thing. I am so glad you enjoyed your cruise and I enjoyed reading your review. Thanks:)

[blyle]

First to disembark are black tags which are supposed to be given only to early flights. We did see some in the line who were driving though!. Not sure how they got the tags. There was not supposed to be self disembarking until they get things done faster but it was obvious that some did not cooperate and got black tags anyway. Maybe if they could control that better they could get them off sooner. 1/2 the ship had black tags. Aft er they left things were much better.

 

Tender tickets were not needed after 9:30 for us in Grand cayman because the 800 agents had a party on shore and did not leave until later. They freed up the tenders for us. It says that usually you need tickets up until 10am.

Since the cruise port was damaged a bit everyone had to go to one pier and there were no other ships but us. If all the ships (5) were in port it would have been a headache I am sure. I think the tender tickets will depend on how quickly they can repair the damage and use all areas.

 

Late dinner shows start at 10:30

 

 

Actually I think that the cruise agents only made a small difference if any. First of all they were in classes all day until 5pm with only a 1 hour break for lunch. They ate their meals together in the same dining rooms, held private functions all over the ship and many were there solo. So if they put the best staff in their dining room or functions we may have had the second tier. If the best were better than those we had wow they must be great. After visiting with the staff it is apparent that they have not had a normal cruise since Katrina hit. They are trying to make the transition to Galveston a good experience but those who were set on NOLA will never be happy. Galveston is a beach communty not Bourbon St. I believe it should all work out in the future. For now DO NOT BOOK AN EARLY flight and you will be OKAY. The Conquest is a beautiful ship and we are so lucky to have her. Please go on and enjoy!!

 

One thing I found interesting! I spoke to at least 5 cruise agents on the ship who have been booking cruises for over 1 year and had never ever been on a cruise before. Very Interesting!!!

[bgaylemccord]

How Were You Able To Book Five Days Before Sailing? How Did You Find A Great Rate? I Live In Beaumont, Tx. And Would Love To Get A Notice Of A Great Last Minute Rate On Any Future Sailing Of Ships Out Of Galveston.

 

Thanks

[Mgetta]

A lot of the internet travel agencies notify you of last minute deals, including cruise critic newsletter. Right now Carnival is offering cabins on the Elation sailing Saturday the 5th starting at $349 pp.

[blyle]

There is one site that has the lowest price. I check it all the time and then call my agent who usually beats the price. The price is only there for about 3 days and then it increases. I booked a Hawaii cruise for only $850 each a few months ago and this cruise was ridiculously low but had a resident special for texans. You have to watch the prices daily because they are subject to increase at any time. WE can't give website addresses but just check around for last minute cruises and compare the same cruise and you will quickly learn who has the best prices. Then use them to check prices.