MITSUGIRLY decides to CONQUEST new ports-complete pictorial review

[Leo110790]

Cheers program yes or no? Also do you take cash for the casino tables and use sign and sail card for slots?

 

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[OceansOfTravels]

Mitsugirly,

 

Thank you for yet another amazing review. The Conquest is ted with the Liberty for my favorite ship, and also tied with the Liberty for my favorite cruise. It surely holds a special space with me, and I absolutely love seeing your pictures. I have a quick question that doesn;t necessarily pertain to cruising. I have a long-awaited Europe trip in July, and I really want to buy a nice camera for it. I have a regular snap-and-shoot digital, but I m looking for a better camera that will take better pictures, so I can keep them for my whole life. I would like to stay under $400 if I can, and I do not mind used cameras. Do you have any recommendations? Do you have any recommendations as to where to buy it from?

 

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it! :D

[my_crib_too]

Kim:

 

I read this morning that S/W air is considering flights to Hawaii for 2018. If this were to happen, would you and your family consider a Hawaii cruise?

 

bruce...

[tekzilla]

Thanks for the great review with Pictures! We just booked this same cruise for October 14th, only they flip flopped Curacao and Aruba.

[TheGirlNextDoor]

Do you have any more cruises booked? Specifically Carnival. I am currently reading your Pride review. I hate to comment on that thread since its 2 years old. HAHA. But now you got me wanting to see that ship. I like the water slides. For my family cruises, the water works and pool area are important to us.

 

You know my opinion on Conquest is that I loved it because it was my first ever cruise. However, after going on the Dream class ships, I don't have a desire to take my kids on the Conquest class. Its kind of boring for kids. And interesting that they put Sakari in that conference room for camp. When we were on Ecstasy years ago, they put my then 10 year old in a conference room just like that too. I was disappointed about it and she rarely spent any time at camp. Our upcoming cruise, my youngest will still be a Sting Ray. I hope this isn't the last cruise she gets to enjoy camp. I don't want her to be a Shark if its in a conference room.

Edited May 22, 2017 by TheGirlNextDoor

[atj1971]

WOW!!! Sounds like a great vacation. I will admit, the story line of the scuba excursion had me on the edge of my seat. Sakari is one brave child. The pictures of her at the wall and seeing nothing but deep blue water behind her had me almost having an anxiety attack. After it was over and I knew she was okay, I instantly wanted to look in to scuba lessons for my daughter (22) and I for our next cruise. I know I will never have the guts to go to a wall and actually swim in the deep sea but I would love the tugboat level. Hahahahaha. That drop off was crazy intense to me. I had to walk away from my screen for a minute.

Great pictures!! I enjoy your reviews!! Also a Buckeye here!! I will be checking in to lessons soon and looking for an excursion to do some beginner level diving.

[Flytko]

Awesome Awesome review, makes me want to but that route in the future. Glad everything went well for you and your family. All of that food talk in those last pages has made me hungry. Time to warm me a burrito that I was going to heat up earlier when I first got to work, but you know how that goes :).

 

Definitely take the chance to cruise out of Galveston, very easy terminal, even with the bigger ships in the fleet sailing out.

 

Can't wait to see what other adventures that you and your family will have!!!!

[E@syPe@zy]

Definitely take the chance to cruise out of Galveston, very easy terminal, even with the bigger ships in the fleet sailing out.

 

I'm sorry...but I have to disagree about Galveston. We have cruised twice from Galveston and it was the worst port I have ever cruised from. Particularly the disembarkation. It was a mess!! And nobody paid any attention to their times to get off. We were not even close to the last number to be called, but one of the last to get off of the ship and then the fun really starts. OMG....you stand in line for ever just to get your bags that are not even close to the zone they are supposed to be in. If the porter hadn't helped us, I don't have a clue how long it would have taken us to find our bags. Personally, I think the terminal was a poor design. I will never take another cruise out of Galveston. And it pains me, that the Breeze is there. I love that ship! But I know a lot of Texans love that port and I can't blame them for how close it is.

[rguy123]

Thank you for another fun review!

 

 

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[joepeka]

Mitsugirly's posts and reviews are very informative and entertaining. It reminds of another CC poster from 10-12 years ago that similarly had a very eloquent and enjoyable way of describing her cruises - Sable Rose was her CC name. Is it possible that Mitsugirly is Sable Rose's reincarnation?? :confused:

[mitsugirly]

Hi all!

 

mitsugirly ~ well if you want to do those fav ports again pick Escape on Oct 14th! We're going to Roatan, Harvest Caye (been there yet?), Costa Maya & Cozumel.

 

I'm off on Getaway next week so looking forward to that & seeing the Baltic ports.

Always a pleasure to read your reviews & see your lovely pictures.

 

~ Jo ~

 

We did have something else in the works (something new for us), but now I'm not so sure it's going to pan out. So...we'll see.

 

 

Nope, haven't been to Harvest Caye yet. That would be something new.

 

 

Cheers program yes or no? Also do you take cash for the casino tables and use sign and sail card for slots?

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Forums mobile app

 

Sorry, I can't be of any help with the cheers program. We don't drink enough to make buying that worth our while.

 

 

I personally don't play the tables (only slots) and I upload my gift certificates to my sail and sign card for the slots. I don't use cash for anything on board.

 

 

 

Mitsugirly,

 

Thank you for yet another amazing review. The Conquest is ted with the Liberty for my favorite ship, and also tied with the Liberty for my favorite cruise. It surely holds a special space with me, and I absolutely love seeing your pictures. I have a quick question that doesn;t necessarily pertain to cruising. I have a long-awaited Europe trip in July, and I really want to buy a nice camera for it. I have a regular snap-and-shoot digital, but I m looking for a better camera that will take better pictures, so I can keep them for my whole life. I would like to stay under $400 if I can, and I do not mind used cameras. Do you have any recommendations? Do you have any recommendations as to where to buy it from?

 

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it!

 

Well, as you can probably tell, my favorite is what I use...Olympus Tough TG2. Everything in this review (and previous reviews) were taken with Olympus Tough camera's. So, I'm kind of partial to liking them. You can definitely get one for under $400 too. You can probably find them on ebay or Amazon.

 

 

Kim:

 

I read this morning that S/W air is considering flights to Hawaii for 2018. If this were to happen, would you and your family consider a Hawaii cruise?

 

bruce...

 

It depends on the price, where they are flying to and so on. Definitely not out of the question. I would love to go to Hawaii. It just seems to be an expensive cruise.

 

 

Thanks for the great review with Pictures! We just booked this same cruise for October 14th, only they flip flopped Curacao and Aruba.

 

Awesome. Is it on the Conquest? I would love to flip flop the times at these 2 places and experience Curacao a little longer.

 

 

Do you have any more cruises booked? Specifically Carnival. I am currently reading your Pride review. I hate to comment on that thread since its 2 years old. HAHA. But now you got me wanting to see that ship. I like the water slides. For my family cruises, the water works and pool area are important to us.

 

You know my opinion on Conquest is that I loved it because it was my first ever cruise. However, after going on the Dream class ships, I don't have a desire to take my kids on the Conquest class. Its kind of boring for kids. And interesting that they put Sakari in that conference room for camp. When we were on Ecstasy years ago, they put my then 10 year old in a conference room just like that too. I was disappointed about it and she rarely spent any time at camp. Our upcoming cruise, my youngest will still be a Sting Ray. I hope this isn't the last cruise she gets to enjoy camp. I don't want her to be a Shark if its in a conference room.

 

 

At this current time, I do not have any booked. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do. We will vacation this summer and then again some time in the fall.

 

 

My old reviews get brought up a lot, so don't worry about commenting on anything if you have a question. It happens all the time.

 

 

The Pride has a decent water works area for sure. The awesome thing is they also have the GREEN THUNDER on it!! Woo Hoo!

 

 

Yea, the Conquest is not really comparable to the Dream class ships. I LOVE the Dream class ships! I really want to go on the Magic. But, I love all the cruises. This cruise wasn't bad, don't get me wrong. I love them all. It just wasn't my favorite.

 

 

Yea, Sakari wasn't too happy that she decided to move up with the 9 year old's. We were TOLD in the beginning, when we told the camp that she would be turning 9 on this cruise, that it really wouldn't matter much because they would have all of the kids in that area for most of the cruise. They said they would all be together...of course until it came time for Sakari to decide one or the other...then things changed and they were split up. Of course the next cruise...she won't have a choice and will be with the 9 year old's no matter what. I hope they don't put them in a conference room again or we will end up with no free time without her.

 

 

 

WOW!!! Sounds like a great vacation. I will admit, the story line of the scuba excursion had me on the edge of my seat. Sakari is one brave child. The pictures of her at the wall and seeing nothing but deep blue water behind her had me almost having an anxiety attack. After it was over and I knew she was okay, I instantly wanted to look in to scuba lessons for my daughter (22) and I for our next cruise. I know I will never have the guts to go to a wall and actually swim in the deep sea but I would love the tugboat level. Hahahahaha. That drop off was crazy intense to me. I had to walk away from my screen for a minute.

Great pictures!! I enjoy your reviews!! Also a Buckeye here!! I will be checking in to lessons soon and looking for an excursion to do some beginner level diving.

 

It's funny how seeing her hover above...well, nothing, put me on edge as well but yet didn't even faze her at all. Of course after is was done and over with, I was the proud momma.

 

 

I think I'm the same way you are about the Tug Boat being on MY level and comfortable. But that wall. Eek!

 

 

I don't know if you are from the Columbus area, but Aquatic Adventures is who we use for Sakari's scuba classes. She has a class tomorrow...she is SO excited.

 

 

 

Awesome Awesome review, makes me want to but that route in the future. Glad everything went well for you and your family. All of that food talk in those last pages has made me hungry. Time to warm me a burrito that I was going to heat up earlier when I first got to work, but you know how that goes .

 

Definitely take the chance to cruise out of Galveston, very easy terminal, even with the bigger ships in the fleet sailing out.

 

Can't wait to see what other adventures that you and your family will have!!!!

 

Since we were on NCL when we cruised out of Texas, we haven't got to experience Galveston. I have always read that it's a nightmare there so I have tried to avoid cruising out of there. :confused: I'm glad you have had a different experience.

 

 

 

 

I'm sorry...but I have to disagree about Galveston. We have cruised twice from Galveston and it was the worst port I have ever cruised from. Particularly the disembarkation. It was a mess!! And nobody paid any attention to their times to get off. We were not even close to the last number to be called, but one of the last to get off of the ship and then the fun really starts. OMG....you stand in line for ever just to get your bags that are not even close to the zone they are supposed to be in. If the porter hadn't helped us, I don't have a clue how long it would have taken us to find our bags. Personally, I think the terminal was a poor design. I will never take another cruise out of Galveston. And it pains me, that the Breeze is there. I love that ship! But I know a lot of Texans love that port and I can't blame them for how close it is.

 

See, this is what I have always heard too. Not many like cruising out of there from what I have read.

 

 

Thank you for another fun review!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

 

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it.

 

 

 

Thank you for another fun review!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Mitsugirly's posts and reviews are very informative and entertaining. It reminds of another CC poster from 10-12 years ago that similarly had a very eloquent and enjoyable way of describing her cruises - Sable Rose was her CC name. Is it possible that Mitsugirly is Sable Rose's reincarnation??

 

 

Well I'll take that as a compliment. I will have to look this person up. Thanks for the info and glad you liked the review. :)

[joepeka]

Well I'll take that as a compliment. I will have to look this person up. Thanks for the info and glad you liked the review. :)

 

It definitely was a compliment and if any of Sable Rose's old posts and reviews are still available, I think you might enjoy them (even though they are a bit dated now).

[mitsugirly]

It definitely was a compliment and if any of Sable Rose's old posts and reviews are still available, I think you might enjoy them (even though they are a bit dated now).

 

 

I found her and I'm reading her Conquest review. She does sound a lot like me with her style of telling a story. What ever happened to her? I see that she has not been on since 2005?

[joepeka]

I found her and I'm reading her Conquest review. She does sound a lot like me with her style of telling a story. What ever happened to her? I see that she has not been on since 2005?

I honestly do not know why she dropped out of CC. She seemed to enjoy cruising and sharing her experiences so who knows? Glad you're enjoying her writing, you definitely remind me of her. :)

[mitsugirly]

I honestly do not know why she dropped out of CC. She seemed to enjoy cruising and sharing her experiences so who knows? Glad you're enjoying her writing, you definitely remind me of her. :)

 

Yea, really weird. Her signature line said she cruised once in the 90's and then the Conquest, then in 2005...then nothing after. The hubby said he was going to write a quick review as well and it doesn't look like he posted anything after then (Nov 2005) either. They both were military and I hope nothing happened to them during deployment. I do like her writing style and she was funny. It's too bad she's no longer on here. But thanks for the info and I did enjoy her one review. :)

[jenseib]

I'm sorry...but I have to disagree about Galveston. We have cruised twice from Galveston and it was the worst port I have ever cruised from. Particularly the disembarkation. It was a mess!! And nobody paid any attention to their times to get off. We were not even close to the last number to be called, but one of the last to get off of the ship and then the fun really starts. OMG....you stand in line for ever just to get your bags that are not even close to the zone they are supposed to be in. If the porter hadn't helped us, I don't have a clue how long it would have taken us to find our bags. Personally, I think the terminal was a poor design. I will never take another cruise out of Galveston. And it pains me, that the Breeze is there. I love that ship! But I know a lot of Texans love that port and I can't blame them for how close it is.

 

I'm with you on Galveston. It is a hot mess. My time was smoother than others, but still not smooth compared to other ports and I have had friends that had it much much worse there.

[tiggerkaj]

Thanks for a wonderful review and great pictures. Can't wait for the next one!

[Singer4Him]

The one thing that NCL can't get right is their biscuits. They are like hockey pucks! Thank goodness Carnival's isn't. They have mini-biscuits and they were pretty good.

 

Where did you find the biscuits? We've been on seven (7) cruises with Carnival and I don't think I've ever seen one. I'm a southerner and we southerners love our biscuits, preferably with some gravy but some butter, jelly or jam will suffice. I've always thought it odd that Carnival has almost everything you can think of available for breakfast (even baked beans! That's still strange to me. LOL) but never a biscuit. I guess I haven't been looking in the right place. ;p

 

And I agree with you about the bacon police. :confused:

[ABQrobin]

Hey Mitsugirly - I have finished my dive videos and will be starting my trip report later today. Oh, and AKR has ended their dolphin program, if that is why you said you wouldn't go there.

 

robin

[Singer4Him]

I'm considering purchasing the Olympus Tough TG4 and have a few questions that I hope you can answer.

 

Can you transfer pics from the camera to a smart phone via wifi?

 

Will it need the waterproof case that I've seen available or is it waterproof as it comes when you purchase it?

 

After swimming in salt water, do you just wash/wipe it off to get rid of the salt residue?

 

Any other tips/tricks that you can think of that may be useful?

 

TIA!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[mitsugirly]

Thanks for a wonderful review and great pictures. Can't wait for the next one!

 

Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed it.

Where did you find the biscuits? We've been on seven (7) cruises with Carnival and I don't think I've ever seen one. I'm a southerner and we southerners love our biscuits, preferably with some gravy but some butter, jelly or jam will suffice. I've always thought it odd that Carnival has almost everything you can think of available for breakfast (even baked beans! That's still strange to me. LOL) but never a biscuit. I guess I haven't been looking in the right place.

 

And I agree with you about the bacon police.

 

Well honestly, this is the first I have actually seen biscuits (that I can remember) and they were almost easily missed. They are SMALL...like a little bit bigger than a quarter. So if you are a southerner (as I am as well)...these biscuits will not thrill you (nor the gravy) BUT I'm so used to NCL's hockey pucks that I was super excited to find these and it made for a bit of a change. But the biscuits were found toward the end of the buffet line and almost to the omelettes section I believe.

 

 

I'm right with you on the baked beans thing for breakfast. But, Carnival is not the only one that does that...NCL also has a breakfast, served at their 24/7 dinner, with beans. It's just odd to me. Obviously it's some type of tradition somewhere. :eek:

[mitsugirly]

Bumping for our viewing pleasure.

 

Aww, thanks.

 

 

Hey Mitsugirly - I have finished my dive videos and will be starting my trip report later today. Oh, and AKR has ended their dolphin program, if that is why you said you wouldn't go there.

 

robin

 

Where can I find your dive videos? I love them so much!

 

No, I wouldn't go there (or Maya Key) d/t their involvement with what happened to LFK.

[mitsugirly]

I'm considering purchasing the Olympus Tough TG4 and have a few questions that I hope you can answer.

 

Can you transfer pics from the camera to a smart phone via wifi?

 

Will it need the waterproof case that I've seen available or is it waterproof as it comes when you purchase it?

 

After swimming in salt water, do you just wash/wipe it off to get rid of the salt residue?

 

Any other tips/tricks that you can think of that may be useful?

 

TIA!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

I will definitely give it a shot.

 

 

You should be able to transfer photos since the camera does have wifi. I have never personally used it before (or the GPS) and I'm not too tech savvy and have no idea what purpose I would need for these features personally. But, I would say you would be able to find out how to do it via the instruction booklet that comes with it or searching online or youtube I would think.

 

 

No, it's a waterproof camera. So no waterproof case is needed. (Good up to 50 feet I believe).

 

 

After swimming in salt water, wash it off with regular water (not just wiping it off). Even better...soak it in water for awhile and then wiped clean. I have (and did this trip) get a piece of sand stuck in one of the buttons and it took awhile of putting it in the water and pushing it back and forth to get the sand out.

 

 

Only other tip I have is to play with the settings and see what you like. I still play with the settings all the time and discover new things. However, I have my "favorites".

 

*I love the "P" (Program) mode with the "Art" setting for Diorama. This setting is what is used for a "tilt shift" effect.

 

*Another tip is to put the camera on SCN (scene mode) and then SPORT when you are in a moving vehicle and your "drive-by" pictures will not turn out a blurred mess.

 

*I feel that the pano on this camera SUCKS! But my older 830 or 620 does much better at stitching them together.

 

*This camera does have a time lapse feature as well, which I didn't use this last time because we didn't have a balcony.

*There is a Live Composite, which combines a series of pictures together into one and creates a good pic.

 

*There are settings you can use for really colorful and bright (or soft pictures)...BUT...I prefer putting the camera on Diorama (even if I'm not trying to do a tilt shift photo) and the beach/water/trees come out really bright and amazing.

 

*Of course don't forget to do some macro pictures of something up close and it will blur out the background (like a Bokeh effect).

 

*As for the underwater pics...on this particular camera, there are OTHER settings within the water setting (which is different than the previous versions) and you can have a regular underwater picture, wide landscape pic, wide action pics, and of course...don't forget the macro function for those close ups of the coral and stuff.

 

 

Last but not least...one of the best features of this camera (instead of the older models) is that you have the ability to add lens to it. I personally have a fish eye (I wanted a wide lens but it wasn't available at the time I bought mine) and I LOVE it. It has really surprised me. If you do get a fish eye or wide angle lens...word of advice if you are taking it diving or possibly snorkeling...adjust the expose on it to make the picture brighter. Otherwise your pics will end up a little on the dark side.

 

 

That's about all I can think of off the top of my head at the moment. I hope this helps and you enjoy your camera. :)

[WinstonsMom]

I'm right with you on the baked beans thing for breakfast. But, Carnival is not the only one that does that...NCL also has a breakfast, served at their 24/7 dinner, with beans. It's just odd to me. Obviously it's some type of tradition somewhere. :eek:

 

I *think* baked beans for breakfast is a UK thing. I like baked beans....but with hot dogs, not for breakfast!

[ABQrobin]

Dive videos.... for some reason the Roatan video is not working, so I am having to reload it right now.

You can find all my videos on Vimeo: Search by my name or user466791

 

I have the full trip report of every day on cruise posted here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2505619

 

Unfortunately, my GoPro was on its last leg (its 5yrs old, Hero 2) and kept shutting off or saying the card was full while I was underwater. Since we got home, my wonderful hubby purchased me the upgrade, GoPro5 black. Totally stoked! We are probably doing a dive trip, not cruise next, so it will get lots of use.

 

robin