First Time on Carnival - couple questions

[CaribbeanJen]

Hi

We are long time cruisers. My husband surprised me by booking a 3 night cruise on the Conquest.  I'm looking forward to a few days away.  We leave 2/18.  He booked an AFT balcony so I'm pretty happy about that.  

 

Questions:

• Any idea on capacity for the ship? 
• What will the menu be like in the MDR?  
• I am not hearing anything great about Nassau.  We have not been there.  Opinions?  
• Any "don't miss" things about this ship?  

 

Looking forward to your feedback.  THANK YOU

[firefly333]

Most would rather skip nassau. Shop or go to a beach? 

 

I thought the food disappointing. Maybe treat yourself to the steak restaurant? 

 

Hey a aft balcony is what I have next and I plan to enjoy it. If you dont like something do or eat something else. Carry on a bottle of wine to enjoy on your balcony. Make the most of it.

 

Unless its changed, the bbq is easy to miss. It was upstairs from the back buffet. My last cruise with bbq it was only open on sea days. Make a pt of going. It's not bad. I like the sides and the pork.

Edited February 6, 2022 by firefly333

[victory2020]

Nassau is one port I would not want to go back to.

[cruizergal70]

What's wrong with Nassau? I just did a quick search of independent excursions.  Seems like a lot to do.

[mondello]

I want to go back to Nassau after hearing about the tour of John Watling Distillery in Downtown Nassau. Hear they have a great pina colada.

In the past I admired the yachts in the marina and won $750 on the casino slots.

Edited February 6, 2022 by mondello
Correction

[morrieb1]

I actually like Nassau.  You dock quite close to downtown.  If you are into history, the government buildings are interesting and its easy to get around, particularly with a map. https://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/nassau-introduction-walking-tour-4088.html

If you like rum, the John Watling Distillery is walking distance from the pier and has a free tour.  https://www.johnwatlings.com/

Shopping is, imo, about the same as any other cruise port.  If you are a beach person you would probably be happier with an excursion because the one close to the dock is not particularly great.

 

Can't help with the menu on a three night, but whether or not you find the food to be disappointing is, I think, a bit subjective. For example, recently I was happy with the main dining room food but disappointed by the Steakhouse on my Carnival cruise (not the Conquest, however).   Firefly is right about bringing on a bottle of wine - actually I think that because there are two of you, you can bring on two bottles.  Just be sure you carry them with you rather than having them in a checked bag.

 

One thing about the Conquest (and most Carnival ships) is that one of the dining rooms is in the middle of the ship so you can't get from one end to the other on decks 3 or 4.  That tends to confuse people.

 

Capacity - I don't think Carnival is restricting capacity the way some other lines are.  My January cruise (seven night) was about 70% capacity....maybe you can ask on a recent sailing roll call or find a recent review to see the passenger load Conquest has had.

 

Congrats on the aft and have a great trip.

 

 

[mondello]

Each adult can carry on a bottle of wine/champagne. 12 twelve ounce cans of soda. Pack of 1/2 liter bottled water can be ordered cheap/$5. MDR portions have been scaled back, feel free to order extra appetizers and even multiple entrees; best if you order once so they don't have to make an extra trip. I've enjoyed all of the Conquest class ships, Guy's Burger Shack is almost always great.

[Astromaid]

We did a food tour in Nassau, had a blast. Best thing, buying rum cakes to take home.

 

[brilliantseas]

There are a few options to explore within walking distance. Queens Staircase and Fort Fincastle are two that we enjoyed on my first visit to Nassau. 

 

Another option that just opened is the new Margaritaville Resort. Day passes are available for the Fins Up Water Park, which incudes a lazy river, pools, Flowrider surf machine, and a few slides, as well as access to the beach for $59. I'm planning on visiting for the first time in March.