Conquest Review - 2/22/09 - Gluten Free Info

[BettyBurrito]

My husband and I booked this cruise one month prior to sailing and we were so excited. This was my 8th cruise and the 5th with Carnival. We're pretty darn easy going and look for the positive in every situation but we just couldn't find too much to love about this cruise.

 

I've always been a diehard Carnival fan but I was a bit disappointed. I don't know if it's because of all the little cutbacks or what but it just wasn't the same experience as in the past.

 

My tablemates at dinner brought up the same thoughts. It just wasn't as fun. But don't get me wrong...cruising is always better than being at home but all the little things just seemed to add up.

 

Embarkation:

What can I say other than it went smoothly. We arrived at the port around 10:40 am and we were eating lunch on the Lido deck by 11:50 am.

 

Room:

We had an inside cabin on the Empress, #7318. My husband loves inside cabins because the darkness lets him sleep in in the mornings and take naps mid-day. I like them because it keeps me out of the cabin as much as possible!

 

Location was great as well. 2 decks up from Promenade and 2 decks down from the Lido.

 

We had wonderful, quiet neighbors on either side and because this deck is sandwiched between cabins above and below...it was very quiet. It was actually the most quiet room we've ever had.

 

There was PLENTY of storgage. And even room for my large suitcase under the bed. Yeah!

 

But...there were some downsides. One, the bed was really hard. Goodbye comfy, cozy Carnival beds from the past...hello rock. Also, at 4:30 am on the first night, I was awakened by a loud gurgling sound coming from the bathroom. All night...gurgle, gurgle, gurgle. So we called the pursor's desk in the morning after we saw the water was coming up from the sink and the shower when the gurgling happened.

 

They sent a maintenance guy and he said that when the water from the pool splashed into the pool shower, we got the gurgling (this happened all the time because the ship was rocky quite a bit). Nothing could be done. So instead of spending 6 sleepless nights listening to this noise, we closed the sink thing and place a folded towel over the shower drain and placed our ice bucket over it. This was our nightly routine so we could get some sleep.

 

Ship:

This is the largest ship I've been on. I've only sailed the Ecstasy, Sensation and other ships in that class. One thing I realized on the Conquest is a bigger ship that adds another 1000 passengers still only has so many public areas; therefore, the ship felt crowded. I mean, there's still only one casino, 2 omelet stations, one theater, one lobby, same amount of stores, etc. Looking back, I prefer the smaller ships because there's a little more wiggle room.

 

I didn't get a chance to see any movies on the outside screen. But I was annoyed when they played loud rock music at sailaway from Cozumel. For pete's sake...couldn't they play some caribbean or latin music? I'm only 38 years old...I do like loud music but the atmosphere is kinda ruined as my husband and I were on the deck enjoying the sunset as we left Cozumel and had loud rock music blaring.

 

I did love the decor and the different areas of the ship. It is a beautiful ship and I enjoyed walking around to discover all the new places.

On the Lido deck, I never had a problem getting a deck chair. Because of the stadium seating, it was easy to find a chair but also feel like I was near everything going on. However, a lot of the cruise was VERY windy out on the decks so I think some folks stayed inside who may have otherwise been out.

 

Oh, I loved the back part where the pool is (I forgot the name of that pool). It was a always quiet and plenty of tables were available for lunch and breakfast. I always had a terrific sea view for my daytime meals. This is ther perfect getaway area if you're looking for a qiuet place away from the activities around the main lido deck pool.

 

This was also the rockiest ship I've been on. Even when we had calmer seas and just a light breeze, the ship rocked a lot. Luckily, I love when this happens but I felt bad for those who are bothered by sea sickness.

 

Food:

Ugghhh...I hate to say this because I've always defended Carnival's food. I've always had plenty of things that were delicious but this time was different. In the dining room, my veggies and potatoes were almost always underdone and my steaks were always overcooked. There were some good meals like the lobster and shrimp (but I can't think of anything else).

 

My table mates loved the escargot...they said it was better than the escargot in the supper club.

 

The chocolate melting cake was hit or miss for the whole table. Some nights it was great, other nights the inside was runny like chocolate sauce for sundaes.

 

I'm also a gluten-free diner. The hostess who handles gluten-free guests didn't seem to really have a grasp on what I could or could not eat. I noticed the fries on the Lido deck were fried right there so I knew cross-contamination was not an issue. So I went to ask her if they are gluten-free. Right away she says, "Yes, you can have those." I then told her I was asking because some fries have a coating with flour on them. She called the chef to make sure. She got annoyed because the chef wouldn't say yes or no before he looked at the ingredients. Sure enough, the chef called back and said there was flour in the ingredients and I couldn't have it. Another night she told me I could order the corn chowder the following night. So I did. The waiter told me he thought there was flour in the chowder. Sure enough...there was. There were a handful of other GF guests and since Carnival claims they can handle GF diets, I wonder why there's not more consistency in the training. She should know what is GF...and if she doesn't she shold know better than to tell someone it's safe before checking. I've read reviews of awesome GF dining experiences but beware on the Conquest.

 

Entertainment:

Again, Carnival fell flat here. The female dancers were so bad they were off sync many times. The male dancers were great, though. And being on so many cruises, I think I'm over the production shows so I really look forward to the other shows like the comedians. There were two comedians who were so bad we left both shows. Last time on the Ecstasy, the comedians were so incredibly funny that their shows were packed. Not this time.

 

The female magician was good...but not great. The best show was the juggler, but I saw him before so some of the novelty was gone.

 

The other musicians about the ship seemed good.

 

Activities:

The first two sea days were so boring. All the fun games shows that I used to love to go two weren't happening (battle of the sexes, name that tune, etc). There was literally nothing to do most of the time. Instead, there were tons of seminars (back pain, accupuncture, arthritis pain, make up party, and other seminars at which I'm sure they were trying to sell something).

 

Then, on the last day, the Marriage Show was finally showing but right when the final art auction was happening. After 3 days at sea with nothing to do, I couldn't believe 2 things that I wanted to do were at the same time. Then, that night, all the fun things I mentioned above were happening back-to-back during the late seating dinner time. So I had to either skip out on the great company I had at dinner or go see the shows. I definitely chose to share one last night with my tablemates (they were one of the highlights of this trip.)

 

Ports:

Jamaica--We did the Chukka Canopy tour through Carnival. Holy cow, this was soooo fun. I'm terribly afraid of heights but I absolutely loved zip lining. The last line is about 1100ft long and almost 300ft high. Wow, I can't wait to zip line again.

 

Grand Cayman--We tried to find a cab driver to take us around and show us the island from a local's point-of-view. We've done this several times on other islands and always love the tour. But, we couldn't find one cab driver who would do this. They all stuck with the $20pp island tour that consisted of everything we've already seen. You can only see Hell so many times! We ended up just wandering around downtown. We should've just gone to 7 mile beach for the day.

 

Cozumel--We spent the day at the Occidental Grand. Beautiful beach, lovely pool, lunch buffet and open bar--what else can I say? It was a great day. If you ever go, you should try their ice cream, it is sooo good!

 

Weather, Sea and Pool Temps:

The ship was tossed around a few nights by the incredible winds. The strongest was when we were sailing back to Galveston. I turned on the Bridge report and saw we were experiencing force 10 winds (storm). I wish I knew how many knots that was. Every once and a while the ship would jerk to one side.

 

Weather on the islands was about 78 degrees and humid. Sea temps around the islands were about 78.8 degrees. The pools on the ship ranged from 71 to 73 degress. Definitely a bit chilly.

 

I've never cruised in February before and it's really a different experience having the cooler temps. It was about 38 degrees and windy the morning of debarkation.

 

Staff:

Our room steward and dining room servers were awesome. The lido deck crew worked so hard clearing tables right away. I was totally impressed by everyone.

 

Except Kyle, the cruise director. He's just not a natural and I think he tries too hard. I was surprised to see how a so-so cruise director can impact a cruise. I guess I've alway been on ships with great CDs.

 

Debarkation:

This was the smoothest debark we've ever had. We did self-assist and we were off the ship and on the road by 9:30am. (It took a while to get back to EZ's lot).

 

P.S. On the last sea day there's a watch sale where they have $80-$100 watches on sale for $20. They say in the capers that it's for one hour only. Well, it was a mad house. People were pushing and shoving. One elderly lady screamed at the top of her lungs for people to get away from her as she was trying to get out. There were two large men pushing her from behind to try to get at the watches (they should be ashamed of themselves). The store was like 100 degrees from all the bodies grabbing random boxes. Some boxes even got torn.

 

Well, I left and 2 hours later, no one was in the store and there were plenty of watches left. So much for the 1 hour only watch sale. I was able to get a watch and not get trampled by the masses of crazed shoppers.

[*Mach*]

Sorry to hear that you thought your cruise wasn't up to snuff but I'm also glad to hear that you find many high points, as well.

Regarding the gluten free thing, I believe it would have been easier if you had notified Carnival in advance or at least upon boarding.

This is from the Carnival FAQs:

Dietary Needs

 

Carnival Cruise Lines can provide meals to our guests with the following special dietary needs: vegetarian, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-carbohydrates, low-sugar, gluten-free, and Kosher. If you have food allergies, please advise your dining staff once onboard, or contact a Guest Access Services Representative to discuss your requirements.

 

http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/cruise_control/EMB_guest_specials_requirements.aspx

 

 

I hope your next adventure on a Carnival ship goes smoother!!

:)

[tkportersat]

Thanks for taking the time to post a review, sorry it wasn't everything you hoped it to be but glad there were some good times. We are about the same age so I appreciate your perspective....we leave in 5 days and I am hoping things go well. My bf has only cruised once once - on RC, so I want him to have a good experience. Happy cruising in the future!!

[BettyBurrito]

Sorry to hear that you thought your cruise wasn't up to snuff but I'm also glad to hear that you find many high points, as well.

 

Regarding the gluten free thing, I believe it would have been easier if you had notified Carnival in advance or at least upon boarding.

 

This is from the Carnival FAQs:

 

Dietary Needs

 

Carnival Cruise Lines can provide meals to our guests with the following special dietary needs: vegetarian, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-carbohydrates, low-sugar, gluten-free, and Kosher. If you have food allergies, please advise your dining staff once onboard, or contact a Guest Access Services Representative to discuss your requirements.

 

http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/cruise_control/EMB_guest_specials_requirements.aspx

 

 

I hope your next adventure on a Carnival ship goes smoother!!

 

:)

 

What makes you think I didn't? I filled out the special dietary needs form prior to boarding. I also notified the Maitre'D the first night as I was told. The problem was not a lack of GF options but a lack of knowledge from the person who was put in charge of letting me know what was safe for me to eat.

 

And since I've read stellar reviews where the GF person was extremely kowledgable, I just think there should be some consistency in the GF training for the staff. I don't think that's too much to ask. If it is, then they shouldn't claim they can handle GF diets.

[*Mach*]

What makes you think I didn't? I filled out the special dietary needs form prior to boarding. I also notified the Maitre'D the first night as I was told. The problem was not a lack of GF options but a lack of knowledge from the person who was put in charge of letting me know what was safe for me to eat.

 

And since I've read stellar reviews where the GF person was extremely kowledgable, I just think there should be some consistency in the GF training for the staff. I don't think that's too much to ask. If it is, then they shouldn't claim they can handle GF diets.

 

 

The reason I thought you didn't was because you didn't mention that you did. A great many people aren't aware that gluten free diets are available on board. I apologize if I offended you.

[yankeetex]

I was on the same cruise and I have to say you hit the nail on the head. My wife and I both read your review and we both said to each other this could have been written by us. The only difference is we had a balcony. Room #7439 was great it has a very large balcony. I thought it was just me, but I think the cruises we did in the past on the Ecstasy were a lot better.

[jeepfella]

we leave in 5 days and I am hoping things go well. My bf has only cruised once once - on RC, so I want him to have a good experience. Happy cruising in the future!!

 

Don't let it spoil you, I'm an RC fan, but would sail on the Conquest any day, it's a great ship !!! Be sure to try the little asian food place on the side of the windjammer, they have really great stir fry, it's the best food on the entire ship...

[BettyBurrito]

The reason I thought you didn't was because you didn't mention that you did. A great many people aren't aware that gluten free diets are available on board. I apologize if I offended you.

 

 

No offense taken at all ;)

[BettyBurrito]

Don't let it spoil you, I'm an RC fan, but would sail on the Conquest any day, it's a great ship !!! Be sure to try the little asian food place on the side of the windjammer, they have really great stir fry, it's the best food on the entire ship...

 

The Asian food did look yummy (I couldn't partake due to gluten) but I definitely would have tried it.

 

My husband had the fish and chips and he thought they were pretty good as well. To find the fish and chips place, you have to go up to the tenth floor, right above the casual place. It's where the supper club is.

[BettyBurrito]

Thanks for taking the time to post a review, sorry it wasn't everything you hoped it to be but glad there were some good times. We are about the same age so I appreciate your perspective....we leave in 5 days and I am hoping things go well. My bf has only cruised once once - on RC, so I want him to have a good experience. Happy cruising in the future!!

 

You know...it wasn't a bad vacation. It just wasn't as awesome as I expected. I definitely came back rested, refreshed and with some great memories.

[tkportersat]

Yeah, the last time we went I never got around to trying PC Wok or Sur Mer. I will definitely make it up there this time!!

 

Don't let it spoil you, I'm an RC fan, but would sail on the Conquest any day, it's a great ship !!! Be sure to try the little asian food place on the side of the windjammer, they have really great stir fry, it's the best food on the entire ship...

[tkportersat]

Glad to hear it!!

 

You know...it wasn't a bad vacation. It just wasn't as awesome as I expected. I definitely came back rested, refreshed and with some great memories.