Carnival Conquest from Galveston

[mrsg26]

Hi

 

I am new to this site and have never cruised before. We are from the Uk and visit my MIL twice a year in Galveston. Every time we have been there I have seen the ships docked and have convinced OH that we have to go on one the next time we holiday in Texas. So planning a 7 night western caribbean end of Aug beginning of Sept. We normally go to Galveston at this time and we like the heat however not sure how unpredictable the weather can be at these ports. Also we will have our 3 yr old daughter with us so can anyone who has sailed on this ship give me any advice? Is it a good ship to introduce my family to cruising? My OH has always been fairly reluctant however having worked hard to convince him I hope we have made the right choice.

 

Thanks

[prattmom]

Just got off the Conquest. Sailed for the first time with my kids 5, 10 and 15 and my SIL and her kids 2, 6 and 13. We had a wonderful time. Camp Carnival is wonderful. She's a fabulous ship! My DH didn't want to go but as soon as we got home he was looking for another cruise to book!

[TexasOC]

Hi

 

I am new to this site and have never cruised before. We are from the Uk and visit my MIL twice a year in Galveston. Every time we have been there I have seen the ships docked and have convinced OH that we have to go on one the next time we holiday in Texas. So planning a 7 night western caribbean end of Aug beginning of Sept. We normally go to Galveston at this time and we like the heat however not sure how unpredictable the weather can be at these ports. Also we will have our 3 yr old daughter with us so can anyone who has sailed on this ship give me any advice? Is it a good ship to introduce my family to cruising? My OH has always been fairly reluctant however having worked hard to convince him I hope we have made the right choice.

 

Thanks

 

Hi, personally, I will tell you that a cruise with a 3 year old is a very tough thing, if you aren't taking anyone else with you. You won't be able to enjoy the dining room or take advantage of the fanastic late night shows or comedians. We are cruising in July and this will be my DD's first cruise. She is 6. However, we are also taking my mother-in-law to help us keep her at night while we go to the shows. She will also participate in Camp Carnival. 3 years old might be a bit young for that.

 

I don't want anyone to bash me about this because it is my two cents. someone else might have a different perspective on this topic.

[duchessuta]

I can't tell you what it's like with a 3 year old (don't have any kiddos myself), but I can tell you the itenerary is a good one. The Conquest is a GREAT ship!

 

The weather will be nice and warm. The only thing to watch out for would be hurricanes/tropical storms. The ship will divert if there is one that will interfere with the itenerary. And if there is one out there, depending on location, it could cause for some cloudy days and maybe rough(er) seas. I would not (and have not) let it keep me from booking during hurricane season. The rates are much lower in September and October.

[okgirl]

You really can't go wrong sailing out of Galveston. The Conquest is my favorite ship and I've sailed on her 5 times with #6 coming in September.

 

I prefer the Western itinerary (Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, Cozumel), but did the Eastern once (Key West, Nassau, Freeport). I wouldn't choose to go back to Nassau or Freeport but Key West was really nice.

 

You might want to consider the Ecstasy if you aren't set on a 7 day cruise. It sails 4 and 5 day cruises to Cozumel or Cozumel and Progresso. A shorter cruise on a smaller ship might be just right for your 1st time.

 

As someone else said Camp Carnival for your 3yo is a great option, they usually have 15 - 30 kids in that age group.

 

The weather shouldn't be a problem, there is always the risk of being re-routed due to it still being hurricane season, but that's unlikely. I sail in September almost every year.

 

Just get trip insurance though. I'm not sure since you are from the UK if you can purchase through insuremytrip.com but it's a great resource to compare the cost of different policies.

[firefly333]

Sept is prime hurricane season, so DO be aware the ship could miss ports etc.

 

Other than that you could easily miss ports or hit rough weather, conquest is fine.

[douglinc@msn.com]

The Conquest is a great ship, you'll have a great time.

 

Doug

[duchessuta]

The weather shouldn't be a problem, there is always the risk of being re-routed due to it still being hurricane season, but that's unlikely. I sail in September almost every year.

 

Hurricane Ike came in September.... We cruised the first week in October and had to go out of Bayport since Galveston was still shut down. So it can happen, and need to be able to adjust accordingly.

[mrsg26]

Thanks to everyone for their very prompt replies. Yes i am aware of the risk of hurricanes. My MIL had just moved to a brand new house 3 weeks before Ike struck and it literally devastated the whole house. She has only just gotten it restored again! Over the last 4 years (exluding the year Ike struck) we have visited Galveston in Aug/Sept time and have always had perfect weather so i guess it is a chance we will take. We were considering asking my MIL to come along on the cruise with us however she sailed a few weeks back on the 4 day cruise to Cozumel so not sure if she will. My daughter is very socialble and i am sure she will love the facilities at Camp Carnival, although maybe it may be best to postpone the trip by at least another year when she will be 4 and that way she will be able to behave a little better in the dining room etc. Thanks again.

[reyesj226]

I am very happy to hear such great reviews of the Conquest!! We sail her in 12 days!

[truchattycathy]

I love the Conquest. The prices tend to be less in September.

 

Have fun and the western itinerary is the best!

[WestTxCruiser]

We sail on the Conquest in 12 days, for the 4th time. My daughter had just turned 5 on our first sailing, she absolutely loved Camp Carnival and she can't wait to go again, she will be 9 in July.

They have the late night babysitting ($6 per hour), if you want to attend the late night shows or hit the casino. Our daughter would always go to camp in her Jammies, and usually fall asleep watching a movie. The counselors are great, I would have no hesitations at all about that.

I personally see no reason at all to avoid the main dining room either. There are lots of families with young children who eat in there. Carnival is really good too about matching up table mates, families with other families with same age children. The kids can order chicken nuggets/pizza/grilled cheese...all the favorite kid stuff.....and the waitstaff has always been wonderful with our kids.

We love the Conquest and the Ecstasy, either one and I would say you made a perfect choice.

Happy Sailing!:)

[TexasOC]

I love the Conquest. The prices tend to be less in September.

 

Have fun and the western itinerary is the best!

 

 

This is true as well...if you have the luxury of going in September/October, the prices do drop tremendously when the kiddos are back in school.

[travelisnowmy thing]

We will be sailing soon and i have a question about cayman islands. Is there a swimming beach near the port? Didn't notice any excursions just for a day at the beach. We visited the stingrays last time. As a grandmother, i can attest this is a wonderful trip to take with grandchildren!

[TMWTim]

If you click the link in my sig there is a large review with a ton of pics with a lot of info for first time cruisers. It is on the Conquest to Jamaica/Grand Cayman/Cozumel.

[prattmom]

We will be sailing soon and i have a question about cayman islands. Is there a swimming beach near the port? Didn't notice any excursions just for a day at the beach. We visited the stingrays last time. As a grandmother, i can attest this is a wonderful trip to take with grandchildren!

 

Yep. Seven mile beach.