Page-a-Day Review of the Carnival Conquest (June 20-27, 2010)

[cjt3]

We returned today from our cruise aboard the Carnival Conquest. In an attempt to keep the cruisin' feeling for as long as possible, I will be writing a review in the style of a "Page-a-Day" calendar over the course of the next week. Each day's entry will cover the cruising day of one week ago.

 

Day 1 to follow in just a moment . . .

[cjt3]

Sunday, June 20th - Galveston, TX

 

Drink of the Day: Fun Ship Special

Tonight's Show: Welcome Aboard Show

 

Ah, the thrill of embarkation day. We are fortunate to live near a cruise terminal (even if it is Galveston), so embarkation for us is pretty simple:

 

6:00am - Give up on trying to sleep and get out of bed

6:05am - Boot up computer to start watching the Galveston web cam

7:00am - Watch the Conquest sail into the harbor and dock at the terminal

9:00am - Leave for Galveston

10:30am - Drop off luggage with the porter and park at EZCruise

11:00am - Through security, checked-in, and waiting to get on the ship

Noon - Sitting in the Lido buffet with a bowl of fried oysters, fish and chips, and a drink of the day.

 

Before I go too much farther, a little about us. We are a family of four with a 15-year old daughter and 12-year old son and are on our second cruise. Our first cruise was on the Conquest in December 2008 on the New Year's cruise. We thought about trying a different ship this time, but in the end decided that it was just too convenient to leave from Galveston (see above). And so, for our second cruise we are on the same ship, going to the same ports, and even staying in the same cabins (6295 and 6297).

 

Enough about us; back to the review. On our last cruise, we walked onto the ship with a sense of wonder and excitement. Everything was new to us and ready to be explored. This time everything is familiar. Even though the wonder is gone, though, the excitement is still there. Even though we know where everything is, we still take some time after lunch to wander through the ship just to see if it is how we remember it.

 

We head down to the Upper deck around 2:00pm to see that our luggage has arrived in the cabins. We unpack and get the cabins organized, and then head down for the muster drill at the appropriate time (without life jackets this time). We listen attentively to all of the safety briefings (just as we do on airplanes, of course), and then head up to the Lido deck for the sail away party.

 

We developed a routine on the last cruise of having sushi and drinks on the Promenade before dinner, and this time we waste no time in getting back to that routine. The spicy tuna roll is tasty, and the shrimp salad sushi, though unusual, wasn't bad either.

 

After our happy hour we head back to the cabins to get ready for dinner. We have the late seating for dinner, which is a good thing considering how long it takes our 15-year old to get ready.

 

Dinner time rolls around and we head to the Monet dining room. We are seated at a table for four on the upper level, where we meet Rizalino and Ronnie who will be our wait team for the week. I start the meal with the Salmon and Candied Tomato appetizer, followed by the Flat Iron Steak with Peppercorn Sauce. Rizalino gives a strong recommendation for the Vanilla Creme Brulee for dessert, which turns out to be a good one.

 

After dinner, it's time for a show. We didn't care for many of the song-and-dance shows last year, but we decide to go to the Welcome Show just to "meet" our Cruise Director, Chris Jefferson. The singing and dancing part is about the same quality as what we remembered from last time, so we probably won't hit too many of the shows this time.

 

And so ends the first day of our second cruise. Until tomorrow, I leave you with the Picture of the Day:

 

[dfmeeks]

Fabulous! I hope you continue to add photos. We're sailing on the Conquest over Thanksgiving break with our 15 year old daughter. Do you or she have any tips? We're driving down from Stillwater, Ok.

 

I look forward to reading the rest of your review!

Dorothy

[pbxtech]

Thanks we are looking forward to our upcoming cruise on conquest

[*Mach*]

Great start and a wonderful shot of the Lido during sail away!!!

:)

[Luluwa]

:)I love the Conquest, sailed her a few times and have booked her for January. BUT I love to read reviews of her. So..... I await.

PS my Early Saver rate has gone down $60 per person since I booked it. I love saving $120 so far and will keep watching. :rolleyes:

[Mommyof1]

Love your review so far. We are sailing on her for the first time in 34 days..can't wait!!

[Meyer2]

Great review so far, can't wait for more. Great picture.

[cruisebarbie]

We got off the Conquest the day you got on. I will relieve my trip as I read your reviews daily.

[williebcruisin]

The review of your cruise comes at a perfect time! We leave on the Conquest on July 11th, so I can "up" my excitement..if that's possible..lol...by reading your daily reviews. I've never been on the Conquest, so I have to learn the ship, but my son and his wife have been on it twice, so they'll know all about it. We will also have teenagers and a 21 month old with us, so any tips etc is appreciated! Looking forward to your next review...thanks!

[cjt3]

Monday, June 21st - Fun Day at Sea

 

Drink of the Day: Goombay Smash

Tonight's Show: Voila Paris

 

 

As I mentioned yesterday, we have cabins 6295 and 6297 which are connecting interior cabins almost in the dead center of the ship. They run down the center of the Upper deck, and since they are off the main corridor they seem to be more secluded. They do get some noise from the casino below -- mainly the muted sounds of slot machines and an occasional cheer for a big winner. We have no problems with the noise, though, because we're usually exhausted at the end of the day and have no trouble falling asleep. The advantage of being above the casino is that there is virtually no noise in the morning.

 

I think these are great value for the money -- particularly if you are traveling with older children and want the extra room that two cabins provide. Since we spend most of our daylight hours out of the cabin, I just don't see the need to spend the extra for a window or balcony. The only time I give a fleeting thought to wanting a window is early in the morning. The problem with no window is that when I wake up I have no idea whether it is 3:00am or 9:00am. Actually, I have a pretty good idea that it is somewhere around 5:30am since that is when my body is wired to wake up. So I reach over to look at the clock, see that it is in fact 5:45am, and then with that act of looking at the clock realize that I am too awake now to go back to sleep.

 

I decide to go up for a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunrise, and while I am getting ready my wife decides to go with me. We step out into the balmy morning, and are treated to a view of seas that are nearly as smooth as glass. The sunrise isn't spectacular this morning, but still it is a perfect way to spend time with the one you love.

 

The kids wake up a little later, so we decide to have a nice breakfast at the main dining room while we plan out our day. I use the word "plan" loosely, since the plan for most of the day involves some combination of going to the casino, laying in the sun, eating, and drinking.

 

One activity we do decide on is a cooking demonstration at The Point Steakhouse. The chef shows us how to make Lobster Bisque and Rosemary Herbed Chicken (which I will probably never do myself) and then Chocolate Melting Cake (which I will probably make as soon as we get home).

 

Tonight's show is called "Voila Paris". We don't remember seeing this last time, but we assume that it is one of the song-and-dance shows that we didn't care for so we decide to skip it. That's probably a good thing, because the show is before dinner and tonight is Elegant Night. I have already mentioned how long it takes our 15-year old daughter to get ready for dinner on a casual night, so you can only imagine how much longer elegant takes!

 

We go down the Promenade to get some pictures done, and then head to the dining room. For dinner tonight, I start with the West Indian Pumpkin Soup. Normally, this is not something that I would have chosen, but it got rave reviews here on CC so I had to see what all the fuss was about. It was pretty good, but my wife loved the Baked Stuffed White Mushrooms so I wish I had opted for those instead (she wouldn't share!). For the main course I have the Supreme of Hudson Valley Duck (which is, in fact, supreme). A cheese platter and a glass of port make a perfect finish to an elegant dinner.

 

After dinner we had thought about catching a movie on the Lido deck or going to the comedy club. We had already seen the movie (Yes Man), though, and we had seen the comedian the night before at the Welcome Show and didn't think he was that great. We decide to call it an early night at 10:30 and head back to the room. Obviously we aren't party animals!

 

Today's Picture of the Day:

 

[cuted126]

Monday, June 21st - Fun Day at Sea

 

Drink of the Day: Goombay Smash

Tonight's Show: Voila Paris

 

 

As I mentioned yesterday, we have cabins 6295 and 6297 which are connecting interior cabins almost in the dead center of the ship. They run down the center of the Upper deck, and since they are off the main corridor they seem to be more secluded. They do get some noise from the casino below -- mainly the muted sounds of slot machines and an occasional cheer for a big winner. We have no problems with the noise, though, because we're usually exhausted at the end of the day and have no trouble falling asleep. The advantage of being above the casino is that there is virtually no noise in the morning.

 

I think these are great value for the money -- particularly if you are traveling with older children and want the extra room that two cabins provide. Since we spend most of our daylight hours out of the cabin, I just don't see the need to spend the extra for a window or balcony. The only time I give a fleeting thought to wanting a window is early in the morning. The problem with no window is that when I wake up I have no idea whether it is 3:00am or 9:00am. Actually, I have a pretty good idea that it is somewhere around 5:30am since that is when my body is wired to wake up. So I reach over to look at the clock, see that it is in fact 5:45am, and then with that act of looking at the clock realize that I am too awake now to go back to sleep.

 

I decide to go up for a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunrise, and while I am getting ready my wife decides to go with me. We step out into the balmy morning, and are treated to a view of seas that are nearly as smooth as glass. The sunrise isn't spectacular this morning, but still it is a perfect way to spend time with the one you love.

 

The kids wake up a little later, so we decide to have a nice breakfast at the main dining room while we plan out our day. I use the word "plan" loosely, since the plan for most of the day involves some combination of going to the casino, laying in the sun, eating, and drinking.

 

One activity we do decide on is a cooking demonstration at The Point Steakhouse. The chef shows us how to make Lobster Bisque and Rosemary Herbed Chicken (which I will probably never do myself) and then Chocolate Melting Cake (which I will probably make as soon as we get home).

 

Tonight's show is called "Voila Paris". We don't remember seeing this last time, but we assume that it is one of the song-and-dance shows that we didn't care for so we decide to skip it. That's probably a good thing, because the show is before dinner and tonight is Elegant Night. I have already mentioned how long it takes our 15-year old daughter to get ready for dinner on a casual night, so you can only imagine how much longer elegant takes!

 

We go down the Promenade to get some pictures done, and then head to the dining room. For dinner tonight, I start with the West Indian Pumpkin Soup. Normally, this is not something that I would have chosen, but it got rave reviews here on CC so I had to see what all the fuss was about. It was pretty good, but my wife loved the Baked Stuffed White Mushrooms so I wish I had opted for those instead (she wouldn't share!). For the main course I have the Supreme of Hudson Valley Duck (which is, in fact, supreme). A cheese platter and a glass of port make a perfect finish to an elegant dinner.

 

After dinner we had thought about catching a movie on the Lido deck or going to the comedy club. We had already seen the movie (Yes Man), though, and we had seen the comedian the night before at the Welcome Show and didn't think he was that great. We decide to call it an early night at 10:30 and head back to the room. Obviously we aren't party animals!

 

Today's Picture of the Day:

 

 

BEAUTIFUL!! The water looks like silk!

[cjt3]

We're sailing on the Conquest over Thanksgiving break with our 15 year old daughter. Do you or she have any tips?

 

We will also have teenagers and a 21 month old with us, so any tips etc is appreciated!

 

My daughter wishes she had gone to the teen club meet-and-greet the first night so she had gotten to know some other people her age. She's pretty shy until she gets to know people, so after missing the first night she didn't want to go the rest of the week. It didn't stop her from having a great time, though.

 

 

Our rules for cruising with a 15- and 12-year old were:

1. You can go to Lido or Promenade during the day as long as you leave a note in the cabin to let us know where you are.
   
2. You can go to Lido or Promenade at night as long as you stay together.
   
3. No going into the cabin areas other than going to our cabin.
   

Our kids are usually pretty responsible, so these worked for us and the kids had a good time.

 

Happy to answer any questions you may have.

[flynnsport]

awesome start

[summergal]

Good job. Makes me feel like I am right there with y'all.

[chachi]

Can't wait to read your next day!

[bratgrr1]

I am also on the July 11th Conquest sailing. Cannot wait!! your review makes me jumpy with excitement! Haven't been on the ship since it was dry docked so anxious to see the upgrades.

 

Just curious...how many women wore floor length dresses on elegant night? (if you noticed)

[prattmom]

Love this! We sailed on the Conquest June 6-13. I'm having a great time reliving the moments! Thanks!

[Inklight]

Your page-a-day review is a great way to relive your cruise memories. Plus, it gives the rest of us the added bonus of living one ourselves. Although I'm not booked on the Conquest ... I can't resist a good review. And yes, it is fun to dream of being on a cruise right now ... your review is helping to make that possible. Thank you!

[cjt3]

Just curious...how many women wore floor length dresses on elegant night? (if you noticed)

 

As my wife will attest, I am very unobservant so I didn't notice. My wife and daughter, however, report that they saw a few women wearing floor-length casual dresses but no floor-length evening gowns. Most women were wearing short to knee-length dresses.

 

Hope that helps.

[Meyer2]

More great review & what a beautiful picture.

[williebcruisin]

WOW...beautiful picture! That's what cruising is all about...the serenity, peacefulness early in the morning..beautiful sunrises and sunsets! We've just celebrated our 35th anniversary, so this is a special trip for us.

 

About the teen club...I'm sure all the teenagers have some apprehension going to meet other kids...in fact, my grandson told me he thinks it's all baby stuff! Wish he'd give it a try though. Those of you who have teenagers who have enjoyed meeting other teens...what do your kids say about it? Are they glad they met other kids their age on the ship? What did your teenage kids do if they didn't meet and hang out with kids their age?

 

Elegant Night...I don't get too many opportunities to wear formal dresses etc...except on cruises, so I may just really dress up big time! Has it gotten alot less formal? Mostly the "little black dress"?? I don't want to "over do it"!!

 

Really enjoying your review...those of us sailing away on the 11th...well..makes me want to just go on to Galveston and stand on the port!!

[srobins]

 

We haven't been on the Conquest since December of 2008 - so I was looking at this picture and wondering what the white towers with glass bubbles are? Projection cameras for the giant screen? Any more pictures of the new lido deck?

 

Thanks for the review - glad to hear there's a different show on Monday.

 

Sherryl

[williebcruisin]

bratgrr1....if I see you...I'll say hello!! Hope you have a great cruise!!

[cjt3]

We haven't been on the Conquest since December of 2008 - so I was looking at this picture and wondering what the white towers with glass bubbles are? Projection cameras for the giant screen? Any more pictures of the new lido deck?

 

I think those were just lights for the deck. I'm pretty sure it isn't for the TV screen as that was not a projected image.

 

As for more pictures, I have a different view of the Lido deck coming up. You'll have to wait until we arrive in Montego Bay, though. ;)