Conquest review - rough start to a great cruise

[Chief93]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Here, if anyone is interested, is my rambling review of the Conquest repositioning cruise November 16th from San Juan to Miami.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]The background: This was my first platinum cruise. My parent's and my son's eighth cruise and my son's friend's very first cruise. In fact, although he is 18, it was his first time being away from home and his first time being more than 200 miles from home. I had three cabins for 6 people on the Panorama deck far forward. I had a balcony (1015), my elderly parents were in the handicapped inside at the very front (1007) and my son and his friend were inside across the hall (1017). I chose these cabins because they are close to the "secret" door, which makes a very suitable substitute for a balcony. I recommend these rooms. Something to be aware of, the "secret" door was locked around midnight and reopened early in the morning. [/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]We flew down to San Juan the day before the cruise. I always leave one day early so I have options should there be bad weather or other flight delays. There were no complications. We stayed that night at the Radisson Ambassador, which I DO NOT recommend. Ok then, lets start with:[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Day 1. San Juan. Puerto Rico is a beautiful place populated by beautiful people. We took a taxi to the pier, arriving at about 10:30. Now, if you are a Carnival cheerleader I suggest you look away, because I’m going to be brutally honest about the events of this day. We had a great cruise, I can’t wait to go again. BUT, if this had been my first Carnival Cruise, leaving me to think that this day’s events were the norm and not an exception, then this would probably have been my last Carnival cruise.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Here’s what happened: We have never embarked from Puerto Rico, but it seemed easy. We entered the building, followed the signs and found ourselves in the typical large room. Everyone got in line and I went to the Priority boarding line. The line was about 10 deep. It didn’t move. There were exactly two people working the line, but they were working together on the same booking, not independently. There was some kind of major malfunction. I stood in this line for 35 minutes without it moving. Meanwhile the line grew quite long. And it wasn’t moving. My mom walks up, has her S&S cards, tells me they told her boarding would not start until 2:30. At this point everyone notices that there is NO ONE in the regular line. At this point some Carnival supervisor comes out and tells everyone to just get in the regular line. So we did. I wasn’t particularly annoyed, things happen. But, the people who paid for FTTF were losing their minds, which I found humorous. I was also told that boarding would not begin until 2:30 and that I should “leave the building.” S&S cards in hand I went to the Priority boarding area, noticed that local law enforcement and screening personnel were setting up, so I asked the cop when they were going to start and he said noon. It was about 11:45, so I gathered my group together and got in line. At noon they made an announcement that Priority could board. Of my group only two were platinum, and no one ever checked our cards, so we all got on the boat. Once past security I made a point of letting one of the irate FTTF people know that I had boarded four people ahead of her. I just felt like she needed her pot stirred. Flame me if you need to.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I have no problem with whole FTTF thing. I look at as a perk that some pay for and I get for free. I would like FTTF to NOT apply to the line at guest service, but it ain’t a big deal.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Some maybe useful information. There is a duty free shop in the embarkation area where you can buy wine to bring on board, but there is very little selection and it is mostly cheap wine.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Will continue in a moment, it gets worse but it will get better![/FONT][/COLOR]

[tlw440]

We were on the cruise, I will agree that embarkation was a mess, but it was a great cruise. Can't wait to read the rest of your review. We flew in a day early and stayed at the San Juan Marriott & Stellaris Casino it was great. We highly recommend staying there.

[TEXASMUNK]

I loved it! I do it frequently.....find a guy bragging about his price, mine was lower. Find a guy bragging about his total cruises, mine is higher. Find a guy about his low air fare, I flew free. etc, etc, etc.

Whatever you do.....stir the pot!

I have, over the years, learned to not blame the folks on the ship for the "confusion" when boarding the ship.....Part-timers, most contract workers, and often times .....clueless...

Once you step on the ship...that is when the smiling begins!

[Aplmac]

[SIZE=2][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][COLOR=Black]Sounds like they had a major computer glitch behind the scenes?

Maybe Windows 3.1.1 crashed? lol[/COLOR]

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[bluemarie2]

I was also on this cruise and I agree with everything you said. Embarkation was a nightmare! I got an email from Carnival a few days before the cruise which said to come to the port starting at 10:30 am to get ahead of the crowd. Well, they must have sent that email to everyone! Got there somewhere between 10 and 10:30 and the place was a zoo.
I'm Platinum and was among the first 15 or so people in the VIP lounge. I waited and waited, and waited some more (about 1.5 hours) to get my S&S card. Other people walked in and had their cards almost immediately. Total disorganization. Finally got my card about 5 minutes before they started boarding.

[signora]

Carnival newbie: what is a "S & S" card? Is that the regular card you get on every cruise to board, charge things, etc? Thanks in advance for your answer.

[NCTribeFan]

Me, too. I've literally spent all morning uploading and organizing photos and have started writing my review (I write it in word and then copy and paste here and add photos).

Embarkation was a mess. When they sent out the email saying 10:30, I stated in the Roll Call thread that I thought that was being very optimistic!

Still, it wasn't as bad as I first thought it was going to be and the people who checked me in were very apologetic and very nice (especially the handsome young man ;) ).

With such a large embarkation window due to the late sailing time, I think people would be better off just getting their hotel to keep their bags for a few hours and boarding mid-afternoon. That's what I did when I sailed Victory and we pretty much just walked on (that was pre-Platinum days, too).

Everyone thinks they have to be first on the ship. Yeah, that's nice but paying extra or arriving super early and then waiting just isn't worth it, imho.

Anyway, going to start my review thread now! :D

[Rod in Az]

[quote name='signora']Carnival newbie: what is a "S & S" card? Is that the regular card you get on every cruise to board, charge things, etc? Thanks in advance for your answer.[/QUOTE]

Yes, an "S & S" card (Sail & Sign card) is your room and charge card while on Carnival.

[Colorado Kat]

[quote name='signora']Carnival newbie: what is a "S & S" card? Is that the regular card you get on every cruise to board, charge things, etc? Thanks in advance for your answer.[/QUOTE]

S&S card is Sign and Sail. It is your room key and lets you charge things on the cruise. You can check the total charges on your cabin television.

[winddawn]

[quote name='Aplmac'][SIZE=2][COLOR=darkslategray][COLOR=black]Sounds like they had a major computer glitch behind the scenes?[/COLOR][/COLOR][/SIZE][COLOR=darkslategray]

[SIZE=2][COLOR=darkslategray]Maybe Windows 3.1.1 crashed? lol[/COLOR][/SIZE]

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LOL! Windows 3.1.1. Jeez.....Funny stuff. Edited November 28, 2013 by winddawn

[Cruise To Relax]

Your description of embarkation sounded a lot like our experience in New Orleans on the Conquest. Except email went out and said come late (after 1:00 PM) because of Coast Guard inspection. Everybody seemed to ignore it and showed up early (us too). We were suite and FTTF but neither worked. Only the very special Platinum and Diamonds got special treatment. Such is life.

[Chief93]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Continued….[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]And now we made it safely on board. We went directly to my cabin to drop off everyone’s bags. Things were looking up. I met our cabin steward I Putu. I Putu was the best steward EVER. He was genuinely friendly and helpful. He kept track of everyone in my party all the time. I would get up in the morning and step out into the hallway. He would say “Mr. Donald (my dad) was up early and went to breakfast…the boys are still sleeping.” We all loved him, I tipped a little extra once during the cruise and again at the end. [/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I digress. We all had lunch on the Lido and then left the ship to walk around San Juan. We got back on, had a great nap and a shower, walked around the ship and then got ready for dinner.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I had late seating. We headed down about 15 minutes early. And it went downhill from there. Apparently, since the boat leaves at 10:00pm, the dinner the first night is open seating. BUT, no one was told this. There were no fliers, no signs, nothing at all to indicate that dinner was open seating. As an added bonus, open seating ended at 8:30. We were close to the front of the line, and the line was growing rapidly. Everyone who had late seating was showing up for dinner at the same time. One of the assistant Maitre D’s came out and told everyone the dining room was closing and that everyone could go to the buffet which had “almost the same menu.” A brouhaha ensued. Many folks were quite unhappy and getting vocal. I approached the assistant Maitre D’ that was making the table assignments, smiled warmly and said “I know you’re very busy, but we’ve come a long way. Is there any way you can seat my group of six?” She smiled back and took us to a table. My experience in life has shown that sweet is more productive than demanding.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]This was my 70th day on a Carnival Cruise ship and was easily the worst. Had it been my first day I think it would have turned me off Carnival. Just saying.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]The life boat drill was the same, and FOR ONCE I was in the first group released. I rushed up for sail away and found that it was pouring rain. This was my son’s friend’s first time, so we braved the rain then went up front on the deck 10 “secret deck.” Looking back at San Juan down the length of the ship you could really see it rocking. The seas were rough and rocked me to sleep. Tomorrow St Kitts.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[MichelleChell]

Interesting so far

[JimAOk1945]

[COLOR="Black"]I'm enjoying your review. We have sailed on the Conquest twice. They were different itineraries than yours, but we loved every minute of those two cruises.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your review.[/COLOR]

[Sarahsmomi]

Looking forward to reading more, thanks for sharing your review :)

[stjohnbeachlover]

We are on the Conquest in January, also on the panorama deck. I was wondering if you felt a lot of movement in your rooms. We are about four rooms closer to the center of the ship than you were. We have cruised several times but we are taking two couples with us who are brand new cruisers. I am just hoping they won't feel too much movement on the panorama deck. Looking forward to hearing the rest of your review! Edited November 29, 2013 by stjohnbeachlover
spelling correction

[Denicewu]

[quote name='Chief93'][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Continued….[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]And now we made it safely on board. We went directly to my cabin to drop off everyone’s bags. Things were looking up. I met our cabin steward I Putu. I Putu was the best steward EVER. He was genuinely friendly and helpful. He kept track of everyone in my party all the time. I would get up in the morning and step out into the hallway. He would say “Mr. Donald (my dad) was up early and went to breakfast…the boys are still sleeping.” We all loved him, I tipped a little extra once during the cruise and again at the end. [/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I digress. We all had lunch on the Lido and then left the ship to walk around San Juan. We got back on, had a great nap and a shower, walked around the ship and then got ready for dinner.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I had late seating. We headed down about 15 minutes early. And it went downhill from there. Apparently, since the boat leaves at 10:00pm, the dinner the first night is open seating. BUT, no one was told this. There were no fliers, no signs, nothing at all to indicate that dinner was open seating. As an added bonus, open seating ended at 8:30. We were close to the front of the line, and the line was growing rapidly. Everyone who had late seating was showing up for dinner at the same time. One of the assistant Maitre D’s came out and told everyone the dining room was closing and that everyone could go to the buffet which had “almost the same menu.” A brouhaha ensued. Many folks were quite unhappy and getting vocal. I approached the assistant Maitre D’ that was making the table assignments, smiled warmly and said “I know you’re very busy, but we’ve come a long way. Is there any way you can seat my group of six?” She smiled back and took us to a table. My experience in life has shown that sweet is more productive than demanding.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]This was my 70th day on a Carnival Cruise ship and was easily the worst. Had it been my first day I think it would have turned me off Carnival. Just saying.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]The life boat drill was the same, and FOR ONCE I was in the first group released. I rushed up for sail away and found that it was pouring rain. This was my son’s friend’s first time, so we braved the rain then went up front on the deck 10 “secret deck.” Looking back at San Juan down the length of the ship you could really see it rocking. The seas were rough and rocked me to sleep. Tomorrow St Kitts.[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

We have left from San Juan 5 times and this time was not different it is posted in the fun times and at the dining room that it is open seating. I do not recall rough seas but maybe that is different for everyone. The lifeboat drill was quick and painless and about 20 mins long at least they only do one language vs the 2 they have done over the years. All in all we had a great cruise on this repo!!!

[MichelleChell]

Hope this review gets finished. I hate when reviews die. Lol

[donsuej]

I was on this cruise too. I do agree that Priority check in at the port in San Juan was a joke. I wished I had stayed in a regular line...would have been on quicker. All in all this was probably our best Carnival cruise. I didn't think it was rough either. Never even took my seasickness pills most of the time and I've never done that before! I hope this review gets finished also!

Sue

NCL 6
RCCl 4
Carnival 20

[Chief93]

[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Continued….[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]St. Kitts. This is a beautiful place. I had emailed a certain Beulah, whose name I found in these boards. She charged me $36 per person for a private tour, to go anywhere we wanted to go for as long as we wanted. That seemed like a good deal. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]We didn’t arrive until noon, which I liked. Who wants to be up early for ANY reason on their first cruise day? I was awakened by the sun pouring in from my balcony, which was awesome as it had been pouring rain the night before. I spent some time on my balcony watching several islands go by and watching flying fish. Now, I’ve got really bad ADD. Really, really bad. Which is why cruising appeals to me. Some people complain that 8 hours is not enough time in port, but for me it’s perfect because by that time I’m getting bored with it anyway. But I can watch flying fish for hours on end. It fascinates me. More about that later. So I’m off to the Lido for breakfast, I think I only ate at the buffet once for breakfast. The other times I hammered the Blue Iguana. They do make a tasty breakfast there. Try the chicken tortilla thing, add a fried egg on top and some salsa. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Around noon I gathered everyone up and got off the boat. It was very quick. I found Beulah exactly where she said we would be and she took my money, introduced me to our driver and off we went. All of these islands look exactly alike after a while, but St. Kitts was very nice. Everything was very clean. We saw all the usual sights, stopped at some premanufactured tourist trap selling batik, had a great time and then went to the beach. The beach was ok. Once you’ve been to St. Thomas or St. Maarten all other beaches are just ok. Maybe I need to go to the south Pacific next. Anyway, the beach was ok, black sand and the waves were kind of rough. What really made this day was our driver, whose name slips my mind. He was the best, a very happy and genuine guy. I’d say he was around 50 years old. He dropped us off at a beach side shack that served food mainly to locals and told us it was the best. It was great. Great local food, great local beer and great local folks having a great time. He asked if he could leave and come back, and when he came back he brought his wife and kids to meet us and then left them there when he took us back to the boat. His family was simply beautiful and he had a baby on the way. It was the most “personal” tour I’ve ever had and in the end I felt like I had made a new friend.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I bought exactly ZERO souvenirs and got back on the boat. I have a certain “getting back on the boat” ritual that involves a shower, a Guiness and a nap. I think I poked the buffet a bit, just cuz I hadn’t eaten in the last 30 minutes so it was time to do it again. At about 8:00 we all headed down to the MDR, I had a great table at the very back of the boat by a window. Dinner was ok, there was Warm Melting Chocolate Cake. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Will continue….[/SIZE][/FONT]