Opinions On Conquest Class Ships

[Raxter54]

Dw and I are planning our 2nd Carnival cruise, first one on the Dream out of NOLA, this time the Freedom out of Galveston. Looking at the Eastern Caribbean itinerary (Key West/Freeport/Nassau) in early March, since we've done the Jamaica/Caymans/Cozumel and Roatan/Belize/Cozumel itineraries.

 

Just now starting to research the Freedom, as far as amenities, dining options, rooms, etc. We are confirmed Forever AFTers, so we plan on an extended aft balcony, probably deck 7. I just wanted to see if anyone had suggestions, experiences, opinions on the Conquest class of Carnival ships. We thoroughly enjoyed the Dream, especially the friendly staff and crew. Just wondered of the Conquest class had a different "vibe".

 

New ship, new embarkation port, new itinerary, what's not to like? Thanks in advance for your advice/opinions. Be aware there may be follow-up questions if you reply :D

[Micahs Grandad]

We have done about 15 cruises on Conquest class and like them a lot and highly recommend them.

 

I dont care for the itinerary you picked out though. I would look for something with more interesting ports.

[inlinesick]

To girlfriend and I, the conquess class is hands down our favorite class!! Perfectly sized, right level of amenties and lay out!

[NHNEV2003]

We've been on six cruises-- have two more booked-- all on Conquest class ships Freedom was our first.

 

We like the size of the ship-- there are enough places to hang out--inside and outside--it doesn't get overly crowded as we originally anticipated.

 

We have always gotten a balcony mid-ship on the Empress deck-- comfortable and quiet.

[Raxter54]

We have done about 15 cruises on Conquest class and like them a lot and highly recommend them.

 

I dont care for the itinerary you picked out though. I would look for something with more interesting ports.

 

I'm not overly impressed by the excursions offered by Carnival for these ports. We've never been to the Bahamas, so it will at least be something new. The only negative I see is Key West. Probably just me, but hitting an American town as one of your ports seems a waste of money. But, another place we've never visited...

[SBNDers]

I'm not overly impressed by the excursions offered by Carnival for these ports. We've never been to the Bahamas, so it will at least be something new. The only negative I see is Key West. Probably just me, but hitting an American town as one of your ports seems a waste of money. But, another place we've never visited...

 

Your only "negative" port of Key West, would me my favorite of the three stops you will be making. We've docked there three times and enjoyed it each time.

 

During the swine flu years ago, our itinerary changed from the Mexican Riveria to Pacific Northwest. We had a few months to cancel if we wanted, but we had never been to San Francisco or Seattle, so we opted to keep our reservation. The only negative to this cruise, was the balcony we didn't use much because it was a little chilly.

 

Put me on a cruise anywhere and I'll be fine.

[imluvncruzn]

I agree with previous poster that Key West would be the best of the three. Nassau and Freeport are two of my least favorite ports! Regarding the Conquest class...we love them. The majority of my cruises have been on that class of ship!

 

 

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Edited March 13, 2016 by imluvncruzn

[Raxter54]

Your only "negative" port of Key West, would me my favorite of the three stops you will be making. We've docked there three times and enjoyed it each time.

 

During the swine flu years ago, our itinerary changed from the Mexican Riveria to Pacific Northwest. We had a few months to cancel if we wanted, but we had never been to San Francisco or Seattle, so we opted to keep our reservation. The only negative to this cruise, was the balcony we didn't use much because it was a little chilly.

 

Put me on a cruise anywhere and I'll be fine.

 

 

I certainly hope to be pleasantly surprised by Key West. We plan on taking one of the hop-on hop-off trolley tours while there. And I second your final sentence [emoji1]

 

 

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[amyh13]

We have done the Dream and are 19 days away from our second trip on the Valor. My kids would probably vote for the Dream over the Valor mainly for the waterslides.

 

We had a great time on the Valor. And it doesn't even have all of the upgrades that the Freedom has.

[Micahs Grandad]

I certainly hope to be pleasantly surprised by Key West. We plan on taking one of the hop-on hop-off trolley tours while there. And I second your final sentence [emoji1]

 

 

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Of the three Key West would be my favorite. Did Freeport once and no desire to go back.

 

Been to Nassau many times and no great desire to go back. Way too many ships go there IMHO.

[evandbob]

Dw and I are planning our 2nd Carnival cruise, first one on the Dream out of NOLA, this time the Freedom out of Galveston. Looking at the Eastern Caribbean itinerary (Key West/Freeport/Nassau) in early March, since we've done the Jamaica/Caymans/Cozumel and Roatan/Belize/Cozumel itineraries.

 

Just now starting to research the Freedom, as far as amenities, dining options, rooms, etc. We are confirmed Forever AFTers, so we plan on an extended aft balcony, probably deck 7. I just wanted to see if anyone had suggestions, experiences, opinions on the Conquest class of Carnival ships. We thoroughly enjoyed the Dream, especially the friendly staff and crew. Just wondered of the Conquest class had a different "vibe".

 

New ship, new embarkation port, new itinerary, what's not to like? Thanks in advance for your advice/opinions. Be aware there may be follow-up questions if you reply :D

 

Enjoy the Freedom, I sailed on her Dec 2014 I think. I'm most familar with the ship, having sailed Conquest class ships maybe 14 or 15 times. Heck, I ve been on the Valor 7x alone.

 

Here's a tip: try the stairs to get from the aft MDR to the casino. Exit the MDR, walk up to deck 4, go through Winstons Cigar Bar or whatever it is called now, maybe Ivory Piano Bar,and then down that exit hallway on the right to the stairs. You will bypass all the crowds that stop for the photographers and clog up the narrow corridor on deck 5 from the alchemy bar to the coffee shop.

Edited March 13, 2016 by evandbob

[breckbird]

I'm not overly impressed by the excursions offered by Carnival for these ports. We've never been to the Bahamas, so it will at least be something new. The only negative I see is Key West. Probably just me, but hitting an American town as one of your ports seems a waste of money. But, another place we've never visited...

key west is the best port on this cruise

[nwo4life]

The only thing I would miss from the Dream class is the deck 5 lanai. On the positive side, Conquest has a sports bar. You will not have to endure all the smokers to watch a little sports.

[Micahs Grandad]

The only thing I would miss from the Dream class is the deck 5 lanai. On the positive side, Conquest has a sports bar. You will not have to endure all the smokers to watch a little sports.

 

Another nice thing on the Dream class is the cover rock band has a nice space to play. Lately on Conquest class they stick them next to the casino.

 

terrible place to listen and dance to a band.

[Jehaams]

I did this exact ship and itinerary a year ago. Had a great time. I've been on 3 of the conquest class ships and they are some of my favorites. I recommend going upstairs to deck 10 for lunch. Fish and chips is up there if you are in to that. There is also plenty of seating and tends to be quiet and free of crowds. Just take the stairs behind the dessert spot up from the lido deck buffet area.

 

As far as the ports go, I've never been to a port I didn't like and these are no exception. Key west is great for walking around and going it on your own. Turtle Krals at the marina has good food and drinks. In Nassau I recommend a trip out to the fish fry for lunch. A lot of locals hang out here and the food is delicious. We ate at oh andros when we were there. You can walk there or take a city bus. We walked out and took the bus back to the port area. There is also Atlantis which we've done a couple of times. I also enjoy just walking around the downtown area shopping, site seeing (visited the pirate museum once), and people watching. Some good restaurants in this area too. Look for the ones where locals are having lunch as those tend to be best. Finally in freeport I recommend a day pass to the grand lucayan. Lovely beach, nice facilities and easy to get a taxi back and forth.

 

Enjoy your trip!

[Pyrate13]

Count us as Conquest class people as well, been on Conquest, Glory (twice) Valor (three times) enjoyed them all. We would also agree about the ports, wouldn't get off the ship in Nassau or Freeport but Key West is always fun.

[pghsteelerfan]

Our last four cruises have been on Conquest Class ships (Glory, Valor, and Liberty twice now). We've found that we really enjoy the Conquest Class and they seem to be just the right size, not too big and not too small. The only one we've been on with the 2.0 upgrades is Liberty (we were on Glory before her upgrades) and we love the Guy's Burgers and Blue Iguana, nice additions.

[Towel Critter]

Another nod for Conquest class ships, and Key West. I love the old homes in Key West. The Conch train is a great way to see them and learn a little Key West history. I also should add that this being your first trip to Nassau, you'll probably enjoy it. The Atlantis tour is good, if that interests you. I've never been to Freeport, though my wife has. She didn't care for it, but that doesn't necessarily mean you won't. I'm sure every port has something worthwhile.

[SMSACE6]

I have been on Conquest class ships 4 times, and Victory and Triumph which are quite similar. I do actually love the layout of the conquest ships, probably because I am so used to them. I do not have any problem getting from one part of the ship to another, and after day one, I generally know my way around. Freedom is also one of my favorite ships, and the only cruise ship that I have sailed twice on. Enjoy:)

[WiCruiseDreamer]

We did the Hop-on Hop-Off tour while in Key West and absolutely loved it. My dad was unsure about visiting Key West as it is a "part of the US" port, however, he was surprised and really enjoyed it. He enjoyed it so much we are looking to do another cruise that includes Key West.

 

I certainly hope to be pleasantly surprised by Key West. We plan on taking one of the hop-on hop-off trolley tours while there. And I second your final sentence [emoji1]

 

 

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[mawvkysc]

I'm not overly impressed by the excursions offered by Carnival for these ports. We've never been to the Bahamas, so it will at least be something new. The only negative I see is Key West. Probably just me, but hitting an American town as one of your ports seems a waste of money. But, another place we've never visited...

 

It has been 20+ years but I loved Key West. I always tell people it's like going to another country. It has its own vibe. The hop on hop off is a good idea. I also enjoyed the Hemingway house.

 

Freeport beaches are really pretty. Hopefully you will get more answers on the Bahamas board. There are some Independent Eco tours available in Freeport that look really interesting. I have never done any so I can't recommend. Sorry.

[mimxmom]

Conquest class ships are awesome. I love open layout on Lido Deck! The one poster that said the cover band plays right outside the casino is absolutely right. It is very smokey through there and makes it unpleasant to sit and listen to the band. But Alchemy Bar rocks!!

 

 

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[cruzinlisa]

To girlfriend and I, the conquess class is hands down our favorite class!! Perfectly sized, right level of amenties and lay out!

 

 

This. Of course, my Carnival experience is limited to 3 cruises on Conquest class and 2 on Fantasy class. But I still like the Conquest class. Some complain about the layout, but I have no issues. You just have to plan where you want to go and where you are. We like rooms toward the aft of the ship because I feel like its more convenient to the fun. So you should be good to go.

[mary80]

Key west is our favorite port! I recommend stopping at the butterfly and nature conservatory.

[vwrestler171]

Key West is nice. Yes it is a US port but it doesn't seem like it. Almost seems like it's own country.