Conquest only Questions! Post 'em Here!

[bilallen]

Has anyone stayed in 7205. It is a corner window view room. It looks a little bigger than the other window rooms. Is this true? Also are there lockers at Sunset beach? I heard there were not any, so I was wandering what people did with there money (wallets, purses).

[browntm]

I am going on the Conquest April 15th. I have cruised before on the Elation back in 2004 so I am looking forward to a newer ship and a balcony room this time around! We will be on the Empress deck. My question is about excursions. I am leaning toward either the bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae or the day at Rose Hall resort in Jamaica. The Stingray City trip sounds fun in Grand Caymen, but I keep reading about how crowded that excursion gets. Any other suggestions? My boyfriend is really wanting to do a jeep jungle ride in Cozumel and that sounds fun as well. I know this is a long set of questions, but any suggestions would be great. Thanks! Tracy

[Almost Packed]

I am going on the Conquest April 15th. I have cruised before on the Elation back in 2004 so I am looking forward to a newer ship and a balcony room this time around! We will be on the Empress deck. My question is about excursions. I am leaning toward either the bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae or the day at Rose Hall resort in Jamaica. The Stingray City trip sounds fun in Grand Caymen, but I keep reading about how crowded that excurion gets. Any other suggestions? My boyfriend is really wanting to do a jeep jungle ride in Cozumel and that sounds fun as well. I know this is a long set of questions, but any suggestions would be great. Thanks! Tracy

 

Browntm,

I have heard great things about the jeep tour in coz. i was told it was alot of fun.

i heard though the bamboo rafting...the guide kept telliing the people how poor they were and laying a guilt trip on them almost the entire time in hopes of a larger tip. but i don't know. pics i've seen it looks a bit crowded too. rose hall looks great and from what i've read, everything checks out good there.

nothing real specific here for ya, sorry, but maybe that helps a little.

[lgerrish]

I am going on the Conquest April 15th. I have cruised before on the Elation back in 2004 so I am looking forward to a newer ship and a balcony room this time around! We will be on the Empress deck. My question is about excursions. I am leaning toward either the bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae or the day at Rose Hall resort in Jamaica. The Stingray City trip sounds fun in Grand Caymen, but I keep reading about how crowded that excursion gets. Any other suggestions? My boyfriend is really wanting to do a jeep jungle ride in Cozumel and that sounds fun as well. I know this is a long set of questions, but any suggestions would be great. Thanks! Tracy

 

Tracy,

A group of us will be traveling on the Conquest with you. We've heard great things about Sunset Beach Resort in Jamaica, doing the Stingray thing at Grand Cayman, and in Cozumel we're taking it easy and just wandering around the shops, and beach, but might end up at Playa Uvas for some snorkeling...

Look for us - we'll be the "teachers on vacation".

[louisianagirl07]

I am going on my first cruise on Conquest (obviously) on May 20. I was just wondering what y'alls favorite thing about the ship was??? I am going to be nearly 18. It's my graduation trip with my WHOLE family. LOL

[lindalo5032]

I have read that in some places in the Caribbean, if you use your credit card, they will add an extra percentage as service fee. I know that on the menu at the Paradise Beach (Cozumel) website there is a note at the bottom of the menu that says they will add an extra 20% if you use your credit card to pay.

 

What about Sunset Beach (Montego Bay)? Do they also add a service charge when using a credit card?

 

And Taxis in Mo-Bay and Cozumel?

 

In Grand Cayman, we were going to do the Native Way Sting Ray/Rum Point excursion. I think I can pay for that through the website, so assume there would be no additional charge on that.

 

We usually use plastic for everything, but if it costs more, we will need to figure out how much cash to bring.

 

Thanks for your input!

[IBSaling]

I have read that in some places in the Caribbean, if you use your credit card, they will add an extra percentage as service fee. I know that on the menu at the Paradise Beach (Cozumel) website there is a note at the bottom of the menu that says they will add an extra 20% if you use your credit card to pay.

 

What about Sunset Beach (Montego Bay)? Do they also add a service charge when using a credit card?

 

And Taxis in Mo-Bay and Cozumel?

 

In Grand Cayman, we were going to do the Native Way Sting Ray/Rum Point excursion. I think I can pay for that through the website, so assume there would be no additional charge on that.

 

We usually use plastic for everything, but if it costs more, we will need to figure out how much cash to bring.

 

Thanks for your input!

Not only do you need to look out for merchant surcharges, but your bank may also add an additional 3% or so if the charge is in a foreign currency. :eek: I am using Native Way for our upcoming trip and this is what Sharon told me about using a credit card for payment:

"You will pay on our tour boat. We accept US cash, Traveler's Checks, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover. If you pay via credit card, you will be charged a 4% processing fee. The credit cards are billed in US dollars."

You also don't want to get stuck with the outrageous ATM fees on the ship, so travelers checks are probably the way to go.

[lindalo5032]

Not only do you need to look out for merchant surcharges, but your bank may also add an additional 3% or so if the charge is in a foreign currency. :eek: I am using Native Way for our upcoming trip and this is what Sharon told me about using a credit card for payment:

"You will pay on our tour boat. We accept US cash, Traveler's Checks, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover. If you pay via credit card, you will be charged a 4% processing fee. The credit cards are billed in US dollars."

 

You also don't want to get stuck with the outrageous ATM fees on the ship, so travelers checks are probably the way to go.

 

Do you know if most places down there accept Travelers checks?

[SugarFreeSheila]

I have always been impressed by the gym facilities on Carnival cruises. For fitness enthusiasts who have sailed on this ship before, is the Conquest also pretty good in this regard? It will be my first time on it next month!

[suzy1212]

I am going on my first cruise on Conquest (obviously) on May 20. I was just wondering what y'alls favorite thing about the ship was??? I am going to be nearly 18. It's my graduation trip with my WHOLE family. LOL

Well, since I'm about 30 years older than you, my priorities might be a little different. :)

I love eating dinner in the dining room. The waiters are so nice and the food is so good. I love the Reuben sandwiches from the deli. I love having someone clean my room all week. I love ordering room service. I love sitting on the balcony. I love sitting at the back of the ship on the Lido deck, just reading a book and watching the wake behind us. I love going to the Mardi Gras deck party. I love just walking around the ship, it's so pretty.

 

I can't possibly pick one favorite thing. :D

[1gramma]

Browntm,

I have heard great things about the jeep tour in coz. i was told it was alot of fun.

i heard though the bamboo rafting...the guide kept telliing the people how poor they were and laying a guilt trip on them almost the entire time in hopes of a larger tip. but i don't know. pics i've seen it looks a bit crowded too. rose hall looks great and from what i've read, everything checks out good there.

nothing real specific here for ya, sorry, but maybe that helps a little.

 

For those thinking about the jeep tour through carnival, I have found that you can rent a jeep for $45 and that the island is less than 30 miles around.Also, 1 main road back to the pier. We are sailing conquest May 20 and plan to rent a 4 person jeep, get a good map of "tourist attractions" and going our own way. Seems alot better for the 7 of us ($90 + entrance fees) rather than $$$$ through carnival. :p

[browntm]

Browntm,

I have heard great things about the jeep tour in coz. i was told it was alot of fun.

i heard though the bamboo rafting...the guide kept telliing the people how poor they were and laying a guilt trip on them almost the entire time in hopes of a larger tip. but i don't know. pics i've seen it looks a bit crowded too. rose hall looks great and from what i've read, everything checks out good there.

nothing real specific here for ya, sorry, but maybe that helps a little.

 

 

Thanks so much for the info. That does help!

[browntm]

Tracy,

A group of us will be traveling on the Conquest with you. We've heard great things about Sunset Beach Resort in Jamaica, doing the Stingray thing at Grand Cayman, and in Cozumel we're taking it easy and just wandering around the shops, and beach, but might end up at Playa Uvas for some snorkeling...

Look for us - we'll be the "teachers on vacation".

 

I will be with my boyfriend Danny who has never met a stranger. So I am sure we will catch up to you guys at some point! Looking forward to it!

[yst347]

For those considering renting vehicles in Cozumel bear in mind that the island has only three gas stations. Two are located in San Miguel and the third is near the International pier. Many rental companies do not fill the tanks so check your gas level as soon as you pick up the vehicle and be prepared to make the Pemex station your first stop.

[Jules7226]

Does anyone know if the Conquest has a sports bar or at least somewhere to watch sports? The NCAA championship game will be on when we're on our cruise in April and I was wondering if we'd be able to watch it?? Appreciate any input. Thanks!

[yst347]

The Sports Bar is located on deck 5 Promenade. You can enter it from the atrium or from the casino. They have four or five large TV's behind the bar. It will be quite crowded for the championship game so plan to arrive early. It can get quite smokey in there so be prepared. If smoke bothers you, you may need to watch elsewhere.

 

On our Conquest cruise last month trivia games were held in the Sports Bar each afternoon at 5:00 pm. except on embarkation day. One evening my wife won a 100% solid gold plastic ship on a stick. :D

[reresister]

Was told nothing behind those walls. Booked and paid for already rooms # 7365, 7367, 7369, for July 8th.

 

See you there. Also can anyone tell me a good hotel to stay at Sat, in Galveston? We live in Houston, but don't want traffic problems, were looking at Econolodge.

 

I can't wait, been booked since last July. Already pulled the luggage out, am filling with stuff. Have so many lists going, lol.

 

We are doing Sandals, Stingray City and Island tour, and free for all in Mexico.

[suzy1212]

We booked our 3rd Conquest cruise yesterday. We'll be going again 10/7/07. :D

[suzy1212]

Does anyone know if the Conquest has a sports bar or at least somewhere to watch sports? The NCAA championship game will be on when we're on our cruise in April and I was wondering if we'd be able to watch it?? Appreciate any input. Thanks!

Gaugain's Bar, promenade deck, between the casino and shops on the port side of the ship. No idea what sports they show though. Wandered through a cuople of times, but never stopped. :p

Added - Sorry for the redundant answer. Couldn't get the last page to load!

[Jules7226]

The Sports Bar is located on deck 5 Promenade. You can enter it from the atrium or from the casino. They have four or five large TV's behind the bar. It will be quite crowded for the championship game so plan to arrive early. It can get quite smokey in there so be prepared. If smoke bothers you, you may need to watch elsewhere.

 

On our Conquest cruise last month trivia games were held in the Sports Bar each afternoon at 5:00 pm. except on embarkation day. One evening my wife won a 100% solid gold plastic ship on a stick. :D

 

Thanks so much for the info that really helps a lot. I was on the Conquest in 04 but couldn't remember for the life of me.

 

Gotta love the ship on a sticks huh.:rolleyes:

[ShoMeChiefsFan]

Was told nothing behind those walls. Booked and paid for already rooms # 7365, 7367, 7369, for July 8th.

 

See you there. Also can anyone tell me a good hotel to stay at Sat, in Galveston? We live in Houston, but don't want traffic problems, were looking at Econolodge.

 

I can't wait, been booked since last July. Already pulled the luggage out, am filling with stuff. Have so many lists going, lol.

 

We are doing Sandals, Stingray City and Island tour, and free for all in Mexico.

 

I would recommend staying at Gaido's Seaside Inn, go do a search and find the reviews from past guest who have stayed here. This is family owned, and gets repeat customers or word of mouth business. Excellent choice for a nightly stay before the cruise! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

 

I stayed there in 2005 and it was cheap in price (cheapest on the island) and also offered free cruise parking, they also have a cruise special if you book thru their website, mention the cruise special in the comments and you will receive a additional 10% off on the stay. Almost the entire roll call for April 1-8, 2007 is staying at Gaido's due to the price and the great reviews, we can report back to ya after we return!

 

Good Luck!

 

According to the reviews for the Econolodge, they dont talk highly of htis place, almost everyone of the reivews were negative reviews.

[gumballz]

I have the Conquest booked for April 6, 2008. Airfare from Phoenix is pretty cheap but after reading about the distance between the airport and port, we're wondering if it wouldn't be more reasonble to just cruise out of Florida.

 

Can someone please give me some kind of approximate breakdown on what costs I'm looking at as far as transfers & hotels go? I need to decide if I'm going to keep this cruise or change it to one out of Florida instead. I'd appreciate it!

 

Thanks! :)

[thoneycu]

I would recommend staying at Gaido's Seaside Inn, go do a search and find the reviews from past guest who have stayed here. This is family owned, and gets repeat customers or word of mouth business. Excellent choice for a nightly stay before the cruise! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

 

I stayed there in 2005 and it was cheap in price (cheapest on the island) and also offered free cruise parking, they also have a cruise special if you book thru their website, mention the cruise special in the comments and you will receive a additional 10% off on the stay. Almost the entire roll call for April 1-8, 2007 is staying at Gaido's due to the price and the great reviews, we can report back to ya after we return!

 

Good Luck!

 

According to the reviews for the Econolodge, they dont talk highly of htis place, almost everyone of the reivews were negative reviews.

 

 

Sorry, have to disagree with the nascar fan (?) Although Gaido's is family owned and does contribute to Galveston Island's history, it is NOT a place I would recommend for your overnight stay on this wonderful island. There are many, MANY other places. I would definitely stay on the seawall just for the fun of it, it is fun to watch all the people and activity along the famous seawall all day and into the evenings. I don't know your price range but there is also a Galveston favorite- The Commodore. It is older but still very nice and convenient to everything and has a certain style to it. It sits right on the seawall with all rooms facing the ocean. You also have the San Luis, the Hilton, and there is a new Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort. If you don't want to stay on the seawall then there is the neatest hotel on the harbor called Harbour House Hotel. Doesn't look like a hotel but it is really a neat place and you can wake up and look out the window and see the harbor and if you're on the left side you can even see your ship docked! Make sure you visit the Strand Historic district.

Nothing against Gaido's- just would not recommend it, it is old, has a musty smell and needs major renovations.

[ShoMeChiefsFan]

I have the Conquest booked for April 6, 2008. Airfare from Phoenix is pretty cheap but after reading about the distance between the airport and port, we're wondering if it wouldn't be more reasonble to just cruise out of Florida.

 

Can someone please give me some kind of approximate breakdown on what costs I'm looking at as far as transfers & hotels go? I need to decide if I'm going to keep this cruise or change it to one out of Florida instead. I'd appreciate it!

 

Thanks! :)

 

 

you are going to have the same problem with any of the Florida locations as well.

 

Its only about 45 min drive to Galveston. I cant advise on cost of transportation, but this should have been well planned out before booking your cruise....well anyway, you are getting to close yo your date where you will lose some of your deposit if any changes are made...I would personally stick with Galveston, since its close to home, and its not that far to the pier from the airport.

[gumballz]

KcFanNindy, actually we're well over a year away from that particular cruise so there would be no penalties for cancelling at this point. As my post stated, we wouldn't be sailing until April of 2008. :)

 

As for saying this should have been 'well planned out before booking our cruise'......it was. We weighed the costs of airfare and transportation before booking. We've cruised out of Miami 3 times and the cost from the airport to the port is under $30 with tip. From what I'm reading on the boards, the cost from the airport to the Galveston port can run us upwards of $70.

 

I've been watching airfare to both locations (Texas and Florida) and it appears as though the price is comparable to fly to both at this time. When we booked, airfare to Texas was cheaper. So, as you can see we did 'plan it out' when we booked.

 

If anyone has an answer for me, I'd appreciate it. I'm not new to cruising, so I don't really need to be given a lecture. I'm just looking for some advice as to the cost of transportation between airport and port.

 

:D Thanks!