Conquest only Questions! Post 'em Here!

[ptbcruiser121]

:confused: does any have any capers pleese send them to philbundren@yahoo.com

[ShoMeChiefsFan]

Here you go, the first four links are capers, the fifth is a link to menus.

 

 

 

http://www.ronrythm.com/Conquest_Capers.html

 

http://community.webshots.com/album/522675916TNencc

 

http://travel.webshots.com/album/548651518NCQRXb

 

http://community.webshots.com/album/550415316PyrwcL

 

 

this was posted earlier, and i do believe there are other whos have posted links to the capers in this thread!

[ShoMeChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by KcFanNindy

Getting Around The Cayman Islands

 

Taxies

Taxis are available at Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman and offer a fixed rate per vehicle or per person to all points on Grand Cayman. This information is available from the taxi dispatcher at the curb. Hotel vans cannot provide courtesy arrival pickup at the airport.

 

Taxis are readily available from all resorts and from the taxi stand at the cruise ship dock in George Town. A sign with current rates is posted at the dock.

 

There are several private limousine services on Grand Cayman, for special events and airport transfers.

 

First Ever Public Transport System for Grand Cayman

In October 1998, Grand Cayman launched its first ever-official public bus transportation system. The new bus terminal is located adjacent the Public Library on Edward St. in downtown George Town and serves as the dispatch point for buses to all districts. There are 38 mini-buses operated by 24 licensed operators, serving eight routes. Daily service starts at 6 a.m. from the depot and the schedule is as follows from George Town to:

 

West Bay - every 15 minutes, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday - Thursday; 6 a.m. - midnight, Fri. & Sat. Fare is CI$1.50 each way.

 

Bodden Town - Every 30 minutes, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday- Thurs.; 6 a.m. - midnight, Fri. & Sat. Fare is CI$1.50 each way.

 

East End and North Side - Every hour, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday - Thurs. and Saturday. On Friday, buses will operate until after Midnight. Fare: CI$2 each way.

 

The new system uses colour - coded logos located on the front and rear of buses to identify routes as follows: Route 1 (yellow) and Route 2 (lime green) cover George Town to West Bay; Route 3 (blue) provides service between the depot in George Town and Bodden Town. Route 4 (purple) operates between the depot and East End. Route 5 (red) goes from the depot to East End and North Side. Route 6 (dark green) operates from North Side to West Bay. Route 7 (dark green with white numbers) is an inter-district service for George Town. Route 8 (orange) runs from the depot to Hutland in North Side. Licensed buses are identified by blue licence plates. To maintain consistency in fares, each bus must display a fare table outlining standard government-authorized fares. The hotline number for public comment and feedback is 945-5100.

 

Car Rentals

 

Bicycle Rentals

 

Taxis- Car Services

 

*************ATTRACTIONS ****************************

 

The Cayman Islands offers much more than the gentle splendours of sun, sand and sea. Enjoy our unique heritage attractions, Boatswain’s Beach/Cayman Turtle Farm, Pedro Saint James, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the National Museum. Rollick aboard a pirate cruise on the Jolly Roger or the Anne Bonnie. Revel in the festive atmosphere and delicious libations at Rum Point. Or take to the links on one of our three championship golf courses. Feeling adventurous? Plunge the depths aboard the Atlantis Deep Dive Submarine, the only excursion of its kinds anywhere on earth. Explore our natural treasures on a hike along the Mastic Trail on Grand Cayman, a stroll through Bobby Pond Nature Reserve in Little Cayman, home to the largest population of red-footed boobies in the Western Hemisphere, or a visit to the Brac Parrot Reserve, where you’ll glimpse the rare Cayman Brac parrot. Or immerse yourself in Cayman’s rich culture firsthand at the Cayman Craft Market or any of our impressive galleries, all while enjoying our greatest attraction-the warm, welcoming Caymanian people.

 

Pedro St. James Historic Site *

Is the restored centre-piece of a national historic site overlooking the Caribbean Sea with the best view in Grand Cayman. Visitors can stroll through the edifice built along the lines of the Caribbean plantation Great Houses and containing period furniture and interesting artifacts from that long-lost time. Visit the gift shop and don’t miss the site’s multimedia show (it runs every hour); rated the best in the Caribbean, it’s an experience you will long remember.

Grand Cayman's Q. E. II Botanic Park *

The Visitors Centre, Heritage Garden and Floral Garden are spectacular additions.

 

Cayman Islands National Museum *

Make the Cayman Islands National Museum the first stop on your tour of Grand Cayman and begin to see the real Cayman.

 

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands

Cayman's Heritage.... Our Pride, Be a Part of it!

 

Turtle Farm *

See 16,000 sea turtles, some as small as 6 ounces, some as big as 600 pounds!

 

Stingray City

The stingrays began gathering in the area decades ago when fisherman used to clean fish on the shallow sand bars. The stingrays would forget their normally shy dispositions and feast on the guts of the cleaned fish. Soon the stingrays began to associate the sound of a boat motor with food. In the late 1980s, divers starting feeding squid to the stingrays, which is one of their favorite dishes. Imagine a completely unique once in a lifetime experience you can find nowhere else in the world. As you enter our crystal clear turquoise waters the graceful southern stingrays glide tranquilly past in there natural habitat. Enjoy this unique experience of touching and feeding a Stingray, together with snorkeling amongst magnificent coral reefs and colorful tropical fish. The Stingray City Sandbar in Grand Cayman is lots of fun and suitable for everyone. Standing in only three feet of water you will be surrounded by more than two dozen friendly Stingray's.

 

Blowholes

A blowhole is a cavity formed in the ground at the inland end of a sea cave.

 

Blowholes are created by the water moving through natural tunnels cut in the rock by the coast. As the tunnels get closer to the coast, they turn upwards, creating a fountain. This can create quite a spectacular show when the weather conditions are right. In Grand Cayman the Blow holes are located on Frank sound road on your way to the Eastern Districts. In Cayman Brac you can find them scattered Island wide. The best time to watch the show is during a nor’wester in the winter months.

Cayman Craft Market

Located in central George town this market place offers locally made wood & leathering products, Thatch and straw work and Local visual arts. Find yourself immersed in a unique Caymanian atmosphere where you can purchase a real part of Cayman whilst learning about our past and one of a kind culture.

 

Hell

Would you like to say you’ve been to hell and back and really mean it? Well you can! Hell Grand Cayman, take pictures with the devil send postcards postmarked from hell and view the spectacular rock formations created by weathered ironshore. The Hell post office opened in 1962 to accommodate requests from tourists to send post cards home to their friends and families from “hell”. The iron shore formations have been estimated at 1.5 million years old.

Rum Point

On the north coast of Grand Cayman, lies the ever popular Rum Point. Here, flat white sands backed by shade trees lead down to the calm blue sea. Peace and quiet is just one offering you'll find at many of the Cayman Islands' beaches, and this sedate vacation style can be had at Rum Point without taking you too far away. Cities are close – without being too close – you'll have everything you need. Snorkeling in the crystalline waters is a popular activity at Rum Point, as well as, volleyball, windsurfing, and parasailing. A beach bar and grill, Wreck Bar, provides food and cold drinks, including beer.

Tennis

If you fear getting out of shape during your holiday Some hotels can readily accommodate your passion for tennis in the Cayman Islands, but at others you may find it difficult to gain access to a court especially during the prime hours. It's easy to find a hotel in the Cayman Islands that includes a tennis court it’s just a matter of doing a little research into the property you choose for your Cayman vacation.

 

Caving

Bat Cave

As the name suggests, this cave has a bat colony inside. It its frequently visited, signposted and even a little bit developed. There are two wooden ladders leading to upper rooms of the cave. The cave is noted for various speleothems. The main formation looks like a wedding cake. The ceiling of the main chamber collapsed, and so the cave is well lit, at least the main part. A torch is nevertheless a good idea.

Great Cave

The Great Cave really looks like a pirate cave. The cave entrance resembles a laughing face, with two small openings in the cliff, a nose in between and the main entrance below formed like a smiling mouth. It would make a cool entry on a treasure map. The cave is accessible by a wooden ladder up a steep cliff. The main chamber is huge but lacks speleothems. There is a western branch with some stalagmite pillars. The northern branch, leading to a second chamber with some speleothems, is not recommended. The passage is collapsed and it is necessary to crawl. Also this part is inhabited by a bat colony which is disturbed by the visitors.

Peter's Cave

Peter's Cave is located at the north coast, near to the top of the bluff. It is more or less a single big chamber, containing several formations. This is the only part of the cave were visitors can stand upright. Of course there are some crawls to explore. The cave is home to bats and Brown Booby, a sea bird. The cave is renowned as a hurricane refuge, as it is said to fit 100 people. From the entrance it provides a nice view on the south side bluffs.

 

Pirate's Caves

The Pirate's Caves are natural limestone caves located below the southern part of Bodden Town on the south shores of Grand Cayman. However, they are equipped as a sight for kids up to 12 years. There is a talking parrot, a petting zoo and a gift shop. Inside the cave are plastic dinosaurs, and fake bones lying about. Concerning the rather expensive entrance fees, not all comments on the web are overwhelming. The caves are said to have once extended underneath Bodden Town with openings out to the sea. Legends tell about a pirate's treasure, which still lies buried in the caves! Due to many storms over the years, the openings out to the sea have been buried and the locations of treasure troves have been entombed. The pirate sightseeing may be completed by a visit to the actual pirate's graves in the cemetery across the street.

Rebecca's Cave is probably the most frequently visited cave on Brac. It is named after a small girl, Rebecca, who fled with her family from the hurricane in 1932. She died in the cave by accident and is buried there too. The hurricane of 1932 is a dark chapter in the history of Cayman. The destruction was enormous. People hid in the numerous caves on the islands, and Bat Hole was one of them. After two days, when the storm calmed down, the people went out to check the damage, and then the storm came back from the west. The people didn't expect this, so they were surprised by the storm. A group of people, who tried to reach the security of the cave, was fighting their way through the darkness and the waves. Rebecca was only 17 months old, and she was carried by her mother. As she was small, she could not carry her up the rocks, so Rebecca was handed to other people. When the mother was hit by a wave she lost the baby and she floated away, but she was rescued by someone in the group. Finally, when they reached the cave, the little girl died from the injuries she got in the storm. She was buried in the cave and the cave renamed Rebecca's Cave.

 

Skull Cave

Skull Cave is easy to access and a wooden stair leads into the cave entrance. There are two main chambers connected by passages with vaulted ceilings. The cave was named Skull Cave, because the entrance looks a little bit like a skull. This impression is probably due to the pale colour of the light gray limestone. The entrance is also nice and photogenic because of various interesting plants like bougainvillea and various cacti.

 

Birding

The Cayman Islands are also home to 50 resident species of birds, including colonies of the native brown booby, red-footed booby, least tern, and white-tailed tropicbird The West Indian woodpecker and stripe-headed tanager can also be seen in the Caymans.

Grand Cayman has seven protected bird sanctuaries, including the QE II Botanic Park, Colliers Pond, Salina Reserve, and the Majestic Reserve. Cayman Brac is home to a 180-acre parrot reserve, while Little Cayman's Booby Pond Reserve protects the habitat of the brown and red-footed boobies.

So if bird watching is on your list of things to do the Cayman Islands has what you’re looking for!

Hiking

In Cayman Brac well-marked trails lacing the island range from easy strolls to a series of caves on the southern shoreline to 2 miles of nature trails through a reserve set aside for the rare Cayman parrot on the island’s bluff. (The reserve is also home to some 150 other bird species.) Bring a pair of sturdy hiking boots, because the limestone on the bluff is rugged – and the panoramic views of the sea from the edge of the bluff, which reaches an elevation of 140 feet, is well worth a little exercise

Orchids and parrots burst with color, doves and woodpeckers hover overhead, snakes and lizards wander the footpaths. Grand Cayman's Mastic Trail serves up all this wildlife, plus a lush forest of cedar, mahogany, and palms, along with lowlands dense with mangrove. Of course, much of the Caribbean once looked like this, but colonization and the subsequent clearing wiped out much of the native habitat. Even on Grand Cayman, which is a low, coral-formed island, nature once displayed astounding diversity. Now, through the efforts of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, the Mastic Reserve has been established in the steamy interior of the island, featuring trails through portions of the original dry, subtropical forests.

* The Heritage Passport entitles you to a 25% discount on four of Grand Cayman’s main attractions and includes one free child’s pass per every paying adult.

 

Answer Your Financial Needs

 

Banks: Although Grand Cayman now has more than 259 licensed banks, only a handful are full-service retail banks providing customer banking services as visitors know it. These include Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd., Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited, Royal Bank of Canada, Cayman National Bank Ltd., First Caribbean International Bank (Cayman) Limited. Regular banking hours are 9: 00 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

 

The Cayman Islands has its own currency, first issued in 1972, whose basic unit is the dollar, issued in notes with denominations of CI$100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 and coins valued at 25 cents, 10, 5 and 1 cent. The CI dollar has a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar of CI$1.00 equals US$1.25. Or, the US dollar equals CI $.80.

 

There is no need for visitors to exchange their US dollars into local currency. The US dollar is accepted throughout the islands at a rate of CI 80 cents. However, this can be confusing to visitors: for example, a US$20 note becomes CI$16. Banks do NOT give a better rate of exchange! Major credit cards (with the exception of the Discover Card) and travellers checks are widely accepted. Canadian dollars, Euro dollars and pounds sterling can be exchanged for CI dollars at local banks.

 

In addition, Automatic Teller Machines accepting VISA and MasterCard with Cirrus affiliation are located at Cayman National Bank and other banks and at Owen Roberts International Airport as well as a few other locations such as the grocery stores.

 

***************BEACHES**************************** *

Facts

 

All Beaches in the Cayman Islands are public up to the high water mark

7-Mile Beach

7-mile beach encompasses so many different activities a day at the beach has the ability to leave your head spinning. Whether or not you enjoy just relaxing and watching the waves roll in or taking your vacation up a notch and parasailing over the Caribbean sea seven mile beach has what you’re looking for. With an abundance of watersports operators hotels and beachside restaurants you will never be at a loss for what to do on 7mile Beach.

Public Beach

The Grand Cayman public beach offers changing and restrooms showers a wonderful playground for the kids to enjoy beach huts a watersports operator also the calico jacks beach bar for food and drinks where you can enjoy just another day in paradise.

Spots Beach

The Spots beach located in Spots Newlands is great if you want to get away from the crowd surrounded by ironshore cliffs with white beaches and the surrounding barrier reef that keep waters calm year round and has huts and benches available for your use.

Smith Cove

Located on south sound this beach offers the convenience of being close to the cruse port to allow for more time enjoying the sun sand and sea with restrooms, picnic benches, showers, phenomenal snorkeling and great photo ops you should add smith cove to your to do list whilst visiting our beautiful Islands.

West Bay Public Beach

Located after the 4-way stop in west bay with a wide stretch of powder soft sand and an abundance of shady sea grape trees perfect for family get togethers with a dock Restrooms/changing facilities, showers, huts/benches you’ll be set for a day of fun in the sun.

Cemetery Beach

Cemetery beach is known for it’s superb snorkeling but does not offer the convenience of changing facilities restrooms or watersports operators that many of the other beaches have. But if the underwater beauty of the Cayman Islands is what you seek put cemetery beach at the top of your list.

Rum Point

With the beauty and tranquility of the North Side of the Islands and calm shallow waters that allow children and adults alike to play care free this experience is what vacationing in the Caribbean is really about offering Changing/Restrooms, showers, Huts, Hammocks, a volleyball net, the rum point beach bar offering food and drinks and red sail sports for all of your watersports needs you needn’t look any further for an ideal Cayman day.

East End Public Beach

When you really want to get away from it all take a trip down to East End this beach is secluded with only the sound of lapping waves and calling birds to distract from the state of tranquility and peace you will find here. huts and restrooms available on location.

Cayman Kai

With huts, benches, hammocks and the New Orleans atmosphere at the Kaibo bar and grill. With beach volleyball and a annual Mardi Gras festival you will find yourself entertained and amused with lots to do and see.

 

__________________

 

 

__________________

[lindalo5032]

For those of you who have traveled in the summer time, does the Conquest's air conditioning in the cabins get nice and cold? I know it will be HOT in late July/early August, but hopefully I can get my cabin nice & cold at night :) Also, I would assume that at least while you are at sea it isn't extremely hot, with the ocean breeze blowing while the ship is moving ??

 

Also, do they use the swimming pool cover during the summer?

 

Thanks for your input!

[ConquestCruiser]

I'm still wondering if anyone who has been on the Conquest recently knows who is in the piano bar??

[yst347]

The Piano player in Blues on the Conquest currently is Wayne.

[suseg]

I'm still wondering if anyone who has been on the Conquest recently knows who is in the piano bar??[/quo

 

We will be sailing on her on the 25th of the month, I'll gladly find that out for you whilst onboard....will that work?

[Cruiser Joe]

So is the chocolate buffet on the Conquest on Saturday?

[ConquestCruiser]

Someone posted that the guy in the Piano Bar is Wayne.....I don't however know if he is good or not!!! Any info would be apprieciated!!

[suzy1212]

So is the chocolate buffet on the Conquest on Saturday?

Yes, at lunchtime.

[ConquestCruiser]

:)

The Piano player in Blues on the Conquest currently is Wayne.

 

Hey, is he any good? What kind of songs did he sing? Good personality??

[IBSaling]

I get the impression from reading these postings that formal night may be somewhat less casual on Carnival than other lines. Will my DH feel out of place in his tuxedo on Conquest formal nights, or should he just plan to take a dark suit?:confused:

[Hebejeebe]

I get the impression from reading these postings that formal night may be somewhat less casual on Carnival than other lines. Will my DH feel out of place in his tuxedo on Conquest formal nights, or should he just plan to take a dark suit?:confused:

 

I assume you mean that you believe formal night is MORE casual on Carnival? I've only sailed Carnival and Princess and found there was no difference between the two. If your DH owns a tuxedo by all means wear it.

 

Since the Conquest sails from Texas I have heard that they allow a certain jean attire in the dining rooms on regular nights to accomodate the locals. But, past Conquest guests will have to address that issue.

[GoinCruisin]

I get the impression from reading these postings that formal night may be somewhat less casual on Carnival than other lines. Will my DH feel out of place in his tuxedo on Conquest formal nights, or should he just plan to take a dark suit?:confused:

 

MANY of the men in our group always wear a tux, and never feel out of place...

[IBSaling]

Thanks for the prompt replies and the correction. :o

[Snoozeman]

I get the impression from reading these postings that formal night may be somewhat less casual on Carnival than other lines. Will my DH feel out of place in his tuxedo on Conquest formal nights, or should he just plan to take a dark suit?:confused:

 

I believe you have the correct impression.

 

I assume you mean that you believe formal night is MORE casual on Carnival? I've only sailed Carnival and Princess and found there was no difference between the two. If your DH owns a tuxedo by all means wear it.

 

Since the Conquest sails from Texas I have heard that they allow a certain jean attire in the dining rooms on regular nights to accomodate the locals. But, past Conquest guests will have to address that issue.

 

I find a HUGE difference between Princess and Carnival especially in the dining room. Of course I have only sailed CCL from Galveston so that may make the difference. Feel free to read my reviews. (click my name)

[Guienevere_Arianette]

I assume you mean that you believe formal night is MORE casual on Carnival? I've only sailed Carnival and Princess and found there was no difference between the two. If your DH owns a tuxedo by all means wear it.

 

Since the Conquest sails from Texas I have heard that they allow a certain jean attire in the dining rooms on regular nights to accomodate the locals. But, past Conquest guests will have to address that issue.

 

Can only speak on my limited experience; Conquest formal night, 8 weeks ago, enforced dress code: ball gowns, tuxes, etc, were the norm, and people not following dress code were not allowed in the dining room.

[Smiling Cruiser]

DH wore a tux as did a large # of the men on our sailing. Had some very nice pictures taken on Formal Night (near the piano by the casino). The photographer had a long-stemmed red rose, two glasses of champagne and the piano to use as props. She spent a lot of time getting people posed just right to get the perfect picture. She did an excellent job and everyone seemed to enjoy watching her work. The wait time wasn't very long and certainly worth it. Tell him to wear the tux and find the photographer.

[IBSaling]

DH wore a tux as did a large # of the men on our sailing. Had some very nice pictures taken on Formal Night (near the piano by the casino). The photographer had a long-stemmed red rose, two glasses of champagne and the piano to use as props. She spent a lot of time getting people posed just right to get the perfect picture. She did an excellent job and everyone seemed to enjoy watching her work. The wait time wasn't very long and certainly worth it. Tell him to wear the tux and find the photographer.

This will be the perfect opportunity to get some formal family/couple photos!

[ShoMeChiefsFan]

can anyone tell me the theme of the ship, just received a CD from Carnival, and within the CD it describes all the themes for all the ships. I am wondering this because some of them looked good? Thanks for your answers!

[1gramma]

Thanks to all who have already answered many of of my questions! But here's one I haven't seen. My TA said that we had to book an adult in the interior with the kids so we booked mom with 2 daughters in interior and dad with son in balcony. She said that when on the ship we could "sleep where we wanted." How does that work with the S&S room keys? I know they are also IDs. Can we change room assignments when we set up the keys? (You guessed it!! Mom wants to sleep with Dad!!:p )

Thanks again to all who post such great info1

[lindalo5032]

Thanks to all who have already answered many of of my questions! But here's one I haven't seen. My TA said that we had to book an adult in the interior with the kids so we booked mom with 2 daughters in interior and dad with son in balcony. She said that when on the ship we could "sleep where we wanted." How does that work with the S&S room keys? I know they are also IDs. Can we change room assignments when we set up the keys? (You guessed it!! Mom wants to sleep with Dad!!:p )

Thanks again to all who post such great info1

 

The carnival PVP told me that when we get on board, we just have the 2 people who want to trade rooms go to the purser's desk. THey will handle it, no problem!

[suzy1212]

can anyone tell me the theme of the ship, just received a CD from Carnival, and within the CD it describes all the themes for all the ships. I am wondering this because some of them looked good? Thanks for your answers!

Impressionists. Van Gogh, Degas, Cezanne. etc... There is a picture or two in the second link in my signature that will show you some of the paintings.

[Snoozeman]

Can only speak on my limited experience; Conquest formal night, 8 weeks ago, enforced dress code: ball gowns, tuxes, etc, were the norm, and people not following dress code were not allowed in the dining room.

 

I have found this to NOT be the norm on the Conquest. I believe in dressing properly for dinner (and lunch and breakfast for that matter), but on formal night the majority of men wore dark suits. A few in tuxes, but less than 15%. I find they rarely enforce the dress code although I think they should.

 

can anyone tell me the theme of the ship, just received a CD from Carnival, and within the CD it describes all the themes for all the ships. I am wondering this because some of them looked good? Thanks for your answers!

 

As Suzy says, French Impressionism. All the public rooms are named for artists. The art and decorations and the decor, especially in the dining rooms is beautiful. The atrium lobby has a mural of most French Impressionist artists and their work. The lighting and glass work in the public rooms is all French Impressionist and depict scenes from the artwork. I love the Sunflower in the aft atrium and the lamps in the dining room especially. The walls of the corridors and passageways are also decorated. Even an artists tile in your toilet. A very beautiful ship.

[IBSaling]

The carnival PVP told me that when we get on board, we just have the 2 people who want to trade rooms go to the purser's desk. THey will handle it, no problem!

If I were you, I'd want to have a key to my kids' room, so rather than switch, can't you request extra room keys so everyone can access both rooms?