Cruising Isn't What It Used to Be

Carnival Conquest Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Jim243

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 42

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

8 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 13, 2015

Ship: Carnival Conquest

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 1008

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

Overall this cruise was very enjoyable and relaxing, but I can't escape the feeling that I was just a sheep waiting to be fleeced at any time.

When I first started cruising, it was an "all inclusive" experience and I could relax and enjoy myself without being constantly nudged and exhorted to spend more money. Sure, there were shore excursions that cost extra, but that was it. Now as soon as your board you are constantly bombarded with sales pitches. It seems as though every on board activity is now a profit center.

Now you have to pay extra to enjoy fine dining, On the Carnival Conquest the food was the same quality you would find at a Golden Corral, but with excellent presentation and service.

Surprisingly, the shopping on board was very limited.

My favorite port was St. Maarten. Majo Beach was a real experience with jetliners passing so low that you could almost touch them. (Check out the videos on YouTube. Just search for "Majo Beach".)

We had a balcony cabin that was very nice. It was plenty large enough for two people and had plenty of storage.

Entertainment is so-so. It seems as though the comedy club is now more popular than the stage productions. The Degas Lounge was always filled for the comedy acts, which were fairly good. Be sure to arrive at least 15 early to get a seat.

If your idea of a great cruise is shopping in the ports, you will have a wonderful time, although it now seems as though all the ports have the same shops. The sales staff on the cruise, however, does a wonderful job working you into a frenzy so you can't wait to storm the shops ashore.

All in all it was enjoyable, but not what it should be. I would rather pay up front for an all inclusive vacation and not be constantly assaulted with sales pitches and extra charges.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Food was of Golden Corral quality, but chefs and the wait staff did the best they could.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

On board activities were merely an means to get you to spend more money.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Stage shows were bad. Comedy was good.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

The ship was lacking an outdoor promenade deck. I found it annoying to have to walk through lounges, the casino and dining rooms while fighting crowds to get from one end of the ship to the other. Cabin was fantastic.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

This was an interior handicap accessible cabin. Huge bathroom and shower.

Ship tip

Check out the open deck on the Level 10 forward. It is not on the deck plan. Great place to get away from crowds, but bring your own chair. There is no seating.

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