First time cruisers

Carnival Conquest Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

PracticeAloha

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 163

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

8 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 18, 2017

Ship: Carnival Conquest

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 2399

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Took our first cruise and found that 8 nights is just too much. We are not really good cruise material, but thought we would try one so we know what it's all about (think it will appeal to us more in another 10 years or so). We enjoy getting to a location where we feel safe and excited, getting a condo for a couple of weeks, and setting out in a rental car to explore the locale. We did this on Maui for 9 years straight and found it to be exactly our kind of getaway.

That said, we did appreciate the cruise. The ship staff was super friendly and efficient. Our cabin, and the ship in general, could use some updating, but we really don't know how it compares to other ships. It was acceptable and not dirty... we just felt it was dated and well-used looking.

Food was ok, though the steakhouse experience was top-notch. We found dinner to be better than what is offered on Lido deck. Lots of choices, just not all that great quality wise.

We were so glad we took excursions on 3 of the four stops as we did get a small taste of the islands... enough to know we now want to return to Curacao and Aruba on our own.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

The nightly entertainment was hit and miss.

Children's Programs

Not applicable.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Was ok, but could use upgrading.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

3 out of 5

Grand Turk Island

3 out of 5

Unfortunately, it poured rain while we were in port here. Not the greatest way to be introduced to the island but can't change Mother Nature.

Thumbs Up 7

La Romana, Dominican Republic

1 out of 5

The excursion we took included the sugar cane field and the cigar making stops. These areas of the DR are very poor and so dirty. It was upsetting to see how the people live with all the litter around and don't have enough pride to clean it up. Sad.

Thumbs Up 1

Willemstad, Curacao

3 out of 5

Oranjestad, Aruba

3 out of 5

12 Comments

Kmbarker31 7 years ago

You can also turn off your data, and download the Carnival Hub app. It shows everything going on the ship and you can chat with your cruise mates!

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shipwench 7 years ago

its really dishearting to hear a travel agent downgrade a ship espacially to that degree. one would expect it to be grounded at that degree but yet others love it. leaves one puzzled.

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ItaVero 7 years ago

Thanks for your thoughtful review. The only reason we've been concentrating on one week or week and a half cruises is because it's challenging to be away from home much longer. Working on a world cruise - some day.

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rgbenning 7 years ago

I disagree that 8 days is too much. I find that in my case 8 days is just a minimum for cruise length. I also wish to thank you for your post.

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spadez31 7 years ago

Have seen many...many great reviews of the conquest...will be on her in may..cant wait...actually have heard more positive on the conquest than many of the other carnival ships.....but I never go by what people say....I did that with the fascination and jt turned outvto be a GREST SHIP.....EXPERIENCE IT UR SELF AND IF THE SHIP IS NOT AS UPDATED AS THE OTHERS.......SOOOOO....STILL HAVE FUN...LOL

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carolina4ever 7 years ago

sorry to hear this , it was my first cruise and I really liked it. I found that like you , we went to Aruba and decided that will be a place to visit. saying that I believe this is what cruising is about. you see many different places and those you go back for more. however for all the food and drink and entertainment it is well worth the money. I am planning my 2nd cruise and looking forward. vacationing no matter what it is ...is what you make of it!

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Travelgirl27 7 years ago

I would not use the Conquest to rate a cruise. It was one of the worst ships a few years ago, I can only imagine now. Carnival in general has gone WAY downhill in my opinion. They would be the last line I would cruise with again and I USE to be a fan.

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natashatsh 7 years ago

we're cruising on magic, what are your thoughts about that ship suhre....would love to hear them. thanks

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tbysty 7 years ago

curious myself suhre

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kathleentippett 7 years ago

Suhre : what ships DO you recommend ?

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suhre 7 years ago

I am a travel agent and I did a ship inspection on the Conquest. After that experience I vowed to never recommend that ship to a client! Sorry you didn't have advice prior to booking â¹ï¸

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jvinny1976 7 years ago

I like the honesty in your review. I love cruising but I see your point!

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Other reviews of this sailing

Great time had by all

Can't wait to go again

Caribbean Cruise