Carnival Conquest trip report!
Day 1: Embarkation and sail away
First time at Port Everglades-- excellent and took literally less than ten minutes from luggage drop off to ship. The port parking is steps from the terminal entrance and $15 /day. I have read that there is less expensive parking a shuttle away.
Heavy police presence at the port terminal (not security, but police) and travelling with the ship out of the port area (coast guard boats with machine guns going up and down from front to back of ship until it left port area). Not sure if this is just Port Everglades, or if we have not noticed it before at other ports. Pretty sure we've never seen it before. Also police checked ID and boarding pass before we could even drive into port area.
Ship is more like a
DCL classic ship than the Vista. Almost seems like a different line from Vista. Theme is a celebration of Impressionist art (Monet and Renoir are main dining rooms). Lots of details and hidden mickey type messages. Read a quick survey of impressionism before you get on this ship to pick up on details! Some areas of the ship have a disney alice in wonderland feel.
Totally different cruisers on the Conquest than the Vista. Few young children. Plenty kids in 5+ range, but there were definitely more kids on Vista. I was a bit worried about "spring break cruisers," but no issue at all. I suspect that every CCL cruise will be different and random in terms of cruisers.
Food almost identical to Vista, excellent. Air conditioning "walls"/blowers at entrances to buffet area so nice and cool! Second level of seating in buffet area. Lots of space.
Cruise director Chloe nice but not half as good as Matt!! Much less of a presence, toned down.
Steward on Vista was excellent. This time also excellent but poor social skills. Was not very happy that we asked for bed to be made to sofa during the day, but everything was well done.
Ocean view room great, but decor off (pink and tan?!). Drain problem in shower on first day. Maintenance came to fix after quick call. Solved. Air Conditioning in room works great. Bed very comfortable. Free bottles of large water for return guests.
No lines at coffee bar. Small line at pizza. No lines beyond a few people for events or anytime dining. Totally different on Vista. Conquest has much more laid back vibe. Doesn't feel crowded at all but ship is fully booked because we tried to upgrade to balcony a few weeks before sailing.
Amazing violin musicians in atrium. Later band with saxophones in atrium. Steel drum played by one artist on deck 5. Dj on pool deck. Awesome dining staff in mdr. Coconut shrimp entree delicious. Vietnamese shrimp roll app not for me. Effy jewelry push. No gold by the inch push like on Vista. Cherry on top 1/3 of the size of Vista's but still have giant smartees.
Skipped welcome show for daddy's home 2 dive in movie. Lol.
Going home today, will send more later. Have to figure out how to make pictures smaller to upload.
