February 18-25, 2007This was our first ever cruise. Driving 10 hours to Galveston from Missouri, we arrived the night before departure just so we wouldn't be over tired! Boy, was driving fun! I was in charge of the 'maps' but everyone already 'knew the way there; UNTIL we saw a billboard on the Highway that said Amarillo's, TX xx miles ahead! I was like, "HELLO, WHERE ARE WE GOING!?!" We'll anyway, we made a south turn to Dallas, and drove straight through to Galveston!
Upon arrival, it was discovered that Mardi-Gras was going on in Galveston! CRAZY! Although, we just wanted to get a late dinner and head to our hotel. Howard Johnson Express~Let me tell you, NEVER STAY THERE! We arrived after 10, and since Mardi-Gras was going on, and we hadn't arrived yet, they gave our room away, and only had a triple bed room left, which was going to be $175 dollars (w/ tax)! Of course, all the other hotels we filled up, so we took the room. Unfortunately, it was musty & not really that clean. There was no Wi-Fi and although we would be able to park our SUV there for the week, we would have to hire a TAXI to get to the pier, because it is WAY to far to walk!!! Hire a taxi for two of us, maybe, but for 4 of us? And we had thought about just having someone drop off the rest of us and the luggage, but I guess we changed our minds!
Upon waking up, a little too early unfortunately, we go around and went to look about Galveston. Our friends, whom we were traveling with, wanted us to drive by the ship so we could see of it's massive size! Then we took a short trip to the beach (although it was REALLY CHILLY!) and then a quick stop at Walgreen's (forgot bath sponge & SUNBLOCK!!!) before heading to the LIGHTHOUSE Parking to leave our car. They immediately loaded our baggage and took us straight to the pier.
Embarking was a breeze! We arrived a little before 11 and waited inside for the lines to open and we on board the ship in time for a late lunch! We we astonished by the massiveness of the ship. Conquest was one of Carnivals' biggest ships and is also one of their newer ships. Of course, one cannot get into their room until closer to departure since the cabins still need cleaning, but we were able to leave our carry-ons in our rooms after 3 p.m. We spent the remainder of the embarking time roaming the ship and looking around, finding our dinner table, scoping the view from every deck, and of course, snacking on some ice cream!
Before leaving the port, we practiced our lifeboats and wearing our life vests! Muster drill's are boring, but necessary. The back to the room to quickly put up our Life vest and up to the Lido deck for the SAIL AWAY!!
Smooth sailing to start~although rough seas came at dinner! We were assigned to Monet Dining Room, 8:00, at table 251, which is a booth, that we shared with the other couple were were traveling with. Our waiter, Romfelo, and his helper, were great! I can't remember much else about dinner that night, but that my tea glass kept sloshing!
By morning, I managed to overflow the shower into the bathroom floor (which I seemed to do on both the first and second day!) We decided to go to breakfast in the Monet Dining Hall, but the crowd seemed a bit older than we are, and since we are not very talkative, especially in the morning, we felt a bit out of place. We quickly ate our ordered breakfast, and after watching our OJ slosh around in our glasses, we decided we would have to purchase some Dramamine! Not that we were getting really sick, but just had a constant headache and not really 'up to par'! OK, better! This was a day at sea~Although for me, it was still a little too windy and chilly to hang out on deck and not too much to do inside since I am not much of a gambler! We had lunch at the Lido Buffet. More exploring and finally figuring out where most things are. I found the Internet Cafe and sent the kids a quick email. Not too long though, minutes were expensive! Went to the front decks to take some pictures of the sunset while DH took a nap! Georgous! Magic show that night was interesting. Dinner afterwards at 8pm. Dinner was great again. Husband loved the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake so much and our waiter brought him another!
By Tuesday, another day at sea, we had smooth seas and warmer weather! We ate a quick breakfast on the Lido deck and then spent the morning laying by the walking track, overlooking the aft lido deck. It was then after lunch on the Lido deck that we found our favorite place to sit and relax. Outside the main deck doors, next to the purser and the excursions deck was a quiet deck, with lounge chairs and hardly any people. We quickly snatched up a few of the chairs and laid them by the railing where we could here the splashing of the waves, feel a occasional mist or two, and best of all, we were still able to hear each other as we talked! We even got in a short nap in the sun (although maybe a little too much sun for me!). Tuesday evening was formal night and we decided to dress up and try for some pictures! After another great dinner, we went to the Casino; our friend was playing in a slot tournament, DH wanted to try a few hands in poker.
Wednesday was our first port day in Jamaica. Although probably not one of the safest places, the beach we went to was extremely nice and beautiful. We found a taxi bus ride outside of the Cruise Ship terminal, and went to the main shopping center road, where he let us off at the beach. WE paid $5 each to get in, and an additional $5 for an umbrella for shade! The water was turquoise blue and the sand was white! After swimming and lounging, we walked to a few nearby shops to pick up a few small items for the kids and then found another taxi back to the port. Unfortunately upon arrival, we were asked if we wanted to buy some "Bob Marley", weed, of course we turned down, and quickly headed in the terminal (SAFETY!)
Next day was at port to Grand Cayman Islands. After eating breakfast on the Lido deck, we took a tender boat over to the island. We were at the Capital of the Cayman Islands, Georgetown. What a beautiful and safe place. We never felt pressured to buy ANYTHING there. After waiting for our friends to finally arrive, we quickly found a taxi van for a tour ride to see the most popular places. We visited 7 mile beach, the Turtle Farm, Hell, and the Rum Factory. We also drove past other places like the Governor's Mansion, only long enough for a quick view and maybe a picture. The Cayman Islands are made up of 2 islands, and they are all governed by England. This really seams to help in the islands way of living as they are not living in poverty like other close Caribbean Islands (Jamaica, Cozumel).
After arriving back into Georgetown, one of out friends traveling with us decided she would have to travel back to the ship as she was feeling sick. I decided I would shop around the town a little bit and my DH and our other friend decided to try some snorkeling before tendering back to the ship. Fantabulous snorkeling! Great shopping, although the prices were quite high! After a few house we met back for the tender ride. We checked on our friend and all decided we would go to sit on the main deck and watch the last tender boats and the ship leave Grand Cayman.
Last port day was at Cozumel. I have heard so many great things of this island from our friends and others. Our captain was able to secure a position on the dock, only two available a the time. Since the island was very much damaged by Hurricane Ivan in Sept 2004, it seems very little has been done to fix it. We rented a scooter for the day for $75 and drove around the island, although many of the beaches we still empty and seemed run down. We did find a place in downtown that we could snorkel at. Not the best, but we did see a few fish. Time was soon running out on our Scooters, so we decided to get them back and then walked back through the shopping center in the pier. All in all, Cozumel was great fun, except for the shopping areas; everyone kept hounding us to buy things and it made me kind of nervous. Since tonight was another formal night, we quickly made our way to the ship and back to the rooms to clean up before watching the boat leave.
Last port day was at Cozumel. I have heard so many great things of this island from our friends and others. Our captain was able to secure a position on the dock, only two available a the time. Since the island was very much damaged by Hurricane Ivan in Sept 2004, it seems very little has been done to fix it. We rented a scooter for the day for $75 and drove around the island, although many of the beaches we still empty and seemed run down. We did find a place in downtown that we could snorkel at. Not the best, but we did see a few fish. Time was soon running out on our Scooters, so we decided to get them back and then walked back through the shopping center in the pier. All in all, Cozumel was great fun, except for the shopping areas; everyone kept hounding us to buy things and it made me kind of nervous. Since tonight was another formal night, we quickly made our way to the ship and back to the rooms to clean up before watching the boat leave.
Our last day at sea, Saturday, was spent lounging around and soaking in the sun the last day aboard the CONQUEST. Evening there were goodbye dinners and a seminar about hour to disembark, which I thought was boring~but we were standing in the back, so we quickly left after getting info about self-disembarkation. Back to the room so we could finish packing and get to bed.
We decided to do the self-disembarkation since we needed to get on the road as soon as possible to be able to get back to Missouri by early evening. That meant that instead of setting out or suitcases the night before we had to wait in the theater with ALL OF OUR BELONGINGS and embark as soon as customs cleared the ship. We were directed to be in the Lounge by 7. Lots or work (especially if you over-packed like me...and probably not advisable if you have small children along!) and pretty tiring but needed if you are in a rush! We were off the ship and to our car by 8:30...good timing!
Overall, we had a great time. We enjoyed everything, maybe not the entertainment as much as we would have liked, nor the loud obnoxious people on the lido deck. Since DH and I an not really party people, it seems sometimes the Lido deck really isn't for us! But we will definitely be back to cruising! Maybe this time we will splurge for our own balcony!