Carnival Conquest December 4-11, 2005This was our 3rd & 4th CCL cruise this year and 2nd time on Conquest.
SUNDAY--Embarkation went very smoothly. Arrived at EZCruise lot at 11:45 and taken to pier about noon. The line’s were short at security and check-in. They had many more stations open than they did when we sailed in September. The process was much much better and they have improved the embarkation experience. We were onboard about 12:30.
Made mandatory visit to Lido deck for lunch. First of the deli Rueben sandwiches for the week. Also visited Sur Mer as we hadn’t on previous cruise. Went to the cabin after 1:00 and met Rasheed our stewart for the week. I think we may have had the infamous cabin recently mentioned in the video message to Uncle Bob. The damaged & stained lamp shade was the same and we were near the laundry. The cabin was very clean. Perhaps cleanest I have had on CCL. We do bring disinfectant wipes for the phone, door knobs, table tops, etc. and use them first day, so we do note the appearance of the cabin and this cabin was very clean. Explored the ship with our friends who sailed with us and had our “sail away” drinks from Boris who remembered me from previous cruise (Really did, not fake “oh you”)--but again I did tip him well 1st time--more on Boris later. Met several on our CC roll call at 4:00 at the Sky bar. Muster drill was about 5:15 and went well as it was a direct to stations type drill.
Dinner was late seating in Monet. Bad draw on table assignment, an outside upstairs. Didn’t try to change as it was full. The excellent waiters made up for it. Zoltan from Hungary and Vlad from Serbia. Every time Zoltan did something good he received the “Zoltan sign” (from the movie “Dude where’s my Car?”). We made double hand “V” sign for Vlad so he could join in the fun. Welcome Aboard Show and comedian Phat Kat.
MONDAY--At Sea--Good sailing day and good weather. Usual sea day activities. Formal night (Lobster) and Captains reception. Formidable was the feature show and very good. Two new feature singers and some new dancers since September. Much improved.
TUESDAY--At Sea--Again good weather and the usual sea day activities. The return guest reception was held today, two groups which were held in the afternoon. Better on a sea day than an evening later on in the week. I think it worked well doing it this way. Now the big news that was announced was that the Freedom will be coming to Galveston. That’s probably already made the CC boards, but was new news for us on the Conquest. Conquest will return to NOLA. Ron Joseph was the entertainer this evening. Good singer and funny with audience participation.
WEDNESDAY--Montego Bay Jamaica--beautiful day and beautiful island. We took a taxi to Doctor Caves Beach. Very nice. We were able to arrange our own (group of four) boat to snorkel the reef. Very nice and private compared to the tours. A few Red Stripes in the bar and some local music. Walked to Margaritaville for lunch and it was already very busy. Slide was closed, but people were swimming below the club. The food & drinks were very good. A bit of shopping and then a taxi back to the ship. We didn’t have anyone approach us selling anything illegal, but we weren’t in the city center either. A good day in MoBay. Production show was “Deja” a magic show. The Conquest dancers were very good, magic was ok.
THURSDAY--Grand Cayman--a nice day, but water was a bit choppy. We booked the “Rays, Reef, & Rum” tour with Nativeway. This was our second trip with this same tour. The Stingrays were great. The Reef was better than Jamaica with a lot of colorful fish. Rum Point was great with lunch waiting for us as we got off the boat. A few Stingray beers in the bar after lunch and we had to return for the last tender back to the ship. This was the second formal night and the production show was “Point and Click” The late night comedian was Marc Rubbean and he was great, IMHO. Tonight was the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and it was great. Very funny and I felt very sorry those poor newbies on the front row. Rocky fans will know what I mean.
FRIDAY--Cozumel--This is now a tender port and it was pretty slow going for those going ashore. You report to Lounge for tender numbers and they call you aboard. They are using the old Coz-PDC ferries which are very large and take a long time to load and unload. Lots of damage in Cozumel, but there is a lot to do. They are not ready for more than three cruise ships at a time though. The places that were open were crowded. We rented a jeep, went to Coconuts on the wild side, Cinco Soles to shop, and Ponchos Backyard for lunch. Found time for a mojito at the Havana Club while DW shopped. Talent show was tonight, we skipped and from the TV replay made the right decision.
SATURDAY--At Sea--Had a proper dinning room breakfast today and last chance for Rueben at lunch. There was a cajun band from Lafayette LA who played in the afternoon. They had a large number of fans aboard and they were a great group of people. A special treat was the Christmas show in late afternoon. We had sailed on the Elation on Christmas last year and there was not a Christmas show so this was special indeed. The Conquest singers & dancers, Carnival Kids, and staff did a nice Christmas Show. Final production show was a juggler and Marc Rubbean. Marc is very funny, don’t miss him. Last dinner was great and of course Grand Manier Soufflé for desert.
Debarkation--we did self and was off the ship about 7:10 a.m. Off the island by 7:45 a.m. Very smooth.
GENERAL NOTES: Very enjoyable cruise, Food was very good to excellent 99% of the time. Ship is looking very good and is well maintained. Our waiters and cabin attendant did a great job and can add a lot to the enjoyment of a cruise. Ours did so on this trip. Boris, the cocktail waiter, is always on the ball and seems to be a favorite of many. He always called me by name from the first day and knew my folio number so that I didn’t need my card. He is also mentioned by several of the entertainers from the stage which is adding to his following. He must work all the time as he seems to be everywhere. After talking to other guests he seems to give the same personal service to all. Everybody Loves Boris should be the theme. Our cabin attendant, Rasheed, always called us by name when passing in the hall and as already mentioned the cabin was very clean at all times. New menu deserts are fair, DW loved one, but most didn’t care for the ‘new' ones.
We have mixed feelings about the new bedding (3rd time)--that will be a new thread
