In April my daughter and I went on a mother-daughter cruise as a graduation present, just the two of us. We sailed out on a Monday afternoon returning early morning on Friday. Our ports of call were Key West and Cozumel Mexico. I dedicated a previous post to the entertainment aboard the Carnival Conquest but I wanted to share our Carnival Conquest Cruise Ship review of the ship and our experience.
Carnival Cruise Line is a Budget Cruise Line
This is not a bad thing, especially if what you are looking for is an inexpensive exclusive vacation with little to plan and lots to do. In my experience, Carnival has the most budget-friendly cruises, other than the Margaritaville at Sea (formerly Bahama Paradise). However, most of their cruise ships are the same with many of the same eating establishments, accommodations, and entertainment. So sometimes if you have sailed on one you have sailed on them all.
Carnival Conquest Accommodations
My daughter and I stayed on Deck 1 mid-ship in an ocean-view room. Upon research, I found that mid-ship and lower levels are the best places to be to feel more stable and less of the boat rocking. I would agree this is the case however I will never book on Deck 1 again, even Deck 2 would have been better. During the leg of our trip from Key West to Cozumel, I believe something was left unlatched or was not tightened down and we heard a consistent bang all day and night, right under us. What I dislike most about the Carnival rooms is the décor. The décor and colors are very outdated. However, this is what I feel you get when you are spending less money on a cruise. The size of the room was ample and enough for the two of us.
Food Aboard our Cruise
One thing I can never complain about on a Carnival cruise is their food options. I believe they have a little bit of everything for everyone. The Carnival Conquest had options like Guy’s Burgers Joint and the BlueIguana Cantina as well as a revolving theme each day buffet style. The pizza parlor is open late into the night for those late-night munchies and the dining experience has always been excellent. Our favorite was BlueIguana Cantina which we visited each day to partake in tacos or burritos.
Enjoying Off-Boat Excursions
We did not partake in any excursions when we visited Key West. Living in South Florida there wasn’t really a whole lot to see that we don’t already see at home. So, we walked the streets and shopped. We did purchase an excursion to Cozumel, Mexico to Island’s Beach Club which was not at all cracked up to its description. Thankfully we only paid the $34.99 per person excursion to take us to the resort (a term I use loosely). Their idea of a private beach is a small area sectioned off to be “exclusive” The sand was shelly, you were constantly walking over large rocks under the sand and even trying to get into the water hurt your feet. Everything advertised in the excursion was shoved into this one small area, paddle boarding, snorkeling, jet skis, zip lining, beach access, sunbathing, pool, and restaurant. I could see all of it just standing in one place.
Their idea of a “Mexican market” for shopping was a small outdoor store with a handful of items I would not say you could “shop”. The worst part about the excursion was the spa staff trying to sell their services to you every 15 minutes. The best part was the food. My daughter and I did get lunch while we were there and we did enjoy the Mexican flavor, possibly a bit overpriced but that is to be expected while on vacation. I honestly would not recommend this excursion here on my Carnival Conquest cruise ship review. I would pick a different one.
Final Carnival Conquest Cruise Ship Review Thoughts
Overall I would give our Carnival Conquest cruise ship vacation a 3 out of 5. I believe that the price is right for a budget-friendly cruise. The entertainment is mediocre, I’ve enjoyed some great shows on other Carnival cruises we have been on. The excursion we chose was definitely advertised to be much more than what it was. Our accommodations were acceptable but their decor can definitely use some upgrading.
However, despite all of the above, I had an amazing time due to the company. I am honored that at 18 years old my daughter would enjoy spending 4 days with just her mother stuck out in the middle of the ocean!
If. you are sailing on a different Carnival cruise ship check out our other cruise reviews to see if we have reviewed your ship.
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