Channel Button

There are 8 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #6 by Helium's members.

Travel   >

Boat Travel & Cruises

Get a Widget for this title

Tropical Cruises: Planning know-how

Our family of four left for our best cruise ever on the Carnival Conquest on July 23, 2006. My husband and I are in our 30s, and when we set sail we had a 10 year old daughter and a 9 year old son. This was our 4th cruise, but our first on the Conquest. Our overall rating of this cruise is 10 out of 10! We had a wonderful time!

Embarkation: We live about 20 miles from Galveston, so were able to get a ride to and from the cruise terminal. (Parking seemed plentiful, just didn't see a reason to leave our car there all week if we didn't need to) We arrived at the terminal around noon, and delivered our bags to a porter, who asked us to take anything with us we'd need before 5:00 pm. We didn't need anything (we thought) other than what was in our carry-on bag so we proceeded inside. The security line and sail and sign lines looked really long, but moved along nicely. We were through both lines in approximately one hour. Then, we were sent to another line. The waiting area with chairs was full so they were lining up cruise passengers along the edges of the room. We waited here another half hour or so, and then finally began boarding the ship. (This line didn't move too fast because of everyone stopping for their embarkation photos.) Overall not a terrible experience, but expect some waiting.

Ship: We stepped onto the ship at level three into the atrium / lobby bar area. We've cruised before but this is the largest ship we've been on and we were impressed. We made our way around to the glass elevators and proceeded to the 8th level to see if our room was ready. (They told us to wait until 2:00pm, but it was about 1:45pm by this time so we decided to see if the room was ready and it was.) After stopping in our room, we left to grab lunch on the lido deck and explore the ship. Just a note here, we were offered a rum punch drink at least 4 times from the time we stepped on the ship until we set down to eat lunch. Finally, they twisted our arms I figured if I'd drink one they'd quit harassing me! Really though, it was good and I didn't mind too much I was just surprised at how hard they were pushing these drinks.

Stateroom/Balcony: We were in Stateroom 8277 and really liked the location; it was forward, and about 5 or 6 rooms down from the elevators. We splurged and booked a balcony room and it was well worth it! We've had ocean view and inside cabins before and now we're spoiled! To give an idea of the layout - our room had a nice size bathroom on the right when we walked


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Tropical Cruises: Planning know-how

  • 1 of 8

    by Susan Mcdaniel

    Tropical Cruises: Planning Know How

    There's an old saying: "If you fail to plan then you plan to fail." But part of the allure

    read more

  • 2 of 8

    by Alfred Nylund

    The most important things to consider when planning a tropical cruise include:

    1. Knowing the reputation of the cruise line

    read more

  • 3 of 8

    by Allen Teal

    I would not say that I am an old hand at cruising, but I have been on five cruises. I am planning my sixth. On the advice

    read more

  • 4 of 8

    by JQ Adams

    Florida has more cruise ports than any other U.S. state including Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Port Canaveral. Yet, alternative

    read more

  • 5 of 8

    by Timothy Benford

    TAKING CHILDREN ON A CRUISE HELPS FAMILY BONDING

    If you are an avid reader of the Sunday newspaper travel sections or are

    read more

View All Articles on:
Tropical Cruises: Planning know-how

Add your voice

Know something about Tropical Cruises: Planning know-how?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Should airlines be charging for checking baggage?

Click for your side.

87020

Featured Partner

The Overbrook Foundation

The Overbrook Foundation has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse Overbrook...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA