Well I have to start by saying that I was a little worried after I booked my trip and read the review from a previous cruiser who left from Gulfport. My experience was much different.

Our flight left from LA to Houston and then to New Orleans. We were greeted at baggage claim by 4-5 Carnival greeters, taken to a bus and whisked to the boat. Our drive was about 1:15 through Louisiana and Mississippi. We arrived at a casino convention room where there was no line (having been one of the later arrivals). We received our documents and were shuttled to the boat in 5 minutes. After a quick stop at the room, we were called to the life boat drill, returned to change for diner and started enjoying our trip.

This is my fourth Carnival Cruise. Previous trips on the Festival (no longer in the line), and the Holiday (2) times. I have to say that the Conquest is without question nicer then the previous ships. The Holiday was heavily paint and neon, where as the Conquest was much nicer in design, furnishings, and general layout.

The ship, while larger then the others had a better layout which made finding things easier. We traveled with our kids (9-6) and they had a great time. We did try kids club a few times but to be honest, we took this trip during school so there were not as many kids (which is good and bad). The kids events were enough to keep mine interested the 2 nights my wife and I decided to stay out late. But most of the time, the kids were content playing by the pool. They even enjoyed going to the shows. And after they got bored on the boat, it was time to visit a port.

The shows were hot and cold. The first nights comedy show was good, and the Vegas style and talent show, but skip the magic show. It is as bad as magic gets. Maybe it was the rum drink specials by the pool but I am sure I could see every trick fall apart before my eyes.

The ports were fun. In Jamaica we did the Grand River tour. Could be an hour shorter (cut the informative banana and coconut lecture). We returned to the boat for lunch and went to Doctors Beach (private) which I recommend to anyone that doesn't want to be hounded by street vendors and marijuana gang dealers.

Grand Cayman was fantastic. We did the Sting Ray tour/Reef Dive combo. Whatever you do, don't pass on any tour that includes the Sting Ray's. You will not regret it. Book it early. Cozumel has a number of options. Having been there before we opted to take a taxi to Play del Sol. A private beach with a zoo, wild monkeys, and plenty of water play toys (water trampolines, ice bergs, kayaks, scooters, parasailing, bar, food service and snorkeling). For the kids, it was a no brainer but I would also recommend the Tulum tour or Xicarate tour (although this is a long tour, it is still worth it).

Booking tours on the ship was easy. I booked mine at the desk only because I wanted to make sure my 6 year old could dive with sting rays, but most tours can be purchased from the room TV.

The sign and sail card is a nice feature (some will debate this). But I would rather carry a card then always worry about cash, especially by the pool. Also, Carnival adds the gratuity to the bill $68 per person for the waiter, cabin steward and other dinning staff. On a cruise with this type of service, this should be the minimum tip so quite complaining you cheap skates!

Chair saving was reported as a problem and I will tell you that it has not changed. People, if I see a towel sitting on a chair 1 minute past an hour, I'm tossing it off to the side and sitting my butt down. I did get out early one day to save my 4 chairs and on the occasion where I could only find 2 I would acquire 2 more after my designated 61 minute waiting period.

A lady approached me 3 hours later and said I was in her seat. I told her that if she expects to have a seat after leaving her towel on a chair for 3 hours, she's crazy.

Food in the dinning room was ok, maybe it has dropped a notch or two over the years but it was still good. We did have dinner in the supper club which offers the type of dinning cruisers probably enjoy on upper end cruises regularly. I would recommend the extra $25 per person for one night. It was very good...service, food, atmosphere and if you enjoy the one your with you won't regret it.

I tried the spa which I give high marks too. Much better then I expected. I had two treatments (sports massage and stone massage). Both very good. My wife had a facial and detox treatment, also very good. The staff was very knowledgeable and as I later found out run separately from Carnival. Maybe that's a good thing.

All in all a good cruise. Going home was just as smooth. Again, having an early flight gave is VIP exit privileges which when it is time to go is what you want.

I would recommend this trip, and ship. My impression is, if you are out to have a good time you will, if you are out to find fault you will. Make the most of your trip, focus on what Carnival does well and don't get hung up on what it doesn't do well and you will be a happy cruiser.