Hello there. I am one of those Conquest cruisers who had the unfortunate luck to be at sea during Katrina. The good news is the ship is beautiful and our cruise was not affected until we left Cozumel. Many of us were not even aware of the hurricane's presence because we were having such a great time in the various ports. I was ailing with my husband and two children ages 12 and 15. Friday night we encountered rough seas as the captain was trying to beat the hurricane into port by traveling faster than normal. However, the passengers received absolutely no communication as to what was going on. No announcement was made to assure passengers of thei safety or the plan. Saturday at 4:30pm a meeting was held to inform us of our return to Galveston Texas. Those who had booked their own airfare were told they were on their own to find a way home from Houston, where we were bussed to. This was extremely difficult since we had no cell phone service and 10 computers in the internet cafe for 3400 passengers! Frustration and stress were at an alltime high. We were told we would get one free 8 minute phonce call, which proved to be impossible, since their was no satellite service available. We tried nonstop for upwards of 12 hours to call out. The New Orleans travelers were very upset when told Carnival would not provide transportation for them back to NO. Many passengers drove to the port and had cars parked there. Many had houses to board up and no way to get there. Another annoying thing was when Stuart, cruise director, pleaded with people in the same meeting to please not let this affect their guest survey cards. At times he appeared more interested in the grades the cruise received rather than the needs of the passengers who were stressed and scared. There were many elderly passengers who were quite worried about how they would get home. Not once, was I or any other passenger I spoke with asked how we were doing, how would we get home etc. Very disappointing. The next day customs was due to come on board at 11 am. Passsengers started lining up an hour before that outside the disco and the ine continued to grow, at one time stretching through the casino, shopping arcade and around again. At least 1,500 people were n line. A fistfight broke out and one woman was led off in handcuffs!! Can you stress?? Now that I have told you our hurricane experience, I will tell you that I hope Carnival has learned from this experience. We were given a $200 credit and 25% discount off of a future cruise. Personally, I would have preferred a little more compassion and concern from the staff. NOne was evident. When I went to the information desk to ask if they would conder paying our cab fare to Houston, we could make a 9:00 am flight in the morning, as we were concerned the bus would not get us there in time, I was told "no, Carnival has done all it can do, if the bus doesn't work for you, I am sorry." Not a word of apology or concern. We travel quite a bit, in this country and in Europe. Never have I seen such a case of disinterest in the customer. The feeling throughout the ship was that Carnival was anxious to get rid of us so they could get the ship into drydock in time to turn it around for the future scheduled cruises. The feeling also was that the crew were ready to go home, since many of them had been on board for six months and had their own travel arrangements to rearrange. However, despite all of this, the week was filled with fun. The food was fantastic. Be sure to order the filet mignon! The music is great on board and we loved the jazz club. Be sure to visit Sur Mer, if you like seafood. They are above the Cezanne restaurant. Cafe Fans has great mochachinno. We used NativeWay Sports in Grand Cayman for their Rays, Reef and Rum Poitn tour. It was our best day, by far. It cost $55 per perspn, and was worth every penny and more. We swam with the Rays, snorkeled in the Coral Reefs and visited the gorgeous beach at Rum Point. This includede an excellent lunch at Rum Point. The captain and crew snorkeled with us, pulling out a moray eel in the coral reefs to show to us and a nurse shark. They really knew what they were doing. When you arrive at Stingray Sandbar you will see how lucky you are, when you see the overloaded other boats. Transportation is provided in a small air conditioned bus to the boat. Rum Point is considered one of the most beautiful places in Grand Cayman, with hammocks, lounge chairs, a beachside bar etc. All of this is included in the price. Jet skis are available as well as kayaks. In Cozumel we went to Playa Corona. My brother-in-law spends one month a year in Cozumel and this is his favorite snorkeling/diving spot. This spot is primarily for snorkeling and diving with equipment available to rent, a bar and restaurant, volleyball court etc. We saw the most beautiful fish I have seen anywhere here. In Jamaica we went to Doctors Cave beach on our own. We relaxed, swam, jumped on the trampolines etc. Later we took a tour with a driver, Junior Anderson, that we met at the port. A very experienced, knowledgable driver who gave us a great tour of Montego Bay. Junior drove us to Doctors Cave and came back later to pick us up for the tour at the agreed upon time. We will use his services again, if we return to Jamaica. Driving is crazy in Jamaica and we felt safe with Junior. Any other questions ask away. The rooms on board were great, spacious and comfy with more than enough storage for a family of four in one room. All in all I give Carnival an A for ship decor, B+ for food, B+ for activities on board, but a D for communication in a crisis.
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