Public Areas & Facilities

Taking Fun Ships to new lengths and widths, Conquest-class ships are the largest in the Carnival fleet. They're basically larger and more feature-filled versions of earlier Destiny-class vessels. More space translates into additional decks, an upscale Supper Club, and even more bars and lounges; however, well-proportioned public areas belie the ships' massive size. You'll hardly notice that there's slightly less space per passenger after you take a thrilling trip down the spiral waterslide.

Public rooms flow forward and aft from stunning central atriums. Just off each ship's main boulevard is an array of specialty bars, dance lounges, discos, piano bars, and show lounges, plus seating areas along the indoor promenades. The promenade can get crowded between dinner seatings and show lounge performances, but with so many different places to spend time, you're sure to find one with plenty of room and an atmosphere to suit your taste.

Restaurants

Two double-deck formal restaurants serve open-seating breakfast and lunch in four evening seatings. A casual Lido buffet has food stations that offer a variety of choices (including different regional cuisine each day); at night it becomes the Seaview Bistro, for casual dinners. There's also a pizzeria, outdoor grills, a patisserie, sushi bar, and 24-hour room service.

What Works & What Doesn't

No one got shortchanged in the design of these ships. The teen clubs and discos and video arcades are huge and a huge improvement. With appealing spaces dedicated to them, teens tend to get into less mischief. For sybarites, the saunas and steam rooms in the spa have glass walls and ocean views.

A seat at the wine bar should be serene; instead, the volume from adjacent lounges creates the sensation of being surrounded by dueling musicians. Ultracomfortable massage loungers are strategically placed along the indoor promenade; unfortunately, you have to pay to get the effect.

Accommodations

Cabins: As on all Carnival ships, cabins are roomy and generally larger than industry standard. More than 60% have an ocean view and, of those, 60% have balconies. For those suites and ocean-view cabins that have them, private balconies outfitted with chairs and tables add additional living space; extended balconies are 50% larger than standard ones. Every cabin has adequate closet and drawer-shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves. High thread-count linens and plush pillows and duvets are a luxurious touch in all accommodations. Suites have a whirlpool tub, VCR, and walk-in closet.

Decor: Light-wood cabinetry, pastel colors, mirrored accents, a small refrigerator, a personal safe, a hair dryer in the top vanity-desk drawer, and a sitting area with sofa, chair, and table are typical Conquest-class amenities.

Bathrooms: Shampoo and bath gel are provided in shower-mounted dispensers; you also get an array of sample toiletries as well as fluffy towels and a wall-mounted magnifying mirror. Bathrobes for use during the cruise are provided for all.

Other Features: A plus for families are a number of connecting staterooms in a variety of ocean-view and interior categories. Balcony dividers can be unlocked to provide connecting access in upper categories. Twenty-five staterooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Category	Size (square feet)
Penthouse Suite	345
Suite	230
Ocean View	185
Interior	185

Favorites

Best Place to Escape the Crowd: Look for the adult sunning deck, where topless sunbathing is allowed. Most passengers are simply looking for a peaceful and quiet place to read or snooze in the sunshine.

Best Splurge: New York-style supper clubs on these ships are some of the best restaurants -- and specialty dining bargains -- at sea. Not only is the food outstanding (escargot, Russian caviar, lobster bisque, Alaskan king crab claws, grilled lamp chops, lobster, and several cuts of beef from 9 to 24 ounces), but the presentation is sophisticated and the atmosphere sublime.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: The grand bar serves up jazz and cigars as well as brandy and cordials and has some comfortable nooks and crannies for privacy. The Internet center is steps away, just in case checking e-mail is important before bedtime.