I'm sailing on the Conquest and would like to get any advice, tips, or suggestions you might have for this trip. Never sailed before although I'm going with my parents who have sailed twice. Thanks.

Tom

I am sailing on the Conquest on the 7-13-03 sailing. What kind of information do you need?

I am also sailing on the Conquest, but on July 6th. Any tips on when to arrive at the pier, certain things to pack, or other stuff?

Hi Matt! I generally like to arrive at the pier early. Say about 11:30 or noon. You may find that the line can be long, but by the time I get on the ship, say about 1 pm, the cabin is ready. I can have lunch on the ship and then I can make sure that my dining room seating is correct, and I book spa services, if I am having any. I usually do shore excursions with a private tour operator, or simply go with a taxi driver in port. I do my own excursions because it is cheaper and I have a better experience. Do research on the ports before you sail.

As far as packing, follow the general rule of thumb - fewer clothes, more money! You will need suits for 2 formal nights, casual slacks and polo shirts for the other nights, other than that, t-shirts, shorts, swim trunk, tennis, sandals, flip flops. Toiletries, a hat, sunsceen, camera.

Let me know if you have any other questions. OH YEAH, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BIRTH CERTIFICATE, DRIVER'S LIC. OR PASSPORT OR THEY WILL NOT LET YOU ON THE SHIP! No kidding.

Tom:

I was on the Conquest the first week in January. I think you've picked a better time of year, as it was chilly the first and last days we were on the trip.

For a packing list, see:
http://geocities.com/Calgon1/UPL-2_Adults_Warm.html

It's a little bit extreme (you really don't need ALL that stuff), but it's certainly thorough.

If you want active adventures in Montego Bay, contact Carolyn Barrett
at http://www.barrettadventures.com

She took us to Mayfield Falls (smaller than Dunns, but closer and uncrowded). Great trip, reasonably priced, and she's a facinating lady who knows a ton about the Caribbean.

In Grand Cayman, do the stringrays. We had a good experience with Capt. Bryan, but I've read that other people have not, so you may want to go the Capt. Marvin route. Most of the time you're standing on a sandbar, so if your folks aren't swimmers, it's still a good experience.

In Cozumel, I've usually ended up trying to drink all of Carlos & Charlies. I wasn't too impressed with the snorkeling at Chanknaab (but I've been spoiled by Hawaii and Aruba). If you've never done a catamaran cruise & snorkel, I'd recommend something like that (I think the Fury catamarans go out of Cozumel).

The ruins on the mainland are supposed be pretty spectacular, but you will spend a lot of time on tenders & busses. This is the one and only excursion I recommend you book through the ship, as you have to make sure you get back in time.

If you have specific questions, please post them and I'll answer what I can.

Have a great trip!

<<OH YEAH, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BIRTH CERTIFICATE, DRIVER'S LIC. OR PASSPORT OR THEY WILL NOT LET YOU ON THE SHIP! No kidding.>>

Snorkelcat: Does your reply sentence above mean have a birth certificate, OR driver's license OR passport? Getting data myself regarding W. Carribean Cruise out of N.O. possibly June, 2004.

You need either passport (which has a photo), or a birth certificate with a photo ID--i.e. a driver's license. The birth certificate can be a copy, but it must be notorized and have a raised seal.

Thanks for the quick reply,triathlete. That is a big help to us.

Judy

Any time. And for the record, people who forget their birth certificates are allowed to board anyway--they just make them sign a declaration that they are US citizens.

Triathlete.....even better! =o)

Judy