Carnival Conquest Review: An Honest and Fun Analysis
Why I Chose the Carnival Conquest Review
Carnival Conquest docked in the Bahamas
As a frequent casino cruiser always looking for value and fun, I decided to spend a few days aboard the Carnival Conquest, one of Carnival Cruise Line’s most iconic ships. You can read how I scored an amazing deal on this 4-day cruise here. It might not be the newest vessel at sea, but it’s packed with charm, great food, and that signature Carnival energy that keeps guests coming back.
If you’re planning your first Carnival Cruise or want an affordable Caribbean getaway, this review will help you know what to expect.
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How I Booked This Trip (Step‑by‑Step)
How I Booked This Carnival Conquest Trip
Casino offer through Carnival
Compared prices on Cruise.com and CheapCruises
Flew Southwest using Rapid Rewards
Stayed in Miami using Hyatt points
Used Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve for travel protections
First Impressions of the Ship
Launched in 2002 and recently refreshed, the Carnival Conquest definitely exudes old-school cruise vibes with bold colors, art-filled interiors, and an upbeat atmosphere. I will mention that the ship seemed even more dated to me because it has not even been a month since I stepped off the Sun Princess, one of the newest ships in the Princess Cruises fleet. At first, I was shocked by how dated the ship looked, but once I remembered that, it put everything in perspective for me.
Despite its age, the ship is well-maintained, clean, and ideal for a short sailing trip to the Bahamas or Caribbean. It’s not luxury, but it’s full of life and laughter — exactly what Carnival is known for. They are called Fun Ships for a reason.
Carnival Conquest Cabin Review: Spacious Interior
My casino offer was for an interior stateroom, and while the decor feels a bit retro, the space was comfortable and well designed. Carnival cabins are known for great storage and smart layout, and the Conquest is no exception. I will mention that we hated the artwork over the beds. Seen below:
Pro tip: Bring magnetic hooks to hang hats, swimsuits, or lanyards on the metal walls — it’s a small space-saver that makes a big difference.
Carnival Conquest Dining: Surprisingly Delicious!
Food is a huge part of the Carnival Cruise experience, and the Conquest didn’t disappoint. Whether you’re craving burgers, tacos, or a multi-course dinner, there’s something for every appetite.
🍔 Guy’s Burger Joint: Legendary for a reason — hot, juicy burgers and all the toppings you can handle.
🌮 BlueIguana Cantina: Made-to-order tacos and burritos with a fantastic salsa bar.
🍽️ Main Dining Room: Rotating nightly menus with Carnival classics like lobster tail and the iconic warm chocolate melting cake.
🍕 24-Hour Pizza Pirate & Soft Serve: Perfect for late-night cravings.
Related post: Princess Cruises Dining Guide — see how Carnival compares!
Ports of Call: Celebration Key & Princess Cays
Our 4-night itinerary stopped in the brand new Celebration Key and Princess Cays. Celebration Key opened in July of 2025. We booked this cruise specifically for this port, and it did not disappoint. Princess Cays was pure beach bliss — turquoise water, BBQ lunch, and hammocks under the palms. Celebration Key was the highlight of the trip. Both private islands/resorts are amazing, but the pool on Celebration Key was AMAZING!
It’s not the most exotic itinerary, but for a short Caribbean cruise, it hits all the right notes. Our goals were to spend a few days together and relax.
Service and Atmosphere
The Carnival Conquest crew deserves major praise. Every interaction felt personal — from the dining room waiters who remembered our favorite drinks to the room steward who left towel animals every night.
The vibe onboard is friendly and casual — families, couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends all enjoying the same thing: good food, sunshine, and fun.
Final Verdict: Is the Carnival Conquest Worth It?
Absolutely! If you’re seeking a fun, budget-friendly cruise with great food, friendly service, and plenty of entertainment, Carnival Conquest is a winner.
It may not have the glitz of Carnival’s newest Excel-class ships, but it delivers exactly what it promises — a carefree Caribbean vacation full of laughter, sun, and sea.
Would I sail again? Definitely, especially for a short getaway or a quick cruise fix between longer adventures.
Quick Cruise Tips for Carnival Conquest
✅ Book early for the best cabin deals
✅ Bring a refillable water bottle and magnetic hooks
✅ Download the Carnival Hub app to track daily activities and dining hours
Be sure to check out my 5 must-haves for a Caribbean cruise shopping list here!
Need somewhere to stay in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area? These are the places I recommend - Pre-Cruise Hotels
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About the Author
Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.
