Towel Elephant

John and Elesha's
Caribbean Cruise Adventure

Countdown to Departure

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Trip Overview

Trip Details

Dates: September 12-21, 2025

Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line

Ship: Carnival Conquest

Duration: 11 Days

Embarkation: September 12, 2025 - Port of Miami

Disembarkation: September 21, 2025 - Port of Miami

Ports of Call: 3 Destinations

Sea Days: 4 Days at Sea

Weather: Caribbean (September - Peak Hurricane Season)

Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)

Currency: USD (Ship), Local currencies at ports

Language: English (Ship), Local languages at ports

Pre & Post-Cruise Details

Departure Airport: Yeager Airport (CRW)

Outbound Flight: September 11, 2025 - American Airlines

Flight Details: (10:55 AM) → Charlotte → (2:34 PM) → Miami (4:47 PM)

Pre-Cruise Hotel: Ramada by Wyndham Miami Springs

Hotel Address: 5001 NW 36th St., Miami Springs, FL 33166

Port Transfer: Shuttle/Uber to Port of Miami

Post-Cruise Hotel: Ramada by Wyndham Miami Springs

Return Flight: September 22, 2025 - American Airlines

Flight Details: (5:30 PM) → Washington DC → (9:15 PM) → Charleston WV (10:31 PM)

Return Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)

Cruise Route

Miami
St. Maarten
Half Moon Cay
Celebration Key
Miami

Daily Itinerary

Leave for Vacation

Charleston WV → Miami
9:00 AM
Arrive at Yeager Airport (CRW)
10:55 AM
Flight Departs Charleston WV → Charlotte
12:26 PM
Arrive Charlotte (CLT)
2:34 PM
Flight Departs Charlotte → Miami
4:47 PM
Arrive Miami International Airport (MIA)
5:30 PM
Transfer to Hotel
6:00 PM
Check-in at Ramada by Wyndham Miami Springs
7:00 PM
Dinner at Hotel or Nearby Restaurant

Notes:

  • Airline: American Airlines
  • Layover: 2 hours 8 minutes in Charlotte
  • Hotel Address: 5001 NW 36th St., Miami Springs, FL 33166
  • Check-in: Arrive 2 hours before domestic flight
  • Documents: Have ID and boarding passes ready
  • Luggage: Pack cruise essentials in carry-on

Day 1 - September 12, 2025

Miami → Embarkation
10:00 AM
Hotel Check-out & Transfer to Port
11:30 AM
Port Arrival & Check-in
1:00 PM
Ship Boarding & Lunch
4:00 PM
Muster Drill
4:30 PM
Sail Away from Port of Miami
5:30 PM
Sail Away Party on Deck
8:00 PM
Dinner in Main Dining Room

Notes:

  • Pack swimsuit in carry-on for pool access
  • Have passport and boarding documents ready
  • Download Carnival Hub app before boarding

Day 2 - September 13, 2025

Day at Sea
8:00 AM
Breakfast in Main Dining Room
10:00 AM
Sea Day Brunch
2:00 PM
Pool Deck Activities
3:00 PM
Pool Deck Party
7:00 PM
Formal Night Dinner
9:00 PM
Evening Show

Notes:

  • Formal night - bring dinner attire
  • Book spa treatments early
  • Attend welcome aboard show

Day 3 - September 14, 2025

Day at Sea
9:00 AM
Breakfast & Morning Activities
11:00 AM
Bingo or Trivia
2:00 PM
Afternoon Tea
4:00 PM
Sunset Deck Party
7:00 PM
Dinner

Day 4 - September 15, 2025

Fun Day at Sea
9:00 AM
Breakfast & Morning Activities
11:00 AM
Sea Day Brunch
2:00 PM
Pool Deck Activities
4:00 PM
Afternoon Tea
7:00 PM
Dinner
9:00 PM
Evening Show

Day 5 - September 16, 2025

St. Maarten
8:00 AM
Ship Arrival
9:00 AM
Disembark & Explore Port
10:00 AM
Shopping & Sightseeing
12:00 PM
Lunch at Local Restaurant
2:00 PM
Beach Time or More Exploring
4:30 PM
Return to Ship
5:00 PM
Sail Away

Notes:

  • Currency: US Dollar accepted everywhere
  • Language: English, Dutch, French
  • Transportation: Taxis available, ~$5-10 to beaches
  • Must-See: Maho Beach (airplane watching), Great Bay Beach, Front Street shopping
  • Restaurants: Try local Caribbean cuisine at beachfront cafes
  • Shopping: Duty-free shopping on Front Street, local crafts at market
  • Beaches: Great Bay (walking distance), Maho Beach (famous for planes), Orient Bay
  • Tips: Bring sunscreen, water shoes for rocky areas, camera for photos

Day 6 - September 17, 2025

Fun Day at Sea
9:00 AM
Breakfast & Relaxation
11:00 AM
Sea Day Brunch
2:00 PM
Afternoon Activities
4:00 PM
Sunset Deck Party
7:00 PM
Dinner

Day 7 - September 18, 2025

Fun Day at Sea
9:00 AM
Breakfast & Morning Activities
11:00 AM
Bingo or Trivia
2:00 PM
Afternoon Tea
4:00 PM
Pool Deck Activities
7:00 PM
Dinner
9:00 PM
Evening Show

Day 8 - September 19, 2025

Half Moon Cay
8:00 AM
Ship Arrival
9:00 AM
Tender to Island
10:00 AM
Beach Day & Snorkeling
12:00 PM
Island BBQ Lunch
3:00 PM
Return to Ship
4:00 PM
Sail Away

Notes:

  • Private Island: Carnival's exclusive destination - no currency needed
  • Transportation: Tender boats from ship to island (included)
  • Beaches: Pristine white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters
  • Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, beach volleyball, water sports
  • Dining: Island BBQ lunch included (hamburgers, hot dogs, salads)
  • Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, changing areas
  • Wildlife: Watch for tropical fish, stingrays, and seabirds
  • Tips: Bring snorkeling gear, water shoes, sunscreen, camera
  • Best Spots: Early tender for best beach locations

Day 9 - September 20, 2025

Celebration Key
9:00 AM
Ship Arrival
10:00 AM
Beach Day & Water Activities
12:00 PM
Beach BBQ Lunch
2:00 PM
Water Sports & Beach Games
5:00 PM
Return to Ship
6:00 PM
Sail Away

Notes:

  • New Destination: Carnival's newest private destination in the Bahamas
  • Location: Grand Bahama Island, featuring pristine beaches and crystal waters
  • Beaches: Multiple beach areas with white sand and turquoise waters
  • Water Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, water sports, beach games
  • Dining: Beach BBQ lunch included, multiple dining options available
  • Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, changing areas, shops
  • Entertainment: Live music, beach parties, water sports activities
  • Tips: Bring beach towel, sunscreen, water shoes, camera
  • Best Time: Early arrival for best beach spots and activities

Day 10 - September 21, 2025

Miami → Disembarkation
8:00 AM
Ship Arrival in Miami
8:30 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM
Disembarkation Begins
10:00 AM
Collect Luggage & Customs
11:00 AM
Transfer to Hotel
12:00 PM
Check-in at Ramada by Wyndham Miami Springs
1:00 PM
Lunch & Relaxation
3:00 PM
Pool Time or Local Exploration
7:00 PM
Dinner at Hotel or Nearby Restaurant

Notes:

  • Have passport and customs forms ready
  • Keep valuables in carry-on
  • Hotel check-in typically 3:00 PM, but early check-in may be available
  • Pack overnight essentials in carry-on
  • Relax and enjoy final night in Miami

Back to West Virginia

Miami → Return Flight Home
8:00 AM
Hotel Breakfast
10:00 AM
Hotel Check-out
11:00 AM
Transfer to Miami International Airport
12:30 PM
Airport Check-in & Security
3:30 PM
Board Flight
5:30 PM
Flight Departs Miami (MIA) → Washington DC
8:06 PM
Arrive Washington DC (DCA)
9:15 PM
Flight Departs Washington DC → Charleston WV
10:31 PM
Arrive Home - Charleston WV (CRW)

Notes:

  • Return Flight (Sept 22): (5:30 PM) → Washington DC → (9:15 PM) → Charleston WV (10:31 PM)
  • Airline: American Airlines
  • Airport Transfer: Allow 1 hour for hotel to airport transfer
  • Check-in: Arrive 3 hours before domestic flight
  • Layover: 1h 9m in Washington DC
  • Final Packing: Ensure all souvenirs and gifts are packed
  • Documents: Have ID and boarding passes ready

Ship Information

Carnival Conquest

Weight: 110,000 tons

Guest Capacity: 2,980

Onboard Crew: 1,150

Length: 952 feet

Deck Plan: View Deck Plan

Official Site: Carnival Conquest

Dining Information

Main Dining Room: 6:00 PM & 8:15 PM

Lido Buffet: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Room Service: 24/7 (limited menu)

Specialty Restaurants: Book on board

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

Wi-Fi Plans: Available for purchase

Cell Service: International roaming

Carnival Hub App: Free messaging

Tips: Download Carnival Hub app before boarding

Cabin Information

Cabin Number: 6461

Deck: 6

Category: Balcony

Features: Ocean view, balcony

Carnival Conquest

Ports & Excursions

Celebration Key

September 15, 2025

Overview

Carnival's newest and most exciting private destination located on Grand Bahama Island. This exclusive paradise features pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a wide range of activities and entertainment options for the perfect beach day experience.

Suggested Activities

  • Relax on pristine white sand beaches
  • Swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters
  • Enjoy water sports and beach activities
  • Snorkel among tropical marine life
  • Participate in beach games and volleyball
  • Listen to live music and entertainment
  • Shop for souvenirs and local crafts
  • Take photos of stunning Caribbean scenery

Local Tips

  • Private Destination: No currency needed - everything included
  • Location: Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
  • Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, shops available
  • Dining: Beach BBQ lunch included, multiple dining options
  • Entertainment: Live music, beach parties, water sports
  • Best Time: Early arrival for prime beach spots
  • Bring: Beach towel, sunscreen, water shoes, camera
  • Activities: Book water sports in advance if interested

Half Moon Cay

September 16, 2025

Overview

Carnival's exclusive private island paradise in the Bahamas, featuring 2.5 miles of pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and untouched natural beauty. This uninhabited island offers the perfect beach day experience.

Suggested Activities

  • Relax on pristine white sand beaches
  • Swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters
  • Snorkel among tropical fish and coral
  • Enjoy included island BBQ lunch
  • Play beach volleyball and games
  • Take photos of stunning scenery
  • Watch for stingrays and seabirds

Local Tips

  • Private Island: No currency needed - everything included
  • Transportation: Tender boats from ship (included)
  • Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, restrooms available
  • Dining: BBQ lunch included (burgers, hot dogs, salads)
  • Best Time: Early tender for prime beach spots
  • Bring: Snorkeling gear, water shoes, sunscreen, camera
  • Wildlife: Watch for tropical fish, stingrays, seabirds

St. Maarten

September 18, 2025

Overview

The smallest island shared by two nations - French St. Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten, offering beautiful beaches, shopping, and culture.

Suggested Activities

  • Shopping on Front Street (duty-free)
  • Beach time at Great Bay (walking distance)
  • Visit Maho Beach (famous airplane watching)
  • Explore Philipsburg boardwalk
  • Try local Caribbean cuisine

Local Tips

  • Currency: US Dollar accepted everywhere
  • Language: English, Dutch, French
  • Transportation: Taxis ~$5-10, walking distance to Great Bay
  • Must-See: Maho Beach (planes), Front Street shopping
  • Restaurants: Beachfront cafes, local Caribbean cuisine
  • Photo Spots: Maho Beach, Great Bay, Fort Amsterdam

Cruise Photos

📸 Cruise Memories

Photos from our cruise adventure will appear here automatically as they're added!