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Practicing my new hobby. Paddle boarding. 2x this weekend.

I have nothing to say, cruise related. Just wanted to say cheers, and hope everyone is having a great weekend. I'm spending the week at the beach with the wife and kiddos...NO WORK. It's not a cruise...but things could be worse..... I hope everyone takes a moment, in the near future, to reflect on this time, and hopefully come away from it with a better perspective. Easy for me to say, I know, but all the same....hope we can all approach this crazy time with some positivity and optimism.

Should have been on FOTS today for my wifes 50th birthday Since we couldn't go on the cruise decided to take part of the cruise to us ? ??? My wifes favourite wine from our previous cruise, Not the easiest of wines to find during a pandemic ?

Capri, the Blue Grotto....if it is low tide. High tide the boat can't enter the grotto. Be sure to tell the boat captain/driver what your plan is (secretly of course) and he will serenade you. Italians can be VERY romantic.

Last cruise I learned an interesting fact...I enjoy Pina Colada's. I am also becoming quite creative. Here is my Pina Colada with a Strawberry Daiquiri "swirl" it was delish! We are planning a little beach getaway end of July / beginning of August ourselves, cannot wait. Anyway - Cheer to you too!

If you are thinking about doing it on the ship, and I can not stress this enough, GET THE CRUISE DIRECTOR INVOLVED! They live for this kind of thing and are really good at it. I proposed to my wide on Enchantment of the Seas nearly 20 years ago now. The director managed to lure her on stage between acts in the main theater on formal night after finding her SeaPass card that she had "misplaced." While doing a really funny bit with her about why it's important to never lose it, blah blah blah, the Assistant Cruise Director had met me at the back of theater, rushed me through backstage and had me appear on stage to propose. She had NO IDEA it was happening, and we got copies of the whole thing on tape from the ship's videographers. This was the plan we arrived at, but he had a number of ideas and possibilities: everything from quiet and romantic to a huge public declaration.

Only have the weekend off but we spent this afternoon on our local beach and then went out for dinner afterwards. Note that the pic of the beach is from last month on our first outing after lockdown was eased but it's the same beach. ? It feels good to be able to do some (almost) normal stuff.

Insurance is the only thing I can think of that people buy and never hope to use.

I cannot speak for the ports of call, but Central Park can be romantic at night, small crowd so not overly embarrassing, and there *should* be a ships photographer there that you can alert to your idea a few ahead of time; a small $20 dollar tip will go a long, long way here. My wife personally wouldn't have wanted a big spectacle, so what I did (which can easily be applied to a ship) was propose in the hotel room in Las Vegas. I went to a local florist and asked to buy rose pedals (most will have tons they sell as they are destined for the trash anyway), a ton of mini led lights, and a precious moments figure to hold the ring (I flew with this stuff from NY to LAS - my anxiety!). It was a bit more challenging to set everything up in Las Vegas, not easy to sneak back to the room ... so, while she was in the shower, I quickly set everything up so that she would exit it to it. It was rose pedals leading to the table which held the figure with ring inside a heart shape from the mini lights ... as well as mini lights leading to the table with more rose pedals. She loved it! On a ship it wouldn't be hard to run back to the room and set stuff up. If you have a balcony or higher, you can have rose pedals or something lead out to the balcony where there is a bottle of bubbly waiting (might need room stewards help with this) and something like led lights around it... (rose pedals outside might blow away). I don't want to hijack your thread with my story, but if you would like me to share the photos for an idea for yourself, I'll be happy to add them. Welcome to the forums, congratulations, good luck & most importantly, share your story!

The only problem with applying the ban to all of the U.S is that includes regions or states that are doing quite well, as good or better than the EU. The U.S. is pretty sizable both in population and land size. The EU is made up of a number of small countries that are easier to apply labels to and definitions. I get it, it's easier to create definitions based on a passport compared to driver's license but if we stop for a moment and try to reimagine changes to better determine how to move into reopening we must think beyond traditional measures. This applies to domestic policy within the U.S. as well. I get it, it's easier to label people from their state of residence rather than their county but in so doing we prevent areas that are less impacted from reaping economic gains. Expecting government to be dynamic and agile is an act of futility but that is exactly what we need to minimize the economic impact and hardship caused by the pandemic. It's a shame that it's governments that are causing as much or more pain than the virus itself. We need to find a way to allow commerce when there is less potential impact from spread regardless of the state or country or continent or hemisphere. The virus doesn't know borders and neither can our response.

Well I honestly believe that you cannot go wrong with either depending on your preference. Capri is beautiful, there is a boat tour that takes you to this grotto that is absolutely gorgeous. With Rome you have so many great ancient artifacts to choose from: Sistine Chapel, Trevi fountain etc. Even some of the basic statues along the palazzo will work. Haven't had the pleasure of sailing Harmony but if you want to do it there, I am sure the crew can help sort things out.

Because I am worried Royal won't go for an outdoor bungee jumping area next to an open air beer garden. ?

This is how I feel about hubby’s service. He tells me it was clear early on that he was not cut out for the military and, due no doubt to a little too much partying on his off days in Sicily, he received a General Discharge under Honorable Conditions. But he DID SERVE and I am proud of him for it.

Hagar, It doesn't matter that you were an E-4. What's important is that you stood up, pledged the oath and served honorably. Which is A LOT more than many young Americans did nor have done......even now. Thanks for your service to our Country from one Vet to another. By the way, what type of missiles?

First cruise in 2002 was us and the two kids in an oceanview cabin on Empress. Our reintroduction to cruising in 2018 was in a GS on Majesty. Earlier this year we did a quick 4 day with our grandson on Mariner & said yeah a balcony stateroom will be fine. Well NO! Both hubby & I said never again. We are already suite snobs. Happens fast ?

The best Galveston run down I've seen so far.

Guinness is almost a diet beer given it's relatively low calorie count. At least that's how I justify it.

I cruised on Independence over Christmas one time and it was a very good experience. There will be more kids but for the most part they were well behaved on my cruise. Some families have made it a tradition year after year and some kids from different families knew each other from past Christmas cruises together. The best thing about a Christmas cruise is that everyone is happy! It's a magical time but they tend to be more expensive because traditionally demand has been strong for Christmas cruises. It's strong because people like it.

Coastal Kitchen is definitely something to explore since you have a JS. Closer to sailing the menus will be available in the app. I'd suggest you review the menus then consider what nights are higher priority based on your tastes. I view CK between specialty dining and the MDR most nights and for one or two menus they are equal to or superior to specialty dining. Most nights they are very good but not as good as specialty dining. The ambiance and service is usually better than the MDR but also review the MDR menus to see if any are less appealing or more appealing nights and balance that against the CK menus. Sometimes a JS will have a harder time securing reservations in CK however there is odd reservation smoke and mirrors used for CK reservations as they try to balance full suites, pinnacles and junior suites during dinner. I've seen where they say there are no reservations available but visiting the suite lounge you'll discover CK is half empty. It never hurts to drop by and ask how it looks tonight or if anyone didn't show up. Sometimes a JS can get in but not always during prime time every night so if there is an early show that would work with a later CK time that can often yield CK reservation success.

So sorry to hear about your experience! We too purchased a policy with Allianz for our 5/31/20 cruise. Fortunately, when it was cancelled we were able to successfully move it first to 10/4/20, and then most recently they allowed us to move it again to our existing 4/24/21 cruise after we did a L&S on the 10/4/20 cruise. Once we explained the reason each time, they just moved it to the new trip dates with no penalties or hassle, etc. Due to the current climate they have been very flexible.

Not a craft beer person, when I am not on a "diet" (drinking diet beers) I'll indulge in a nice Guinness, Smithwicks, or similar; I do enjoy a nice Irish Whiskey too. Vacation mode, pool deck, I always enjoy a fruity beverage, whether from the Island Oasis machine or a non-frozen fruity beverage like a Rum Punch, Mai Tai, or similar. Just something about Pina Colada I thought I wouldn't like, then my friend "made" me try one... glad I did! Something about a fruity frozen beverage to put me in a good mood too, even if it's in my backyard looking at my dying grass! LOL

Over the past few years, I've embraced enjoying fruity concoctions and things like Corona Refrescas and hard seltzers. My "coronavirus drink" has been Mai Tais, followed closely by Piña Coladas. Before it was all bourbon and craft brews. Don't get me wrong, I still love a good bourbon, and a good beer....but there is something about "vacation drinks" that just put me in a good frame of mind... probably the liquor.....but either way, enjoy! That sounds amazing!

I called royal Caribbean and had them apply my FCC to my Odyssey Cruise on 12/12/21 and I was told that since I would have a remaining balance on my FCC and that I would be issued a new FCC with the remaining balance after my November 2021 cruise is completed that the new FCC WOULD BE VALID FOR 1 YEAR AFFER THE NEW FCC WITH THE REMAINING BALANCE IS ISSUED. Hope that helps and is the answer that you were hopping for!

OMG I wanna play!!! WISH LIST An aquarium at sea- We are obsessed with dinning venues and we think it would be awesome to sit down for a meal and watch fish swim by ? Because of course it's not enough to be sailing over them... Indoor Bungee Jumping - Why purchase travel insurance if you're not going to use it? Open air beer garden- One more reason to purchase the Deluxe Drink Package ? S'mores Station- Yup you heard me. You can't tell me if you walked in the Windjammer and saw a "S'MORES STATION" you wouldn't beeline immediately. If I am already destroying my diet I am going for a home run! Ribbons or medals for completing specific onboard activities- How awesome would it be if you had a little token or coin given to you after completing an escape room or laser tag session? My husband won a medal for a rock climbing competition on Jewel of the Seas but we haven't seen anything like it since. Who doesn't love a lapel pin am I right? Ok I can go on forever but that's my input ?

Only thing i would like to see is passengers ????

Yes. CK is amazing! And yes, it is a good idea to make reservations for dinner (breakfast and lunch do not require reservations). For Junior Suite guests, CK is available for dinner only and only if there is availability so just be aware of that. JS guests have better luck getting into CK on some ships than others. YMMV. You definitely should try to make reservations on the first day for that. What is so good about CK? For starters, they have their own kitchen so the food is more fresh and hot. The venue is much smaller than the Main Dining Room so they prepare it when you order it. The flavour is also much better. And the menu is much more varied that the MDR. I have always said that CK rivals any other specialty restaurant, in fact, some dishes are the same as those that can be found in specialty and sometimes taste even better! The best example of that is Filet night in CK, their filet is the best onboard, better than Chops and Giovanni (IMO lol, some will disagree with me). The other thing that CK wins out on is the view! Especially on Oasis class ships, which Symphony is. No specialty restaurant, or MDR can beat the view and the ambiance of CK. Floor to ceiling windows, beautiful views of the sunset over dinner, I miss it so much just thinking about it! And the last thing is the service. Because the venue is a much smaller one, wait staff have the time to spend with you. They are not running around like crazy like in the MDR. I have a lot of photos of CK menus and food pics in my blogs (links are in my signature). I have on from Symphony from last July. It might be helpful so that you can get an idea of what it looks like and what food options there are available to you. #teamCK forever!

UPDATED 13 February 2024 (Added Allure's return in 2026. Removed Liquor Taxation Section - Have not seen them in the terminals since 2022.) Galveston is home to Royal Caribbean's newest Cruise Terminal, a state of the art zero energy facility, and was home port for the 2023 President's Cruise on Allure of the Seas. Celebrity Cruises has advised that we should not be surprised to see one of their ships in Galveston at some point. Galveston is the fourth busiest cruise port in the USA and the 9th busiest in the world. Cruise ships calling Galveston their home port include: Harmony of the Seas - 225,282 GT - 5,484 Guests - 7 night sailings (Repositions to Barcelona 16 Mar 2026) Allure of the Seas - 225,282 GT - 5,496 Guests - 7 night sailings (Arrives 17 Mar 2026 from Fort Lauderdale) Voyager of the Seas - 137,276 GT - 3,602 Guests - 4-6 night sailings (Repositions to Barcelona 1 May 2024) Mariner of the Seas - 139,863 GT - 3,344 Guests - 4-5 night sailings (Arrives 6 May 2024 from Port Canaveral) Jewel of the Seas - 90,090 GT - 2,191 Guests - 8-11 night sailings (Arrives 8 Nov 2024) Norwegian Prima - 142,500 GT - 3,215 Passengers (Winter Home Port now through Mar 2025) Norwegian Escape - (Dec 2024 Sailings) Norwegian Viva - (Winter Home Port starting Dec 2025) Carnival Jubilee - 182,800 GT - 5,374 Passengers - LNG Powered Carnival Dream - 130,000 GT - 3,646 Passengers Carnival Breeze - 130,000 GT - 3,690 Passengers Carnival Miracle - 88,500 GT - 2,124 Passengers (Arrives 16 Oct 2024 from San Francisco for 9-12 night cruises) Carnival Legend - 88,500 GT - 2,124 Passengers (Arrives 22 Oct 2025 from San Francisco for 4-14 night cruises) Regal Princess - (Winter Home Port Sep-Mar) Disney Magic - (Winter Home Port each year) MSC - has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Port of Galveston to build a fourth cruise terminal! Cruise Terminal 10 Information Cruise Terminal 10 is owned and operated by a 50/50 partnership of Royal Caribbean and Ceres Terminals Inc. on land leased from the Port of Galveston. Ceres helped fund the project and will provide stevedoring and terminal operations. As the world's first zero-energy cruise terminal you can expect to find innovative design throughout this facility in things you see and also things you don't see. Below is a map of the new terminal area and parking lots operated by the Port of Galveston. In addition to surface parking lots, the Port offers covered and indoor parking. All parking lots have covered shuttle bus stops with buses circulating continuously to the cruise terminal, and there are plenty of covered walkways for a comfortable stroll from the walkable parking areas to the terminal. Electric Vehicle chargers will soon be available to the west of the South Lot. My favorite parking option: North Premium Covered Lot - it's only a few feet from the cruise terminal and it's covered. It's also the highest price option. Go to the Port's parking information page for more information and sign up for their loyalty program. You'll get an immediate $5 discount on your first reservation, the loyalty program equals a 10% discount on future parking, and they will send periodic discount codes that can all be combined for savings. Disabled veterans also get a discount. Tip: you will find less expensive options by using off-site parking operators which I have listed below in the Parking section of this post, which also has information on other things to consider regarding parking. Luggage can be dropped off at the terminal on Royal Caribbean Circle (see map above). Upon entering the terminal building, General check in is located up the escalators on the left (west) end of the terminal, while Suites and Pinnacles check in is located up the escalators on the right (east) end of the terminal. The door at the right (east) end of the terminal on Royal Caribbean Circle is also the entrance for Suites, Pinnacles, and Star Class guests. Star Class drop-off is at area 6 (purple columns on Royal Caribbean Circle). When disembarking at Cruise Terminal 10 there is facial recognition for quick passage through Customs and Border Protection. Then you claim your luggage and make your way out of the terminal to the pick up area on Royal Caribbean Way. As you can see on the above map, the embarking passenger ground transportation area (on Royal Caribbean Circle) is distinctly separated from the disembarking passenger ground transportation area on Royal Caribbean Way for better traffic flow. Planning & Tourist Info You can't beat this website for information on everything that is happening in Galveston: www.galveston.com Transportation Fly into HOU (Houston Hobby Airport) if you can. It's much closer to Galveston than IAH (Bush Intercontinental Airport) and you won't have the Houston traffic to deal with. Tip: my favorite airline option is JSX, a "semi-private" airline that uses private jet terminals at several airports across the country. You can essentially fly "private" and avoid crowded airport terminals, for about the price of a first class ticket. JSX flies to Houston Hobby Airport and disembarks in one of the private terminals. Here are some options for getting to Galveston from the airport: Galveston Saltwater Moms - my first choice for transportation to Galveston... a highly rated "personal driver" service. You book by sending them a personal message on Facebook. They are a licensed Transportation Provider with the Port of Galveston, which means they can legally operate at the cruise terminals. They have a $500,000 bond and commercial liability insurance. Give them a try as an alternative to the big guys. I've used them and had a great experience! Galveston Limo - provides very affordable shared rides from the two Houston airports with either their scheduled service or you can arrange a private car. Owned by a local family of good folks. Galveston Express Lyft and Uber - Lyft and Uber are the approved major rideshare companies operating at the Port of Galveston. The agreement with Uber was approved on 24 Mar 2023. Blacklane - a premium option for upper end vehicles like Black Sedan or Black SUV. You can reserve days or weeks in advance and cancel up to 1 hour prior to pickup time. Rates include gratuities, professional drivers, no "peak" surcharges or port surcharges. Drivers show up when scheduled. A bit more expensive but worth the price to reduce the stress you have with Uber/Lyft drivers canceling or having peak rates when departing the ship. I've used Blacklane in Galveston and Los Angeles with good results. If you use black sedans or SUV's with Uber/Lyft, I find Blacklane to be similarly priced, and sometimes lower priced during peak pickup times. Enterprise Rent A Car - Enterprise is the only rental car company on the island. You should be able to rent from Enterprise at the airport and drop it off on the Island. The Island location is open on Saturday (before Covid it was also open on Sunday). Check with Enterprise directly for updated hours and shuttle arrangements. Here are a couple of transportation options for your departure after your cruise: The pickup zone for Lyft and Uber is at the far northeast side of the terminal on Royal Caribbean Way. When you exit the terminal, turn left, and walk to the Uber/Lyft sign in Zone 1. If you prefer to take a taxi to the airport, turn right as you exit the terminal, cross the street toward the east side of the covered parking area and there will be several taxis ready and waiting. Here's a photo of the fixed fare rates as of 30 July 2023: Arriving By Car I-45 is undergoing several phases of construction that will continue into 2024 and beyond. TxDOT is widening I-45 all the way to Galveston Island so expect some delays and congestion. I-45 south ends on Galveston Island. When arriving on the island, if you turn off at the "Cruise Terminal" exit (Harborside Drive) you will hit a traffic back-up as you approach the cruise terminals. To avoid this traffic jam, as you drive down I-45 and arrive on the Island, continue straight on Broadway as the interstate ends and follow these directions: If you've reserved parking through the official Port of Galveston website, continue straight on Broadway as the interstate ends. Continue to 14th street and turn left. Follow 14th and it will take you straight into the entrance to the Cruise Terminal 10 area. This route will avoid the lengthy backup on Harborside Drive. As you enter the Cruise Terminal area, follow the signs to your pre-arranged parking lot or to the drop off or pick up areas. Parking If you search "Galveston cruise parking" you will see plenty of parking options. I highly recommend making a reservation on line with one of the parking companies, especially if you want an indoor space as these will sell out (especially now, with so many ships sailing from Galveston). Prepaying usually gets you a 5-10% discount and a guaranteed parking space. Things to consider in addition to price: Elevation - heavy rains can quickly flood the streets of Galveston, and not just during a hurricane. Leaving your car in an elevated spot will provide peace of mind against flooding if an unexpected storm comes in. Inside Building, or Outdoor Lot? - outdoor surface lots are cheaper, but your car is exposed to the south Texas sun and weather. A building provides better protection and security. Discounts & Loyalty - there are extra savings if you sign up for loyalty programs online and apply for any applicable discount. Reserve your parking after your account is set up and tagged with the applicable discount. You can combine loyalty and one discount but you can't have multiple discounts. The loyalty programs often mail discount codes to members. Security - parking lots are fenced and gated. Buildings are enclosed and locked. Some facilities have security cameras. The Port of Galveston claims that the Port Police patrol their lots 24/7 which you won't find at the private parking lots. Electric Vehicle Charging - more and more lots are offering EV chargers. If you drive an EV like I do, you will appreciate having your car fully charged when you disembark. This perk is currently free at all parking facilities where it is offered. The Port of Galveston will offer EV charging for an additional fee by scanning a QR code and paying online after parking at the charger. Remember that even a 110 volt plug will fully charge your car over the course of several days, so bring you charge cord as some lots offer 110V outlet access. Here is my comparison of some of the parking options. I have used Port Parking, EZ Cruise, and the Port of Galveston parking all without any issues. Hotels Galveston hotel prices are quite variable depending on day of week (weekends obviously much higher), whether there are major events happening, and the season (summer is the busy season here). Booking hotels during Mardi Gras (February), Lone Star Biker Rally (early November), Art Walk (every 6 weeks) and other major events will be much more expensive. Some hotels have a 2 night minimum on weekends. Ever since travel resumed following Covid, hotel prices on Galveston Island have gone way up. I love staying on the island before a cruise, but if the price is too high I stay along I-45 in Webster, League City, or Texas City where you'll find much lower hotel rates. Note that I-45 exits south of Webster can be very congested, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. There are a couple of hotels near the port and the historic Strand District in Galveston, but no hotels are near the Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal 10. It's a great idea to arrive a day or two early and enjoy the island ambiance. The Harbor House overlooks the port area and Cruise Terminals 25 and 28, and is very convenient to many nice restaurants, museums, and shopping. The Tremont House is also very walkable to the Strand, nice restaurants, museums, and shopping. This is my preferred pre-cruise hotel and is now a Marriott Tribute property. The Tremont House is located in a beautiful historic building. The Tremont's rooftop bar has wonderful views of the island and port area and has been under renovation with a planned re-opening in the fall of 2023. The lobby bar has live jazz on most Thursday nights. There are plenty of other hotels on the Island, many along the Seawall facing the Gulf of Mexico. Hotels providing transportation to the port or offer park & cruise options can be found here. Call the hotel that you are interested in to confirm that they provide cruise parking. Galveston Dining (And A Few Drinking Establishments) Please avoid the tourist traps and chain restaurants that will leave you disappointed. Eat at these locally owned restaurants that use locally sourced, fresh food, including fresh Gulf seafood right from the docks in Galveston. All restaurants are casual dress unless noted, and all are family friendly (even most of the bars). Many serve craft beer on tap from Galveston Island Brewing. My only connection to these places is that I have personally eaten at them multiple times and I love them all! Rudy and Paco - 2028 Post Office St (21st and Post Office) - Arguably the best restaurant on the island. Wonderful food with a South and Central American flair. Best service on the island. A little expensive but worth it. We like going for lunch because it's very affordable (lunch served weekdays only). No shorts allowed at dinner. Reservations suggested and are a must on weekends or when The 1890 Grand Theater has an event. Riondo's Ristorante - 2328 Strand (24th and Strand) - Our favorite Italian restaurant on the island, and they also serve great seafood and steak. Beautiful historic building built in 1895 in the Strand Historic District. "Farm to Fork" sourcing and they make their own pasta. Tell them you "want a table in the vault." Katie's Seafood House - 2000 Wharf Road (On the water, adjacent to the Port of Galveston) - This is the only restaurant in Galveston that catches their own seafood! Enjoy great food, good service, and a wonderful view of the Port of Galveston from their covered outdoor deck. They offer free parking in the lot in front of the restaurant at 20th & Harborside (call the restaurant at (409) 765-5688 and select to option to hear the parking code). Blum & Co. at the Tremont House - 2300 Ships Mechanic Row (Mechanic Street) - Beautiful historic hotel built in 1879 near the Strand Historic District. An urban bistro, wine bar, and market offering a carefully curated menu that is indigenous of the region. There is a beautiful bar at the opposite end of the lobby with several Galveston Brewing options on tap. Before or after dinner, take the elevator to the top floor, turn left, and walk to the end of the hall to the rooftop bar to cap off the experience. The rooftop bar is being renovated and will re-open in the fall of 2023. Brews Brothers Brew Pub - 2404 Strand - Huge craft beer selection, creative American bar food. Very casual. You wouldn't expect it for a bar, but the food here is excellent. Burgers (try the "Mission From God"), fresh made chips (try them with Buffalo Sauce & Bleu Cheese), local fish tacos, salads, etc. Order at the bar, grab a table, and enjoy a beer while waiting on your food to be delivered to your table. Texas Tail Distillery - 2416 Post Office - On-site distillery for whiskey and vodka. Try the honey whiskey and other infusions. Friendly staff, fun place to try crafted drinks with local liquor, or try them all with a flight of shots! New: several food trucks are often located adjacent to their new location! Blvd. Seafood - 28th and Seawall - One of the best seafood restaurants on the island. There isn't a lot of curb appeal outside but the inside is very nice. The food and service are both quite good and the seafood is all local. The red snapper is amazing and always comes fresh from Katie's Seafood Market. Shucks Tavern - 414 21st Street - Newer hot spot downtown for oysters, seafood, and drinks. Fresh oysters from the most famous oyster beds in America! Mama Teresa's Flying Pizza and Italian - 416 21st Street - Next door to Shucks Tavern, this is the place for pizza. These guys hand toss the pizzas so high they almost touch the very high ceilings in this historic building! They also have nice Italian dishes. Convenient to the Post Office Street Arts District for a nice after-dinner stroll. Grotto Italian - 5222 Seawall (In the San Luis Resort) - Classic Italian restaurant featuring delicious veal, chicken, seafood, pizza, and house made pastas. This one breaks my rule of avoiding the Landrys restaurant chain, but we are convinced it's a great option. The Cove Poolside Bar - 5222 Seawall (In the San Luis Resort) - Beautiful outdoor poolside bar with a swim-up bar too, all overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The pool is heated so expect swimmers even in cool weather. Great place to people watch and enjoy a drink with one of the most picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico on the island. Koops BBQ Kitchen - 4501 Broadway - the only barbecue restaurant on the island that I would recommend. Very clean, very casual, very good meat and homemade sides. Only open for lunch from 11 am to 3 pm or until they run out of barbecue. Leland House - 2711 Market Street - a nice neighborhood bistro serving breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner. Grab a menu, relax at a table, and order at the bar when you're ready. Closed Monday/Tuesday. Maceo's Spice & Import Company - 2706 Market Street - Excellent muffaletta's, sandwiches. Simple menu to eat in or carry out in this little spice shop. Freckleberry Teahouse - 2724 Market Street - this has become a hot spot for a relaxing hot or iced tea or coffee and a light snack. Comfortable seating is plentiful inside or in their large outdoor area. Red Light Coffee Roasters - 2728 Market Street - popular spot serving locally roasted and sustainably sourced coffee and drinks along with light snacks. Like many places on this list, they are located in a beautiful historic building. Hey Mikey's Ice Cream - 2120 Post Office Street - Ice cream is made in the store. Unique treats like Ice Cream Nachos (share with a friend) and traditional favorites. You gotta' go here! Note: this place is owned by a nice island family. It is sometimes closed over the winter holidays. Mod Coffeehouse - 2126 Post Office Street - comfortable with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Live music many weekend evenings. Coffee, tea, espresso, latte, home baked goods. Waterman's Restaurant & Marina - 14302 Stewart Road - great sunset and water views overlooking Lake Como and West Bay. Steak and seafood. The restaurant was built of long leaf pine salvaged from the 100 year old cotton warehouses that were part of Galveston's glory days. Relatively expensive and a bit of a drive from the hotel areas but this is a unique restaurant with a great ambiance, great service, and great water views. Jimmy's On The Pier - 9001 Seawall - On the 2nd story above the fishing pier (enter the souvenir shop, exit to the left, and up the stairs). Very casual with great views of the seawall and Gulf. Owner has their own farm and livestock for a true "farm to table" concept; other items locally sourced. Fish tacos, burgers, seafood, local beer, full bar, etc. Galveston Webcams Galveston has some great webcams if you want to see what the cruise port looks like, or if your friends and family want to watch you sail away on Royal Caribbean via several live full-motion HD video cameras.

Hello all - I'm new around here but I've read a lot of great advice so far for our first RC experience! We've been inching up in luxury as our cruises continue to get canceled. We started with a great deal on a grand suite on Anthem for March 2020, obviously a no go. Then we went to a 1-bedroom aquatheatre suite on Oasis for August 2020. Bye to that one, too. We decided to rebook as far out as our FCCs will allow- late March 2022, and we're back on Anthem in a Grand Loft Suite! So, of course planning right now is ridiculous but I'm excited and bored, lol. Here's my question: I really, really want to do an overwater cabana at cococay, and since I have 22 months to pay it off, it's actually a possibility (same reasoning for us bumping up to Star Class). However, I have two kids who will definitely want to check out the water park. I hate water parks, and I don't want to do a cabana there and get zero beach time on an island! SO, all of this build-up is to ask how insane it would be to get the beach club overwater cabana for the day, and also get admission for my kids and husband to spend an hour or two at the water park? Can you do the water park justice in the opening couple of hours? Is it hard to get between the water park and the beach club? I know we're talking about a lot of money (the cabana is $1049 right now for my cruise), and I can talk myself in or out of it based on price alone, but I'm wondering just how feasible it would be as an experience to try to have the best of both worlds on our day. Thank you in advance for your advice!

Oh wow! Ok I booked it figuring I can always cancel if I change my mind. I have almost two years to think about it, lol.

You'd just have to keep checking back. There's never any saying when you'll get the best deal. If it's something you know you want to do, just book it and check back for price drops frequently. The best deals I've gotten on shore excursions have occurred when there weren't any advertised cruise planner sales going on - they just randomly dropped and I snagged them (at a price I never saw go that low again). It can really pay to check frequently.

Pretty sure it's been on every ship I've sailed on. I can't think of one that it has not.

I can't offer any suggestions about those places; but if you're thinking of proposing in a place that will have a bunch of people there, then you might want to try to subtly suss out if she personally likes the idea of being proposed to in front of a crowd. At least that way you can narrow down the options, and if you do it on the ship with the CD involved then he/she would know in advance what would and wouldn't fly.

I absolutely love the neighborhood concept which helps improve the traffic flow of the ship, but do we want something similar to Oasis class on a slightly smaller ship (I'm good with that)? I can definitely see more open spaces and more similarities to Oasis class over the smaller, more traditional classes/designs. Also interior open spaces allow for many more balcony cabins and fresh air. I can't wait to see what they come up with!

No system will be perfect and only completely shutting borders to everyone including citizens will be absolute. Some countries did that and stranded their citizens around the world including some ship crew. That wasn't a very good solution either. There may be ones and twos that slip through but contrast that to 400 people on a plane or 3,000 on a transatlantic cruise from America or country X as this evolves. That's got to help slow spread from hotspot regions.

I have an excellent memory lol.. So with Oasis here is what happened.. They kept talking about project Genesis. Then Finally like 2 years before Oasis was ready they decided to unveil their new concept "Neighborhoods". They explained that Royal's new ship would be divided up into neighborhoods. Then about every 3 months they released a new neighborhood! The first one they released was Central Park and everyone went crazy with excitement. I remember sitting at my computer looking at the concept art and saying OK yeah this ship is going to be a huge game changer and I HAVE to get on it!! Then they revealed Boardwalk and when they showed the Aqua theater I was in AWE. They kept this going until they were done.. Then they had the naming challenge where some one won a contest for picking Oasis.. Any way my point is If Coved didn't happen I think by now Royal should of released some Icon info.. Now that we have Corona virus who knows what they are going to do with Icon which is very sad.. I'm sure they will still build it but how delayed will it be? Will it still have all the amazing things we hope for? I hope so but who knows lol.. Anyway I wish they would announce things on it they way they did Oasis that was so fun!

I agree. I wouldn't let us in at this point, either.

Straight ahead when you walk into the WJ. There is seating in this area and through the seating is the bar. Left or right further down the sides of the WJ is where the food starts.

You should also be able to get a latte in the Main Dining Room and in most of the specialty restaurants.

This is going to be a common theme in the next few months in relation to everything not just cruiselines. Not every business is going to survive! As peoples places of work start to either lay off staff, reduce wages or close completely the domino effect is people spending less as their disposable income is reduced, things such as going to bars, restaurants or even on vacation wont be a priority or a luxury, the reduced business will result in even more bars, restaurants, hotels and even cruiselines closing their doors for good. The only upside to this is that if people dont have as much money to waste they may stop buying the Miami Herald ??

OK, so @bossdog421’s photos of his neck of NJ, and the reactions it’s gotten, have me wanting to start a thread about how gorgeous NJ really is, even the more suburban parts close to NYC. Here’s a photo I took just a couple days ago from a park not 5 minutes drive from my home in northeastern NJ. Yeah, the big radio antenna breaks up the beauty a bit, but we’re far from “the garbage pit of America” or “the armpit of America” that many stereotype us as. We’re “The Garden State”, and while that name may refer mostly to the farmland further south, there’s a lot of natural beauty here. C’mon NJ peeps, show us the pretty views from your own neck o’ the woods! And if you’re not from NJ (hey, nobody’s perfect ?), but you’re own state gets bashed as ugly or boring or whatever, put some pics of your own that can show us what we’re missing. If we can’t appreciate the views from a cruise ship in exotic foreign (or Alaskan) ports, let’s get some appreciation for what’s in our own proverbial and literal back yards.

Thank you! I am still around - just not with MEI-Travel. Always happy to help if I can.

Okay, I'm just relieved that this is direction this thread is headed in...

Hey Joe! Yes, all of the pics I took were from paths through the portion of the gorge accessible to the public. From what I remember, there is some decent stone stair/step climbing at points, but it's all safe to walk with railings in the appropriate places. It's definitely worth the visit between the gorge, nice small town, Seneca Lake and the surrounding wineries. Some shots of the entrance to the park and other random pics...

My car. The side mirror is the little silver dot in the middle of all of the white.

Absolutely disgusting is right! I would welcome the total elimination of the Windjamner and replace it with something more sanitary. There’s nothing more gross then watching people grab food with bare hands and then deciding they no longer want it and put it back for some poor unfortunate soul to eat. Pre or Post COVID19 still not a fan.

Here were a couple water falls in Walpack Township. Had to go out just before a big storm to get pics of them frozen. Can't find the pics Buttermilk falls and Silver Spray falls.I took a couple summers ago.

Swallow Falls, Muddy Creek Falls (highest waterfall in Maryland), the Lower Falls and Tolliver Falls can all be found in Swallow Falls State Park, located in Garrett County (the furthest county to the west). These are also about a half hour from my home. Swallow Falls and the Lower Falls are all part of the Youghigheny River, while Muddy Creek and Tolliver both feed into the Yough. (prounced Yock...rhymes with Lock)

We stayed in 12236 and it wasn't bad for outside noise, so i would imagine it would be no different one deck lower.

... and while you're stuck, someone rudely steps in the middle of the line because they "just want that one thing" that you also are patiently waiting for!

llama, you se mateo's post from yesterday? it has the new allure itineraries. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2020/06/18/royal-caribbean-releases-allure-of-the-seas-winter-2021-2022-sailings-fort-lauderdale