melmar02

We end up doing a Pub Crawl, Poker Run ...... All participants put in $5. At every bar, not only do you have a drink, you draw a card ...... at the last bar, you find out who has the best poker hand - that person wins the cash ..... I was fortunate enough to win two years ago w/ 3 Kings ... Nice .

Pre-cruise stay – We are driving down to Clear Lake on Friday when DH can wrap up work – probably around noon, hopefully sooner. We just got a Bucee’s a few miles from our house, so we’ll fill up there and then hit the one in Madisonville as well. Beaver Nuggets for everyone! With it being a holiday weekend, I expect stand still traffic at rush hour in Houston, and I keep hoping we can leave Dallas by 10am to beat the afternoon traffic. Fortunately, I grew up about 30 miles north of Houston, so if needed I know a few good spots we can go for dinner and to wait it out for a bit. Last time we cruised, we stayed at the Clear Lake Hilton. It was nice, and we would stay there again. This time we are staying at the Homewood Suites in Clear Lake which will be a 35-40 minute drive to Galveston on Sunday morning. DH would prefer the Hilton because their breakfast is better, but they didn’t have a 2 BR suite available. Homewood had the room we wanted for the same price as a 1 BR at the Hilton. Besides, who needs an awesome, big breakfast when I plan to gorge myself at the Windjammer for lunch on Sunday! We are driving in Friday so we can get up and spend a good part of Saturday at Space Center Houston. We’ll keep the kids occupied in the evenings at the hotel pool. Last cruise, we took the short drive to Kemah Boardwalk to eat, but it’s usually around 100° in Houston on Labor Day Weekend so we're keeping food options open. Right now, Texas is supposed to get a cold front next weekend, and the whole state is doing a happy dance! It's only supposed to be 89° next Saturday! A cruise and 80 degree weather? Christmas just came early for me!
Parking – We pre-purchased uncovered parking at Lighthouse. We stayed somewhere else last time, but Lighthouse had good reviews and was cheaper. It’s about ½ a mile from the pier, and we got 10% off with a coupon code which they post on their website. Total $67.50.
I think that covers the basics. We have a very full "regular life" schedule up until we leave, so I really need to get an action plan for packing going. I already have a box started for the non-clothing stuff (sunscreen, towel clips, etc.). I had an amazing packing list for our last two cruises, but 8 years and two computers later, I'm not sure what happened to the file. I came up with this one last week. It's not quite like my old one was, but I think I have everything covered. Feel free to let me know if I've missed anything though. ?
Today I think I'll pull all our formal wear out for a trip to the dry cleaners. DH travels a lot for work, and I got him a new carry on for Christmas last year. Great minds...he got me a new 29" suit case. He mentioned yesterday that he wants the bigger version of his carry on for this trip. He has tomorrow off, so we'll head to the Samsonite Outlet then. Plus my son just informed me that his shoes are too small, so I guess I'm not quite as done with shopping for the cruise as I thought I was.
Master Packing List.xlsx

Ok , so I boarded the aircraft , I should mark it to check if it's going to be the same one I will board tommorow doing my way back to Milan ? actually going to seat in the same exact seat. 
So why I am doing this crazy Milan home Milan in less than 24 houre ? Well few months ago when we booked the cruise we booked also flight for the cruise in a very cheap fare , so cheap that canceling it  would mean to lose the full fare. Last week I was request to come to Milan for a business trip which was not planned (I just returned from another trip) I tried to see what I can do but staying in Milan would mean my spouse will need to travel alone , add money for the suitcase (I can take two without fee) , not able to use the lounge and need to navigate alone in Milan airport which is not that frendly. It would also mean I would need to take the cruise suitcase with me , mixing my cruise outfits with my business one. So here I am going back home for 12 hours , hey at least I will have time to print my sell pasess.
For now enjoy a Greek sunset 

I always love @Traveler blogs because I get to see pics of another side of the world that I wish I could go back to!  You bet I'll be following!

We almost booked this one for February when we are taking my MIL on Enchantment's Cozumel / Costa Maya run. I didn't know about the pier! Wow!

thank you again @melmar02 i'm just really bad at trying to search for things on the RCCL website!! much appreciated!

Last weeks going by slow? Not for me! This weekend I had a 5 tier wedding cake on Saturday, a bridal open house on Sunday, an American Heritage Girls leader meeting last night, hair appointment today, AHG registration meeting this coming Tuesday, I have to buy all our last minute stuff this weekend, we're doing school through this coming Wednesday, I have a birthday cake delivery next Thursday, plus the kids have either swim team or tae kwon do every weekday night... I'm taking next Thursday off of school so I can wash the final load of clothes and pack to leave Friday morning! Mamma's ready for this vacation!  ?
 
 
 

Last weeks going by slow? Not for me! This weekend I had a 5 tier wedding cake on Saturday, a bridal open house on Sunday, an American Heritage Girls leader meeting last night, hair appointment today, AHG registration meeting this coming Tuesday, I have to buy all our last minute stuff this weekend, we're doing school through this coming Wednesday, I have a birthday cake delivery next Thursday, plus the kids have either swim team or tae kwon do every weekday night... I'm taking next Thursday off of school so I can wash the final load of clothes and pack to leave Friday morning! Mamma's ready for this vacation!  ?
 
 
 

12 days until Liberty! Time to get out the suitcases!

Itinerary / Excursions –
Friday, 2 days pre-cruise - Drive to Houston, hang out at the hotel pool Saturday, 1 day pre-cruise - Space Center Houston Sunday, Day 1 - Embarkation day! Monday, Day 2 - Sea Tuesday, Day 3 - Sea Wednesday, Day 4 - Roatan Thursday, Day 5 - Costa Maya Friday, Day 6 - Cozumel Saturday, Day 7 - Sea Sunday - Disembark and drive back to Dallas in tears We're driving in 2 days early so we can spend most of Saturday exploring Space Center Houston. I've done a couple of astronomy units with the kids over the last two years, and they are really looking forward to our 'field trip' before the cruise.
We will have two seas days then we are stopping at Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel followed by one more sea day on this sailing. In Roatan we purchased the Lobsters, Iguanas, and Snorkeling RTB7 excursion through Royal. We stop in Iguana Hideaway, snorkel at Lobster City, and then have a little beach time at Big French Key. DD has a lot of food aversions so we have to be selective about excursions that offer lunch. We can find something that works on a buffet or with a menu usually, but an excursion that only offers something like a tortilla with beans in it just isn’t going to work for us. This excursion was only 4 hours, so we can eat a late lunch back on the ship – problem solved. In Costa Maya, we plan to just explore the port area for a little bit, maybe tour the aviary, and then get back on the ship to enjoy it while empty. DH and I have been to Cozumel on land vacations and he’s more inclined to break away on our own there since it’s just a relatively quick cab ride back to the ship from anywhere on the island. We plan on taking a cab to Paradise Beach, and we went all inclusive with the fun pass so the inflatable water toys are included. We had a coupon code and the total for the 4 of us was $256. When you opt for the AI, you pay for the fun passes and a 50% deposit up front. We could have just purchased the fun passes when we got there, but they were discounted when purchased up front. DD and I have looked at their menu online and watched a lot of videos showing the food people have ordered there – she knows she has a several options that will work for her.  One of those options is shrimp. She's only been eating it for a few weeks, but absolutely loves and can eat her weight in it. At $18 a plate, that's one of the reasons we chose to go AI here instead of just the $3 entrance fee and pay as we go. She can easily eat 5-6 of the plates I saw on YouTube.  ? 
Dining - We’re MDR people, but went to a specialty restaurant once on each of the previous sailings and enjoyed the change in atmosphere. We loved the Mystery Dinner on our last cruise, but it’s the first night on this sailing and Adventure Ocean won’t be open yet. We’re planning on booking a specialty restaurant once we can confirm AO’s dining hours, and I’m leaning toward the Chef’s Table this time. I'm hoping this is something the concierge can confirm and arrange for us once we get her email this week or next week. If not, we'll just ask her to take care of it once we are on board. On our first cruise we had traditional dining, and sat with a couple from England who were a lot of fun. On our second we decided to try MTD and liked that we had a little more control with planning our evening. With the kids this time, we’re going with MTD again - regular, not Family MTD as the kids will enjoy some of the evening shows. I'm sure we’ll hit up Johnny Rockets a time or two as well.

Itinerary / Excursions –
Friday, 2 days pre-cruise - Drive to Houston, hang out at the hotel pool Saturday, 1 day pre-cruise - Space Center Houston Sunday, Day 1 - Embarkation day! Monday, Day 2 - Sea Tuesday, Day 3 - Sea Wednesday, Day 4 - Roatan Thursday, Day 5 - Costa Maya Friday, Day 6 - Cozumel Saturday, Day 7 - Sea Sunday - Disembark and drive back to Dallas in tears We're driving in 2 days early so we can spend most of Saturday exploring Space Center Houston. I've done a couple of astronomy units with the kids over the last two years, and they are really looking forward to our 'field trip' before the cruise.
We will have two seas days then we are stopping at Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel followed by one more sea day on this sailing. In Roatan we purchased the Lobsters, Iguanas, and Snorkeling RTB7 excursion through Royal. We stop in Iguana Hideaway, snorkel at Lobster City, and then have a little beach time at Big French Key. DD has a lot of food aversions so we have to be selective about excursions that offer lunch. We can find something that works on a buffet or with a menu usually, but an excursion that only offers something like a tortilla with beans in it just isn’t going to work for us. This excursion was only 4 hours, so we can eat a late lunch back on the ship – problem solved. In Costa Maya, we plan to just explore the port area for a little bit, maybe tour the aviary, and then get back on the ship to enjoy it while empty. DH and I have been to Cozumel on land vacations and he’s more inclined to break away on our own there since it’s just a relatively quick cab ride back to the ship from anywhere on the island. We plan on taking a cab to Paradise Beach, and we went all inclusive with the fun pass so the inflatable water toys are included. We had a coupon code and the total for the 4 of us was $256. When you opt for the AI, you pay for the fun passes and a 50% deposit up front. We could have just purchased the fun passes when we got there, but they were discounted when purchased up front. DD and I have looked at their menu online and watched a lot of videos showing the food people have ordered there – she knows she has a several options that will work for her.  One of those options is shrimp. She's only been eating it for a few weeks, but absolutely loves and can eat her weight in it. At $18 a plate, that's one of the reasons we chose to go AI here instead of just the $3 entrance fee and pay as we go. She can easily eat 5-6 of the plates I saw on YouTube.  ? 
Dining - We’re MDR people, but went to a specialty restaurant once on each of the previous sailings and enjoyed the change in atmosphere. We loved the Mystery Dinner on our last cruise, but it’s the first night on this sailing and Adventure Ocean won’t be open yet. We’re planning on booking a specialty restaurant once we can confirm AO’s dining hours, and I’m leaning toward the Chef’s Table this time. I'm hoping this is something the concierge can confirm and arrange for us once we get her email this week or next week. If not, we'll just ask her to take care of it once we are on board. On our first cruise we had traditional dining, and sat with a couple from England who were a lot of fun. On our second we decided to try MTD and liked that we had a little more control with planning our evening. With the kids this time, we’re going with MTD again - regular, not Family MTD as the kids will enjoy some of the evening shows. I'm sure we’ll hit up Johnny Rockets a time or two as well.

I would have been sorely pressed not to just pick up that entire mega-tray and walk back to my cabin while saying, "OK, thanks for the great tour! Have a nice day!"

Great news!  Especially for @WAAAYTOOO!

Yea you need a lot if they are using New Amsterdam.?

Dirty Martini with 3 Olives.?

I'm always amazed how the countdown moves fine when you're months and months away, but that last 30 days takes forever

Frozen - Mudslid
Mixed - Ginger ale and Really good tequila with lime
Martini - Toberlone Martini - tastes just like the candy bar.
 

Kraken and Coke
 

Can't go wrong with a rum and coke. My wife enjoys tequila sunrises too.

If I'm not ordering a "salty dog," I found out I like cosmos on Celebrity. So I order one in a conventional glass while on Royal (not insecure, just clumsy ;>)

I just read that they can make a "Key Lime Pie" Martini!  The recipe was on the Royal Caribbean Facebook Forum!
Yum Yum!?  ?

I vote for a Chocolate Martini....mmmm very addictive
Enjoy your cruise!  you'll love the Suite Lounge on Liberty, the espresso machine is nice too, it's available all day....

My choices...Bellini, Lemon Drop Martini, Vodka tonic, and Cosmos.
Also, thanks to @Michael Vitale and his lovely wife, I also learned that they can make chocolate martinis in the suite/D lounge. It’s too sweet for me, but that’s another idea. 

Personally, I ask the staff what they recommend -- sometimes the specific bartenders have a "specialty" or two. 
If you like sweeter stuff, go for things like Midori Collins or rum & coke. 
Also, the wine isn't that bad ? 

Howdy Folks!!
In six days we will be heading to the mediocre city of Galveston, Texas for an adventure of nominal proportion. This is cruise #26 for me and first out of the Port of Galveston.
Who:
Me, My beautiful wife Brenda, and our 20 month old son Zander or Z as he's been nicknamed....Oh and this is his 3rd cruise. Side note... I am the OCD planner in the family and use to plan vacations down to the foot step....almost. Now I/we have plans but nothing in concrete with a flexible timeline.
 
Why this cruise?
Research of course...We had Symphony booked for last month for a business conference (We flip houses in San Antonio as a side hustle) but weren't able to swing the massive final payment in time so we rebooked Enchantment for the five nighter, so not to lose all the deposit from Symphony, and sill make to Diamond (only needed 5 points) this year....everyone needs goals.
Also...I feel Galveston has not been represented much and typically has been given a bad rap (I'm from Jersey and don't care 'that' much... but still). Galveston is going though a revitalization and I'll cover that further dawn and next week when we get to town.
...and even more so the cruise is going to the 'up and coming port' of Progreso, Mexico. It a little town up the coast from Cancun, on the north shore of the Yucatan. I hear the pier is 4 MILES LONG!!!!
 
Itinerary!
Day 1: Galveston, Texas
Day 2: at Sea
Day 3: Progreso, Mx
Day 4: Cozumel, Mx
Day 5: sea day
Day 6: Galveston, Texas
 
Cabin:
We are slumming it and maybe a little over cautious. We have a bare bones Inside GTY stateroom on deck two (Never been on deck two). Inside because it is least expensive, balconies were twice the price, and with a 20 month, who is into everything, it scares me that he may find his way on to the balcony.
 
Excursions:
We ae not big excursion people. The Mrs. loves the shopping aspect of cruising and not a fan of the cattle call that sometimes happens with group activities. This time around with a new port to explore, Progreso, we are just going to explore the city and hit the beach. Z loves the water. It is my understanding it is a brisk one hour walk just to get off the 4 mile ship pier. a shuttle bus is provided free so we will be taking that with concern that we will not have a baby seat. Once in town, we will explore the shops along the beach and hit the Corona Beach Club...There is an excursion for this place BUT all the reviews I see say it is a waste of money. It consists of a shuttle ride and two chairs and an umbrella for $35 pp.  The shuttle is free and you can go to the beach for free too. An umbrella and chairs are negotiable I'm sure.  Something is fishy. I'll ask at the excursion desk...maybe.  My understanding that the locals can be extremely pushy with their wares that are set up along the walkways at the port and beach areas.
Bing map of the pier.

This will be probably my 10th trip to Cozumel and we have done all there is to do there from buying to much jewelry to Senor Frogs and Carlos and Charlie's to swimming with the dolphins & Mayan ruins. With advice I received from y'all we are going to hit up Nachi Cocom at $55.00 per adult and Z will be free of charge. Unlimited drinks, 4 course meal... I am very excited to visit here especially knowing they limit the number of guests to 130 per day (I'll believe it when I see it)
http://www.cozumelnachicocom.com/
Extras:
In my older younger years I am not the big drinker as I use to be and have opted for the Soda Package. We will bring the allotted wine on board that we love from Lake Ridge Winery near @Matt place in Central Florida. As much as everybody LOVES the WindJammier on embarkation day is blows my anxiety off the charts. That whole part of the day where EVERYBODY is clustered in the Centrum/Royal Promenade/Esplanade & the WindJammier drives me a little nutty when I should be relaxing. Ok...focus...I went ahead and pre-booked Chops for lunch to hopefully avoid the whole waiting for 1 o'clock for the staterooms to be ready crowd dealio. Our little guy loves steak and since he's 20 months he can order for free of the kid's menu and help daddy with his ribeye or filet and maybe mommy's salmon. I also pre-ordered some branded RC toys for Z for a surprise for him.
 
Pre Game:
We will be taking the 3+ hours drive from San Antonio to the port area the day before and staying that a quirky looking hotel adjacent to the two cruise terminals aka terminal one and terminal two... The Harbor House at pier 21.  https://www.harborhousepier21.com/. Granted this hotel is owned by Wyndam and the Mrs. likes to do 'local' things, yet this hotel appears to have a mom and pop charm to it. we will walk the two blocks the next day to the terminal. 
We are big 80's rock fans (8 Monster of Rock cruises under our belts) so we will be stopping at the Hard Rock Café in Houston (Right off the interstate) for lunch, on the way, to break up the ride for the little guy and hit a one off restaurant called Shark Shack (unless I get vetoed) for dinner. Side note...Landry's OWNS the food and Beverage industry in Galveston. (Landry's Rainforest Café, Cadillac Bar, Fish Tales, Kemah Pier, Bubba Gump even SaltGrass) we want to eat local fare and enjoy fresh local seafood, and we want to avoid that Landry's chain food...be aware. We will be parking overnight at the onsite parking for the one night fee and leaving the car at the Harbor House's sister hotel, the Galvez Hotel, for free parking during our cruise. I will take the car there day of and they have a free shuttle to take me back to the terminal. I will go solo to retrieve the car upon return.
I have been studying the port and the surround area for months. I go to Google maps and tour the streets and read reviews (with a grain of salt) to lay out my plan of attack of Galveston.
I will be Periscoping our trip the day before and up to sail away day of. I typically put the phone away and do not get the internet package...1. because I'm cheat and 2. I like the disconnect aspect of cruising. I an MOTELYBRUE on periscope.
the link below is a PowerPoint of the master Plan for the harbor area. You will see the plans for the new terminal 3 at Pier 10. Notice the ship that is placed in the rendering is an OASIS CLASS SHIP!!!!! Looks like the Texas market is growing!!
https://www.portofgalveston.com/DocumentCenter/View/2607/Strategic-Master-Plan-Preliminary-Draft-Presentation-Website
Notice upper right Oasis Class!!

 
This is how close the Harbor House is from the Whale Tail Cruise terminal... RCCL is one block behind.

Strategic-Master-Plan-Preliminary-Draft-Presentation-Website.pdf
The Landry's family of restaurants