Momof4crazytocruise

Opted out of the drink package this go around - but thinking about ordering the buckets of beer/hard seltzer for around the pool - does anyone have recommendations on some sort of cover to keep carbonation in since they're opening them all now? Looking at something like these for cans: Or these for bottles: What do you all suggest? I just don't see the 2 of us being able to drink them all before they go flat.

I have 2 open cruises with Michelle and haven't gotten an email either - congratulations on retirement. She will be missed!

You hardly notice. Once you pass into international waters (about 1-2 hours after leaving port) they swap in all the other bottles and it's open season. They will offer a limited menu of cocktails and beers/wines until that point, but honestly, it really isn't a big deal. I much prefer that to Carnival, who lie to you say and say they 'can't' serve on a drink package until the next day. My theory is that Carnival makes a TON of money on that first day when every one is riding the vacay-adrenaline and drinking to celebrate, so they maximize charging by the drink on night one.

The Casino. I want no part of that smokey hell hole .

Mine worked in PR, but when I called they said I needed to add the $10/day international plan, and that it would kick in when my phone hit the towers there. However, I was never charged, so I think the rep either didn't know PR was a US territory, or had incorrect information. My Verizon unlimited plan covered Mexico and Canada as well with no extra charges.

I pre-ordered foreign currency from my bank fairly easily. I did it online and they FedEx'd me the cash free of charge. It was really nice to set foot on the ground with some pocket money already in my pocket and not to be stressed about finding an ATM. The exchange rate was about as good as it gets as well. The only down side is that I had to order a minimum of $200 USD worth - but we easily blew threw that quickly.

When I was on Indy 2 years ago there was a charge for Fish n Ships. On Ovation last month, there was not. Not sure if it's ship specific or an overall change.

It was very easy to do when I called. Only took a few minutes.

I found that even though I told them not to use a voucher for things like orange juice, they sometimes still did. So make sure you are super clear (even though I am fairly certain I was clear) what you want.

The best I have EVER paid was the $18 intern special However, I paid $43/day 2 years ago on Liberty and Independence last year. I paid $54/day last January on Voyager - and I caught those in a very small window of time - within a few hours it was back up to around $64 as the next best price. For my upcoming Ovation cruise, the best I have seen is $59/day, but it's currently been sitting around $63/day. We elected to not get the package for the first time ever on that cruise because of the port intensive Alaskan itinerary and our new Diamond status vouchers + onboard credit would cover us well enough. Probably wouldn't do that for a Caribbean cruise though. For my upcoming January Mariner cruise, the lowest I have seen is $73/day.

The Galveston Children's museum is really great for young kids. https://galvestoncm.org/. Moody Gardens is super pricey, but the Aquarium there is pretty good.

well, we're definitely going to look into this for our party of 6!

I could be wrong, but I think GS only give breakfast in Chops, lunch isn't included in any of the specialty restaurants unless you have unlimited dining plan. We've sailed in GS on both ships recently and lunch was not an option, and Chops was the only breakfast option. I would double check if that is factoring in to your decision.

If we don't want to rent a car - is there a shuttle to take us there if we don't purchase from the ship excursion? Is taxi (or car rental) the only option?

I recommend making a stop at the Adventure Ocean right as one of your first stops once you get on board to get signed up and all the paper work done. It get's it out of the way and guarantees your kids will get a slot.