steverk

Keep in mind there have been supply issues and my blocks weren't available on the cruise and were shipped to my house. I did check with the loyalty ambassador while on the ship to make the arrangements.

Voyager and Freedom are similar. Same layout a decor. Freedom is just a larger version. The difference is most noticeable at the kind pool and Royal Promenade.

Same with major construction delays on I45. But they do happen, so it is wise to build in extra time just in case

That's great! You'll find several good hotels near the space center and I think you'll enjoy yourself.

A lot has been written on the All Things Galveston thread, so I'll just hit some of the highlights. Houston has 2 airports. Hobby (HOU) is closer than Bush (IAH). Both have decent hotels nearby, but you don't want to walk around after dark in either neighborhood. There are several hotels on Galveston Island itself. However, they can be pricey. A lot of people stay in the Webster/League City area as the hotels are cheaper and the neighborhoods are good. Downsides are that you'll have to do an UBER or Lyft to the hotel and again to the port. A few people will stay near NASA or the Kemah Boardwalk. There's more to do within walking distance in Kemah, but you'll have to UBER/Lyft to these hotels as well.

I use VISA and MasterCard and didn't have any issues. St. Thomas is part of the United States, so I'd be surprised if you have any issues there.

It was earlier than 2020. 2018 maybe? I don't remember the exact year.

As others have mentioned, 11am for Hobby should be doable, but dicey. I once watched as Liberty docked at 10am due to a medical emergency delay. Also, they are doing extensive road work on I45 between Galveston and Hobby airport. Occasionally, this means I45 can be completely shut down for a weekend. I'd choose a later flight and watch Houston media for road closure information. abc13.com is pretty good about publishing major road closures.

I've had stuff like this confiscated. I've had it sail right through. You just never know. I carry multiples and divide it among my checked and carry on. Usually all of them make it to my cabin, but sometimes one (usually carry on, but not always) will be confiscated.

Ultra spacious ocean view will sleep 5, but I'd advise 2 or 3 adjoining or at least close rooms instead

I think a Freedom or Voyager class would be a great choice. The smaller ships are still great, and usually offer more interesting itineraries. The bigger ships are destinations by themselves, but have limited itineraries. You can't go wrong on any of Royal ship, but Freedom and Voyager class are in the sweet spot between them. On the best itinerary, I'd choose a departure port that's a reasonable drive from your house. If that's not practical, then choose a 7 night that goes to Coco Cay.

I stayed at the embassy suites and liked it. There I'd a free trolley to the cruise port just outside the front door.

Lol. Yesterday was the first time I was on an excursion that was over am hour late! No hecklers though. It was a tender port. Karma is a real thing.

If you want to know where captain Marek is right now...

Personally, this is one of the things I agree with Carnival on. Banning these speakers outright would be a step in the right direction.

Captain Merrick is amazing and currently on Radiance. However, this is his last sailing before his break. I'm not sure what his next assignment will be. But you can follow him on Facebook and message him directly.

So I'm on a ship and have to admit to getting a fiendish pleasure heckling the pier runners. Of course the crew can't participate, but I get the impression they enjoy it too. However, it also feels rude. Any thoughts?

I was going through the Panama Canal and my neighbor had very loud music playing. Fortunately, it didn't last long. Idk if Royal stopped them or if they just decided to watch the canal from some other place.

Simple. I like my music so every other person must love it too! What that doesn't include you? Must be something wrong with you! <tongue firmly in my cheek >

I guess I look at the price increases a little differently. Yes, prices are going up. No doubt about it. I don't like it, but what's the alternative? I'm not willing to stay home and sit in a rocking chair. Land based vacations are also on the rise and don't seem much cheaper. RV life is unaffordable now. Therefore, I plan to grin and bear it. Perhaps I'll choose a cheaper room or ship. Or maybe a cheaper itinerary. But I'll still go.

I agree completely. I've noticed for several years the dramatic price difference between early and late August in Galveston. Given the limited itineraries out of Galveston and the distance to the airport, I've never thought Galveston was attractive as anything more than a drive to port. That said I'm always surprised by the number of people that do fly there for a cruise.

My 29 year old daughter is uncomfortable in th DL too. She's never experienced treatment that bad, but people stare and whisper. Ironically, she's D+ and earned all the points herself. That's probably more than the jerk earned! Btw, I don't like non diamond members in the lounge either. My course of action is to make sure the door closes behind me. If someone makes it in, I assume they belong.

No telling. Royal usually makes port as scheduled, but anything from weather and political instability to operational issues at the port can cause a port to be missed.

The amtrak thruway bus stops in downtown Houston. I dropped someone off there just a couple weeks ago and was surprised to see it actually continues to Galveston railway museum. This is across the street from the old terminal and about a mile from the current one.

I've done Alaska 3 times. Twice interior and once on a balcony. There's no denying that a balcony is better. However, it is frequently 2-3 times the price. I'd rather do 2 or 3 cruises on an interior than one in a balcony. In your case, it sounds like balcony isn't even an option. If that's true, then a cruise on an interior beats no cruise at all.