wordell1

Shrimp cocktail

This - A lot of people stay on the ship because they already have a drink package or diamond drinks vs paying outrageous prices for a beach day.  I was hoping that Royal was going to provide a reasonable option but i guess that was wishful thinking.  At this point, I'll stay on the ship if I must stop at Nassau.

This - A lot of people stay on the ship because they already have a drink package or diamond drinks vs paying outrageous prices for a beach day.  I was hoping that Royal was going to provide a reasonable option but i guess that was wishful thinking.  At this point, I'll stay on the ship if I must stop at Nassau.

This - A lot of people stay on the ship because they already have a drink package or diamond drinks vs paying outrageous prices for a beach day.  I was hoping that Royal was going to provide a reasonable option but i guess that was wishful thinking.  At this point, I'll stay on the ship if I must stop at Nassau.

Yes

I really hope people won't pay these prices.  Totally out of line with private beach club prices.

I really hope people won't pay these prices.  Totally out of line with private beach club prices.

I booked a private tour through a company called Rome in Limo - Rome In Limo.  We did a tour of Ostia Antica, St Paul Outside the Walls, the Appian Way and The Catacombs.  All of those are a little outside of Rome so harder to do from the city.

I booked a private tour through a company called Rome in Limo - Rome In Limo.  We did a tour of Ostia Antica, St Paul Outside the Walls, the Appian Way and The Catacombs.  All of those are a little outside of Rome so harder to do from the city.

You can use a Diamond voucher for a pitcher of beer in Playmakers, you just pay the $4 difference between max value ($14) and cost of the pitcher, $18. 
The pitcher holds 5 12oz glasses of beer. 
You can also get hard cider for the same cost, if you are so inclined. 
 
 

I booked a private tour through a company called Rome in Limo - Rome In Limo.  We did a tour of Ostia Antica, St Paul Outside the Walls, the Appian Way and The Catacombs.  All of those are a little outside of Rome so harder to do from the city.

Congratulations!  Diamond drinks are a game changer for your cruising experience!
One thing to note is that the waiters/bartenders will typically default to using them even if you do not ask.  If you do not want them to use it, you need to make it clear when you order.  

Something I just found out on my last cruise.  You can use your Diamond drinks for Milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.  

Congratulations!  Diamond drinks are a game changer for your cruising experience!
One thing to note is that the waiters/bartenders will typically default to using them even if you do not ask.  If you do not want them to use it, you need to make it clear when you order.  

What ship?  Oasis and newer are typically 11-11 but the older ships are 5-8.

For anyone thinking of flying into Houston, this is the way to do it.  I would add that if you are looking for seaside dining like you would get staying in Galveston, Kemah is very close to Webster and has that.

I doubt it.  It's not near a major airline hub and is still 4 to 5 hour drive from Atlanta.

This is very exciting for all of us Galveston cruisers.  I'm most excited about the adult only area - I wish they would add a lazy river there so that it would be truly relaxing.

This is very exciting for all of us Galveston cruisers.  I'm most excited about the adult only area - I wish they would add a lazy river there so that it would be truly relaxing.

This is very exciting for all of us Galveston cruisers.  I'm most excited about the adult only area - I wish they would add a lazy river there so that it would be truly relaxing.

The Port – Galveston, TX
We loved the Galveston port — it’s new, clean, and made embarkation and disembarkation super easy.
One thing to know: it’s far from both major airports (HOU and IAH). We flew into HOU, which is closer, about an hour drive to the port vs. 1.5 hours from IAH.
Instead of staying overnight in Galveston (which we didn’t find that interesting to us), we stayed halfway in Webster, near the Space Center. We flew in a day early, picked up a rental car, had an awesome lunch at Killen’s BBQ, and visited Space Center Houston (highly recommend the Mission Control tour!). We stayed at a Holiday Inn Express for about $70 ... much cheaper than the $200-400 Galveston hotels. Plus, there’s a Target and Costco nearby for last-minute shopping or grabbing a nice bottle of wine for the ship.
The next morning, we dropped off the rental car further south along I-45 and Lyfted to the port, easy and smooth.
Heads-up: HOU’s rental car was terrible — we spent almost two hours getting our car. Next time, I’d just use Uber/Lyft or pick up a rental from a less busy location.

I need to post those while I still remember some details 😅
 
Event Dining

We loved the event dining experiences. We booked Sip, Tour, Brunch and Taste of Royal, both were worth it!
I especially loved Taste of Royal, which was held at lunch on Day 7. It featured special courses from several specialty restaurants. The highlight was the filet mignon from Chops Grille — we didn’t book Chops separately since we’re not big steak eaters, but the filet was fantastic. Not the best I’ve ever had, but for something prepared at sea, easily a 10/10. Also, the portion size was a little smaller, which was perfect after a week of non-stop eating. I think we paid under $40 per person, and it included a cocktail (usually $14), so it was great value.
We also booked Sip, Tour, Brunch while onboard, it was on sale at 40% off probably because it didn’t sell out. The food was mediocre, but touring the galley was a really cool experience. Tip: During the galley tour, the food you see being prepped is what you’ll be served 🤣 so pay attention and order wisely!
Another reason we loved event dining: they’re held at lunch, so you get to enjoy these unique experiences without missing any main dining room dinners.
We considered the Chef’s Table, but skipped it after learning it’s a shared table and could last 2–3 hours. Maybe next time!

This is very exciting for all of us Galveston cruisers.  I'm most excited about the adult only area - I wish they would add a lazy river there so that it would be truly relaxing.

I would say 60 to 90 minutes would be more normal.  If you want to go faster you could just ell the waiter.

You should book the cabin that fits your situation and budget, which you have already done.  Royal Up is a bonus, and can get you an upgrade at a good price - don't bid more than you are prepared to pay.  You most likely won't win anyway so don't drive yourself crazy thinking about it.