Galveston Steve

Great question and topic. In addition to your info, I've seen the propeller icon on the Chief Engineer's epaulet.

I always submit the Shareholder Benefit request and let them say yes or no to my request. For 12 cruises since I purchased stock I have received the benefit on 6 cruises with a total OBC benefit of $500 on those 6 cruises. It will be interesting to see how the new program works out. Here's the link to the new Shareholder Benefit program page.

I have ordered the Bon Voyage decorations for one cruise and the Birthday decorations/cake on another cruise. The description said they would be in the cabin on Day 1. That didn't happen either time. I had to go to guest services, explain things, show them my email confirmation, wait while they made numerous phone calls to other departments, etc. Both times they did finally deliver decorations to the room, but both times they were still incorrect. In one case they delivered the wrong decoration package, even after detailed discussion with Guest Services. The other time they failed to deliver all of the amenities. Royal usually makes things right, but these were frustrating experiences, especially when I was trying to surprise my spouse. Both times Royal ruined the surprise aspect and I ended up paying for stuff that I didn't get. That's just my experience but I'm done with ordering any more decorations through Royal. I'd suggest doing it yourself, as others suggested above.

Yes, it would be easy to get an Uber to take you from the NASA area to Galveston. I have enjoyed staying at the Tremont House hotel in Galveston. It's walkable to the port, just a few blocks away. Another option that is even closer is the Harbor House hotel. I've not stayed there but I hear it is a nice place to stay. There are a lot of island hotels that have shuttles. I do know that on the beach there is a Hilton and the Hotel Galvez that both have shuttles. The Galvez and the Tremont House are both Wyndham properties and share shuttle service that takes you between the hotels, the Strand Historic Area, and to the port.

Yes, the original post is updated as warranted. You can always see the date that the post was updated at the bottom of that original post.

The original post in this thread has lodging suggestions. Also, some folks prefer to stay in the Webster or League City area because it's cheaper, but I like to enjoy the island for a day or two prior to the cruise and wake up near the port so there are no stresses with getting to the ship.

You've already received a lot of great advice above. However I do have a post here that I try to keep updated regarding Galveston. For accuracy sake, it's muddy water from the Brazos River (not the Mississippi) that makes the Galveston beaches less attractive most of the year. Since you are going on a Caribbean cruise you will see nicer beaches on your cruise for sure, so the NASA option sounds perfect for you and your son. Enjoy!

I love the Bahamas itineraries departing from over here on the Gulf coast, especially getting to CocoCay. Beats the repetitive port options from Galveston.

Yes, no problem doing this. The corkage fee only applies if the staff opens the bottle for you in a restaurant. If you pour it in the cabin then carry your glass around the ship it's no problem at all.

I posted the 5-night Enchantment from May 31 on Matt's archive.

I always submit the forms for the Shareholder Benefit and let them tell me yes or no. I'm batting 50% since buying RCL stock even though I expected them to say no most of the time. But this graphic shows why I really bought the stock (past performance is no guarantee of future results).

What should happen is that the loyalty pins will be placed in your stateroom during the first few days of the cruise following the cruise on which you achieve the next status level. So if you reach Platinum on the current cruise, you should receive the pins on your next cruise. This usually happens like clockwork, but on our last cruise we reached Diamond+. When we didn't receive the pins by Day 6 I went to the Loyalty Ambassador and he said I wasn't on the list. He checked his computer to verify our status, and then slipped away to get the pins and gave them to me on the spot.

In addition to the snack (currently fresh-baked cookies) you will also receive a few bottles of water (2/person I believe), your choice of juice or a canned soft drink, Emerald C&A pins, and an increased Balcony/Suite discount. Call the C&A phone number to select your drink choice. I agree it’s not a large increase in benefits at the Emerald level, but it’s nice to be recognized.

If you stay at the Tremont Hotel, they are affiliated with the Galvez and they use the Galvez parking garage and shuttle for cruise parking. Call the Tremont to confirm availability for your dates.

Highly recommended! Put your bags outside your cabin on the last night. The next time you see them is at your destination on the baggage carousel. Sooooooo worth it!

I've received the Shareholder Benefit 55% of the time since I purchased RCL in 2016. I think that is because I often have OBC from my travel agent that exceeds my C&A discount. They have to waive the C&A discount since it doesn't combine with the Travel Agent OBC program. The Shareholder Benefit is combinable with some of the BOGO and other sales, but it is not combinable with the C&A Discount. Since I often don't use the C&A Discount I think that's why it often works for me. Of course the stock dividends and price appreciation far outweigh the Shareholder Benefit. It's just a fun little bonus when they say "yes". I'll let the stock price performance data of the cruise line stocks speak for itself. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL, S&P 500

Where a port requires photo ID, adults will need a government issued ID (i.e. drivers license). Minors under 18 do not need a photo ID and are not allowed off the ship unless accompanied by an adult. A photocopy of your passport will not serve as ID to get back into the port, but may help you get a replacement passport if needed.

Canned soft drinks on a recent USA cruise were $3.50 + 18% gratuity.

They will clean in the morning while you are out to breakfast or out doing other activities. Port days they tend to come earlier, sea days (when people sleep in) they tend to come later in the morning. In the evening they come while you are at dinner. Help them out by using the magnetic "do not disturb" / "we're out" sign. Use the deadbolt and "do not disturb" sign when in the room to prevent them from entering. They will stop by to introduce themselves to you on Day 1, and you can let them know any special requests at that time. Just let them know and they will be glad to work with you!

Ultimately it is the passenger who pays for all of the costs associated with the cruise and the terminal facilities... one way or the other.

TERMINAL 3 UPDATE: Here is an update on the Galveston Terminal 3 project. This was posted in the Galveston daily News today. Royal Caribbean and the Port of Galveston signed a memorandum of understanding in December. The port of Galveston trustees approved the deal in January. However, a final lease agreement has not been signed due to unspecified leadership changes at Royal Caribbean. A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirms that nothing has changed with their intentions to construct a new, state-of-the-art, cruise terminal in Galveston, and plans are continuing to move forward. Royal Caribbean has already sent survey crews and divers to inspect the condition of the new terminal site. The Port Board of Trustees unanimously approved the spending of $300,000 to begin engineering work to collect physical data of the site, and for pavement work at another location to allow relocating of facilities from the Terminal 3 site to a new location. This move expresses confidence by the Port of Galveston that the deal will be finalized soon. Passenger fees were increased from $8.30 to $15 per passenger on January 1 of this year. That has generated over $500,000 in new income for the port so far this year. That will help fund the Port’s cost for the new work going into Terminal 3.

TERMINAL 3 UPDATE: Here is an update on the Galveston Terminal 3 project. This was posted in the Galveston daily News today. Royal Caribbean and the Port of Galveston signed a memorandum of understanding in December. The port of Galveston trustees approved the deal in January. However, a final lease agreement has not been signed due to unspecified leadership changes at Royal Caribbean. A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirms that nothing has changed with their intentions to construct a new, state-of-the-art, cruise terminal in Galveston, and plans are continuing to move forward. Royal Caribbean has already sent survey crews and divers to inspect the condition of the new terminal site. The Port Board of Trustees unanimously approved the spending of $300,000 to begin engineering work to collect physical data of the site, and for pavement work at another location to allow relocating of facilities from the Terminal 3 site to a new location. This move expresses confidence by the Port of Galveston that the deal will be finalized soon. Passenger fees were increased from $8.30 to $15 per passenger on January 1 of this year. That has generated over $500,000 in new income for the port so far this year. That will help fund the Port’s cost for the new work going into Terminal 3.

Spring Break will be spread across the three weeks prior to your arrival for Texas schools and colleges, so that should not impact you. I always encourage folks to stay on the island and enjoy the local restaurants and nightlife. However you might save some hotel cost if you stay near the airport if that cost difference is important to you.

The deal was approved by the Galveston Wharves Board earlier this year, so it's a definite go. Expected to open in the fall of 2021.