houstoncruisers2001

We spend months and months planning and waiting to cruise, then we go and the first thing some of us do is complain and pick apart the cruise……then we go and book another cruise and the cycle continues.

I remember back to our first cruise in 2001 on the Rhapsody of the Seas. We had the time of our lives. We saw an older couple complain, complain, complain about everything. At the Purser's Desk, in the MDR,

in the hallway, there they were, complaining. I can still picture them. I remember saying to my wife that I hope that we never get that jaded about cruising. Thank goodness I don't think we have.

Over the years is the service worse across the board? Yes. Are we being nickeled and dimed to death? Yes. Is the food sometimes not up to par? Yes. Unless you are super rich, which we aren't, these issues are not limited to cruise ships.

They happen at resorts, at local restaurants and in all walks of life.

We did a Promenade cabin a few years ago on a B2B. I personally don't think I'd ever book another one. I guess all the balconies I've had since have spoiled me.

From what I remember, no noise.

The layout of the cabin, especially the wardrobe area, and clothing storage is fantastic.

We were on the Aloha(not Caribe) Deck just last week and the storage area WAS fantastic. Of course, the balcony was dinky, but it sure looked hot in the full sun below us. Not many people out there.

Our bed was very comfy too. Our cabin was located near an elevator and noise was not a problem.

Thanks for your review.

Funny, but we were booked on the Navigator for the March 15th cruise but switched to the Emerald Princess out of Houston because the price was way lower. We spent the whole week kicking ourselves for switching.

We just sailed from Houston on 1/18/15 and it was the easiest embarkation and debarkation we have had on any of our 55 cruises.

We just got off yesterday and both coming and going was a breeze out of Houston. Heck, we were on the ship before noon and the cabin was even ready.

I prefer a top sheet over a duvet (too hot to sleep under.) So each cruise we have to ask for a light blanket and top sheet, both of which should be standard bedding.

My wife loves a top sheet and I can't stand them so we have trouble right off the bat.

Of course, she's wins, I lose.

Nice Corvette, 2009? Hard to enlarge the Avatar.

It was so dead when we went, the crew did not know about it!?

Thanks, actually it's a 2005, but it looks newer.

Yep, deadest sport bar that I've ever seen on a ship.

 

It will be interesting to see what RCL does next to compete with Carnival presence and their major commitment to Galveston.

Carnival has always had a bigger presence in Galveston than Royal Caribbean. It's basically a Carnival port with Carnival ships at both docks sometimes. If I'm not mistaken, Carnival controls both terminals. That's why a Carnival ship is always at Terminal 1 when Royal & Carnival are both in port.

Once you get off the ship anywhere you at their mercy whether you have a Sanctuary reservation or not.

I just don't know about this Sanctuary thing. Seems high priced to me. On Oasis of the Seas, the adult area was very nice, with a pool & hot tubs and there was no extra charge. On the MSC Divina, they charged for it but it was up a long flight of stairs and didn't seem all that special.

The opera wasn't in English.:rolleyes:

Their shows were pretty darn good. Even went to the opera show in the middle of a sea day and totally enjoyed it.

Sadly, there is no sports bar on Divina. There is, however, a great cigar bar with the current sports feeds.

I saw a sports bar, but it was totally dead. They had college football on mostly in October and some soccer too. No one ever used the bowling lane.

You couldn't pay me to go to mainland Honduras. I will, however pay a cruise line to take me to the island of Roatan, Honduras.

Two different worlds.

Well this puts a little damper on things a bit.

My BIL and sister cruise EVERY September for their anniversary. In the past

10 years I think they've got diverted once because of weather.

to your right along the palisades and see the small light house. Circle back to the flea market outside the port which has better prices for souvenirs than inside the port. Then head up to the swing bridge, cross over and continue left to Bird's Isle and enjoy a nice view , a Belikin brew and some local cuisine in a tropical setting.

I'd agree. If you have never been to Belize, I'd say get off the ship and wander around a bit. Not much to do is correct, but you don't have to stay long. The tenders come and go all the time.

I've done 11 of my 14 cruises out of Galveston and have been fogged out of port twice. When booking this time of year, the fog goes with the territory. It's not Galveston's fault, it's not Houston's fault, blame Mother Nature. I'm cruising this Sunday out of H-town and I'm expecting some fog, but hoping not enough fog to keep the ship from coming or going.

We almost missed a 2pm flight disembarking in Port Everglades once, not due to fog, but due to a Customs situation. Delays can happen anywhere, at anytime.

Someone complained about there being 2 sea days before you reach the first port of call. Well, I spit up my coffee. Personally, I wish there were more sea days…..both ways.

I feel for all you out of town cruisers that fly into Houston for a Galveston cruise. I drove a limo part time for 12 years and I heard about it every weekend as I drove cruisers to and from the cruise terminal in Galveston.

Sure hope it's open by this Sunday.

I thought the food prices were about par for the course.

It's also one of the best Margaritavilles that I have been to. LOVED the swim-up bar and huge pool. We had a blast.

We've done the port and stayed on the ship. Being anchored way off shore it's a peaceful day to be on the ship. If we tender in, my wife usually just looks around the shops and I stop and buy cheap Belikin beer at almost every vendor we pass.

Next week we're staying on the ship, though.

We've always enjoyed Paradise Beach, though the beach part can get crowded with a lot of ships in port. Nice pool area, but no swim-up bar. A bucket of beer and I'm a happy camper.

I agree with everyone, been on Oasis twice and it never felt crowded.

Next time, (if there is a next time) you should consider getting out of the man-made-for- tourists port area and see some of this lovely island. The downtown is really fun, the east side had GORGEOUS beaches and some really fun beach bars/restaurants. The locals are so friendly as well. Just a super easy place to tour around on your own.

 

I hope you go back someday and explore! :)

We done the beaches, San Miguel and have stayed in port. It's really a place where you can do all three easily.

I don't think I'll ever cruise for houston again.

Tis fog season in these parts. If you think Houston is bad, try Galveston. It's usually gridlock near the port when the ships are fogged out of port.

Hello there ~ We are staying at the Sleep Inn in Dania Beach. It's pretty reasonably priced and has shuttle service. Not the fanciest place and it has been a few years since we stayed there, but we are trying it again in April. Enjoy your cruise!

Stayed there twice. Not bad at all. Grocery store across the street too.