LaurafromATX

1. Learn from Cruise Critic. It is about 90% accurate (10% accounts for personal preference and personal experience)

2. Follow rule #1.

3. Do not ignore the warnings about the chaos on disembarkation on Galveston port. I ignored the end part of my cruise and didn't plan. Thankfully, I remembered one advise I read - get on the porter line immediately which I did. When I was in line, I asked the people in front of me what to do, now that I was in the porter line.

My thanks to all who contribute to this website. I enjoyed my first cruise immensely: FAMILY PANORAMIC has amazing floor-to-ceiling, Wall-to-wall glass windows. Storage space is abundant. 2 TV monitors, an extra half-bath, separate sitting area gave the 3 of us plenty of room (400 sq ft cabin accommodates 6). We used the separate sleeping quarter as dressing room and storage to keep our living space tidy. I am a very light sleeper and found this location VERY quiet. It is isolated from lights and sounds of public spaces, yet has convenient access to the upper forward decks, Solarium, spa, gym and Windjammer. Movement is noticeable but just a reminder that I was on a cruise; the soothing motion helped with sleep. It didn't make us sick. We loved viewing the open sea and the islands as we approached land, in the privacy of our room. Cruising on non-peak season perhaps allowed us 3 to book this cabin for 6.

FOOD was hit or miss in the MDR but the wait staff compensates with multiple dessert/appetizer offerings if we didn't eat the main entrée. We would eat again at the buffet (more tasty choices) when this happened.

Service from the crew was excellent. I found the Ice Show as the only worthy entertainment. I enjoyed the Flow Rider (first time on a boogie board).

I would totally cruise again (and again) but I'm afraid that having a family panoramic suite as my first stateroom has spoiled me. I will have to be diligent in booking my next cruise.

Hello veteran cruisers! May I ask for your advice and comments about the commute to Galveston including exactly where to be dropped off once in Galveston. We are leaving Austin early morning (with an elderly) and will be dropped off (no parking needed). What should we expect for pick up on disembarkation? Is the drop off the same place as the pick up location? How bad is the traffic on Sundays to Houston and into Galveston? Thank you for your time.

Thank you all for your responses.

Hello, may I know if there are designated parking areas for wheelchairs in public places on board the ship? What if a passenger needs the device only for long walks (e.g. from the theater to the MDR? Thank you for your replies and comments.

Booked the inside cabin for a solo, a few doors from the much talked about corner aft balcony on deck 7. Grand total is $20 cheaper than a superior balcony for 4. This grand total comes with 2 baths, 4 beds, huge deck (too big to call it a balcony ), love seat sofa and 2 sets of closet space. I think your protégé did well, thanks to all my advisors :D

I have my pawns in position but was not willing to make a move until I hear from my advisors. That would be all of you. I am truly grateful.

Dear experienced cruisers,

I'm booked on an E1 for 3 family members in a cabin location I really like. A 4th member wishes to come but cannot commit this early. Is it okay to book a nearby inside cabin just for him, and then later on move the 3rd passenger fr the E1 to the inside cabin with him? All changes outside final payment? It's more comfortable to sleep in a proper bed than a Pullman for the 3rd passenger. And its cheaper. Thank you so much for your help.

It is not criminal, not illegal, not unethical, not unacceptable to wear perfume. However, it is a serious medical issue for some. They cannot help it. As mentioned in my previous post , most of those sufferers just walk away. We will never know when our turn is, to be sick.

...and some migraine sufferers get their headaches triggered by some scent. I know some people enjoy wearing scents; while some get distressed by them. But we all live in one planet (or cruisin' on the same ship) so just hold your breath and walk away....literally

So fellow cruisers, if someone suddenly walks away without apparent reason, don't get offended. It may just be your perfume. And they just need to breathe.

From the comfort of your own bed when the sun rises :) - when you book a panoramic category.