courtlynndear

I guess it would be the water park pass? 

Lived in Houston all of my life and even when sailing from Galveston, we come in the night before. Houston is so unpredictable. 

Highly suggest Fisherman's Wharf 

Only Disney and Royal Caribbean allow swim diapers and only some of the RC ships do. NO Carnival ships allow swim diapers as of this post. 

We went to Mr. Sanchos as a couple and noticed plenty of children. However this cruise we will be sailing with our son and we opted for Playa Mia because there are more activities for kids. They both are good options and about even out but if you had to compare the two, Playa Mia is more family friendly however again, Mr. Sanchos has plenty of kids there. 

RC has more to do for all ages but remember they're also going to be higher priced. Sometimes you gotta spend a little more to really get what you need and want from a vacation. That being said, look for deals and follow the line's social media and such for whatever line most interests you. RC often has kids sail free and that really helps the pocket book! 

On 5/3/2019 at 1:54 PM, Kaitebeck said:

So following up on this, is it any line that has a splash pad? We are going one Harmony of the Seas with RCCL and they have a splash pad but getting clarification if swim diapers are ok is difficult. 

Only certain ships allow swim diapers: https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=3254

On 6/17/2019 at 8:40 PM, ktcishot said:

Didn't think of that! Yikes, what to do with all that poop!?

I use these at home and on trips, in my diaper bag etc. They're affordable and work wonders.

https://www.target.com/p/munchkin-arm-hammer-72pk-diaper-bag-dispenser-refills/-/A-14232143?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Baby%2BShopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9027696&ds_rl=1242884&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgKv-wqGH4wIV9P_jBx1lXQcvEAQYBCABEgLn0vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Personally, we won't do inside cabins but especially with a little one who naps.. because we'd be in the cabin more often than if it were just us. I would base my decision off of the ports and if you have to tender, which has free close beaches (I wouldn't expect to spend money on many excursions because tots get tired so easily), etc.

I think RC is better for tots and Carnival is better for older kids. Per my reading/research.

As a wife, I would just about die from excitement if my husband planned this on his own. I say surprise her! Just make sure you have everything you need if she's a planner.. she's gonna wanna know you have it all handled lol.

Uber is the most financially friendly option to get from Houston to Galveston's port. I also recommend spending the night before in Galveston, as you never know what Houston traffic is going to do. 

I love Valor. Easy to navigate and we didn't get CHEERS, just had Crown sent to our cabin. Ship was small enough where we could go fill up our tumblers easily and have our bubbles package to top it off at the bar. The piano bar is a MUST! 

17 hours ago, jbethel11 said:

As I have heard, you get BOTH 100% refund and 100% future cruise credit. 

This is also my understanding. I'm sailing 9/28/19 so this is all over my Vista groups. 

😐 Doesn't seem very good 

Win slots? Slots are completely chance and luck.

We prepay gratuities and tip $5/day to our steward and give room service $2-5 depending on how much we order. That's about all the extra tipping we do. 

We went to Guy's.

They will mail a check 7-10 business days after you leave if the amount is above $10. Anything under $10 and not claimed when leaving the ship will be donated to St. Judes.

1 bottle of wine or champ per adult (750 ml each). They will check the size when you board so make sure it's not above that. Also, I brought my own wine cork on my carry on and there were no issues.

We took our travel mugs and got bottomless sodas. It was worth every penny. My husband would run to the room and fill up his cup with Crown Royal and ask the bar for a soda. They never had an issue filling up our mugs and we took them all over the ship and they stayed cold the whole time. Bubbles is definitely worth it imo.

Just got off Carnival Valor and Michael was hands down our favorite time on the ship.. we made sure to see him every night he played and we stayed there for hours. He is so hilarious and talented.

We did not like the people we sat with this cruise. Was pretty bummed because anytime we sat for breakfast, we enjoyed the people we sat with but dinner, no. I was wondering if you can request a change (I know now you can) or how they pick who you sit with or where. We just ignored them, though. They were honestly kind of gross and completely lacked basic table manners (I know were on a cruise but still). I’m 29 but my generation usually irritates me, honestly.. we would rather sit with older couples haha. I was also curious how seating is done. Very interesting.

The bus takes you into town maybe three blocks or so from the beach. There are some places to eat but you will want to head towards the beach to find the restaurants. We ate at Los Henequenes and it was pretty good. The waiters actually pull their patrons from the street, though.. which can be a little strange but it actually was a good meal and cheap of course in USD.

We went on the free shuttle which yes, is operated for free by a travel/excursion company. We got to the same place once in Progreso and he did the sales pitch but it took maybe five minutes. I really didn't find it a bother at all, honestly.