txjim09

Hi, I would recommend Tours by Locals, I have used them in the past and have a couple booked for our Princess Antarctic drive-by in January. Enter your cruise info on their home page and they will list multiple options for each port. I've found the guides to be pretty flexible so if there is one you like, but they don't mention airport drop-off, (or if they state the tour is for fewer people then you need,) e-mail them and they can likely adapt to your needs. I've asked for an increase in group size a couple times with great results.

Very simple plan for our group but have to mention the posts that served as a reference, diy-Iguazu. Very nice writeup, although I have to mention that the hotel referenced in the thread, the Grand Melia, was much cheaper in 2019 when the thread started. Planned on staying there ourselves in 2021 before the shutdowns with rooms in the $325 range. Crazy expensive now, pushing $700 for our February dates so altering plans accordingly. Our ship hits Buenos Aries on Feb 5 so we're going to arrange a ride to exchange currency at one of the unofficial exchange locations and drop larger bags off at the hotel we will use in BA upon our return. Then to AGP airport to take an Aerolineas Argentinsa flight to the airport on the Argentina side, IGR. We will spend 2 nights at the O2 Hotel Iguazú in Puerto Iguazú for 2 nights. Our trip falls during peak season and hotel selections were limited so book as soon as you can! Like you, we will DIY our tours, taking the local bus from the terminal close to our hotel to the park, more information here. We will check out on Wednesday morning for a late afternoon flight back to BA and spend the day on the Brazil side, likely booking transport through Iguazu Falls Travel as they offer a service that includes hotel pickup, luggage storage, border crossing and an afternoon drop-off at IGR. Back to BA that evening for our long-awaited steak dinner! If planning to home base on the Brazil side, you are still better off flying into IGR instead of IGU, the Brazil-side airport (assuming you are flying from Buenos Aries.) What are your plans?

Brazil resumes Visa requirements Not a lot of details here and nothing on the US State Department web site yet but this was announced 2 days ago. Probably won't change our Iguazu Falls plans but just one more expense.

Doing this in January, can you share your transfer company? Thanks!

If you don't already know about Great Circle Mapper, you will the next hour playing with it! http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=ord-ZRH

I can comment on the Ruby - 4 heated recliners, 1 aroma-therapy steam room, one hot steam room, one cooler sauna and two misting showers (forgot their names/functions, sorry!) Also includes a regular shower like you would find in the locker rooms. Was located in a nice, seperate area. Aroma therapy was pretty weak but we enjoyed access. The Ruby had a free sauna and steam room with showers and lockers that did not function (was told someone lost the master key!) and, in retrospect, would probably skip the Thermal Suite knowing sauna/steam was available. Had to purchase the entire week, $200 for the 10-day cruise. Took a tour of the Royal Caribbean Allure suite and had no interest whatsoever. 2-3 heated recliners located on a well-trafficked hallway and questionable steam/sauna access.

2400? My, weren't you the special one! I had a 300 baud acoustic coupler! In the snow! Uphill!

Same with me, pleasantly surprised

If you did not read the info, why do you feel compelled to strongly imply that I posted false information?

Does it contradict any official information?

Another link that explains the process for US citizens pretty clearly https://etias.com/etias-requirements/etias-for-american-citizens

100% agree!!

It really depends on what the CD has planned. Our last Ruby cruise in January had very little poolside activities other than New Years Eve but entertainment was pretty anemic throughout the voyage. Back up a year, same ship and CD and they would have sailaway music and bands on various days and more energetic music throughout. Generally speaking, there are plenty of places outside to relax if that's what you're looking for and on many voyages plenty of outdoor live entertainment. Just depends.....

On our January cruise, I don't recall it being used in the evenings much, certainly no late night events.

That only lasted until we were out of territorial waters. Was able to enjoy wine with dinner as part of the package (This was on the NYE cruise)

Princess provides shuttles to both Hobby and Bush, I've seen the departure times on our January Ruby cruise. Hobby is closest and avoids any issue with Houston downtown traffic.

I'd recommend adding some of the more interesting state parks to your trip. Palmetto state park is reasonably close (by Texas standards!) Goliad is a little out of the way but is an interesting part of Texas history. The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is reasonably close to the space center on the east side of Houston and well worth the visit. The Battleship Texas is normally nearby but is visible in a shipyard in Galveston undergoing restoration. If in the area, Lockhart is ground zero for Texas BBQ and worth a stop unless you are south of Austin, in which case the original Salt Lick is a great place for good BBQ and great atmosphere. If you're going through Freeport, Brenham is a reasonable stopping point.

I'd also look at Android Auto (or equiv) with the Avoid Tolls option enabled, it will warn you of any issues and route you through the most efficient free route. We were rerouted once in January after a rainstorm resulted in flooded roadways.

The pros who share their thoughts on these boards (and many thanks for that!) lament the loss of formal muster drills as they help train the crew as much as they do the passengers. I can certainly see how this is a benefit but, to me, the dislike of the old muster drill system was the fact that the wait time for the last few passengers was problematic. I remember a Royal Caribbean trip out of San Juan, shoulder-to-shoulder on deck by our assigned lifeboat for 45 minutes in the heat and humidity. It would have been tolerable if the no-shows were delt with differently and the wait time reduced. Frankly, my attention span was greatly dismissed by the time they got started and they could have been reciting poetry for all I cared. Yes, I know, it's important and I should be paying attention, but I'm human and if a system does not take this into account then it's a flawed system. The Princess system of meeting in a designated inside area was more tolerable and likely more realistic as, per the pros on this board, a muster is more likely needed to account for passengers than getting ready to board lifeboats. It still tested the attention span, however, after the 20th announcement looking for the final passengers. Reverting back to the former system won't cause me to change any plans but, if it results in long waits in the hot sun, it won't properly accomplish it's objective.

Parked in the uncovered North lot in January. Was halfway to Houston before others found their shuttle bus.

Rooms are not available until 1:00, this was strictly enforced on our January Allure trip. We had an early arrival time and were asked about it when we arrived at the terminal but no verification. The ship was pretty full by 2 and I would not worry about showing up an hour or so early. You will be able to go straight to your room and there are still many food options. The buffet will be mobbed anytime after 11 but try alternates such as the Solarium Bistro.

I would not say little or no but I would say very manageable. And pickup crowding is pretty well controlled by the security staff. Follow the signs, it appears that you have to drive through the Carnival pickup area but there is a back route that bypasses that terminal and takes you to the Princess pickup area (keep an eye out for the turnoff to the Princess area or you'll end having to circle around again!!!!)

We've had 4 adults +luggage for a 15 night cruise out of SFO in a Lyft XL without issue. A bit more expensive than a standard ride but cheaper than an Uber black (or Lyft equiv). The walk to the shared ride pickup area was no different than walking to your parked car from an airport terminal.

On the Allure last month, 90% of mixed drinks were $14

If you just pay the deposit onboard to book after your cruise, just be aware that the phone number they give you to call to book the next cruise on your acknowledgement email is invalid. I understand it would have been your travel agent's number if used but if you booked direct, the phone # would have a bogus 999 area code with no other explanation. And you can't book the next cruise online. Call the regular Royal phone # to book or give your TA the booking # provided.