Barsnikel

We drive from DFW to Galveston all the time. Plenty of hotels for pre-cruise in Galveston itslef, but it sounds like you would be getting there pretty late.

One option is to stay on the South side of Houston. That way you'll avoid traffic going through downtown, which can be very bad. There are plenty of inexpensive hotels in the Webster / League City area, right off I-45. Then it's only a 45 min drive to the port. But you'd still be getting in to your hotel pretty late.

There's hotel in Buffalo, Texas as well as Fairfield, Texas. That's about half way between DFW and Houston, and right off I-45.

Whatever you do, be certain to stop at Bucee's in Madisonville. It's right off I-45. Great place to take a little break and bathroom stop.

I would suggest you advise Carnival for "special needs". At the very least, when the safety briefing takes place, he woun't have to try to go up (and back down) those stairs without assistance.

Ok, this post is a little dated... but I'll respond anyway. As I recall, there is a sign, and you should be able to get pictures of it. The issue is that the sign I am thinking of (the only one I recall seeing) is in front of the guard building into the port proper. Would they allow you to stand in front of it? Don't know. Have never seen anyone try.

We've stayed in that area pre-cruise. It's an easy drive down I-45 to Galveston (about 45 min). There are lots of hotels in the NASA area, many right off I-45, and many moderately priced. We typically pay $70-$100, depending upon location and grade of hotel.

Our choice may not work for your circumstances, but since we have a 9-10 hour drive to Galveston we have been traveling the the day before and staying in the Woodlands/Spring area. It does leave a longer drive to the port, but we feel like we are better rested for the last leg of the drive.

We do the same, but always stay on the OTHER side of Houston (the south side). Avoids the Houston morning rush hour traffic... even on weekends, trying to get through Houston can be a challenge :)

With Anytime dinning, you can ask for a table for 2. You may have to wait a few moments until a table is available, but we've never had to wait more than few minutes. Also, if you find a wait staff you like, you can request being seated in their area. We've done that many times.

Drinks run along the same price line as what you would pay at a local up-scale bar... Bloody Mary runs about $8-$12 (varies depending upon the brand of vodka you choose).. but they charge a lot for those "special" drinks that come in a large souvenir coconut (or whatever).. The drink is the same,, and you get to keep the coconut, but you'll pay an extra $10 or so...

Booked the Hampton Inna few weeks ago for my upcoming January cruise :)

I suggest you get the passport book. Yes, it does cost money. But it is good for 10 years, and can serve in many ways as official government issued identification. And, as others have pointed out, it is a CYA in case of problems. In a number of ports, Customs and Immigration has a special line for US issued passports, and it moves much quicker than those using birth certificates and other forms of identification.

To me, I just think everyone should have a passport. It can makes things so much easier.

Chank Park is a great option, and so is Paradise Beach. Both are easy to do yourself... a quick cab ride, both are safe. Chank Park has an entry fee (approx $18/person) but it is a well managed area, and also has some interesting garden walk areas. Paradise Beach has a $3 entry fee... below is an e-mail I just received from Paradise Beach, to verify the options since my last visit....

==========

Greetings from sunny Cozumel, Mexico and the best beach club on the island PARADISE BEACH!! There is no need to make a reservation! However, please keep in mind that it is always best to arrive early so you have a better selection of lounge chairs, as they are available on a first come first serve basis. So just hop in a taxi cab and say, "Take me to PARADISE beach!" It is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from town and runs about US$16 each way for up to four people.

I realize you already know a little bit about our beach club, but here is some more information that may also be helpful. Paradise Beach offers something for everyone, whether you are wanting to have some fun in the sun or just take a break in the shade…we have a little bit of it all. We have one of Cozumel’s largest swimming pools, two separate bars, a shaded hammock area, changing rooms at both the beach and the pool, super clean restrooms and three boutiques for your vacation shopping needs. This is all in addition to what everyone has always known and loved – THE BEACH.

For the use of our facilities (including the rental of lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, use of the pool, and free Wi-Fi Internet) we only charge $3 usd per person. We do however kindly request that you spend a minimum of $10 on food and/or drink consumption from one of our bars or restaurants on the beach or at the pool. We have two full bars with daily drink specials, including the famous tropical drinks served inside a whole coconut or pineapple (available with or without alcohol.) Plus our waiters offer full menu service on the beach and around the pool area, so you don’t even have to get out of your lounge chair to order food or a cold beverage. You can check out our menu on our web-site at www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com

We also have an optional FUN-PASS available that is NOT just for kids....but also for the kids at heart! :) The Paradise beach FUN-PASS includes all of the awesome inflatable water toys: the water trampolines, 14-ft. climbing iceberg, water slides, a floating multi-tiered Jungle Joe climbing structure, the Rock-it circular water rocker, and water mats --- as well as the coconut tree climb ….the “Paradise Beach FUN-PASS” also includes the use of kayaks, full snorkel gear, and stand-up paddle boards…all of this for only an additional $18 usd. (Many other beach clubs actually charge $15 to $20 extra for kayaks and/or snorkel equipment rental).

There are several other extra activities available at Paradise Beach including parasailing, wave runner rentals, banana boat rides, hair-braids, temporary tattoos, and heavenly massages on the beach.

Please let me know if you have any other questions or need any additional information. Safe travels to you and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Gracias!

Malin

Paradise Beach Cozumel

MEXICO

info@paradise-beach-cozumel.com

www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com

Paradise Beach is a great option... this is the e-mail I received just a couple of days ago when I verified options from my last visit...

==========

Greetings from sunny Cozumel, Mexico and the best beach club on the island PARADISE BEACH!! There is no need to make a reservation! However, please keep in mind that it is always best to arrive early so you have a better selection of lounge chairs, as they are available on a first come first serve basis. So just hop in a taxi cab and say, "Take me to PARADISE beach!" It is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from town and runs about US$16 each way for up to four people.

I realize you already know a little bit about our beach club, but here is some more information that may also be helpful. Paradise Beach offers something for everyone, whether you are wanting to have some fun in the sun or just take a break in the shade…we have a little bit of it all. We have one of Cozumel’s largest swimming pools, two separate bars, a shaded hammock area, changing rooms at both the beach and the pool, super clean restrooms and three boutiques for your vacation shopping needs. This is all in addition to what everyone has always known and loved – THE BEACH.

For the use of our facilities (including the rental of lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, use of the pool, and free Wi-Fi Internet) we only charge $3 usd per person. We do however kindly request that you spend a minimum of $10 on food and/or drink consumption from one of our bars or restaurants on the beach or at the pool. We have two full bars with daily drink specials, including the famous tropical drinks served inside a whole coconut or pineapple (available with or without alcohol.) Plus our waiters offer full menu service on the beach and around the pool area, so you don’t even have to get out of your lounge chair to order food or a cold beverage. You can check out our menu on our web-site at www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com

We also have an optional FUN-PASS available that is NOT just for kids....but also for the kids at heart! :) The Paradise beach FUN-PASS includes all of the awesome inflatable water toys: the water trampolines, 14-ft. climbing iceberg, water slides, a floating multi-tiered Jungle Joe climbing structure, the Rock-it circular water rocker, and water mats --- as well as the coconut tree climb ….the “Paradise Beach FUN-PASS” also includes the use of kayaks, full snorkel gear, and stand-up paddle boards…all of this for only an additional $18 usd. (Many other beach clubs actually charge $15 to $20 extra for kayaks and/or snorkel equipment rental).

There are several other extra activities available at Paradise Beach including parasailing, wave runner rentals, banana boat rides, hair-braids, temporary tattoos, and heavenly massages on the beach.

Please let me know if you have any other questions or need any additional information. Safe travels to you and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Gracias!

Malin

Paradise Beach Cozumel

MEXICO

info@paradise-beach-cozumel.com

www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com

yes... see below for e-mail I received...

================

Greetings from sunny Cozumel, Mexico and the best beach club on the island PARADISE BEACH!! There is no need to make a reservation! However, please keep in mind that it is always best to arrive early so you have a better selection of lounge chairs, as they are available on a first come first serve basis. So just hop in a taxi cab and say, "Take me to PARADISE beach!" It is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from town and runs about US$16 each way for up to four people.

I realize you already know a little bit about our beach club, but here is some more information that may also be helpful. Paradise Beach offers something for everyone, whether you are wanting to have some fun in the sun or just take a break in the shade…we have a little bit of it all. We have one of Cozumel’s largest swimming pools, two separate bars, a shaded hammock area, changing rooms at both the beach and the pool, super clean restrooms and three boutiques for your vacation shopping needs. This is all in addition to what everyone has always known and loved – THE BEACH.

For the use of our facilities (including the rental of lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, use of the pool, and free Wi-Fi Internet) we only charge $3 usd per person. We do however kindly request that you spend a minimum of $10 on food and/or drink consumption from one of our bars or restaurants on the beach or at the pool. We have two full bars with daily drink specials, including the famous tropical drinks served inside a whole coconut or pineapple (available with or without alcohol.) Plus our waiters offer full menu service on the beach and around the pool area, so you don’t even have to get out of your lounge chair to order food or a cold beverage. You can check out our menu on our web-site at www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com

We also have an optional FUN-PASS available that is NOT just for kids....but also for the kids at heart! :) The Paradise beach FUN-PASS includes all of the awesome inflatable water toys: the water trampolines, 14-ft. climbing iceberg, water slides, a floating multi-tiered Jungle Joe climbing structure, the Rock-it circular water rocker, and water mats --- as well as the coconut tree climb ….the “Paradise Beach FUN-PASS” also includes the use of kayaks, full snorkel gear, and stand-up paddle boards…all of this for only an additional $18 usd. (Many other beach clubs actually charge $15 to $20 extra for kayaks and/or snorkel equipment rental).

There are several other extra activities available at Paradise Beach including parasailing, wave runner rentals, banana boat rides, hair-braids, temporary tattoos, and heavenly massages on the beach.

Please let me know if you have any other questions or need any additional information. Safe travels to you and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Gracias!

Malin

Paradise Beach Cozumel

MEXICO

info@paradise-beach-cozumel.com

www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com

Sorry, I don't have a list of prices... but I will offer some unsolicited advise :)

The duty free prices may or may not be such a great deal. I live in a large city where we have discount liquor stores. I can get better prices locally than on the ship (or even in a port). You may or may not be able to do the same. As in everything, be an informed consumer. Know what prices are locally - and be certain to make an apples-to-apples comparison. Duty free bottles are NOT the same as what you buy in your local store. Make an "ounce-to-ounce" comparison (or ml to ml).

Also - as you may already know - if you purchase liquor from the ship, you will NOT be able to take it back to your cabin. It will be held until the last night of the cruise

We use taxis in Galveston every time we cruise. You can get to the port from most any hotel in Galveston for approx $15 dollars. When you get off the ship, there will be taxis lined up and waiting. Easy to do.

Just to clarify.... it is one bottle per person, 750ml, and in your carry on baggage only.

(They will allow a couple to take the 1.5l bottles instead of two 750ml bottles, but you'll have to go through security together)

Hi everyone! We'll be cruising with our one year old son in a few weeks and wanted to know if whole milk is available on the buffet during every meal time, or if it is only available during breakfast. Thanks in advance!

My wife likes to have milk at night for her stomach. I go up to Lido and ask one of the workers to get me a carton of milk (they keep it in a refrig right there). Never had a problem. They always get me one without a bit of problem.

.... are we going to miss out on the really good dinners if we don't go to the MDR?

The Liddo buffet will have the same (or similar) items matching the nightly menu of the MDR... but it will also have more items than what the MDR has. (not necessarily "better", just more variety).

Having said that, the buffet will not have the same dessert items.

The official web site say they close at 4PM. However, the dolphin shows are at set times, so you would need to consider that as well

I have used ezcruise "Park and Walk". It's not a problem. Easy walk. We drop off the luggage, the wife stays with the carry-ons, while I park. The only issue is if it is raining.

Galveston has many special events, which tend to not only fill hotels, but also can make the prices jump x2, even 3x. Having said that (and without checking the events calendar) I suggest you continue to check. Usually something will open up.

We have stayed in south Houston a number of times pre-cruise. It's not a problem at all getting to Galveston, the drive is about 30-45 min (all interstate). I suggest you consider the Webster / League City area. A number of inexpensive hotels right off I-20, with restaurants and shopping

When I cancelled an Early Saver, the credit I received was for another cruise... it specifically stated that if THAT was cancelled, the credit would be forfeited

Where did you guys get the idea that you cannot wear t shirts into the MDR on Carnival?????

Very simple. It says that on the Carnival web site. Whether they enforce it or not is another story, but the official Carnival dress code for non-formal nights does not allow T-shirts. Go look it up

You can wear jeans, but not a t shirt. Jeans cannot be ripped

You also have to be careful about the "Pak&Go" rates appearing on the Carnival web page... (where Carnival selects the cabin for you, as opposed to you already having selected and been assigned a cabin).

Those rates may be cheaper than what your Advanced Purchase was, but as noted above, if you attempt to get the reduced fare you may lose your cabin assignment

Sensation