Tex_Jen

I've stayed at both and found both to be very good. More things in walking distance to the Marriott such as a Walgreen's about a block away. Not much surrounding the Hilton property, but I think the property itself is nicer.

 

Customer service at the Marriott was way above what I experienced at the Hilton which is probably why given everything else being equal, I tend to stay at the Marriott Stellaris.

 

Jen

Does anyone know what's the latest a ship has come in due to the fog? My daughter and her family are there in Galveston waiting to board the Triumph for their very first cruise and are really bummed right now. Will Carnival reemburse them for a hotel room tonight if the ship isn't able to come in? Just wondering how that works. :confused:

 

According to my coworker that is on the ship, they had to come in early enough to get everyone off of the ship by 5:30 p.m. or else the homeland security folks go into overtime. Too bad, less fog now than yesterday. Could barely see Magic leave.

 

Jen

Navigator pulling out now. Can't see on the cam. Watching on vessel finder. Glad for everyone on board. Praying for safety.

 

Jen

Or the visibility is so bad I just can't see. I thought I saw it move on the Pier 23 cam.

Jen

Magic is leaving now.

Jen

Woody lets you know up front there are snacks and drinks provided...they were perfect for us, fresh fruit, and homemade banana bread that was a big "yum". Rum punch, water, and local beer to drink.

If we had wanted lunch, he would have taken us somewhere to buy lunch.

If you need a bathroom break, just ask and he will gladly stop. :)

Woody's tour was awesome and worth the money. Everywhere we went the scenery was breathtaking and he told us about the island history etc.

I have a picture of the "secluded" beach we were priviledged to go to as my screensaver and everytime I see it, it takes me back, and I am reminded of how it is one of the most memorable excursions I have ever taken. Thanks Woody!

 

Gail :)

 

Just got back from Woody's tour and agree with everything Gail stated. Since I have more fun on the ship to enjoy, I will post more after we get back home. :D

 

Jen

I've been on the AOS 3 years in a row and every year I had a great time. Not sure why you are being steered away since you really want the AOS itinerary.

 

Jen

NONE OF THE ABOVE! I have no desire to pay extra for any of the items on the list. It is bad enough that you get nickeled and dimed every time you get on a plane.

JMHO

Jen

Never made it to the Champagne bar on the Serenade. The Jewel usually had daily specials in the Champagne bar, but no card. Freddie was our bartender on the Jewel and got me hooked on the Bellinis.

Found the card on the Adventure. Our bartender, Benny, had the sign up the first day and my sister and I gravitated right over and got our cards. Even if we didn't finish off the cards, we were better off in terms of cost. Not to worry, we completed them. Benny would greet us every day as we passed through the Promenade.

To answer earlier questions, yes, you can take the cocktail with you. You are not bound to stay in the bar area with your cocktail. We usually got ours as pre-dinner cocktails.

Smoking and nonsmoking areas are available in the Champagne bar on the AOS. The bar was smoking and the seated areas were nonsmoking. Sorry, just don't remember how that worked on the Jewel.

Enjoy, everyone!

Jen