Royal Caribbean Leaving Port of Galveston?

[kruzerci]

Wow, I just noticed that the Serenade will be sailing out of NOLA in 2014. However... what sucky runs. The usual Jamaica run alternated with Key West, Bahama, Coco Kay.... ewwwww.

.

 

That itinerary is absolutely terrible. Three days at sea for the Bahamas? In the winter?! It can be cold in the Bahamas that time of year. Summer, it would be somewhat more attractive. Winter? Heck no!

[TEXASMUNK]

Tried to get an advance booking based on rumors.....but for some odd reason RCI will not take RUMOR booking.

Waiting until RCI decides to let me know that they are coming back to Galveston.

Seriously, life is short, come on Adam,. stop the suspense, share with us, will we be still be part of the RCI family out of Galveston??

 

How soon will you tell us!!!!!!!

[Iluvcruising2]

Having done 5 sailings from that port to pretty much the same itinerary, I'm not sad if they leave. Though we love sailing with RCI, we are so done with the Caribbean.

 

Our last Caribbean cruise (out of Galveston) in January pretty much sealed it for us. We much prefer the European sailings. There are less children, the people dress so much nicer for dinner and are more sophisticated in general ( read that as less chair hogs, less pushing in lines, friendlier people.) We also found the food to be better on European sailings.

 

We do not cruise just for the sake of cruising. We cruise for ports so there is nothing to entice us to take yet another cruise from Galveston to the same old ports. We live on the Mexican border. We've "done" Cozumel, the ruins, etc. and there is nothing there that we can't get here (shopping-wise) for a lot less money. Roatan, Jamaica, Honduras, Grand Cayman have nothing more to offer us.

 

We have a B2B scheduled for this summer on Brilliance and another B2B on Celebrity Millenium next year. We've run out of ports so we are thinking of a third river cruise in our future.

 

We extend our Sympathies to those of you who enjoy having a Texas port to sail from. New Orleans isn't all that close and Galveston is a great town.

 

Have you ever sailed in Asia, Australia, New Zealand?

 

Come on by! I have plenty of pictures from our sailings in this region. Check out the various reviews, or drop me an email for more info.

[Iluvcruising2]

Lots of staff transferring to the Navigator after the Mariner gets to Asia...they are ecstatic. More tomorrow. Cindy

 

We are looking forward to the Mariner coming to Asia!

[Cindy]

TEXASMUNK, the staff just got the word yesterday. I figure it will take the IT folks a few days to catch up!

[CENTEX CRUISER]

Thanks for the info Cindy. We were on the Mariner on April 7-14 , and the captain hinted this news as well. I wonder if there is any chance that they will offer short and long cruises ? If so , I would probably kiss CCL goodbye.

TEXASMUNK, the staff just got the word yesterday. I figure it will take the IT folks a few days to catch up!

[joandian]

We are looking forward to the Mariner coming to Asia!

 

We are leaving in a few hours to bring her to you. Well, we are going 3/4 of the way. Wish Mariner was coming back to Galveston but Navigator year round will work too:D

[39august]

Cindy, please make my day and say that Luca is transferring to Navigator. He is my favorite concierge!

[Cindy]

Cindy, please make my day and say that Luca is transferring to Navigator. He is my favorite concierge!

 

I would love that, but unfortunately it looks like Luca is headed to the Legend once the Mariner gets to Asia.:( He said that since the Mariner is replacing the Legend in Asia, quite a few of the staff and crew from the Mariner are going to the Legend, and Legend staff is being transferred to the Mariner.

[39august]

Well, maybe he'll still be on Legend when I do her Panama Canal in Nov. 2014.

[Ladysilver]

Lots of staff transferring to the Navigator after the Mariner gets to Asia...they are ecstatic. More tomorrow. Cindy

 

 

I'm happy happy happy about that!!!! :D:D:D

[ARCruisinNana]

Thanks, Cindy! Awesome news. Navigator is also a great ship and crew:)

[kruzerci]

Thanks, Cindy! Awesome news. Navigator is also a great ship and crew:)

 

Absolutely. We had a fantastic cruise on her in December. Jealous she isn't staying in New Orleans ;)

[jjcruzin]

From what I have read and heard about that cruise terminal in the Port of Houston, it will take a cruise ship two hours just to get out of the port and into open water, there was an issue with the pilot's union (I guess that has been resolved) AND I don't believe it is large enough for a Freedom class ship and without a Flowrider, we won't be sailing on it ;)

 

Here is a quote from one news story as to why that cruise terminal still sits empty:

 

"Local 2 Investigates discovered one thing that's not going to change is the time it takes the cruise lines to get ships from the Port of Houston out to sea. Several cruise ship industry experts said they believe that's one of the main reasons why cruise lines aren't coming to Bayport.

It takes a ship just 45 minutes to get out to sea from the Port of Galveston, but it takes twice that time -- around two hours -- to get from the Port of Houston through the ship channel and out to sea."

 

 

Thats all fine and good, but the argument does not hold water. Why would ANY line cruise out of New Orleans if time to open water maters? It takes minimum 4 HOURS to navigate the Mississippi river and get to open water. I have driven down to the bayport terminal and as best I can tell (gates are locked) it is just as big as Galveston. Anyway, back to the point. I don't think that time to open water is really a factor.

[Cindy]

Thats all fine and good, but the argument does not hold water. Why would ANY line cruise out of New Orleans if time to open water maters? It takes minimum 4 HOURS to navigate the Mississippi river and get to open water. I have driven down to the bayport terminal and as best I can tell (gates are locked) it is just as big as Galveston. Anyway, back to the point. I don't think that time to open water is really a factor.

 

I think more than that it's a lack of infrastructure surrounding the port. There aren't hotels, restaurants, and parking options to support the passengers. In the next few months, we'll see if that starts to change with Princess and Norwegian coming in.

[jjcruzin]

If people fill the ships in FL, they need to keep sailing as many ships as they can fill in FL.

 

If people fill the ships in TX, they need to keep sailding as many ships as they can fill in TX.

 

Simple economics.

 

If they leave TX and put another ship in FL, you know your answer.

 

 

Why is it that there are ALWAYS suites available for the ships out of Florida, but six months out you cannot beg borrow or steal a suite on a cruise from Galveston. Simple economics suggest that suites are where the industry makes it's money. If you are giong to make this argument you have to tell the whole story. MOST of the time EVERY RCCL ship sails full. The question is what are people paying for the rooms? In Florida many of the folks are paying for a balcony room and get a suite where in Texas you PAY for what you stay in! Class dismissed! LOL j/k, but serioulsy, ask anyone of the loyalty folks on a ship and they will tell you Texas folks LOVE suites.

[jjcruzin]

I think more than that it's a lack of infrastructure surrounding the port. There aren't hotels, restaurants, and parking options to support the passengers. In the next few months, we'll see if that starts to change with Princess and Norwegian coming in.

 

 

To be honest, I live very close to the Bayport terminal. I pass by it at least once every week or two. They are doing road work there right now. It looks like they are trying to add a ramp straight to the NB highway that heads back to Houston. They already have the SB ramp built and in use. I don't know that they will build hotels right by the port, but there are many in the area that would be less than a $20 cab or 20 minute car ride to the port. For instance the Hilton on Clear Lake is a very nice hotel. Any hotel in the greater Clear Lake / NASA area will fit the same bill. I know many people are not familiar with the area and if they don't see a hotel "right next to" they think there is no infrastructure. As far as parking goes, they dont have a ton right now, but there is plenty of space to add more. I am sure if things go well, some enterprising folks will start a park and shuttle service as there is TONS of property very near the port that will fit the bill.

[Spring]

To be honest, I live very close to the Bayport terminal. I pass by it at least once every week or two. They are doing road work there right now. It looks like they are trying to add a ramp straight to the NB highway that heads back to Houston. They already have the SB ramp built and in use. I don't know that they will build hotels right by the port, but there are many in the area that would be less than a $20 cab or 20 minute car ride to the port. For instance the Hilton on Clear Lake is a very nice hotel. Any hotel in the greater Clear Lake / NASA area will fit the same bill. I know many people are not familiar with the area and if they don't see a hotel "right next to" they think there is no infrastructure. As far as parking goes, they dont have a ton right now, but there is plenty of space to add more. I am sure if things go well, some enterprising folks will start a park and shuttle service as there is TONS of property very near the port that will fit the bill.

 

Also about 5 mins from the port we have

 

http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/

[jjcruzin]

I would love that, but unfortunately it looks like Luca is headed to the Legend once the Mariner gets to Asia.:( He said that since the Mariner is replacing the Legend in Asia, quite a few of the staff and crew from the Mariner are going to the Legend, and Legend staff is being transferred to the Mariner.

 

 

I was just on the Navigator in March. The concierge is Mahmoud Messaoudi. He was very nice and we did not have any issues with him. Honestly, we don't ask for much so we had no reason to be disappointed. I imagine he will be on Navigator for the foreseeable future. Based on my conversations with him he is not being moved any time soon.

[jjcruzin]

Also about 5 mins from the port we have

 

http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/

 

 

I almost mentioned Kemah. :rolleyes: Don't forget about all the hotels in La Porte and Pasadena too. Not that they are five stars mind you, but if you want cheap for one night prior to the cruise they are there and very close. There are also a couple in Seabrook on Nasa Rd 1 very close to 146 and the terminal. :)

[looking4info]

I was just on the Navigator in March. The concierge is Mahmoud Messaoudi. He was very nice and we did not have any issues with him. Honestly, we don't ask for much so we had no reason to be disappointed. I imagine he will be on Navigator for the foreseeable future. Based on my conversations with him he is not being moved any time soon.

 

He is now on the Explorer until the end of May but may be extended. As of now his sign off date and next assignment aren't decided yet.

[ARCruisinNana]

I was just on the Navigator in March. The concierge is Mahmoud Messaoudi. He was very nice and we did not have any issues with him. Honestly, we don't ask for much so we had no reason to be disappointed. I imagine he will be on Navigator for the foreseeable future. Based on my conversations with him he is not being moved any time soon.

 

He is now on the Explorer until the end of May but may be extended. As of now his sign off date and next assignment aren't decided yet.

 

The Concierge on Navigator is Ricardo. He is very good and interactive with the guests. I was on Navigator in January. Also, the Loyalty Ambassador, Reba, is excellent!!! I will be so happy when I see it in writing from RCI.

[poncho1973]

LOL j/k, but serioulsy, ask anyone of the loyalty folks on a ship and they will tell you Texas folks LOVE suites.

 

You have to have big rooms for all that big hair the ladies in Texas have.

 

 

I'm pretty sure it's the only place left on the planet where bouffant hairdos are not only still in style... they rule!

 

HAHAHHAHAHAHAHA

[Jimnbigd]

i dont see this on the website?? i only see till April 2014:confused:

Here is the CC thread: http://messages.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=38097869

See post # 20.

 

As for Bayport vs. Galveston, the ships make a lot of money from the casino, so having the casino open another hour that first day would be important. Plus I'm sure there is extra cost to keep the port pilot on the ship longer. As for the New Orleans argument, there is no other option out of NOLA so the ships have to navigate the Mississippi. Now, I am surprised that Disney did not use Bayport, since (1) Disney has no casino, and (2) Disney would not have had to switch to Friday departures on the weeks when the Triumph was scheduled to depart on Saturdays. Disney could have negotiated a great deal with Bayport, I bet.

Edited April 22, 2013 by Jimnbigd

[Shekim]

I don't care which port as long as it's Texas! We can go more often because we can drive vs. fly. We might get bored with some of the ports but enjoy cruising just for cruising too. I so want year around, it would give us some many more choices. We just won't waste our money again on Carnival which means we end up flying to Florida.

My feelings exactly! I cruise to disconnect for 7 days. I don't care where I go...just away from home. I do live 25 minutes from the port of Galveston so I prefer to sail from there.

 

If they were to put another ship in CA and do Mexico I'd gladly pay airfare and cruise that. Haven't done that before...would love to.