LIVE from the Regal out of Galveston, TX. January 14th - January 21st

[Crookshanks]

I figured I'd try my hand with this LIVE thing!  Looks like it could be a lot of fun.  Also figured I'd give as much info to people who may want to know more about the process.  So please be patient with me as I overload you with all of the details!

 

I got an e-mail from Princess on November 10th offering an Interior Cabin, $200 in Casino Play and Princess Plus included if I could sail in the next 2 months.  I'd had to cancel our Christmas Cruise, so I was happy to figure something out for January.  Called the casino line on November 13 to verify that it really did include PP as that's what got my attention and made it so tempting. First caller verified that it was so I called my Mom to see if she could get the time off and meet me in Texas.  She could and so could my BFF from Oregon, so I called back and booked the cruise for the 3 of us.  Later that evening, once I got the e-mailed confirmation, it didn't look right.  There was no Princess Plus and the casino credit was only $100.  I called back and spoke to someone who fought quite a bit with me, but I didn't let it go.  I've worked in call centers so I generally know how it all works.  Finally, when I kept pointing out that the wrong casino offer was applied, obviously because the casino credit was wrong, he admitted that there had been an error and that he would escalate the issue.  I had him read the 'notes' he put into my booking to verify the information.  I called back the next day to make sure the escalation had occurred.  The gentleman I spoke to did acknowledge the notes and said it takes a couple of days to fix the issue.  I asked when I should call back to check on it.  This was a Tuesday, he said call back on Thursday.  On Thursday, November 16, I called again and this time I got a bright lady who made sure all the t's were crossed and I's dotted.  She even asked if I wanted to upgrade to the Premier, which I happily did. I LOVE the photo package. 

 

**I included the drama here, because I want people to know that things can be fixed.  Write down the date and time of each call, write down the name of the person you spoke to, get them to verify what they have told you, not just 'agree' with if you said the words, each call is recorded and if push comes to shove, they will pull the call record.**

 

Now with all happily set up, we start the planning.  During the whole fiasco, I did get an e-mail stating that I could bid to upgrade our cabin.  On November 16 I bid on the cabin upgrades.  Options were as follows:

Balcony: Minimum Bid: $70 per person - I placed minimum on that one

Deluxe Balcony: Minimum Bid: $90 per person - I placed minimum on that one as well

Obstructed Balcony: Minimum Bid: $20 per person - Also placed minimum bid

Deluxe Obstructed Balcony: Minimum Bid: $30 per person - Since there are 3 of us, I was more concerned about more room than location on the ship, so I made this bid higher, which was considered a 'fair' bid. I bid $60 per person for this upgrade.

 

Also on November 16 I ordered our medallions to be shipped to me.

 

Booked 2 excursions on November 28, Bike Ride and Kayaking in Costa Maya and the Dolphin Swim in Cozumel.

 

November 29, I realized that I really wanted a better chance on the Deluxe size cabin and edited my bid on the Deluxe Obstructed to $75 per person, that way the 2 highest bids were on cabins with more space.

 

On December 13, Princess Accepted the bid for the Deluxe Balcony Cabin for $90 per person.  Whoop Whoop!!!

 

On December 23, E-mailed notice of Medallions being shipped.  As of January 4, they still showed in IL, though that evening they reached Memphis, TN, which is the biggest hub in my neck of the woods. They were delivered the next day on January 5th.

 

Now we're all set to go!!

 

I'll fly out of Memphis on Friday evening to Houston where I'll stay with my brother until Sunday.  My Mom will fly in Friday as well and then BFF on Saturday evening.

 

I'll do my best to keep everyone informed as much as they'd like to be!!  Super excited!!!

[CruzeQueen2]

@Crookshanks Thank you for setting up your "live" thread. Thanks for all the back-story details. I have also placed bids for my cruise on Regal in February. Waiting to see what happens...

I look forward to hearing your reports.

 

[Paula_MacFan]

I'll be following along as we board on the 21st when you disembark. Have a good cruise!

Edited January 8 by Paula_MacFan

[Marion B]

   Wishing you a fabulous cruise.

   Thanks for posting.  Boarding the day you disembark, so very interested to hear all things Royal.

[CruiserMickey]

Have an amazing cruise! We board the Regal in March, do I will be following closely.

 

Can you please post about the boarding process and how Princess handles the drinks before you get to international waters?

 

Bon Voyage!

[Crookshanks]

12 minutes ago, CruiserMickey said:

Have an amazing cruise! We board the Regal in March, do I will be following closely.

 

Can you please post about the boarding process and how Princess handles the drinks before you get to international waters?

 

Bon Voyage!

Yes, that has been my biggest concern going into this cruise, so I'll be as transparent as I can in regard to those issues!  My Mom is an early bird, so we'll likely be arriving at the port at the earliest boarding time.  My app shows that boarding is from 10:30am - 2:00pm. We'll be driving from Humble (where my brother lives), though stopping at the famous Buc-ees for Brisket Breakfast Burritos. 😂

 

We are planning to bring at least one bottle of wine to get us through Sunday afternoon, maybe 2 as bestie is a Green Bay fan and I'm a Dallas fan. Also a 12 pack or 2 of soda.  

[nini]

Thanks for sharing your journey. It is wise to bring on that bottle of wine to tide you over. Crazy Galveston!

[bethfelk]

We just got off Regal on Sunday and I did a live too so it will be fun to read yours and see how other people experience the same things we did. Looking forward to it!

[KKB]

@Crookshanks

Yeah!

We embark the NCL Prima Friday in Galveston but we are sailing the Regal for 28 days in April so reading all TRs! (thanks, @bethfelk !)

 

The embarkation is odd to me--sailed the Ruby out of Galveston in March. Dropped off at 1030 & was onboard by 11, easy peasy!

 

Getting our butts out of Nebraska tomorrow before ANOTHER snowstorm AND frigid conditions hit.

Feeling BAD for DS who JUST started with USPS this week!🥶

[Crookshanks]

12 hours ago, KKB said:

@Crookshanks

Yeah!

We embark the NCL Prima Friday in Galveston but we are sailing the Regal for 28 days in April so reading all TRs! (thanks, @bethfelk !)

 

The embarkation is odd to me--sailed the Ruby out of Galveston in March. Dropped off at 1030 & was onboard by 11, easy peasy!

 

Getting our butts out of Nebraska tomorrow before ANOTHER snowstorm AND frigid conditions hit.

Feeling BAD for DS who JUST started with USPS this week!🥶

I also sailed on the Ruby last year out of Galveston.  Both times the embarkation was super quick and easy.  I'm hoping they are working the kinks out and just gets better each week.  

 

Hope you do escape the cold!  We have been lucky here and haven't had too much bad weather, but that can change quickly.  

 

I'm flying to IAH tomorrow evening.  Spending 2 days with my brother, which will be great!

[starvenger]

On 1/8/2024 at 12:01 PM, Crookshanks said:

Booked 2 excursions on November 28, Bike Ride and Kayaking in Costa Maya and the Dolphin Swim in Cozumel.

I'm curious, did you book these through the cruise line or on your own?

[Crookshanks]

1 hour ago, starvenger said:

I'm curious, did you book these through the cruise line or on your own?

Booked through cruise line. I'm really glad about that now since the weather has been so crazy.  If the ship is unable to dock or a port gets cancelled, they will issue a refund.  If you book through another venue, it's not guaranteed.

 

I really wanted to book a Sloth/Monkey encounter in Roatan, but there aren't any through the ship.  I'm going to see if I can join last minute as Roatan has been a questionable port these last couple of week for some cruise ships.

[DrivesLikeMario]

We were on the Regal recently and had a really, really good cruise!  The crew were really good and you could tell the management on this ship run things well.  
The drink thing as of a few weeks ago is this:  there's a short list of alcoholic drinks they can make you.  They will cost money and will go on your onboard account even if you have a beverage package.  Once the ship is in international waters which is about 6:30-7:00pm, all drinks are available and all beverage packages apply.  It wasn't any hardship for us but some people (newbies mostly) were very shocked they'd have to pay for the drinks.  What many of the waiters failed to tell people is that everyone got a $25 OBC to cover a few drinks for those first few hours onboard.

[starvenger]

I think you should be ok with Costa Maya and Cozumel. I think it's pretty rare that ships won't dock there, although weather could still affect the excursions. 
 

In Roatan we had perfect weather. I hope you get the same!

[nini]

2 hours ago, DrivesLikeMario said:

We were on the Regal recently and had a really, really good cruise!  The crew were really good and you could tell the management on this ship run things well.  
The drink thing as of a few weeks ago is this:  there's a short list of alcoholic drinks they can make you.  They will cost money and will go on your onboard account even if you have a beverage package.  Once the ship is in international waters which is about 6:30-7:00pm, all drinks are available and all beverage packages apply.  It wasn't any hardship for us but some people (newbies mostly) were very shocked they'd have to pay for the drinks.  What many of the waiters failed to tell people is that everyone got a $25 OBC to cover a few drinks for those first few hours onboard.

 

Due to the Galveston port, many bring at least one bottle of wine on until they can use their Plus or Premier packages, or just purchase alcoholic beverages

 

[beshears]

I'll be looking forward to reading your review, as there are 8 of us that are planning on doing the Regal on the 25th of February.

[1412p0oi]

I enjoy reading these Lives and I’ll look forward to your review of the cruise. I’m going on the same one but I decided to not pay for any packages nor internet to disconnect so I’ll just read it once I’m back on land. 🙂 

[CC Rider 69]

19 hours ago, Crookshanks said:

Booked through cruise line. I'm really glad about that now since the weather has been so crazy.  If the ship is unable to dock or a port gets cancelled, they will issue a refund.  If you book through another venue, it's not guaranteed.

 

I really wanted to book a Sloth/Monkey encounter in Roatan, but there aren't any through the ship.  I'm going to see if I can join last minute as Roatan has been a questionable port these last couple of week for some cruise ships.

Goggle Victor Bodden Tours for Sloth/Monkey encounter.

Edited January 12 by CC Rider 69
Misspelled word

[Honolulu Blue]

@Crookshanks: Following.  I'll be on the Carnival Dream that leaves a day before you. It doesn't look like we'll be in port together.  We share Cozumel,  but we won't dock there for almost two weeks. I also flew to IAH yesterday to beat the weather. Have a great cruise!

[Crookshanks]

Good morning!! It’s my travel day!  Though I am going to work for a little while first, have a couple of projects I’m hoping to finish today. 
 

Thought I’d share another informational tidbit. 
 

I find value in the Premier Package, mainly because of the photos, so I’ll be able to share a few insights on that. Hopefully I’ll win a Princess Prize or two!! Another perk is the medallion clip. I had assumed they’d send me the same one as last time, but lo and behold! I got a different one! Yay!  
 

left: March 2023 right: January 2024

[Marion B]

Crookshanks,

   Wishing you a smooth, safe and stress-free travel day.

Marion

[Crookshanks]

35 minutes ago, Marion B said:

Crookshanks,

   Wishing you a smooth, safe and stress-free travel day.

Marion

Not super stress free so far!  Had severe weather this morning with our tornado sirens blaring.  Kids' buses had to stop so they could shelter in place until the weather authorities cleared travel again. They are all safe now, but it definitely added drama to the day!

[CruiserMickey]

57 minutes ago, Crookshanks said:

Not super stress free so far!  Had severe weather this morning with our tornado sirens blaring.  Kids' buses had to stop so they could shelter in place until the weather authorities cleared travel again. They are all safe now, but it definitely added drama to the day!

Glad to hear you are all safe! Hopefully this will be all the drama you face. Safe travels!

[Marion B]

Crookshanks,

   I echo what CruiserMickey said.  Sending positive thoughts that you're done with the drama in all forms, up to and including the entire cruise.

Marion

[Coolmama_1]

5 hours ago, Crookshanks said:

Not super stress free so far!  Had severe weather this morning with our tornado sirens blaring.  Kids' buses had to stop so they could shelter in place until the weather authorities cleared travel again. They are all safe now, but it definitely added drama to the day!

Are you in East Tennessee? We are near Nashville and the wind has been wicked