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If anyone is on the Emerald Princess in Houston on the 11/16/2014 sailing - ...I called Houston TV news - advised them that EP still in port Mon 11/17 as of 730a.

Call these numbers below and tell them what you are being told by Princess !!!

Channel 2 NBC // 713-222-NEWS,

Channel 13 ABC // 713-669-1313,

Channel 11 CBS 713-526-1111

Channel 26 FOX // 713-479-2801

Call them - let them know what is being told to passengers (or what is NOT being said) so they will get some news crews out there to report YOUR story.

I was in a similar situation in 2009 on VOTS from Galveston - stuck 2.5 days in Galv. - RCCL offered 100% refund + 50 pct. off future cruise - went to Alaska following summer - had a great time.

The Port of Houston has waited years for this "dream terminal & 2 lines using Bayport Cruise Terminal " - if this "Really is" a delay due to a narrow channel due to high winds - POH SHOULD have fixed / widened this channel 5-6 years ago BEFORE ANY Ships were here !!!

It's WINTER - we're going to have "north winds" all season long. PCL was here last "winter" and didn't experience these delays - come on now...

POH Cruisecam still shows EP in port as of now 730a on MON 11/17.

All the crews work very hard to please us!!

We often tip with cash (in addition to the gratuities added to your final bill) to various staff members on the ship that are helpful to us.

Trust me - every time that person sees you - he/she remembers your kindness and generosity...

We also buy our cabin steward/stewardess T-shirts while in port - they really appreciate the gesture (as they don't often get off in the ports), It's a nice thing to do for them since they're working so hard to make our cruise vacation a memorable one.

MIAMI, April 24, 2014 -- Carnival Cruise Lines – Texas' number one cruise line – will add a third year-round ship in Galveston when Carnival Freedom launches a seven-day cruise schedule on February 15, 2015, marking the first time that a cruise line has deployed three year-round ships in Texas.

Carnival's re-positioning of Carnival Freedom represents a 38 percent capacity increase for the line in Galveston, carrying more than 600,000 guests a year from that port – the most of any cruise operator.

Prior to its arrival in Galveston, Carnival Freedom will undergo a previously announced dry dock makeover that will add an array of innovative new features that are part of the line's fleet-wide Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement initiative.

With the addition of Carnival Freedom, Carnival will offer three highly innovative and exceptional ships sailing year-round from Galveston that offer a huge variety of exciting features. Carnival Freedom will join Carnival Magic, which offers seven-day Caribbean cruises, and Carnival Triumph sailing four- and five-day departures to Mexico. Together, these three ships will operate nearly 200 four- to seven-day voyages annually from Galveston, providing consumers with an array of cruise lengths, departure days and itineraries for "Fun Ship" cruising from Texas.

"Galveston is already one of our most popular embarkation ports and with Carnival Freedom we're not only dramatically expanding capacity in the market but also providing consumers with yet another exciting opportunity to experience our spectacular Fun Ship 2.0 innovations on a Texas-based ship," said Gerry Cahill Carnival president and CEO. "In partnership with the Port of Galveston and the local community we have been able to increase our passenger counts five-fold since we first launched service from Galveston in 2000. Additionally, we are extremely grateful for the support of our travel agent partners who have played a key role in the growth of our Texas cruise program," he added.

"We are thrilled to have an additional member of the Carnival Cruise Lines fleet, Carnival Freedom, call the Port of Galveston its new home," said Galveston Port Director Michael Mierzwa. "For the past 14 years, the Port and Carnival Cruise Lines have enjoyed a wonderful partnership. Not only does home-porting these three ships represent the largest-ever capacity commitment by a cruise line to Texas but it also reinforces the partnership that we have fostered with Carnival through the years."

Attractive Caribbean Itineraries from Galveston...Carnival Freedom will kick off its new schedule from Galveston with a special six-day Caribbean voyage to Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize; and Cozumel departing Feb. 15, 2015.

Following the six-day voyage, Carnival Freedom will launch year-round seven-day departures from Galveston...Feb. 21, 2015, encompassing three different itinerary choices that visit beautiful ports throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida.

Carnival Freedom's week-long itineraries from Galveston include:

Exotic western Caribbean voyages departing Saturdays to Cozumel; Belize; and Mahogany Bay, Roatan

Western Caribbean voyages departing Saturdays with stops at Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel

Eastern Caribbean sailings departing Saturdays visiting Key West, Fla.; and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas

Value-Packed Short Cruise Options from Galveston...Carnival Freedom will also offer a series of four- and five-day cruises from Oct. 24 through Nov. 21, 2015; and Jan. 16, 2016 through Feb. 13, 2016. Four-day cruises visit Cozumel, while five-day cruises call at Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.

Special Voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Galveston...In preparation for its Galveston arrival, Carnival Freedom will offer a unique 12-day cruise departing Fort Lauderdale Feb. 2 and arriving in Galveston on Feb. 14, 2015. The one-time voyage will feature port calls at five magnificent Caribbean island destinations – St. Kitts, St. Lucia; Curacao; Aruba; and Grand Cayman, each of which boasts gorgeous white-sand beaches, a variety of water sports opportunities and an array of shopping, dining and sightseeing experiences.

Carnival Conquest, currently based in Miami, will assume Carnival Freedom's year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean schedule from Fort Lauderdale, beginning Jan. 18, 2015.

Exciting Fun Ship 2.0 Innovations A wide range of popular Fun Ship 2.0 features will be added to Carnival Freedom this spring. Here's a look at the many new offerings:

Guy's Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh hand-cut fries in an atmosphere that celebrates the chef's California roots and love of car culture

Blue Iguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas that can be personalized with a variety of salsas and toppings

EA SPORTS Bar, a sports and video game lovers' paradise where guests can catch live sporting events, check out scores on the real-time 24/7 sports ticker, and play the latest EA SPORTS games on a 16-screen video wall

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, a fun and festive outdoor watering hole offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers, perfect for chillin' by the pool

Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy" that's the go-to spot for guests seeking a unique experience with mixologists who "prescribe" concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients or guests' own custom-created cocktails

Red Frog Rum Bar, a poolside adaptation of the Red Frog Pub offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Thirsty Frog Red

Hasbro, The Game Show, where guests are part of the show through a series of larger-than-life productions and entertainment activities based on the company's iconic and popular games

Playlist Productions, which builds upon Carnival's reputation for high quality entertainment by combining captivating live performances and spectacular staging and special effects to create enthralling music revues produced by the top directors and choreographers in the industry

Cherry on Top - which celebrates the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel and more

Red Frog Pub where guests can enjoy the Caribbean's best rums and beers – along with Carnival's own Thirsty Frog Red private label draft brew – while soaking up the distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West ambiance (scheduled to be completed by the departure of May 18)

Camp Ocean – a new marine-themed children's program that will immerse kids ages 2-11 in the wonders of the ocean through fun, educational experiences with more than 200 new activities, all hosted in engaging custom-created spaces inspired by the sea (scheduled to be completed by the departure of May 24)

Dr. Seuss Bookville – part of Carnival's recently announced Seuss at Sea program, this unique play space will feature iconic decor, colors, shapes and funky furniture inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss (scheduled to be completed by the departure of May 24)

The Warehouse, a family-friendly entertainment center where the young – and the young at heart – can play a wide variety of video and arcade games and win tickets that can be redeemed for fun prizes (scheduled to be completed by the departure of June 14)

We loved the Carnival Breeze...Loved it !!!!

Great neutral colors, all the "bells and whistles" (aka - Guy's Burger Joint, Blue Iguana, etc.)

Here's the link I looked at from a guy named Jim Zim who went with his wife...

http://www.jimzim.net/CarnivalBreeze.html

Once you've watched this - it's like you are ON the ship right now !!!

Be sure to click on all the links he has - time lapse videos etc. it's WAY COOL !

We always stay at the Ft. Lauderdale Hilton Marina (on 17th St.) - 5 mins. to any of the ships.

We always book this room type (below) - you won't be disappointed...

WATER VIEW - MARINA TOWER ROOM- BALCONY-KING BED

Panoramic views of the water and skyline, furnished balconies are on offer in these 350 sq. ft. rooms located on a high floor. Enjoy stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and majestic cruise ships along Port Everglades or take in a 180 degree view of the city and our hotel's palm tree-sprinkled pool area. One King bed outfitted in fresh, crisp linens allow you to relax while you enjoy unobstructed views through floor-to-ceiling windows. All rooms offer a flat-screen HDTV, ergonomic chair and work desk as well as WiFi throughout the hotel.

Be sure to put in comments when booking - "request cruise ship view"

http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/hilton-fort-lauderdale-marina-FLLGRHH/accommodations/index.html

Here's what we do...

Sometimes we do a cruise line shore excursion (if it's a long day trip or 6-8 hrs.), that way if your cruise line "official tour bus" breaks down, they will hold the ship for the group...most times we don't do the cruise line "sponsored" excursions.

If you go on your own, get the price from the taxi driver/mini bus operator Before you leave the taxi stand area. This is their career - they do this day in and day out - most aren't gonna "rip you off." Don't pay them until you get back to the ship - Never let them tell you they'll be back for you at a specific time. They take the money and run - and you'll miss the ship ! Make them stay with you all day. Remember - if you don't get a good "vibe" from the first driver - go to the next one - we tend to go with middle aged to older drivers...And tip them for a job well done!

If you're in the Caribbean - check out Viator - http://www.viator.com/

They do a good job!

St. Maarten/St. Martin is one of the islands with the islands with these pesky mosquitoes that can give you chikungunya...

In December 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported local transmission of chikungunya in Saint Martin (French Side). Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. This is the first time that local transmission of chikungunya has been reported in the Americas.

Local transmission of chikungunya is now being reported in other countries in the Caribbean. As of July 18, 2014, the following Caribbean countries have reported cases of chikungunya:

Anguilla

Antigua

Aruba

British Virgin Islands

Dominica

Dominican Republic

French Guiana

Grenada

Guadeloupe

Guyana

Haiti

Martinique

Puerto Rico

Saint Barthelemy

Saint Kitts

Saint Lucia

Saint Martin (French)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sint Maarten (Dutch)

Turks and Caicos Islands

US Virgin Islands

CDC recommends that travelers to the Caribbean protect themselves from mosquito bites. Some travelers may be more likely to get chikungunya, have severe disease, or be at higher risk for other reasons. CDC advises travelers in high-risk groups to discuss their travel plans with their health care provider.

These groups include the following:

People who have arthritis

People with serious underlying medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes)

People older than 65

Women who are late in their pregnancies, because of the risk to babies born at the time their mother is sick

Long-term travelers, including missionaries and humanitarian aid workers and people visiting friends and relatives

People who might have difficulty avoiding mosquito bites, such as those planning to spend a lot of time outdoors or staying in rooms without window screens or air conditioning.

What is chikungunya?

Chikungunya is an illness caused by a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Chikungunya disease rarely results in death, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling. Most people who get sick feel better within a week. In some people, the joint pain may last for months or years.

Who is at risk?

Travelers who go to these islands in the Caribbean are at risk of getting chikungunya. In addition, travelers to Africa, Asia, and islands in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific are also at risk, as the virus is present in many of these areas. The mosquito that carries chikungunya virus can bite during the day and night, both indoors and outdoors, and often lives around buildings in urban areas.

What can travelers do to prevent chikungunya?

There is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent chikungunya. The only way to prevent chikungunya is to prevent mosquito bites. Preventing bites can be difficult, but it is important as you can get sick after just one bite. Follow these steps to reduce the chances that you will be bitten by mosquitoes during your trip.

Prevent mosquito bites:

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.

Use an appropriate insect repellent as directed.

Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection. Use products with the following active ingredients:

DEETExternal Web Site Icon (Products containing DEET include Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, and Ultrathon)

Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin products containing picaridin include Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan [outside the US])

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD (Products containing OLE include Repel and Off! Botanicals)

IR3535 (Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart)

Always follow product directions and reapply as directed:

If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

Follow package directions when applying repellent on children. Avoid applying repellent to their hands, eyes, and mouth.

Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself:

Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See the product information to find out how long the protection will last.

If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.

Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

Stay and sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms.

Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

If you feel sick and think you may have chikungunya:

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever.

Tell them about your travel.

For more information about medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care Abroad and a list of International Joint Commission-accredited facilities.External Web Site Icon

Get lots of rest, and drink plenty of liquids.

Avoid spreading the disease by preventing more mosquito bites.

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/chikungunya-saint-martin

I've been there several times, used DEET spray and never have had a problem.

I'd hop in a cab - quickest way - they can use the express lanes on I-95N. Should cost between $50.00-75.00 - Have Cash - I've done it before this way and they did not take a credit card! Other than that, call Super Shuttle for rates: 1-800-BLUEVAN, I did this last year in Miami - 2 people $25.00 each way POM to MIA airport. I'm doing the reverse in December - flying into MIA and cruising from Port Everglades. This is how I'm doing my transfers. I've never used cruise line transfers - and haven't had a problem yet...

Carnival has Circle "C" for youth ages 12-14...

What does the “C” in Circle “C” stand for? Well, “chill,” “connect” and “cool,” just to name a few. It’s where young teens ages 12 to 14 go to hang out, meet new friends, and enjoy some pretty awesome activities like dance parties, games, outdoor movies and more, in the special Circle “C” area or around the ship. It’s all supervised by friendly and fun-loving counselors who want your young teens to have the best vacation ever.

Royal Caribbean has Adventure Ocean Youth & Teen Program...

Tween & Teen Programs

Whether hanging out with other cruisers or checking out games, sports and parties are on your tween's agenda, our teen-only spots are the places to go. Our Teen program also allows older kids the freedom to come and go as they please. They'll love it so much the only thing you might wish for is a little more time with your kids.

Norwegian has Splash Academy Dolphins ages 10-12 and Entourage for Teens ages 13-17...

Splash Academy is here and making a big, well, splash! Our new program is specifically designed to engage active and creative kids ages 6 months – 12 years old. Whether it's learning to juggle at circus school and performing at the "Big Top at Sea" show presented by Hilario Productions, working on arts & crafts projects or getting the high score on the all new Nintendo Wii™ U, there's plenty of fun for everyone throughout the ship.

Introducing Entourage, our latest and greatest program for teens ages 13-17. Play a pickup game of soccer. Take part in a theater or fashion workshop. Dive into an interactive pool party. With so much to do around our ship, your teens can choose the activities they want to do. Now let's have some fun!