iria64

I never tried the beer tap on the Jubilee and I never saw anyone else trying them either. The two main issues I have heard on these is... 1. there is no clear idea on how often the lines are cleaned and 2. I have heard complaints that you end up with 1/2 a cup of foam. I would rather just go to a bar to get some beer than take my chances with what might come out of the tap.

Except they shut the soda machines off at some point. I am guessing about when the buffet is closed up. I was heading back to my room on the Jubilee and stopped to get a soda but the scanner didn't read the card. I am guessing it is because they don't have the staff at that time to keep the area clean.

If you are printing out luggage tags you might as well print the boarding pass at the same time and still do the screen shop as a backup.

We did the Mardi Gras in Aug 2022... we were in port and docked by 2-2:30 am. They didn't even bother to turn the ship around before tying up.

Rumor has it that it was a lighting contractor who had a massive heart attack. They were asking for blood in case they had to do surgery. I also heard other rumors but we got our information from the hypnotist who was on the same flight as us out of Houston. He supposedly got the info from the CD.

Just got back from TX (Jubilee). Three in our group got Covid and when leaving the ship we could hear quite a bit of coughing.

The Jubilee does not yet have the upcharge for a 2nd time at Chibang/Capucina.

I don't think I ever saw them opened on my trip. I know I have seenthem open on the Mardi Gras but it was rare.

Just returned from Jubilee sailing (1/13-1/20) Few thoughts... Port: Galveston is not the easiest port to sail from. When arriving it took us about 1/2 hour to go two blocks to the parking garage we had booked. The biggest problem is that Galveston was not designed for cruising and upgrading the terminal area will be difficult as there are many historical buildings that most likely cannot be touched. Add in the fact that there is only 1 road on and off the island. On the day we arrived, traffic leaving was backed up across the bridge for 2 or so miles. It looked like it would take 1-2 hours to clear that mess. I wouldn't be surprised if some people missed a flight. We had no problems when we got back and 2 examples do not make a pattern... just be aware there is no backup to getting off the island. Embarkation: This went smoothly. We had a mid C boarding group and by the time we got through all the security and check in processes they were calling our group. The Ship: This ship has the same basic layout as the Mardi Gras, which I have been on, which means it has the same pluses and minuses so I won't rehash those. Overall between the Mardi Gras and Jubilee I would prefer to sail on the Mardi Gras. Two of the biggest reasons... Piazza Panini (MG) vs Beach Buns (J) - The sandwich offerings here do not compare. BB, to me, is a step down compared the offerings on the MG Brass Magnolia (MG) vs Golden Mermaid (J) - GM... looking at the drink ingredients I was hard pressed to find something I liked meanwhile, BM there were a couple of drinks I tried to do at home. Debarkation: Due to a medical emergency, debarkation did not start until 10am. Add in the high winds gave them problems getting they front gangway was not opened for another 45 minutes. Additionally, about 25% of the ship had some sort of priority debarkation (Diamond/Platinum/Suites/etc) that they did not have enough room in the holding areas for all of those guests. I don't know if that many priority guests is typical but that many does start to devalue what it means to have priority. Overall the trip was good, the crew was pleasant (big shout out to Jay the shot, shot guy).

I don't camp anymore but when we go on a trip I try to find a campground that has cabins. The only requirement is the cabins have AC. I feel less cooped up in a cabin than a hotel room with the added benefit of being able to have a campfire.

They also had gelato on the Mardi Gras

When they call A01 wait until it looks like everyone with that groups has finished getting in line and then get your A01/A02 group at the end of the line. Chances are they'll call A02 right before or right after you get in line.

Depending on how you count them there are either 4 or 8 stations on deck 16. Be careful though on the dispensers at not all of them work all of the time. Our 1st day on the Mardi Gras the, 1st time using one, the dispenser was not giving out enough syrup so I had a watered down Mtn Dew. Luckily I had bubbles package so it did not matter.

200-300 in the terminal before boarding starts does not seem unreasonable. Let's say you have 3000+ passengers with port times starting at 10 with the last at 2 or 3. That gives 8-10 arrival slots. You would need to have 300 or more passengers for each slot and if boarding does not start until 11 that is easily 600 passengers in the terminal. On our cruise last year they did seem to be enforcing port times. We had 10:30 and there was a line of people waiting for 11 to arrive. I have heard though that arrival times are enforcement may vary by port.

It could be a couple of reasons... - Last day... you need to start packing up to leave - Do you have a flight... need to check in for the flight - Depending on the type of traveler you are maybe you start to fret navigating through airport security... not a pleasant experience for some - Did you drive to the port and are not looking forward to the drive home.. particularly if it is a long drive.

You mean the announcement an hour before sail away that 10% still had not checked in and then 15 minutes later still at 5%.

My last cruise I stayed up until midnight which was not a problem as I usually don't fall asleep before then... go to checkin... Carnival had their site down for maintenance. I did not get to check in until around 7am or so. I still go a 10:30 port arrival time and low-mid B for boarding group. Boarding started shortly after 11 and we were on the ship well before noon. Basically, once they get through the Suite and priority passengers, the boarding groups get called fairly quickly. I don't remember exactly but it was problably 3-5 minutes on average between calling groups.

It may matter on what time you get off the ship. For us, debarkation started shortly after 8. We got off the ship shortly after 8:30. The passport line was basically walk up while the other had well over 100 people.

Canaveral has this setup. One line for passports and one for everyone else. Once we were off the ship it took longer to walk through ropes that were setup than to actually get scanned and out of the terminal. The line for those without passports was at least 30 minutes long, possibly more.

As the customer it is for us to question. Yes, they set the terms and if I, as the customer, do not like the terms, I can take my business elsewhere. If all other cruise lines have the same or similar terms then your choices are to suck it up and deal with the terms or not cruise. There are plenty of vacation options to choose from. All have their pluses and minuses but since the terms are non negotiable out only choice is to vote with our wallet.

Yep... the 1st step is to actually survive the fall. Falls from the upper deck I would say you are somewhere in the neighborhood of 80' or more from the water. From that height, unless you hit the water just right, you are going to be injured or worse.

I think my biggest concern is that I have heard fog can be a problem for Galveston in January which can cause delays getting in to port. For an early flight any delay will cause a problem. I may go with United but have to check with the rest of the group.

Biggest problem is I would prefer to fly in to JFK and my only choice for is 11:38 Jet Blue. If I can do Laguardia it seems I might have more choices on United.

Scheduled for cruise out of Galveston in January. The only non-stop flight from Houston to NY leaves at 11:38am. I figure we need to be at the airport no later the 10:00 am. We will carry out own luggage off the ship. How close are we cutting this to get from the port to the airport? This would be on a Saturday.

Depends on if you are taking public transportation (train) or car service/uber... also day of week will matter. If it was me and I was taking car service/uber, I think I would lean toward Newark airport. If you wanted to stick with public transport (train) then JFK. Another variable would be if you plan on flying in a day or so before and where you would plan to stay pre cruise.