Jenephertx

No ill will, as I agree with most of what you said...but my intent wasn't a lecture. The original poster is very obviously a service member, and not one from "the other side of the Pacific", I might add. My reply was as much in their defense as it was in defense of the Americans and US service members buchhalm was referring to. While searching the topics for information relevant to my Australian clients, whom I recently booked on Princess, I stumbled onto this post....and I felt the comments buchhalm made about the topic to be rather belittling, not just to Americans, but also to the service member who was looking for helpful information, so I spoke up. My apologies if you feel that, as an American, I have no place contributing to your little Australia/New Zealand corner here on Cruise Critic. While I often peruse the boards, because much of it is helpful and relevant to my job, I am new to interacting with them. I didn't realize there was nationality exclusivity.

Deducing this to someone simply 'getting paid for voluntarily doing their chosen work' is really an oversimplification. I don't believe it's about level of the chance of being hurt at work. I believe it's about the level of personal sacrifice on behalf of another person that the job requires. Putting yourself in harm's way for the sake of another person's safety, and defending the defenseless, are things not everyone is willing to voluntarily offer, and are things people typically are not driven by money in order to provide. I've never ever heard a cop or a soldier say they did it for the money, or that it was "just a job". It's far more than that. I believe that those who are willing to offer that level of personal sacrifice for the sake of others are deserving of acknowledgement, and of our appreciation.

Bring all the required documentation with you, and it's worth a check with Guest Services, but my professional advice is to call Princess yourself to follow up on the information being submitted. Since this is something that is added to your actual passenger profile and not specific to that booking which belongs to the agent, they may be able to help.

If you had a loved one who survived being shot at and rolling their humvee over an IED (which cost them their hearing and half their right arm, but hey, they lived), after days spent rescuing surviving locals from a bombed out building but wondering if the 9 year old approaching you is strapped with a bomb, you'd perhaps develop a different outlook on the reason behind why we say 'Thank you for your service' and also why we realize that our enlisted *do* perform ACTUAL services that help people. Or maybe the SEAL who was shot off the side of a mountain trying to shelter local "infidels" from the terrorists taking over their family's farmland needs your appreciation more. 👀

Oh, I did want to also mention, if you are driving down the day before, and you choose a hotel in Galveston - many offer free parking and shuttle service with your overnight stay. I recommend, if you have the time, take a few hours to really appreciate our little beach town. Take a drive to see the magnificent, historical homes and churches along Broadway (this is the main thoroughfare). Some of the other homes around town are interesting too, and a few have tree sculptures in their front yards (these are carvings made from some of the huge oak trees that were destroyed during hurricane Ike). I also suggest taking a walk on The Strand to visit the quaint shops / restaurants in what is considered 'downtown Galveston'. Even window shopping is interesting down there....most of the shops, bars, and restaurants exist in beautiful, Victorian era historical buildings. Galveston is rich with history and definitely has its own personality. It's one of my favorite places to be.

Hi Sylvia, That sounds like a fun cruise! Not only am I cruise agent, but I'm a native Houstonian. I've cruised four times out of Galveston. There is cruise terminal parking directly across the street from the terminal itself. This is the closest option, so probably the most convenient. There are various lots around town, and they all provide shuttle to the terminal, but I can't speak to the convenience of them because it varies depending on who you choose. Not only that, but for you to be traveling with your wheelchair, it may be a challenge finding one that can easily accommodate your chair. (I'm also a special needs agent, this is a common concern). I'd recommend that whoever is driving your vehicle and has the ability to walk a fair distance should drop you and your luggage off at the terminal passenger drop off (porters will take your luggage from you right there at the curb), and then they can go park across the street, and walk back across to meet you where they left you at the terminal. Navigating that area of Galveston is really very easy, as it is small and has decent signage so you know where you need to go. I hope you have a great time on your cruise, Happy New Year!