c-leg5

Go to the local port of call board. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/456-caribbean/ There will be one for each of the ports you are stopping at.

A lot depends on which terminal and day of the week you are sailing. If there is an event on many Galveston hotels require two night stay at a weekend. The link in post #2 gives major options and information and hotels and transport are discussed regularly on this board with info from locals.

Ok both are good but totally different experiences. Del Mar is very convenient and budget friendly and generally quiet to relax. There were reports of cutbacks to menu post-Covid (like lots of places!) so not sure what the situation is now. Plates are small (tapas type) but used to be unlimited. Drinks are typical AI quality. Service used to be very good.

Yes, we usually do. They only take a limited number of people since it is very small. They would probably take walk-ups if they aren’t full. It used to be really quiet for the first year but became quite popular pre-Covid. Not sure how numbers are now, we haven’t been in a while.

Seems to be the main location these days. Did you pick it in the end or did you go with the taxi drivers suggestion? Were you able to get loungers and how was sargassum?

Which other dock?

That’s as maybe but I don’t see what difference the class of ship would make in Roatan. We have docked at Coxen Hole on Empress. In Roatan it is which cruise line that is important. Obviously if booking a private excursion you would let the operator know which ship you are arriving on in case there is a change of itinerary.

What difference does Oasis class make?

Yes, this is what we have had. I also think there used to be a generic number for housekeeping and certainly guest services on the phone itself? There has to be an alternative method available for when the steward is off-duty. ETA Just checked, and it must vary from ship to ship, my most recent cruise didn’t have an alternative number on the card.

Was this the number from the stewards phone? I an surprised it doesn’t get re-routed after hours.I an not sure i would have waited on hold for 30 minutes. wasn't there a general number for housekeeping, or guest services direct you could have called? I haven’t had many maintenance issues fortunately but I am sure I have just phoned a central number in the past. Is that no longer available?

LOL are you aware of the transport problems around IAH? I can understand them wanting to limit stops at the actual airport. They only stop at ONE terminal. You would also have to transfer if you flew into a different terminal. It is easy enough from Marriott to get the hotel shuttle or airport train between terminals. We parked at off-site parking location and used parking lot shuttle to appropriate terminal. We actually made a stop at a hotel just outside the airport near our parking lot and I am guessing that group paid an extra $50 rather than take the hotel shuttle back to airport.

I know they charge an extra fee, per group, for hotel pick-up at the airport, I was unaware there was an additional fee in Galveston also? As i understand the website the private shuttles are aimed at relatively large private groups - large families, roll calls etc not a group of 2-4 people. We were sailing same day so we never enquired but some people on our shuttle were staying overnight in Galveston. This was before the new Royal terminal opened so in our case they dropped off at Carnival, then Royal, then hotels. Also I was referring to the three terminal buildings in Galveston. There aren’t many days when there are three ships so I doubt they stop at all three terminals everyday. I realized you were flying into IAH and were quoting prices from there but some people get confused and don’t realize HOU is Hobby and just think it is generic for Houston.

As I understand it @GreenValleyDogWalker wants to go from Hobby according to their post.

As stated, I am not sure what you are asking? It appears you want a private car service from Hobby to a Galveston Hotel? Is this correct? You will need a taxi, uber (or the like), or car rental. Yes, Galveston Express operates large shared shuttle vans as shown on their website. I think you are mis-reading the “stops”. Yes, it has the ability to service any of the listed cruise ships BUT not on one day. There will be a maximum of three ships on any given day and not even EVERY day. The port website schedule will show you the ships on any given day. After stopping at the terminal buildings (up to 3) for guests sailing that day it services certain hotels, on request I believe, for guests staying overnight before sailing.

Never a problem getting a taxi on Cozumel within the tourist areas.

Agree no safety issues, but interested to know what price they charged you solo in a shared van?

Jade caverns are on Cozumel. The OP is asking about a mainland excursion.

Take a look if this looks familiar https://www.furycozumel.com/arriving-by-cruiseship/ Maybe you can pin point from the video. HTH

I agree with PP lots to do at Chankanaab for kids of that age. Most snorkeling in Cozumel is drift snorkeling from shore or boat. From a boat that would be in deep ocean water. How experienced is your 5 year old at swimming and how long would they want to do it? The beach at Chankanaab is mostly man-made sandy area although there is a small beach cove with direct access. You will not get a sandy beach at somewhere that has good snorkeling. I think the poor food that is discussed is mainly from the buffet, which as always is subjective. It is fine but nothing special. We use the roving waiters and beach service. Agree check out locations and reviews from @mitsugirly under Cozumel tab.

Do you mean some distance down, also with inflatables? Fury private beach? Used after the snorkeling excursions from the cruise ships.

I don’t think Port Everglades is really comparable to Galveston! First and foremost it is an event that is rarely likely to happen in Galveston.

Only one ship can dock at new terminal. I realize you probably want a holiday sailing but Harmony 4 day followed by 7 day at the beginning of November would be a true B2B and makes more sense logistically. I am not sure I would want the hassle of packing up and changing ships and terminals for those itineraries.

Simple enough if you use an off-terminal parking lot. Pier 28 is Royal’s old terminal building. Actually doing B2B parking wouldn’t be a problem only those doing just the 4 day.

I wouldn’t rely on being able to get a taxi back unless things have changed.

We have always been able to get Pina Coladas without a problem, although not often my drink of choice. Most regular cocktails are included, simple mixers, single malts, as well as non-alcoholic drinks including freshley squeezed orange. Some premium drinks and higher wines you will be charged the difference.