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Are you in a suite by chance? Or is anyone in your group in a suite?

O great to hear she's going to dry dock. We cruise her in September.

OMG! Frozen mojitis are my new fav too. And you are absolutely right they come in all forms and fashions. On the Symphony the Boleros had the best mojito if a certain waiter made it. Strangely enough the dining room mojito was delicious too. At least 3 of more 4 freebies are frozen mojitos.

When I grow up I want to be like you 2 year advance cruise reservation people. I think it's great you book that far in advance. I would go bonkers booking that far in advance. I would worry myself to death.

I understand however you're making specialty dinner reservations for all 4 nights. It's probably more cost effective to get the dining plan.

Check and see if there is an excursion after the cruise called Manhattan Highlights and transfer to LGA.

Have you thought about getting the Dining plan? You can eat everywhere as many times as you like.

When you can't sleep and wake-up to an RCCLfan review. My DH found a cruise on the Grandeur he wants to try. I'm trying to persuade him to let's just go on the Liberty to Bermuda. I don't particularly care for the smaller ships. I need him read this review. Thx for the honesty. I already know we would have to eat in Chops every evening. Can't wait to see where you dine for the week.

All vacations have increased in price just like groceries, gas, clothes, homes, cars, etc. Deals are still to be had if your schedule is flexible and you're willing to do the leg work to find a good deal. We set a budget and try and find something that fits into it whether it's a cruise or a land base vacation. We're going to Maui in February 2023. It's our 5 year anniversary so we're splurging a little bit. We're paying less for a resort room in Maui than a jr. suite would be on a 7 day oasis class ship. But once we add food and daily excursions we'll be over the cost of a cruise and excursions. We're using our points to fly to Maui and we would use them to fly to FL to cruise so that's a mute point for us this time. I wish I could book when cruises first open but that's way too long for me to wait and I don't know what my vacation will look like two plus years in advance. I admire you guy who can do that. When I grow up I want to be like you. We usually book 3 to 7 months in advance. If it's a local cruise out of Galveston 1 to 3 months in advance if we find a great deal or need a break from adulting. I think it comes down to how do you want to spend your vacation money. We love cruising and it's our go to vacation. We're lazy vacation people so cruises meet our vacation needs. We're not loyal to any cruise line but Royal is our favorite.

It's a very large lot (covered and north). South is across the street. It looks like plenty of parking considering all three lots - covered, North and South lots.

AON was slow, real slow but they did reimburse me for my medical expenses for my visit to the ship's medical center.

Hopefully Houston traffic cooperates for you. It can be a bear 24/7. Use the WAZEapp to navigate the Houston traffic.

Best parking? North lot.

We cruised Royal over Thanksgiving. I highly recommend parking at the cruise terminal. Nothing like parking your car and walking to the cruise terminal to check in. We will always park at Royals new terminal going forward. It is so convenient now to park at the terminal. A no Brainer for us.

We always stay at the Holiday inn express in Texas city. We stopped staying in Galveston a couple of years ago. We usually skip breakfast and head to Galveston around 10AM for our 11am check in at the port.

Bummer your boarding day wasn't good. We had no problems. Highly recommend parking at the port next time. We thought we would give it a try a couple of weekends ago. Hands down best parking experience ever. Check out pics and my review of the parking. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2895846-royal-caribbean-cruise-terminal-galveston/#comment-64407961

We just got back and elected to do self assist. From leaving our cabin, catching elevator, going through last BONG!, to facial recognition, to walking to our car in the North parking lot less than 10 minutes. Our longest wait was for the elevator to get to deck 4. LOVE THIS NEW TERMINAL! Game changer. Luggage pickup area. We exited the side of the bldg, walked around the corner and the parking lots were right in front of us. PAY FOR THE NORTH lot. It's right there. CONVENIENT! No need to pay for covered parking unless you just want to. It is possible to walk to and from the South lot. It's a little further but a very easy walk on a paved sidewalk. Royal did a fabulous job.

Forgot to quote you. No waiting on parking spot. Arrival time 11am.

Our check in time was 11am. We arrived a little after 11. We walked straight from our car, through check in, through security, through pictures and onto ship in less than 15 minutes. Fastest check in ever. Check in was fabulous because they had multiple check in agents checking you in with a iPad. Loved it! They asked health questions, scanned passport and took picture. It took 3 or 4 minutes tops.

Picture of the parking lot from aboard the ship. Covered parking North parking South parking We loved parking and walking onto the ship. Once you take exit 1C off of I45 you take it down to 14th street. You will pass the old terminal. There is signage for you to follow. Easy Peasy.

The new terminal in Galveston is NICE! We boarded the Adventure today. Here are a few pics.

I just boarded the Adventure and they didn't ask for them. I would still bring it just in case.

Hugging you real tight. My condolences.