Make sure that you are looking through the Website and not the APP. I could not order through the APP, but “bingo” it was on the website. This was just my experience, other people on the same cruise didn’t have the issue, it’s worth checking out.
Would also depend on the age and appetite for the others. If they are younger and not going to eat a 4 course meal then al a carte may be better. If that is the case look at the sample menus on the app and see what is there and price.
I have stayed at both. Hyatt house was okay because I got a good price NY weekend through Value Trips. If you are just coming in for the night and arriving mid/ late afternoon then HH would be good.
I actually stay either 2 days before or after to stay at the Riverside. Not only is it on the River Walk it is on Los Olas which is basically the oldest part of downtown ( in a good way) lots of restaurants to choose from at all price ranges , shops, galleries. Water taxi stop there.
3 bars on premises and a piano lounge in the lobby most nights. Fun watching the boats on the river.
Could have, would have found out if it was still in the cruise terminal or not. If it was still pretty close I would have had a general direction where it was. No matter what I could do I would know where it was.
One time I had to practically wrestle my suitcase from some man in the cruise terminal who thought my luggage was his. I had to go and grab the piece that was the faded version of mine. He didn’t even acknowledge that he made a mistake. Thankfully I use AirTags for my luggage now.
When you get on the ship go direct to wherever they are setting up reservations…they do not sell all the reservations prior to embarkation. May not get every restaurant or time that you want but I have never heard of anyone not getting in somewhere,
A trip to Montserrat is wonderful. I used Barcelona Day Tours. It was a trip there and a stop at a Cava vineyard. I also used them for a quick tour the morning of the cruise, picked up around 8:30, dropped off at Cruise Terminal around 1:00.
I always got the impression that many people who want to get off early drove to the port and possibly have a few hour drive they want to get out of the way.