*** The Galveston, Texas "Cruise Cam" Watch Group ***

[TEXASMUNK]

Becci!!!!!

This year's short season ends on a nasty rumor that Royal may be giving up on Galveston.

 

Rumor says no Royal ship in 2015.

 

That would be a bummer!!!!!!

[Rancher Dave]

Becci!!!!!

This year's short season ends on a nasty rumor that Royal may be giving up on Galveston.

 

Rumor says no Royal ship in 2015.

 

That would be a bummer!!!!!!

 

Agree

 

They do however have to put sips where they max returns for investors and if sailing from here is it as profitable we miss out on a ship. It would be sad as I really like to drive to the port as its so much easier.

[TLex]

That might explain why there are TAs for Serenade, both from NOLA and back to NOLA in Nov 2014 for the 2014-15 season as well as for Indy, Liberty, Splendor, etc. But NOTHING for Navigator, yet, either from Galveston after April 2014 much less returning in the autumn.

 

When I first noted the dichotomy, I hoped it meant that RCI was leaving Navigator for year round, especially since Disney pulled out of the market and all of Carnival's woes. Upon reflection and reading further posts here, I'm afraid it may mean that RCI won't cruise from Galveston after April 2014.

 

But it's all sheer speculation until deployments come out o/a 18 April per the deployment schedule.

 

VR,

 

T Lex

[alohanails]

It's 2pm Texas time....the Mariner is not boarding as of now due to computer problems....my mom and stepdad are none too happy now....been standing on line over 2 hours! They have been given no info except that they are working on getting the computers up and running.....bummer!

[CGBCruiser]

Agree

 

They do however have to put sips where they max returns for investors and if sailing from here is it as profitable we miss out on a ship. It would be sad as I really like to drive to the port as its so much easier.

 

Just my thoughts...I think a smaller ship would be more profitable for them out of Galveston. However, I think they all sail full out of Galveston on a regular basis. I've heard that ships sailing out of Texas don't make as much $$$ in the casino and on liquor (that one is really hard to believe!). And it is so much easier for us to sail out of Galveston, but we do tire of the same itineraries. Oh well...we'll just wait and see. We're taking a Hawaiian cruise in May and are looking forward to that. Not as easy as Galveston but I think it'll be worth it!

[Texancruisers]

It's 2pm Texas time....the Mariner is not boarding as of now due to computer problems....my mom and stepdad are none too happy now....been standing on line over 2 hours! They have been given no info except that they are working on getting the computers up and running.....bummer!

 

We just got off Mariner this morning. Slow as usual. Please let us know what time they were allowed to board!!! Hope they didn't have to wait too long!!!

[enidcruiser]

It is so strange with the Carnival ship backing all the way out. Wild looking like a movie in reverse.

[Rancher Dave]

Just my thoughts...I think a smaller ship would be more profitable for them out of Galveston. However, I think they all sail full out of Galveston on a regular basis. I've heard that ships sailing out of Texas don't make as much $$$ in the casino and on liquor (that one is really hard to believe!). And it is so much easier for us to sail out of Galveston, but we do tire of the same itineraries. Oh well...we'll just wait and see. We're taking a Hawaiian cruise in May and are looking forward to that. Not as easy as Galveston but I think it'll be worth it!

 

Totally agree smaller ship may be a better fit as it would lily sell out before hey have to discount too much any of the cabins. Maybe they could try that and see if it could be profitable on longer Galveston deployments.

[pspercy]

They do however have to put ships where they max returns for investors

 

Indeed but when you look at the discounting in Europe (again) it would seem they're between a rock and a hard place. Example - Navigator's next few sailings out of Rome are already heavily discounted, are they making any more $$ there ?

http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Multi_Dest/Special_Offers/rci_sales_event.pdf

Edited April 8, 2013 by pspercy

[CGBCruiser]

They do however have to put ships where they max returns for investors

 

Indeed but when you look at the discounting in Europe (again) it would seem they're between a rock and a hard place. Example - Navigator's next few sailings out of Rome are already heavily discounted, are they making any more $$ there ?

http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Multi_Dest/Special_Offers/rci_sales_event.pdf

 

Fuel costs are higher in Europe also...I know the market there is not what it used to be. I looked into sailing from Rome and it is very heavily discounted. They must be making some $$$ there as they keep returning every summer. :confused:

[Cindy]

Welcome back, Mariner! If you folks who are on the ship right now would be so kind as to disembark quickly, I would appreciate it!:D Thank you very much!

[TLex]

Welcome back, Mariner! If you folks who are on the ship right now would be so kind as to disembark quickly, I would appreciate it!:D Thank you very much!

 

Cindy, have a great FINAL cruise on Mariner! Almost posted on your Roll Call but figured it was gauche to "crash" it. :p

 

Sure hope for good news next Thursday. And we're locked and cocked for Navigator next March.

 

In YOUR favorite cabin, of course! :D :D

 

BR,

 

T Lex

[Cindy]

Cindy, have a great FINAL cruise on Mariner! Almost posted on your Roll Call but figured it was gauche to "crash" it. :p

 

Sure hope for good news next Thursday. And we're locked and cocked for Navigator next March.

 

In YOUR favorite cabin, of course! :D :D

 

BR,

 

T Lex

 

Thanks! We're leaving in about 30 minutes!:)

Do you still have the gmail account? I have some pictures I want to send you when we get back. Nothing like waiting a year!:rolleyes::o

[TLex]

Thanks! We're leaving in about 30 minutes!:)

Do you still have the gmail account? I have some pictures I want to send you when we get back. Nothing like waiting a year!:rolleyes::o

 

I will try to find it. :D. And will check it when you get back. Please....have one final toast to Mariner for us. I'd rather be sailing with you than finishing taxes. :(. :D

 

VR,

 

T Lex

[klingoncruiser]

Morning everyone. We are at home for a change and not on a road trip. :rolleyes: We are booked on RCI next spring break.

[estoyer]

It's 2pm Texas time....the Mariner is not boarding as of now due to computer problems....my mom and stepdad are none too happy now....been standing on line over 2 hours! They have been given no info except that they are working on getting the computers up and running.....bummer!

 

Wow Galveston as usual! If it's not the weather and standing out in foul weather, or if you're lucky a day like today, it's the dumpy curise terminal! Wonder what keeps us Texans in Galveston curises besides the fact you don't have to pay airfare!! Come on Galveston spend some money! We know you cannot control the weather but you could build a much nicer terminal! We Texans deserve better!!

 

 

Earl

[CGBCruiser]

Wow Galveston as usual! If it's not the weather and standing out in foul weather, or if you're lucky a day like today, it's the dumpy curise terminal! Wonder what keeps us Texans in Galveston curises besides the fact you don't have to pay airfare!! Come on Galveston spend some money! We know you cannot control the weather but you could build a much nicer terminal! We Texans deserve better!!

 

 

Earl

 

The issues boarding last week had nothing to do with the terminal, it had to do with RCCL computer problems. The issues are usually with Customs and Immigration which come to Galveston from Houston.

[Cindy]

Boarding was very late today...it was pushing 12:30 before they started. By the time they started boarding, it had gotten very uncomfortable in the terminal.

 

No matter...we're here now!

[TLex]

Boarding was very late today...it was pushing 12:30 before they started. By the time they started boarding, it had gotten very uncomfortable in the terminal.

 

No matter...we're here now!

 

Drink?! :D :D :D

 

Late, miserable boarding or not: wanna' trade? :p

 

Will watch the cams for your Sailaway.

 

VR,

 

T Lex

[Texas Teen]

Watching the webcams this afternoon. Streaming cameras aren't working well, so no time lapse today.

 

EDIT: Bye Mariner!

Edited April 14, 2013 by Texas Teen

[estoyer]

The issues boarding last week had nothing to do with the terminal, it had to do with RCCL computer problems. The issues are usually with Customs and Immigration which come to Galveston from Houston.

 

Nice, lets add another issue to cruising out of our great state! Now it's RCCL and Customs! Seems to me most of the time it's either the fog and or Customs. This RCCL issue is a first for us! Guess you haven't had to stand outside the terminal until about 10 PM waiting to board in the rain and cold! The line was all the way back to the remote parking area. Unfortunately most of our cruises on RCCL have had issues with the weather and the fact the terminal is substandard. Too bad the terminal is so substandard to many other ports. Let's get it together Galveston before we lose you as a port for RCCL. Don't get me wrong we like sailing out of our own state! Spend some money update your port before it's too late!

 

Earl

[ssb]

Nice, lets add another issue to cruising out of our great state! Now it's RCCL and Customs! Seems to me most of the time it's either the fog and or Customs. This RCCL issue is a first for us! Guess you haven't had to stand outside the terminal until about 10 PM waiting to board in the rain and cold! The line was all the way back to the remote parking area. Unfortunately most of our cruises on RCCL have had issues with the weather and the fact the terminal is substandard. Too bad the terminal is so substandard to many other ports. Let's get it together Galveston before we lose you as a port for RCCL. Don't get me wrong we like sailing out of our own state! Spend some money update your port before it's too late!

 

Earl

 

How many times has fog been a problem this year versus other ports?

Customs is a problem in every port!

The terminal is very functional

if customs had its act together,

and customs was operating at full staffing

and out fed govt was cutting entitlements

and not normal recurring needed operations like customs.

[estoyer]

How many times has fog been a problem this year versus other ports?

Customs is a problem in every port!

The terminal is very functional

if customs had its act together,

and customs was operating at full staffing

and out fed govt was cutting entitlements

and not normal recurring needed operations like customs.

 

Very Good! Guess your the lucky one for Customs problems and I get the weather issues.. WOW! Wonder why the government is cutting entitlements? Guess our government needs a little boost. Looks like more tax revenue is required to help us on both ends.. Federal tax and local Galveston city taxes. More people for Customs and updated Galveston Port Authority buildings! Lets do it!

 

 

Earl

Edited April 15, 2013 by estoyer

[CGBCruiser]

Very Good! Guess your the lucky one for Customs problems and I get the weather issues.. WOW! Wonder why the government is cutting entitlements? Guess our government needs a little boost. Looks like more tax revenue is required to help us on both ends.. Federal tax and local Galveston city taxes. More people for Customs and updated Galveston Port Authority buildings! Lets do it!

 

 

Earl

 

Whatever...

[katygirl5]

Just to add to the problems, I have read on another thread that Galveston will lose RCCL in 2015. I truly hope this is just a rumor. We love the ease of driving to the port.

 

The terminal has never been a problem to us, after all we are just walking through to GO ON A CRUISE!!!!! The people have always been very pleasant and done whatever they could to make any inconvience as easy as possible.

 

Just saying.

Sally