TEXAS CRUISERS

[MrNobody]

I was just wondering how many fellow Texans are going on a cruise this year. Where/When/What ship? We're on the Elation sailing July 18, 2004.

[BrendaB1]

I have 3 booked and can't wait...as you can see by my banners.

Valor 10/30/05 Miracle 2/13/05
Sensation 10/04
Conquest May 2003
Holiday Sept 2002
Inspiration 2001
Celebration 2000
Crown Princess 1999
Oceanic (Big Red Boat) 1998

Days til Sensation Cruise from the Bayou
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Days til Miracle Partae Pirates Cruise from Tampa
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Days til Valor Vampires Cruise
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[lsp]

Carnival Glory 6/12/04

Linda

Cruising on the Glory 6/12/04
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[KristiFree]

Mr. Nobody...what part of the hill country are you from? I recently moved back from the San Marcos/Wimberley area. Beautiful area and I miss it terribly!





10/20/03 Celebration
We had a blast!

10/23/04 Sensation (no, make that SINsation!)
Let the Party begin!
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[oldmedic]

we are booked on the Elation for November 28-Dec 5. and can hardly wait! we took this same cruise in Feb. and loved it!

Proud members of O.A.T.C.
Inspiration Sept,2001
Celebration Jan,2002
Celebration Oct.2002
Conquest Sept, 2003
Elation Feb. 2004
Elation Nov, 2004
http://www.gifs.net/animate/am369.gif
from the Alligator capitol of Texas- we dance to the Raggae beat!!!
http://animatedgif.net/sports/diver_e0.gif

[MrNobody]

Hello to all and thanks for responding to this topic. I am new to cruise critic and the internet in general. I dont know the lingo yet but will pick it up I'm sure. I dont know how to get the "not online" sign off my post or how to add messages to the bottom of each post but am sure I will learn soon. I appreciate such experienced cruisers as yall coming on board. We are looking forward to the cruise and have never been on the Elation. BrendaB1 has three cruises booked and oldmedic is going on the Elation twice in one year. That has me feeling pretty good about cruising on the Elation. We have never been to Progreso or Belize City and have been getting some great tips on cruisecritic. lsp and KristiFree I appreciate both of you responding also. I hope lsp posts a review when she returns in June. KristiFree--I actually live in Austin. When I registered a day or two ago I was at my ranch in Llano so that is why I listed Texas Hill Country. I have family in San Marcos and friends in Wimberley. You are right it is beautiful here. Come back when you can.

[douglinc@msn.com]

We don't have any cruises booked yet, but wanted to let you know, we have been on the Elation twice and would not hesitate to go again.
Doug

Doug & Pat
Wichita Falls, Tex.
Celebration 11-28-97
Celebration 10-02-98
Enchanted Capri 7-23-99
Enchanted Capri 3-12-00
Celebration 11-11-00
Inspiration 9-09-01
Celebration 4-13-02
Rhapsody of the Seas 9-15-02
Splendour of the Seas 4-7-03
Elation 10-5-03
Rhapsody of the Seas 1-04-04
Elation 2-29-04

[Peyton6]

We're in Austin, too!

My husband and I went on RCCL's Splendour of the Seas in March, and my girlfriends and I are sailing on the Sensation 1/6/05 out of New Orleans... the wait is killing me!

Where in Austin do you live? We're in Southwest Austin - almost in Buda.

Majesty of the Seas 11/02
Splendour of the Seas 3/04
Sensation 1/6/05

katie@fg2.com

[oldmedic]

mrnobody,
i have to say that the Elation is my favorite ship so far. We have been on the Inspiration,The Celebration(x2), the Conquest and the Elation. I must say we have enjoyed ALL the ships we have been on, but personally i prefer the color scheme and decorations on the Elation. Each of our cruises have been wonderful, and we would gladly go back on any of the ships we have been on. We can hardly wait to sail again. We did Merida on our own when we docked at Progreso. At Belize the weather precluded us from our scheduled trip with coral breeze to shark/ray alley. hopefully we will make it this time. we always dive in Cozumel, because it is so beautiful there.

Proud members of O.A.T.C.
Inspiration Sept,2001
Celebration Jan,2002
Celebration Oct.2002
Conquest Sept, 2003
Elation Feb. 2004
Elation Nov, 2004
http://www.gifs.net/animate/am369.gif
from the Alligator capitol of Texas- we dance to the Raggae beat!!!
http://animatedgif.net/sports/diver_e0.gif

[douglinc@msn.com]

Old Medic,
What date in Feb. were you on the Elation? We were on the 2-29 sailing.
Doug

Doug & Pat
Wichita Falls, Tex.
Celebration 11-28-97
Celebration 10-02-98
Enchanted Capri 7-23-99
Enchanted Capri 3-12-00
Celebration 11-11-00
Inspiration 9-09-01
Celebration 4-13-02
Rhapsody of the Seas 9-15-02
Splendour of the Seas 4-7-03
Elation 10-5-03
Rhapsody of the Seas 1-04-04
Elation 2-29-04

[jhale]

We're booked on the Ecstasy, October 28! Can't wait!

jch
Fantasy 1995
Ecstacy 1996
Sea Princess 1999
Celebration 2000
Celebration 2002
Conquest 2003
Honeymoon on the Rhapsody of the Seas 2003
Ecstacy 2004
Until the Ecstacy
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Until the Wedding
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our "kids"
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[NewNCrusin]

We are sailing on the Conquest, May 30 of this month. My family is all here in Texas... I am in Waco, my mom, dad and brothers are in Houston and rest of family is in Conroe! Can't wait.

Conquest in May 2004: NOT SOON ENOUGH!

[MrNobody]

Hey Everybody! Thanks for the info. Like everyone else who is waiting for their cruise date we are really looking forward to it. Peyton6 we live in Barton Creek West in Travis County.***Could someone tell me how to get the "not online" symbol off my posts?

[MrNobody]

Never Mind!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[SATXLady]

Well, I'm from Texas and while I'm not going this year (if you mean calendar year), I am going on a cruise within the next year. I'm booked on the Carnival Pride for April 3, 2005.

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Carnival Pride, 4/3/05

[MrNobody]

Welcome carrolldf http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif You are not only from Texas you are from my hometown,the beautiful River City. I was born in San Antonio a few blocks from the Alamo on the river at NIX Hospital. Do you have any good scoop we all should know about anything to do with cruisin? Cruisin to me is like the enchiladas at Mi Tierra--you can never get too much. That goes for Margarita's, taco's, Lone Star beer, etc, etc.

[SATXLady]

I'm waiting for y'all to clue me in. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif This will be my first cruise.....at least it's the first one I've ever signed up for. But I keep getting this urge (after finding this board) to run out and book something sooner so I can go NOW.

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Carnival Pride, 4/3/05

[StaceyM]

Our group will be on the Elation June 20. We are from Grapevine, Texas which is near Dallas/Ft. Worth airport. My DH went to UT in Austin and I went to San Marcos so we have very fond memories of the Texas Hill Country. Does anyone rememer Jorge's mexican Restaurant on 6th Street? It was our favorite! Let's her from some more Texas Cruisers!

Elation 6/04
Celebration 7/03

[dcat2u]

We are scheduled for the Fantasy on the 6th of June.

Darlene
Proud Wife of a 4ID Soldier!
WE GOT HIM!!!

[TexasRed]

Hi fellow Texans!! We have taken two cruises, the first on Celebrity Horizon for our 25th anniversary....loved it so much we had to take another on the Celebration 4 months later. SO, we now have two coming up....sooooo slowly... but it will be a blast!! Hope you have as much fun reading and gathering tips here as I did, and still do!! We have a get-together planned for tonight, if anyone is lurking here from DFW. We will be at Rawlings at the Ballpark in Arlington.....y'all come!!

Judy

http://home.comcast.net/~jlwgm/shepirate1.jpg
Til we sail away on the Grand!!
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Days til Miracle Partae Pirates Cruise from Tampa
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[MrNobody]

Hello to all who have posted here over the last day and a half. I hope alot more cruisers post before our cruise on July 18th. I need info/advice of the ports of Progreso and Belize City. Should we just hang around Progreso or take a cab into Merida? What does everyone who has been think of the shore excursions in Belize City. We usually book our own excursions at the dock. How about shark/ray alley vs. cave tubing? Also we are curious which beach other than Chankanaab or Playa Sol do you prefer? We are considering Mr. Sancho's and/or Paradise Beach. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. As you can see by the way our past cruises are listed below I haven't quite got the hang of making the cruise lists. I'm definitely computer challenged. I just got this laptop about six months ago and just started using it daily about two months ago. Let us hear from you!!!

[TexasAlexus]

We're sailing on the Norwegian Wind for 10 days in Hawaii, June 9th. It'll be our 8th cruise, but we are just as excited as if it were our first. By the way Mr. Sancho's is are favorite beach in Cozumel. It is really nice, uncrowded and free. It is about a 10.00 taxi ride from the pier, depending on what pier you are docked at. Have a great cruise.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;1;17;19;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600 http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;6;9;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-1000  6/9/04 Norwegian Wind to Hawaii
 1/17/03 Celebration

[MrNobody]

Hey TexasAlexus thanks for the info on Mr. Sancho's. The cruise you are taking to Hawaii sounds really nice. After we get off the ship in Cozumel we will have about seven hours or so to snorkel, drink, eat, shop and check out Carlos N Charlies. So we have about decided to go to Mr. Sancho's as soon as we get off the ship and spend two or three hours and then head back to town. We have been to Cozumel several times and have about run out of things to do that we havent done before. Thanks again for the advice on Mr. Sancho's http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[MrNobody]

Where are all my fellow cruisin' TEXANS??? Don't be shy. Put in your two cents worth here or just say howdy. All past and future TEXAS cruisers and anyone else is welcome here.

[camreesmom]

MrNobody, we would have to recommend Paradise Beach in Cozumel. I can't wait to get back there in November. The name fits that beach perfectly. There are several posts about it on the Ports of Call boards. We also went to Chankanaab. It was pretty there but Paradise Beach was definitely my favorite.

My dad lives in San Antonio and I know what you mean about Mi Tierra. I love their chips and hot sauce, tacos, and of course, the margaritas. I can never resist the cookies and mexican sweet bread either. That is my hubby's favorite place to eat in SA.

Julie

Fantasy 12/03
Splendour of the Seas 3/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;11;8;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600  until our first time on Princess

Grand Princess 11/04

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Ecstasy 7/05

[LG123]

We will be Texans in 7 days! We are moving from Ohio next weekend. We are booked on the Elation for Christmas this year. We liked Paradise Beach when we were there last December. We also enjoyed Cozumel Sally's Minigolf. The shopping was ok but there were way too many ships in that day so there were too many people. The kids enjoyed McDonalds!

Happy Cruising!

Lori

Christmas Cruise on the Elation
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Disney Magic 12/03
Majesty of the Seas 9/03
Majesty of the Seas 11/02

[TexasAlexus]

MrNobody, Mr. Sancho's beach has bar service on the beach, free beach chairs and tables, a resturant, a small straw market area and a gift shop(with really neat Mr. Sancho's beach T-shirts), a swimming pool with a waterfall, clean restrooms, lockers,massage cabana, and beach equipment rentals. This is a great place to swim, the water is not rough and the sand is soft and white. They also have ATV rentals and horseback riding. We did the horseback riding and it was wonderful. It was only 20.00 for 30 minutes or 30.00 for an hour if I remember correctly. You do not need a reservation. Just walk up to the desk and they get a tour guide to take you on paths through a jungle like area where you will see wildlife like iguanas etc. and then you go for a ride along the beach. Take your camera because the tour guide will take you picture for you. My best picture of the cruise! Also do not worry about getting a taxi back to the pier as there are always taxi's waiting outside of the entrance whenever you are ready to go back. Enjoy your cruise.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;1;17;19;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600 http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;6;9;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-1000  6/9/04 Norwegian Wind to Hawaii
 1/17/03 Celebration

[MrNobody]

Hello camreesmom, lg123, and TexasAlexus!!! Thanks to you all for the great info on Mr. Sancho's and Paradise Beach. Is it possible to get to both of them in the 6 or 7 hours we have in Cozumel and still have some time in town? Mr. Sancho's is sounding pretty cool after reading TexasAlexus' posting. We are kind of leaning toward Mr. Sancho's at this point. Someone told me there is another beach next to Mr. Sancho's that is fun also. I know Playa Sol is before you get to Mr. Sancho's but the beach they talked about was past both Playa Sol and Mr. Sancho's. Anyone out there know this beach? Thanks again to the previous three posters. Your info was great!

[MrNobody]

Come on TEXAS CRUISERS!!! We can't let the Michigan and Philly cruisers post more than us.I know there are alot of past and future Texas Cruisers out there checking out this site. What cruise ship were you on or are going to be on in the future??? Let us hear from you!!

[tpear3]

We will be joining LG123 and PiperMcB during the Christmas cruise on Elation. My parents, two sisters, myself and our families (16) will be cruising together--and 11 of us have cruised at least once before. We all are living in the Spring/Woodlands area; however, my dad works in Killeen and my sister just moved from Pflugerville. I love hearing the reviews--it makes it so much more exciting and bearable to wait until December. Keep them coming!

NCL Sea - 10/00
CCL Inspiration - 11/01

12/19/04 Elation cruise
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[Texas Buddy]

Sounds like we'll be passing each other. Nine of us (2 families) sail on Elation 7/25. We're gettin' real anxious! Save some food for us!

Elation 7/04
Conquest 7/03

Are we there yet?
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[douglinc@msn.com]

You'll enjoy the Elation, it's a fun ship.
Doug

Doug & Pat
Wichita Falls, Tex.
Celebration 11-28-97
Celebration 10-02-98
Enchanted Capri 7-23-99
Enchanted Capri 3-12-00
Celebration 11-11-00
Inspiration 9-09-01
Celebration 4-13-02
Rhapsody of the Seas 9-15-02
Splendour of the Seas 4-7-03
Elation 10-5-03
Rhapsody of the Seas 1-04-04
Elation 2-29-04

[DreadPirateRobert]

Nothing firm yet. We're going to do something in the fall. We have to write those big checks to Texas A&M for our '07 and '08 Aggies, then we'll decide how much we have to cruise on.
We'd like to do the Elation again but have thought about RCCL as a change of pace.

Wasn't Cruising just made for Texans?

Windjammer Fantome May 1988 ?
Elation Sept 2001
Voyager of the Seas May 2002
Celebration July 2002
Jubilee Sept 2002
Destiny June 2003
Jubilee Sept 2003

[MrNobody]

Texas Buddy we'll not only save yall some food--we'll do our best to save yall some cold beer too!!! Hope yall enjoy your cruise and all goes well. Pirateover40 we have sailed on RCCL twice and really enjoyed it both times. I just feel like Carnival is more of a party ship and since I like Vegas soooo much I like all the neon http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif I've got one Aggie graduate and one UT graduate so I can understand the check writing aspect of this deal. Thank God that's OVER!!! But as a man with only a High School education I can say it was definitely worth all the overtime hours and side jobs to be able to give my son and daughter a college education. But once again let me say....Thank God that's OVER!!!

[Pianogrl]

Hello fellow Texans!!
We sailed this past March on the PARADISE over Spring Break with our family & had the most wonderful time. We live in Dallas (Plano actually) & hope to sail again soon when we get those Baylor checks written!!!
Enjoy your cruise! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[CedarHouseRanch]

I'm traveling with a party of 11, leaving Sunday (5/23) on the Elation. 5 more days! Can't wait.

Tom

Elation 5/23/04
Rhaposody of The Seas 5/03 & 11/01

[MrNobody]

Pianogrl-How much more crowded were the ports of call over Spring Break? Especially Cozumel. Was the ship overrun with Spring Breakers? CedarHouseRanch-We hope you'll write a cruise and port of call review when you return from your 5/23 cruise. Also, how 'bout that Rocket? It's worth the drive from Austin just to watch him pitch a game.

[Pompey]

Pirateover40 & MrNobody, Know what you mean about those big checks to TX A&M. We will be on the Elation this Sunday celebrating the graduation of our #1 from there. One down and one to go in 08 (we hope!). First time cruisers and can't wait. Info on this board is great. 5 MORE DAYS!!!!!!

[GayleR]

Hello fellow Texans,

We don't have any cruises planned in the near future http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif, but we did the Eastern Caribbean in March and had a blast. We also sailed on the Celebration last Easter and loved it as well.

We live just north of Houston, but our hearts are in Austin where my DH and I grew up. Our brothers and their families are fortunate enough to still live in Austin.

I just love this board and have learned so much from it.

Happy cruising,
Gayle

[Bigboataddict]

We will be on the Conquest on July 18. Can hardly waithttp://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

7/18 Conquest cruise
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Conquest 7/03
Celebration 6/01
Celebration 6/96

[MrNobody]

A BIG Texas welcome to pompey, GayleR, and Bigboataddict!! I'm glad yall posted. pompey...I can almost guarantee that this will not be your last cruise. It is great. Congrats on your graduate also. GayleR...I agree that Austin is a great place. I have lived here since the 70's and thoroughly enjoy it. My sister, her DH, and my nephews live in The Woodlands and we usually go there for Christmas. I like that area also. Bigboataddict...where does your ship sail out of and what are the ports of call?

[Bigboataddict]

We hitch up with the Conquest in New Orleans and go to Montego Bay, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. We went on the same cruise last July but are doing different excursions this time.

7/18 Conquest cruise
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Conquest 7/03
Celebration 6/01
Celebration 6/96

[DreadPirateRobert]

Pompey, you're gonna love it!
I'll warn you, once cruising gets in your blood you will be addicted for life. But what a great addiction!
Have a blast and toast a sunset for us...

Windjammer Fantome May 1988 ?
Elation Sept 2001
Voyager of the Seas May 2002
Celebration July 2002
Jubilee Sept 2002
Destiny June 2003
Jubilee Sept 2003

[GayleR]

Mr. Nobody,

That's too funny that you spend Christmas in The Woodlands. That's where we live and it's a great place to raise kids. We still miss Austin, though http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif. But, being 80 miles away from Galveston (to board cruiseships) is definitely a plus.

Gayle

[Pianogrl]

Mr Nobody....we've only sailed during Spring Break times (kids still in school) but I'm very familiar with Cozumel from a cruise perspective & also being there on our own (personal vacation). We go to Cozumel alot & have for years, so I've seen it go from this sleepy laid back little island to one that you can definately tell when the cruise ships are in port! It's more crowded than ever now, but I look at it like this: more people get to visit Cozumel & enjoy this great little island & share in what we've known for years....only with a few more people around.

[camreesmom]

bigboataddict, I guess you enjoyed the Conquest since you're sailing her again. We hope to sail on the Conquest in Oct. 2005 for my dh's birthday. You'll have to let me know her pluses and minuses and which excursions you recommend.

Julie

mjcrober@yahoo.com

Fantasy 12/03
Splendour of the Seas 3/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;11;8;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600  until our first time on Princess

Grand Princess 11/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;7;30;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600  until our family cruise

Ecstasy 7/05

[jnnifer01]

Howdy! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Just kidding- I, nor any Texans I know, really say that http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

My DH and I have 2 cruises for this year, so far. I might try to squeeze one more out of him before we leave California. Our 1st cruise out of Texas will be this December. We already have one booked and one being planned (Disney with the nieces) for next year. I can't wait!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;4;17;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Explorer of the Seas
(Royal Suite) 4/17/05, 7 Day Eastern Caribbean (2nd Anniversary)

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;12;13;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Carnival Ecstasy 12/13/04, 5 Day Mexican Caribbean


Carnival Pride
(Category 11) 4/25/04, 7 day Mexican Riviera (1 year Anniversary!)
Carnival Conquest
(Category 12)4/27/03,7 Day Western Caribbean(Honeymoon & 1st cruise)

[Bigboataddict]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by camreesmom:
bigboataddict, I guess you enjoyed the Conquest since you're sailing her again. We hope to sail on the Conquest in Oct. 2005 for my dh's birthday. You'll have to let me know her pluses and minuses and which excursions you recommend.

Julie

Hi Julie,

Conquest was DW and my first time on one of the larger ships, first cruise without kids and also first balcony room. We thought the room was nicer than the Celbration and had much more storage. Ship did not seem crowded at all to us. One night we were the only people in the aft hot tubs!

As for the excursions, we did Dr. Cave in MoBay, sting ray tour in Grand Cayman and sail and snorkle catamaran (Fury) in Cozumel. Don't know if I would recomend the Fury with children. We had a lot of fun on it but that was the night we did not make it to dinnerhttp://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

This time we are going to the adult Sandals in MoBay, just going to the beach in Cayman and the swim with the dolphins in Cozumel.

Hope you and DH have a great time in '05

Mark and Kathy

mjcrober@yahoo.com

Fantasy 12/03
Splendour of the Seas 3/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;11;8;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600 &nbsp;until our first time on Princess

Grand Princess 11/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;7;30;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600 &nbsp;until our family cruise

Ecstasy 7/05
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

7/18 Conquest cruise
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;7;18;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Conquest 7/03
Celebration 6/01
Celebration 6/96

[This message was edited by Bigboataddict on 05-19-04 at 07:16 AM.]

[randykaye]

Hey, we are future texas cruisers! we leave on the celebration on july 26 2004!! me and my husband are originally from east texas, Palestine! bet not too many people know where that is! but we got married and moved to Fort Worth and we love it here! Can't wait to go on our cruise for our 5 year anniversary, will anyone be joining us in july!! thanks

[DreadPirateRobert]

quote posted by jnnifer01
"Howdy!
Just kidding- I, nor any Texans I know, really say that "

I suppose you have never been to the campus of Texas A&M University. "Howdy" is a way of life there.

Windjammer Fantome May 1988 ?
Elation Sept 2001
Voyager of the Seas May 2002
Celebration July 2002
Jubilee Sept 2002
Destiny June 2003
Jubilee Sept 2003

[GRinTyler]

Hello Fellow Texans
We are leaving soon to be on the Spirit,
southbound Whittier Alaska to Vancouver. Very
excited, packed and ready. Already looking
for a cruise to book for late 2005.
Lived in Cedar Hill for 12 years and now we
live near Tyler.
Jan

[MrNobody]

GRinTyler...We TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES ON THE CC BOARD!!!!

[This message was edited by MrNobody on 05-19-04 at 03:44 PM.]

[MrNobody]

GRinTyler...We have TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES ON THE CC BOARD!!!!

[This message was edited by MrNobody on 05-19-04 at 03:47 PM.]

[MrNobody]

GRinTyler...We have never

[MrNobody]

RANDYKAYE...Is this yall's first cruise? You will be leaving the day after we return but we are on the Elation. Hope yall have a great time. GRinTyler...have yall cruised to Alaska before? We have only cruised the three different Caribbean routes out of Miami, San Juan, New Orleans, and Galveston. I'm trying to talk my girlfriend into an Alaskan cruise. I know where Tyler and Palestine are but where is Cedar Hill?

[jnnifer01]

Pirateover40, my brother in law is an aggie and we've attended a few games with him, but I don't recall anyone using "howdy" during my visits. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[jnnifer01]

I forgot to mention that besides my brother in law, 2 of our groomsmen (good friends of DH) from our wedding graduated from A&M and they don't use "Howdy" either. Maybe they were all left out of the "howdy" clique.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;4;17;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Explorer of the Seas
(Royal Suite) 4/17/05, 7 Day Eastern Caribbean (2nd Anniversary)

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;12;13;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Carnival Ecstasy 12/13/04, 5 Day Mexican Caribbean


Carnival Pride
(Category 11) 4/25/04, 7 day Mexican Riviera (1 year Anniversary!)
Carnival Conquest
(Category 12)4/27/03,7 Day Western Caribbean(Honeymoon & 1st cruise)

[MrNobody]

jnnifer01...HOWDY! how's your mama 'n them?

[randykaye]

Hey, we are first time cruisers! so excited, kinda nervous. I tend to get carsick sometimes, so worried about gettSoing seasick.
so I made and appt to get an rx for the patch. But now I have read that the patch makes some people sick,so we'll see. I have read about and seen pictures from and Alaska cruise that the dr I work for took 2 years ago. Absolutely beautiful pictures. I am suprised ya know where P-Town is !! most people don't, Cedar hill you asked? It is south of here, South of the metroplex past I-20. kinda near De Soto, hope that helps. Any good advise for us newbies here! I am driving my husb. crazy with all my questions! we are going to Coz. and Calica/playa on the celebration, can't wait!thanks for your help,and nice to meet ya!

[DreadPirateRobert]

jnnifer,
My son is a cadet and when visiting we spend most of our time around the Corps. That may be why we hear "Howdy" all the time.
http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Windjammer Fantome May 1988 ?
Elation Sept 2001
Voyager of the Seas May 2002
Celebration July 2002
Jubilee Sept 2002
Destiny June 2003
Jubilee Sept 2003

[MrNobody]

...and NEVER admit you've got an Aggie in the family. My son, his new wife, my nephew, and his new wife recently graduated from there. But we act like it didnt happen and we never bring it up. Oh yeah, I just did http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[KateCruzr]

I am a fellow Texan too! We do say "Howdy" here in SE Tx, but it comes out more like "hydee" lol

We are sailing on the Ecstasy Oct 28th.

Can't wait!!!

Katie

[GRinTyler]

Yes Cedar Hill is just south of Dallas, between
Duncanville and Desoto. It really started growing just after we moved.
This is our first cruise and we thought Alaska
would be a good choice. We plan to do the White Pass RR, Mendenhall glacier, and maybe
a flighttour in Ketchikan.
Would like to do Mexican Riviera late 2005,
does anyone have info on this?

[MrNobody]

randykaye... go to the ports of call thread and there is lots of good advice on what to do and not to do it Cozumel. There are people there much more knowledgeable than me. I dont know about the seasickness patches either 'cause I've never been sea sick. But if you get car sick then the patch might not be a bad idea. I hope this helps a little. KateCruz...how are you going to wait until October 28th after being on these boards? We're sailing on 7/18 and I think I got on them too soon. It definitely gives you the cruise bug.

[jnnifer01]

LOL http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
We're from East Tx (Longview) and instead of "howdy" it's "hi" but comes out more like "ha" (or something to that effect). It's incredible how Texas is so big that we have our own accents for different areas. I also have family in west tx and they sound totally different from us. These Californians seem to like my accent- they think it's "cute" http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
We'll be back in Texas in December. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Randykaye, you should be fine with Bonine. I'm prone to getting motion sickness and it works well for me on cruises. Do you live near the lake in Palestine?

[camreesmom]

Randykaye, I get motion sickness very easily and the bonine worked great for me. I didn't have any problems with drowsiness or even with drinking alcohol. Another couple that was with us used the patch and both of them complained of blurry vision. So much so that they had to take out their contacts. That lasted about a day.

Back long, long ago (mid '80's), we went to Aggie Fish Camp in Palestine. Gig 'em Ags!

Julie

mjcrober@yahoo.com

Fantasy 12/03
Splendour of the Seas 3/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;11;8;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600 &nbsp;until our first time on Princess

Grand Princess 11/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;7;30;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600 &nbsp;until our family cruise

Ecstasy 7/05

[TexasAlexus]

randykaye, Katecruzr and GRinTyler..welcome to the boards. Glad you found us! We had a local meet and mingle night for cruise critic members at Rawlings sports bar at the Ballpark in Arlington Saturday night. It's a shame you weren't on the boards yet, but keep an eye on the boards for the next one, probably in a few months. We have a fun time when we get together and it's great to meet other people who love to cruise. Co-workers, family and friends don't always relate to our cruise obsession, but fellow cruise critic members do. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif randykaye, we also live in Fort Worth. We sailed on the Celebration in January and loved it. The staff is excellent and the ship is lovely, small but lovely. You are in for a wonderful time, but I strongly suggest that you do take medication if you tend to get motion sickness, because the first night sailing out of Galveston is rough and many people on our sailing were not feeling too well. I have read before that people who have difficulty with motion sickness will start taking their medication before they even board the ship. Also be sure to eat often.Our tablemate got very ill because she had not eaten for many hours. She did not realize being a first time cruiser that there were places on the ship where she could get food (including free room service available anytime), so she waited to eat until late seating dinner. Any questions you have about the Celebration... let know. Best of luck in planning your cruise.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;1;17;19;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600 http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=dc143c&cdt=2004;6;9;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-1000 &nbsp;6/9/04 Norwegian Wind to Hawaii
&nbsp;1/17/03 Celebration

[DreadPirateRobert]

Regarding motion sickness, I used the wrist bands one time on a trip in the Pacific and I think they helped. The thing which helps me the most is to stay busy and not focus on the motion of the ship.
The first few hours out of Galveston have been known to be a little rocky. By the time you wake the next morning it is usually beautiful.

Windjammer Fantome May 1988 ?
Elation Sept 2001
Voyager of the Seas May 2002
Celebration July 2002
Jubilee Sept 2002
Destiny June 2003
Jubilee Sept 2003

[randykaye]

jnnifer01- Hi! we actually don't live in Palestine anymore, but both of our familes still all live there so we do go home alot. My husb family lives in town, and my family lives right outside of palestine a little bity community of Montalba! But after we got married we moved here to Fort Worth, and we like it much better here. So much more to do! I can't believe there are so many of us Texans! For the Bonine, Is it a patch or a pill? do ya need an Rx for it? Which do you think would be better, the pill or patch, thanks so much!

[MrNobody]

randykaye...Does Ft.Worth ever cross your mind? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif seriously though, a bunch of us guys from austin and the surrounding hill country went deep see fishing recently. My friend got some kind of patch for seasickness and I think it was Bonine. He had to go to a doctor and get a prescription. He passed them out to some of the other guys. They each put one behind one of their ears. Seemed to help them. I have seen them on many, many people on various cruises we have been on and they all look like they are having a great time. How are things at Billy Bob's and The White Elephant in the Stockyards these days?

[oldmedic]

randykaye,
Bonine is available over the counter. Scopalamine is the patch and requires a prescription. be careful about sharing the patch with others as this is a medication and does have some contraindications to its use.
Stop using scopolamine topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use scopolamine topical and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, or throat; restlessness, excitation, nervousness, or insomnia; blurred vision; dizziness; decreased appetite, nausea, or vomiting; difficulty urinating; or an irregular or fast heartbeat.

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and poor coordination have been reported when treatment that has lasted more than 3 days is discontinued. If you use scopolamine topical for more than 3 days, be aware that these side effects may occur when you stop.


Precautions


Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Scopolamine topical may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are using scopolamine topical.


Overdose


Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a scopolamine topical overdose include drowsiness, dizziness, agitation, excitability, seizures or convulsions, hallucinations, and death.


Notes


Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, liver disease, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, bladder problems, or glaucoma.

Scopolamine topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether scopolamine topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use scopolamine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether scopolamine topical passes into breast milk. Do not use scopolamine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Scopolamine topical is not recommended for use by children. Children are much more sensitive to the side effects of scopolamine The above information is strictly that, information and is not intended to be used as medical advice. if you have any questions about this or any meds you might be taking contact your dr. or healthcare professional.
Proud members of O.A.T.C.
Inspiration Sept,2001
Celebration Jan,2002
Celebration Oct.2002
Conquest Sept, 2003
Elation Feb. 2004
Elation Nov, 2004
http://www.gifs.net/animate/am369.gif
from the Alligator capitol of Texas- we dance to the Raggae beat!!!
http://animatedgif.net/sports/diver_e0.gif

[jnnifer01]

Randykaye, I love the DFW area & am looking forward to returning this winter (for a short spell). Bonine can be found at any pharmacy- I usually get it at Target. If you can't find it on the shelf, ask the pharmacist, sometimes they keep it behind the counter. It's in a blue box and it's raspberry (so they say) chewable tablets. If you don't care for that, they make generic tablets (non-chewable), just look for Meclizine hcl. It really helps me, and I've always had motion sickness problems. I did try the sea bands with the bonine on my last trip (Mexican Riviera) and was glad I did, since it was a bit more rough than the caribbean. Good luck & let us know how you did.
PS I heard from the boards that some people try ginger- I tried the ginger chews (made by "the ginger people"). They tasted ok but I don't know if they really did anything or not. You might want to bring something like that, as well, then you should have all your bases covered.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;4;17;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Explorer of the Seas
(Royal Suite) 4/17/05, 7 Day Eastern Caribbean (2nd Anniversary)

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;12;13;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Carnival Ecstasy 12/13/04, 5 Day Mexican Caribbean


Carnival Pride
(Category 11) 4/25/04, 7 day Mexican Riviera (1 year Anniversary!)
Carnival Conquest
(Category 12)4/27/03,7 Day Western Caribbean(Honeymoon & 1st cruise)

[randykaye]

Thank ya'll so much for all your help! I just love these boards! I have learned so much! My husband says I am "obsessed with this cruise thing"! But i am just excited to go!!

[MrNobody]

Hotel Galvez, Tremont House, the Hilton, and Harbor House are all sold out the day before we cruise on 7/18. I went to Galveston.com but am not familiar with any of the other hotels/motels. Any suggestions for lodging where we can leave our vehicle parked in their lot while we cruise??

[randykaye]

Hey, we are booking with a Holiday Inn Express
Stewart Beach. I e-mailed the manager and he mailed me back today. He said that when you reserve your room there, let them know of your cruise dates and if you plan to leave you car at the hoteland they will make the arrangments .It is free parking when you stay there, AND! they provide shuttle service to and from the cruise docks! Sounded like a great deal to me! We are sharing a room with our friends who are cruising with us, the room is $90.30. About $50 a couple which is about what we would pay to park each our cars at the pier. Plus now we are there on Sunday and aren't fighting traffic getting to Galveston through Houston coming all the way from Fort worth! Much less stress for me! You can go to www.ichotels.com (http://www.ichotels.com) and search for galevston in the search box on the left and it pulls up 2 Holiday inn exp. hotels, they both offer the same service, hope this helps!

[MrNobody]

Thanks for the info. I'll give that website a look. It sounds like exactly what we are looking for.

[MrNobody]

FYI....the Holiday Inn Express on Stewart's Beach is now $149.00 a night. The desk clerk said the lower rate had to be booked before March 1st. He did say you can leave your vehicle on the property and they do provide shuttle service.

[MrNobody]

The eyes of Texas are upon you and Governor Perry says all good Texans need to post now http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[cruzzer]

MrNobody,
You must have posted the Gov.
Do you think he'll want to join in our get together?

I've posted all the cruise lines, begging for San Antonians to step forward....
I'm not posting anymore today.
See ya,
Lois

[lisa2]

TEXAN CRUISERS HERE!!!!

We live in Friendswood and will be traveling on the Carnival elation June 20,2004. Can't Wait!!! This will be our first vacation in nine years without kids tagging along. And NOPE I am not feely quilty!!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif In Progreso we plan to see some ruins, swim in a chenoate(spelling?)and some snorkeling.I hear this is the cheapest place to buy souveniers also. Cozumel, we'll be headed tp PB kick back relax, have a few cold ones maybe some more snorkeling and just enjoy the day. Belize we actually scheduled a cave tubing through Coral Breeze, they were sooo much cheaper than others. Anyone else traveling with us email me maybe we can get together for a Texan Ho Down, "do they still call them that?" Reqardless it's gonna be a blast!!! Hope to get a lot of response.. Oh, one more thing, I was planning on taking some sodas and water in my checked luggage. Then I see where people actually are taking alcohol onboard. Anyone actually do this on this ship? One guy said he took a whole case of beer, but didn't say if it was bottles or cans. What do they serve on board cans or bottles? Thats all my husband drinks and anyway we can save money, well hey more for souveniers right? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Lisa2
lenelson65@aol.com

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;20;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Vacation Here We Come!!!
6-20-04 Carnival Elation!!!

[p2lockhart]

We are looking forward to our second cruise on the Elation. She is a beautiful ship.
Lisa2, I have never had trouble bringing booze in my checked luggage. I bring beer in the cans. I bring soda, tequila, etc, in the original unopened PLASTIC bottles that I purchase them in. I do not use the glass- too heavy and susceptible to breaking. I do discretely conceal them in the cabin. I also give the cabin steward a nice tip as soon as I get in the cabin to start things off on the right foot and make sure the ice keeps coming.
-p2

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;9;26;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
until I cruise on the Elation

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;11;25;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
until I cruise on the Ecstacy

Ecstacy 11/25/04
Elation 12/28/03,9/26/04
Celebration 9/5/03
Carnival Conquest 5/18/03
Rhapsody of the Seas 5/02
Norwegian Sea 12/31/99

[rlbissett]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MrNobody:
Any suggestions for lodging where we can leave our vehicle parked in their lot while we cruise??<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My DH and I are booked on Elation 9/12/04 which is also our wedding anniversary! We are going to stay at a Bed & Breakfast that sounds really cool! Here is the link to their website:

http://www.stacia-leigh.com/
I spoke to the owner of the B&B who says that parking for the entire cruise is included in the price of room. Also, he says the porters will come over from the ship and take you and your luggage to the pier! We don't know much more than that but decided to try it!

We are from Austin too...well Pflugerville actually! Like you our vacation of choice is usually Las Vegas! We have a addition to that little game they call Craps! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Plus....we love all the hustle & bustle of Las Vegas!!!
Last summer I took my first cruise with my parents and my children....now I'm hooked. So I have talked DH into a cruise instead!

TexasLexus...if you tell the taxi driver to take you to MR Sanchos....will they know what I am talking about or is is known by another name? It sounds like a great place to visit while we are in Cozumel! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Can't wait to cruise,
Lexi

[coachcruiser]

Live in the Frisco area (DFW that is LOL). Booked on Elation for June 20th. I have set up a roll call for that trip if you are interested. My wife and I can not wait!!! Our 5yr old has been talking about the big boat everyday since we told her about it. You guys have given me a lot of information to consider about this trip.

[MrNobody]

We found accommodations at the Hotel Galvez. I had tried by email and was told they were booked, but, when I telephoned they said they had a couple of cancellations so I booked it. rlbisset...thanks for the help. The B&B yall are staying at looks fabulous. I meet some of my buddies at Hanovers from time to time there in P'Ville for a couple of cold ones. Ever been there? lisa2...I am a bonafide coke and booze smuggler from way back. I use the same method as p2Lockhart. Never had a problem. I also take a collapsible cooler and ask the room steward to keep it stocked with cerveza, coke, and ice on a daily basis. A $5 or $10 tip is all it takes for the whole week. cruzzer...hang in there with the San Antonio post. Sometimes posts seem to languish and sometimes they are jumpin'. Kinda reminds me of fishin'. coachcruiser...hope yall enjoy your cruise. I know the 5 year old will have fun.

[coachcruiser]

I am just worried about being motion sick. But, it seems from all the posts that it shouldn't be a problem. I hope.

[MrNobody]

I've been on cruises where it was just ourselves and been on cruises with a group of six of us. No one has ever gotten sea sick in my immediate group but I know that some people do. Scroll up to the post by *old medic*. He posted some great info on medication for motion sickness.

[cruzzer]

Hi everyone,
Cruzzer here. We love to cruzz.

I started the "Any Cruisers Out There From San Antonio, Texas??? topic.
In three days we have 11 names.
We're waiting for more to join in.

We have been on 2 RCCL ships out of Galvez.
2003-Rhapposdy W. Carib; 2004-Splendor Panama Canal. Our next cruise is 2004-Infinity Hawaii.
Then it's on to Veendam-Fall-2005 So. Carib.
Love the Galvez hotel. They let you keep your car there while you cruise. Big plus!

RE: mal de mer...sea sickness
My Dr prescribed Meclizine. It is in a pill form. I have used it on 2 cruises, and never had any problems. But, that's just me.
The warning signs are exactly like Oldmedic's post.

Having very bad motion sickness, I take my pill the evening before we leave, just to be sure.
I have used the patch in the past, and it was awful, but again, that's just me.

I defer to Oldmedic.

I'm glad I found ya'll.
Lois

[StaceyM]

Lisa2 and Coachcruiser, Our group of 24 will also be on the June 20 Elation sailing. We have also found a couple more families going on this cruise from the boards. I will look for your roll call on that board. We had one for the 6/20 sailing a long time ago. I am sure it is way way down the line now!!!
Hey those of you from Cowtown, My DH and I grew up in that area. He went to SOuthwest High School and I went to Crowley High. We now live about 5 miles from DFW airport in Grapevine. We still claim Fort Worth as our home as it is only about 30 miles away! We l;ook forward to more "friends" on the June 20 sailing of the Elation!! Anyone eles?

[coachcruiser]

StaceyM,

We are coming from Little Elm. I taught in Coppell amd now I teach in Flower Mound. I hope we can get together to put faces with messages. For all going on Elation in June.

[lisa2]

Thanks for the help!! This will sure save us a lot of money. Are you sailing June20th? how much tip is respectable for the room steward?

Thanks for the tips.
Lisa2

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;20;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Vacation Here We Come!!!
6-20-04 Carnival Elation!!!

[lisa2]

How do we get on the "roll call"? It will be fun to meet more people, especially from Texas.

Thanks
Lisa2

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;20;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Vacation Here We Come!!!
6-20-04 Carnival Elation!!!

[coachcruiser]

Go to the roll call section. Click on the Carnival link. Scroll down until you see the Elation June 20th. It's real easy

[lisa2]

mrnobody,

Thanks for the collapsible cooler idea! I was wondering where we were going to keep things cold.And all you had to tip was 5 to 10.00? What a bargain. Can't wait to sail! I am getting soo much information from this group, I'm lovin it!!

Lisa2

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;20;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Vacation Here We Come!!!
6-20-04 Carnival Elation!!!

[lisa2]

staceym,

Going right now to look for roll call! Hope to meet you on the cruise.

Lisa2

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;20;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Vacation Here We Come!!!
6-20-04 Carnival Elation!!!

[lisa2]

Thanks Coach Cruiser, on my way to roll call.

Lisa2

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;20;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Vacation Here We Come!!!
6-20-04 Carnival Elation!!!

[MrNobody]

lisa2...I tip the room steward at least $10.00 in cash upfront and that is in addition to his normal tip. No one makes a cruise more enjoyable than the steward and waitstaff and I feel they should be tipped in excess of the amount suggested by Carnival. Just my humble opinion. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[coachcruiser]

Just trying to bring the topic back to the top.

[MrNobody]

Hey everybody!!! Where's p2Lockhart, rlbissett, lisa2 when we need them? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif We've got to keep this thread alive for all the Texans in the future who will soon be discovering this great website. I only found it 10 days ago. Also where's cruzzer and Randykaye? coachcruiser is doing his part...we need yall. REMEMBER THE ALAMO!!!!

[StaceyM]

MrNobody,
You are out of control!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif You sound like me. I discovered this board about 6 weeks ago and I can't stay off of it! It is so addicting! I don't know how I even boarded the Celebration last summer without it! Lisa and Coachcruiser, we need to come up with a CC meeting place on the Elation. We can discuss it when it gets closer to sailing time!

[fresnel468]

This thread may garner more viewers than the new movie about the Alamo did! Too bad, Billy Bob Thornton was great as David Crockett.

[lisa2]

Mrnobody, I totally agree.And I will tip accordingly.Thanks for the help.

Lisa2

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;20;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Vacation Here We Come!!!
6-20-04 Carnival Elation!!!

[lisa2]

MrNobody,

I'm here!!!Thanks for the info on tipping. I never mind tipping for good service! I don't know about all of ya'll, but I'm ready to cruise!!! Can't wait to meet some new faces and put faces with the names on this board. It's gonna be a great time!!!

Lisa2

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;20;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Vacation Here We Come!!!
6-20-04 Carnival Elation!!!

[coachcruiser]

To the top

[Peyton6]

Checking in from Austin. Just got back from Vegas and I'm now anxiously awaiting our girl's cruise on the Sensation 1/6/05 from NOLA.

For motion sickness we started taking Bonine the day before we left and had NO problems the whole time.

For hotel in Galveston we stayed at the Commodore... nothing fancy but clean and cheap - and we parked our car for free for the week and took their free shuttle to/from the pier.

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Majesty of the Seas 11/01
Splendour of the Seas 3/04
Sensation 1/6/05

katie@fg2.com

[MrNobody]

Peyton6...how'd you do in Vegas?? Where did yall stay?? You are from SW Austin if I recall a past post correctly. I LOVE Vegas but my girlfriend hates it. I'm forced to go there with just my buddies. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Good to hear from you again. lisa2...I wish yall were going with us on the Elation on 7/18/04 or we were going with yall. Sounds like yall are a fun group and are going to have a great time. We have decided to go to Paradise Beach instead of Mr. Sancho's after all while in Cozumel. If you go to PB I hope you'll give us a review. MrNobody aka Jake

[This message was edited by MrNobody on 05-25-04 at 01:06 PM.]

[StaceyM]

Hey Texas Cruisers, just wanted to check in. I haven't posted on this thread for a while!! Mr. Nobody, you are out of control!!! Wish you were on the Elation with us June 20! Hey Coachcruiser and Lisa, we need to set up a meeting place along with the other June 20 cruisers!! Can't wait! Stacey

[StaceyM]

Hey Texas Cruisers, just wanted to check in. I haven't posted on this thread for a while!! Mr. Nobody,you are too funny!!! Wish you were on the Elation with us June 20! Hey Coachcruiser and Lisa, we need to set up a meeting place along with the other June 20 cruisers!! Can't wait! Stacey

[lsp]

ATT: LEXI

The Stacy Leigh sank last month in Galveston. We had some friends from Pflugerville who came in for a cruise and were going to stay there. While they were on board the boat tilted and sank. Last time we were down there it was still under water. Plus the owner still charged them for their room and they are fighting it out now. They ended staying at La Quinta on the sea wall.

Linda
glory 6/12/04
conquest 6/21/03

Cruising on the Glory 6/12/04
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;06;12;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600

[Peyton6]

Vegas was fun - lost all my money, but still had a great time. We went to surprise my brother for his 30th birthday - he'd never been before. Rooms were extremely pricey last weekend, so we stayed at Hawthorne Suites right behind the San Remo across from MGM - 2 bedroom/2 bath suite for only $120/night - can't beat that!

We're in Shady Hollow - just around the corner from Buda.

I'm jealous that y'all have cruise dates approaching so quickly - it's hard waiting for 225 more days!! I've never cruised on Carnival before, so I'm looking forward to it. My three girlfriends have never been on a cruise before, so I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with them. Our only port is Cozumel and I think one of the girls will go on a snorkeling excursion through Carnival while the rest of us head to Paradise Beach - I was there in March and loved it!

Majesty of the Seas 11/01
Splendour of the Seas 3/04
Sensation 1/6/05

katie@fg2.com

[MrNobody]

Peyton6...Shady Hollow is a really nice area. I almost bought a house there in the late 80's. I loved Shady Hollow, but found a house I liked better in Circle C. I didnt like Circle C more than Shady Hollow, just that particular home appealed to me. I have moved further West since then to the outskirts of Austin. My son lives in Phoenix and I met him in Vegas to watch the Super Bowl and we had a blast!! But like you I came back a little lighter in the wallet.

[dfwkeith]

Going on first cruise in august on the celebration. 15th wedding anniversary! Live in Irving and really looking foward to it. Mr Nobody how did you get the "not online" off since thats what mine says? Kids are staying home so will be just wife and myself . Any other cruisers who went on the celebration have any good ideas for us? thanks

[StaceyM]

Hey Keith, we live in Grapevine and work in North Arlington. Welcome to the boards! My DH and I were on the Celebration last July for our 15th wedding anniv. and loved it. It was our first cruise. The ports are great! The ship was recently refurbished and was clean. The staff was awesome. We had the best time on the days at sea hanging by the pool. You will have a great time. We are doing the Elation in June which is 7 days instead of 5. We can't wait. Let me know if you have questions! Stacey

[MrNobody]

dfwkeith...welcome to this thread! Looks like you got the *not online* off your post. My friends went on the Celebration and had a great time and I hope you do to. StaceyM good to see you back http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[oldmedic]

cruzzer,
a friend of mine that sailed on the Conquest as part of the 911 emergen sea lights and sirens cruise used the scop. patch. the first three days she said she felt over medicated, kinda just out of it. she cut the patch in half and it worked great for her.
The above information is strictly that, information and is not intended to be used as medical advice. if you have any questions about this or any meds you might be taking contact your dr. or healthcare professional.

Proud members of O.A.T.C.
Inspiration Sept,2001
Celebration Jan,2002
Celebration Oct.2002
Conquest Sept, 2003
Elation Feb. 2004
Elation Nov, 2004
http://www.gifs.net/animate/am369.gif
from the Alligator capitol of Texas- we dance to the Raggae beat!!!
http://animatedgif.net/sports/diver_e0.gif

[randykaye]

Hey I'm still here, just going crazy as we still have 2 months b4 we cruze! Hey Peyton6, we are headed to Vegas the week b4 our cruise! My husb Cuz is getting married in Bishop, CA and we are all flying to vegas to stay and then driving on to CA. I am excited ! I have never done vegas! the first night we stay at the Riviera, and the last night will be at the Flamingo. We plan to see it all, as much as we cantill we have to go home! we are even going to re-new our vows in the Drive-thru wedding for our 5th ann. on July 31st! then we leave for our cruise on July 26 which is actually part of my ann. present! The other part better be the big ol' ring i picked out!!heehee! I am bad, i know. But he is a sweetie and will come thru, i just know it!
Hey DFWKeith, We live over here in NE fort worth, just under hurst! And we both work in beford. I read on one of these posts where they get together sometimes, she said they just had a meeting over in arlington on may 15? i think,she said she would post again in about a month or 2 when they have it again. Maybe we would see ya there!

[cruzzer]

oldmedic,

Thanks for the info. I appreciate your helping me out.
Hope to see you on a cruise somewhere, someday.
Lois

[Peyton6]

randykaye: sounds like you have a fun trip planned! We celebrated our 10 year anniversary on Splendour of the Seas in March - but we almost went to Vegas instead to renew our vows (a friend did that last year and the video was hysterical - Elvis walked her down the aisle!!) FYI - if you can find the slot machine called Sierra Silver it usually pays off really well - I've never been to Vegas and not hit the triple Sierra Silvers... not a huge payout, but it makes you feel like a winner! I think it paid 240 quarters when you hit it - and my sister won it three times in a row and only put in $10!! We noticed the slots at Aladdin seemed to pay out the most.

MrNobody: We love Shady Hollow - we're in the Villages - the newer (cheaper) section - but we'd love to move to the older section. This is our first house that we haven't rented, so we had to start out slowly! We wanted to move to Circle C, but we couldn't afford it. The home prices have really gone up, so we stand to make some money once we sell... only problem will be that everything else had gone up in price!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Anyone been on the Sensation? I am so excited about trying out Carnival for the first time... I love Royal Caribbean, but I've heard great things about Carnival. It's so hard waiting!!

Majesty of the Seas 11/01
Splendour of the Seas 3/04
Sensation 1/6/05

katie@fg2.com

[cruz'n ag]

Spending our honeymoon on the Elation July 25. Just moved to Irving last year after graduating from Texas A&M. We sailed Rhapsody last May and loved it. Can't wait to see what the "fun ship" has to offer.

The honeymoon begins in
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;7;25;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600

[DreadPirateRobert]

cruz'n ag
Welcome to the boards and Gig'Em! I'm the proud parent of an '07 and soon to be '08.

You'll love Elation. It was our first big cruise ship experience. Like they say you never forget your first. For the first two days my wife and I just walked around going "Wow"!
It's been 3 years so I'm sure the crew has changed but they were incredibly friendly and helpful.
Have a great time, and toast a sunset for me.

Windjammer Fantome May 1988 ?
Elation Sept 2001
Voyager of the Seas May 2002
Celebration July 2002
Jubilee Sept 2002
Destiny June 2003
Jubilee Sept 2003

[dfwkeith]

as first time cruisers my wife and I have a few questions that hopefully can be answered. Should we bring an alarm clock if we want to watch the sunrise or do they have wake up service? also I read somewhere to bring a power strip so you can plug in more than 1 item since theres only 1 outlet? Do you bring Irons? I read you need to bring hair dryers. We are new to this and just want to be prepaired on the celebration this August. Thanks

[oldmedic]

if you have an inside room it is a good idea to have an alarm clock, and a power strip. there is only one electrical plug in the room, so a power strip comes in handy when she needs to use a curling iron and you need to shave at the same time. also, there is a washateria available on several floors that has an iron available to use. i think the cruiseline frowns on use of irons and candles in the rooms due to fire hazards. please feel free to ask all the question you want, the carnival string is about the friendliest one i have found on cruise critic. (don't flame me, this is only my opinion) lol

Proud members of O.A.T.C.
Inspiration Sept,2001
Celebration Jan,2002
Celebration Oct.2002
Conquest Sept, 2003
Elation Feb. 2004
Elation Nov, 2004
http://www.gifs.net/animate/am369.gif
from the Alligator capitol of Texas- we dance to the Raggae beat!!!
http://animatedgif.net/sports/diver_e0.gif

[lisacas1]

I'm from Houston and going on my first cruise to Cozumel on September 2nd - Labor Day weekend 2004 on the Celebration! We plan to bring liquor and beer. Do we have to pour our liquor into different bottles or just wrap it up okay? Are we allowed to bring a cooler or is that too noticible? How do you recommend packing the alcohol... (just trying to save some $$$)

[DreadPirateRobert]

Well of course I've never smuggled booze aboard because that would be in violation of Carnival policy http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Were I to do it I'd probably just wrap a bottle in a beach towel and bury it in the middle of my clothes or the extra firm pillow my wife brings along.I wouldn't even bother to put it in a different bottle. I've also heard you can bring Cuban Rum back to the US in similar fashion but of course that is just a rumor. Carefully packed, I'm sure a certain amount of beer could be brought in. On a trip aboard the Celebration a friend of ours brought a case of Diet Coke and a case of bottled water. Not that I'm suggesting such scandalous behavior, you understand.
Yeah, I think an ice chest full of brew would be a little obvious. There's always the chance they'll find something you have hidden in your luggage, but I think that is very, very slim.
You will love Celebration. She is an older ship and has some charming quirks about her. Some of the best service we have had on Carnival was on the Celebration. Cozumel and Playa are fun.
Have a great time and toast a sunset for me!

Windjammer Fantome May 1988 ?
Elation Sept 2001
Voyager of the Seas May 2002
Celebration July 2002
Jubilee Sept 2002
Destiny June 2003
Jubilee Sept 2003

[MrNobody]

There is a thread on the first or second page that explains in detail how to accomplish your mission...and welcome! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[MRIrene]

We were recently hooked on cruising when our daughter (Jnnifer01) bought our cruise on Majesty of the Seas for our anniversary. We are going with 13 members of our family in December now. I hope to get them all addicted also. We are also considering taking our two granddaughters on a Disney cruise next February.
Can't think of a better way to spend my vacations! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Majesty of the Seas 5/04

Carnival Ecstasy 12/13/04
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;12;13;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[mongo]

cruise cruise cruise

gotta cruise some more......

1/12/02 Carnival Pride 8121
2/22/04 Rhapsody of the Seas 7014

[lynnmc1]

Hello fellow Texans,

There will be a great group of 12 going in just 5 days on the Celebration. Anyone else?

[christhree]

hey yall...just back from Victory....5/16-5/23
Had a blast...just sore from the slide...LOOL

Can't wait to book 2005...

READY for the next cruise !!!

Victory 5/2004
Celebration 7/89
Triumph 6/2001
Victory 5/2002
Triumph 5/2003
Celebration 2/2004'Noro'SURVIVOR

[christhree]

btw...NO WAY booking Celebration...BTDT...in Feb it was not great.... have fun http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

READY for the next cruise !!!

Victory 5/2004
Celebration 7/89
Triumph 6/2001
Victory 5/2002
Triumph 5/2003
Celebration 2/2004'Noro'SURVIVOR

[MRIrene]

Hey lynnmc1,

You are from "Fruitcake Country"! I love the apricot cakes from there. I used to drive back and forth from Kilgore to Mexia to work and would always stop there and get the apricot cakes. MMMmmm! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Majesty of the Seas 5/04

Carnival Ecstasy 12/13/04
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;12;13;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[Peyton6]

Make sure your alarm clock has the glow in the dark numbers - some people we know had the kind where they couldn't see the numbers in the dark and they were sorry! After reading the boards that was the first thing we bought at the Walmart in Galveston before the cruise! I don't think you are supposed to take irons, and we just did what someone on the boards suggested - we packed our clothes in the bags we got at the cleaners and everything stayed pretty wrinkle-free. We took a hanging bag for all of our evening wear and were happy with the results. We took a power strip along, but we never used it. I totally overpacked for the trip, and I will remember for my next cruise that I don't need so many pairs of shorts, shoes, etc! My husband nearly died when he saw how many pairs of shoes I was taking - and then teased me after the trip because I mostly wore flip flops on the at sea days! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Majesty of the Seas 11/01
Splendour of the Seas 3/04
Sensation 1/6/05

katie@fg2.com

[lisacas1]

Thanks so much for the advice! Ya, you're right a cooler might be a little too obvious...hahaha! Also, is there a limit to how much luggage you can bring on board? Is formal night REALLY formal - suit & tuxedo formal? Can my guy get away with a dress shirt tie and slacks? how's the swimming pool on the Celebration? Do you suggest I bring my own towels, beach and bath towels?

[oldmedic]

lisacas1,
as far as i know there is not a limit, unless you are flying and want to pay for extra luggage on the flight. On formal nights, you will see everything from Tuxes for the guys to dark suits and some with just jackets and shirts and ties. We enjoy dressing up, but if you prefer not to dress up there are alternative dining options available. personally we wouldn't take towells from the house, but we wouldn't want to pay $22.00 if we lost one either. swimming pools are nice, but busy. (especially if there are lots of kids on the cruise)

Proud members of O.A.T.C.
Inspiration Sept,2001
Celebration Jan,2002
Celebration Oct.2002
Conquest Sept, 2003
Elation Feb. 2004
Elation Nov, 2004
http://www.gifs.net/animate/am369.gif
from the Alligator capitol of Texas- we dance to the Raggae beat!!!
http://animatedgif.net/sports/diver_e0.gif

[Peyton6]

I'm not sure about Carnival, but on RCCL everyone just took a towel from the stacks by the pool when we went into Cozumel - we didn't have to sign for them or anything... we also could just return them so they could wash them once we got back, rather than having our own wet towels in the room. We saw everything on formal night... just wear what makes you most comfortable. FYI - we saw lots of folks with pretty bad sunburns on formal night because it was the same night as our first at sea day and folks sat in the sun too long - make sure your dress is comfy in the event you get a little pink!!

Majesty of the Seas 11/01
Splendour of the Seas 3/04
Sensation 1/6/05

katie@fg2.com

[lisacas1]

Oldmedic,

You are wonderful - thanks for the great tips...!!

Celebration 9/2004

[TxsBugGal]

More Texas cruisers from San Antonio stopping by to say hello!

Cathy & Dan

Celebration 2/01
Jubilee 11/02
Conquest 11/03
Celebration 2/04
Glory - Eastern 11/04
Grand Princess 2/2005

[camreesmom]

randykaye, you are so lucky combining a cruise with a trip to Vegas. My DH would be in high heaven with a trip like that! We used to always go to Vegas but I am hooked on cruising now. He enjoys it also but I don't think he has the addiction like I do. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

We have stayed at the Riviera before. We always just stay wherever is cheapest on the Strip. The rooms were very clean and comfortable. My favorite part was winning $625 on slots while we were waiting for our friends so we could catch the taxi to the airport. I didn't have time to lose my winnings before we came home! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I keep teasing my husband that I would love to renew our vows with Elvis. He thinks that I'm crazy of course but you never know what the future may hold!

Enjoy your trip!
Julie

mjcrober@yahoo.com

Fantasy 12/03
Splendour of the Seas 3/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;11;8;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600 &nbsp;until our first time on Princess

Grand Princess 11/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;7;30;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600 &nbsp;until our family cruise

Ecstasy 7/05

[DreadPirateRobert]

Bump

Windjammer Fantome May 1988 ?
Elation Sept 2001
Voyager of the Seas May 2002
Celebration July 2002
Jubilee Sept 2002
Destiny June 2003
Jubilee Sept 2003

[MrNobody]

We are sailing on the Elation on 7/18/04 and would love to hear from any other Texas cruisers no matter if they are sailing in the future or have sailed in the past. What ship, what port, and when did you sail or when are you going to sail?? Any advice or tips you can share would be appreciated also.

[hilltopfamily]

Our family is sailing on Elation Aug 1 2004. I just spent the better part of a hour online at tripadvisor looking at Galveston hotels for the night prior and the bad news is quite a few of the hotels have no availability. Where is everyone with upcoming cruises staying? Looking for ideas and/or info on where you guys are staying or chose to stay! Thanks.

I'm looking for a hotel/motel that provides free parking. When we went in March (Celebration cruise) we stayed at the Best Western Beachfront, and it looks like we may have to go back there again. Darn, was hoping to try a different place. (La Quinta or Holiday Inn Express were 2 I was looking at, but they both appear booked.)

Penny
Disney Magic~~Eastern 7/03
Carnival Celebration~~Western 3/04
Aug 1, 2004 Carnival Elation--Yippee, Our 3rd Cruise!!!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;8;1;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600

[Sandy504]

MrNobody...Husband & I will be sailing away with you on 7/18. We will be celebrating daughter & friends graduation.

[cruzzer]

hilltopfamily/Penny,
If you call the hotels directly they may have rooms available. Be sure to check out their special offers, too.
Hope you get the hotel you desire,
Lois

[cruzzer]

Sorry for the slow "Hi Ya'll" info.....
We are Joel and Lois from San Antonio.
We will be cruising RT SAN 12-5-04 Infinity Hawaii.
Next up is RT FLL 11-26-05 Veendam So. Caribb.

I hope we can get one more cruise this year. We're pretty booked with land vacations.
I'd rather be sailing!

Hope to get to know you better as time goes by.
Lois

[christhree]

hey yall.....

just back from Victory...awesome as usual !!

Alarm clock??? For??? Good grief yall....if ya can't set a wake up on the phone, ask for a call....I would NEVER pack that.

Towels...NEVER pack any...plenty towels supplied.

Celebration in FEB, and Victory last week...

Concerns regarding towels...forget em...in 6 cruises, nothing has ever been touched...However, you WILL find MANY towels getting a better tan than you...someone needs to flip em over...LOL {People run up at 7am to toss a towel or flip flop, then DISAPPEAR until 12pm--to those folk, sorry, I HOPE you lose your precious towel} sit in the chair...NO SAVING ALLOWED, what a joke. IF you are a sunlover...plan to spend the day sunning by the pools...I reccommend doing what they all do...toss your towel, lotion, flip flop on your chairs before you get your coffee...{which you can also get/eat in near proximity to your chairs }...good luck..as people are really getting pissed off if you are not there in person, and you will see...NO chairs at 9am...

Other than that, I suggest the piano bar at 9pm...usually sing alongs...and you WILL sing after all those umbrella drinks at the pool all day...also, highly reccommend the SLIDE at the pool...there were more 30-60 yr olds on the 'slide' than kids...12:1....go for it !!! Hurt later, LOL. I had a BLAST...my ribs hurt for 3 days, LOL.

Wish I was THERE,and thikin about our next booking...only a week since we were there...I miss the ship, the friends we made, I miss everything !!

Ya'll have FUN...great trip to yall...can't wait to sail again !!

~C

READY for the next cruise !!!

Victory 5/2004
Celebration 7/89
Triumph 6/2001
Victory 5/2002
Triumph 5/2003
Celebration 2/2004'Noro'SURVIVOR

[coachcruiser]

To the top

[lisa2]

hilltopfamily,
there should be plenty of hotels and or B&Bs available. You might try the Galveston Chamber of Commerce. I live 30 minutes from Galveston and know there are lots of places to stay. You might consider staying in a neighboring city and then parking your vehicle in one of the lots available to cruisers.You can find parking information at the Galvestoncruise.com site. Hope this helps.

Lisa2

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;20;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Vacation Here We Come!!!
6-20-04 Carnival Elation!!!

[Optichris]

My wife and I are sailing on the Elation this Sunday - we simply CANNOT wait!

[MrNobody]

lisa2...thanks for the great info on the website...know it will be useful to alot of people...Optichris...we love New Braunfels...grew up in San Antonio and spent some good times in N.B. over the years...you think you cant wait until Sunday?...try waiting until 07/18/04...that really bites!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif...thanks for posting and we hope we get a review once you are back home and have recovered sufficiently.

[love2sale]

Hello to all cruisers. I will be on the Elation September 26th 2004. Just like the rest of you I am getting impatient. DH and I will be sailing with some friends from Canda which we met on our cruise ont the Victory. We have become great friends. We will also be going with daughter and son in law. This is their first cruise so we are going to corrupt our kids just a bid and show them the ropes of cruising. I know they will be hooked. Does anyone know who is playing in the piano bar and who the cruise director is. Well can't wait to hear.

5/98 Celebration
6/01 Celebration
3/02 Celebration
10/03 Victory
1/04 Celebration
9/04 Elation

[MrNobody]

love2sale...welcome to the Texas Cruisers board...where is highlands and what are your names??...we have never been on the Elation so cant help with your questions...maybe someone else will be kind enough to answer...good to hear from you.

[travel girl23]

We just booked our fifth cruise, second on the Elation along with our next door neighbors (their third cruise). We loved the Elation when we sailed over Thanksgiving week last November. Can hardly wait until December.

Celebration - 9/99
Inspiration - 12/00
Jubilee - 10/02
Elation - 11/03
Elation again - 12/04

[love2sale]

Nobody, Highlands is near Houston. Well outside of Houston about 30 miles. Thanks for the welcome. I love to visit when I am getting ready to cruise. It just gets you in the mood.

5/98 Celebration
6/01 Celebration
3/02 Celebration
10/03 Victory
1/04 Celebration
9/04 Elation

[lisa2]

love2sale,

I know where Highlands is, I used to live in Crosby. Right next door.It sure is amazing how small this world really is.

Lisa2

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;20;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Vacation Here We Come!!!
6-20-04 Carnival Elation!!!

[hilltopfamily]

Lisa2: thanks for the info and the site, which I'll go check out as soon as I'm done here. Anyone heard of "ezpark"? Poster "cowgo" on our roll call thread mentioned this as a place to park for $35, so wondering if others can tell me more about it? This would affect our hotel stay, since I had been limiting our search to places that allowed free parking for the week.

Travelgirl23: Congratulations on the new booking! You're getting an impressive list of past & future cruises going in your signature!

love2sale: Looks like you're pretty fond of the Celebration! Four times on her---Wow! We went in March and really enjoyed the ship and her crew---they were simply great.

Penny
Disney Magic~~Eastern 7/03
Carnival Celebration~~Western 3/04
Aug 1, 2004 Carnival Elation--Yippee, Our 3rd Cruise!!!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;8;1;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600

[MrNobody]

hilltopfamily...I canceled our hotel stay and contracted 7 day parking at www.EZCruiseParking.com (http://www.EZCruiseParking.com). We are planning to drive into Galveston the day of our cruise. EZ also shuttles parkers to the cruise ship the day of their cruise. Hope this helps.

[hilltopfamily]

thanks for the info, Mr.Nobody! I saw your thread about this subject and responded there. If no one has done it yet, I think I'll go over to the "Ask a Cruise Question" forum and ask other cruisers to comment about this EZCruiseParking. thanks for the heads up!

Penny
Disney Magic~~Eastern 7/03
Carnival Celebration~~Western 3/04
Aug 1, 2004 Carnival Elation--Yippee, Our 3rd Cruise!!!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;8;1;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600

[MrNobody]

Hello Penny, I posted some info on the EZ thread for you...MrNobody aka Jake

[brn2crz]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by love2sale:
Nobody, Highlands is near Houston. Well outside of Houston about 30 miles. Thanks for the welcome. I love to visit when I am getting ready to cruise. It just gets you in the mood.

My aunt and her family have lived in Highlands
my entire(40) life....The Fountains..

Rhapsody Reunion 9-12-04 (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&s=927093444&a=tpc&f=1683059817&m=1003063257&r=193100571)



http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;09;12;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
http://smileys.******************/cat/1/1_4_51.gif ('http://www.******************/?partner=ZSzeb008')

[BrendaB1]

Hi MrNobody! Hope you have a wonderful cruise. I will be waiting for your review when you return. lol Gotta have something to do till my Sensation cruise comes up.

Valor 10/30/05 Miracle 2/13/05
Sensation 10/04
Conquest May 2003
Holiday Sept 2002
Inspiration 2001
Celebration 2000
Crown Princess 1999
Oceanic (Big Red Boat) 1998

Days til Sensation Cruise from the Bayou
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=FF0000&cdt=2004;10;23;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
http://www.bigotis.com/saintsinners.gif
Days til Miracle Partae Pirates Cruise from Tampa
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;02;13;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
http://hometown.aol.com/build17/myhomepage/partaepiratessmallsmall.gif?mtbrand=AOL_US
Days til Valor Vampires Cruise
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2005;10;30;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
http://www.bigotis.com/valorvampires.gif

[MrNobody]

Hello BrendaB1...we're not going until July 18th but I wanted to book the EZ parking early in case they fill up. According to the TA that booked for us the ship is full. I see by some other threads that you are keeping Host Randy, Zone, and some of the other guys in line...lol. It looks like Host Randy definitely had a great time on his recent cruise. We really enjoyed his review and photos. Glad y'all got your power back on up there in God's Country!! Jake

[BrendaB1]

Jake:
Just trying to keep them in line now since all three of us plus many others will be sailing together on my next three cruises. I think I am gonna have my hands full. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Valor 10/30/05 Miracle 2/13/05
Sensation 10/04
Conquest May 2003
Holiday Sept 2002
Inspiration 2001
Celebration 2000
Crown Princess 1999
Oceanic (Big Red Boat) 1998

Days til Sensation Cruise from the Bayou
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=FF0000&cdt=2004;10;23;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
http://www.bigotis.com/saintsinners.gif
Days til Miracle Partae Pirates Cruise from Tampa
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;02;13;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
http://hometown.aol.com/build17/myhomepage/partaepiratessmallsmall.gif?mtbrand=AOL_US
Days til Valor Vampires Cruise
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2005;10;30;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
http://www.bigotis.com/valorvampires.gif

[christhree]

houston here...near Spring, TX. Any Interliners here?

Otherwise our plan is to go February, and May...

Have fun

READY for the next cruise !!!

Victory 5/2004
Celebration 7/89
Triumph 6/2001
Victory 5/2002
Triumph 5/2003
Celebration 2/2004'Noro'SURVIVOR

[p2lockhart]

christhree, we did the Conquest through an interline website, at an incredible rate. Sure wish I would see that rate again...

Mr Nobody, after experiencing torential downpours and then car trouble driving from Lockhart to Galveston the morning of our last cruise, I have made an executive decision to book a hotel in Galveston, or stay with my sis in Spring, the night before. Besides, that will keep me from staying up until 3am doing last minute packing and I will be more rested.

As for Coz, the best beaches are on the undeveloped side of the island. I rent a car, reserved in advance, and take off to Chen Rio, where they have palm trees with tables and chairs under them right on the beach. They will bring you great seafood and drinks as you sit with your feet in the sand. You can enjoy their beach for hours, it is so peaceful. No loud music, no crowds. You can order online a great detailed map of the island from the mapchic that has all of the spots located. You still have time to get it. Once you try that side of the island, it's hard for me to get excited about the developed side. We have done Chankanaab a few times and checked out Mr Sanchos, which looks great it you want alot of action and things to do. We've done alot of other things their on past trips. But my fav is the gorgeous undeveloped side of the island.

Someone mentioned ice chests earlier. I pulled a wheeled ice chest full of fozen limeade, pineapple juice, limes, lemons,blender and cocolopez when I went on the Conquest. They looked in the ice chest and waived us on. The poor cruise worker who delivered my checked luggage must have gotten a hernia, though... http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

In Belize we did the Coral Breeze snorkeling and trip to Caye Caulker with a group of CC'ers we met on the message board. It was great. We may do Coral Breeze again. I need to see if they can take us to a different snorkeling spot and Caye for variety.

In Progreso, we took the local bus to Merida and walked the block to the plaza, went to the cathedral and some other spots, did the horse and buggy tour of the boulevard with the colonial buildings, and then ate lunch at a sidewalk cafe back at the plaza. It was a long and hot, exhausting day but none of us had been to Merida before and wanted to check it out. This next cruise I want to just chill out on the beach. If I can find a safe, more isolated beach (with less hawkers) than the one near the pier, that would be nice. Anyone know of one? I will check the Ports of Call board.

Mr Nobody, having lived in Llano, I don't suppose you ever get over to Lockhart, the BBQ Capital of Texas, for BBQ. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif My Dad has lived in Llano for the last several years and really loves it.

BTW, my DH, who went to college at TAMU and trade school at tu, says "Never ask a person where he went to college. If he went to A&M, he'll tell you, and if he didn't, you don't want to embarass him." We,too, are still writing those college checks. Unfortunately, our only child, who BTW starts off all of his emails with "howdy" and was supposed to be our third generation Aggie (both grandfathers are Aggies), disgraced the family and went to a college in the northeast that will remain nameless. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif The shame of it all... Perhaps he will come to his senses for grad school...

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;9;26;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
until I cruise on the Elation

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;11;25;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
until I cruise on the Ecstacy

Ecstacy 11/25/04
Elation 12/28/03,9/26/04
Celebration 9/5/03
Carnival Conquest 5/18/03
Rhapsody of the Seas 5/02
Norwegian Sea 12/31/99

[GayleR]

I've eaten BBQ in Lockhart....it's the best I ever tasted. The first time we went, I was a little unsure about the fact that you are served on butcher paper with no silverware. It's been a while since we've been (we moved to Houston from Austin) http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif to Lockhart. Maybe we could get it served on the cruise ships!!!!

Happy cruising,
Gayle

[p2lockhart]

Gayle, I never thought of smuggling on BBQ... Do ya think they would smell it? To tell you the truth, we never want to eat BBQ when we are out of town, unless, of course, we are down the road at Luling City Market. We get sort of burned out on it. But Smitty's if the first place our DS heads to when he comes home from college in the NE. The second stop is Mexican food. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;9;26;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
until I cruise on the Elation

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;11;25;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
until I cruise on the Ecstacy

Ecstacy 11/25/04
Elation 12/28/03,9/26/04
Celebration 9/5/03
Carnival Conquest 5/18/03
Rhapsody of the Seas 5/02
Norwegian Sea 12/31/99

[Babyblue]

Howdy Ya'll- Yep another fellow Texas Gal here.
we are booked for the Elation again in Dec.
Saw a few others on the same cruise posting here.
This will be a Christmas gift for my sis, my niece and nephew and stepdaughter.Whew my credit card is smoking http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
Thank Goodness I am earning points for my "free cruise" lol
Will take a few years to earn it but better late than never http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Will be introducing my niece(17) and nephew (15) to the wonderful world of cruising and hopefully hook them too.
Wanted to organize a cruise critic get together for all our fellow Texans but got sidetracked...
Hopefully I can still do this.
well back to work so I can earn some frozen thingy money http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Karen






Destiny 1-99
Celebration 9-00
Crown 3-01
Ocean 10-01
Golden 2-02
Golden 12-14-02
Grand 1-19-03
Conquest 5-4-03
Jubilee 8-23-03
Elation 1-11-04
Elation 12-19-04

[christhree]

fellow Texans....

As we were in port in St Thomas...I had a minor brain-fart, as hubby was asleep, and we were out of bourbon...

Bought to bottles...3 actually...then went to thee liquor store... As I learned others had the same idea...LOL It was so cheap, I decided I HAD to try...the others did too....

Empty water bottle...empty {not}, Vodka.. ice tea bottles easily REFORMED behind a palm tree. Carried one in a bag, one in my hand....wheee...room goodies. Not that my sign and sail wasn't already $500, 4 days out, with no tours added { did our own}. Not cheating Carnival, but hell...it saved $400....

So smuggle BBQ...go for it...be original in the disguise....LOL

Have fun, cruise often.....thinking about February again....meanwhile stuck in hot a$$ Houston...LOLOL

READY for the next cruise !!!

Victory 5/2004
Celebration 7/89
Triumph 6/2001
Victory 5/2002
Triumph 5/2003
Celebration 2/2004'Noro'SURVIVOR

[oldmedic]

hello mr. nobody!
time to our cruises is growing shorter! Just wanted to say hello to Babyblue also! oldmedic and sweetnell say hello!

Proud members of O.A.T.C.
Inspiration Sept,2001
Celebration Jan,2002
Celebration Oct.2002
Conquest Sept, 2003
Elation Feb. 2004
Elation Nov, 2004
http://www.gifs.net/animate/am369.gif
from the Alligator capitol of Texas- we dance to the Raggae beat!!!
http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Sports/Water_Sports/Swimming_down.gif

[Babyblue]

Hey oldmedic and sweetnell,
I have been away from the boards a while( get to missing cruising and then I have to book again)so...
I have seen you posting and have thought of you.
Well I did get the itch and decided to book again.Going for Christmas on the Elation again.
Taking my sis and her 2 kids and my stepdaughter.Introducing my niece and nephew to the joy of cruising.
Did I see that you were booked for the Valor cruise( Halloween cruise?)?
I was thinking about it but not sure.
You can e-mail me if you want
Babyblue07031960@aol.com just put in cruisecritic in subject line so I don't delete lol
Well off to cook dinner
drop a line if you want

Karen

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;12;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600 &nbsp;Till we are Elated again





Destiny 1-99
Celebration 9-00
Crown 3-01
Ocean 10-01
Golden 2-02
Golden 12-14-02
Grand 1-19-03
Conquest 5-4-03
Jubilee 8-23-03
Elation 1-11-04
Elation 12-19-04

[MrNobody]

Hello oldmedic, sweetnell, and Babyblue...Megan and I are just under six weeks away from our cruise on 7/18/04 on the Elation. oldmedic it is good to hear from you again. I have been checking out the boards now for almost a month and have gotten some very useful info from your posts. I cant recall now...are you going to be on our cruise??? I'm drawing a blank right now!...Babyblue it sounds like you are going to be cruising with enough people to field a baseball team...LOL. We have never cruised close to Christmas but would love to and may do it this year or next.

[christhree]

p2lockhart...

taken all 6 cruises interline....DIERECT thru Carnival...

READY for the next cruise !!!

Victory 5/2004
Celebration 7/89
Triumph 6/2001
Victory 5/2002
Triumph 5/2003
Celebration 2/2004'Noro'SURVIVOR

[love2sale]

Lisa2, How long did you live in Crosby and when?
Hilltopfamily, yes I know that Highlands is about 30 minutes from Houston just not alot of people know where Highlands is located. Until this topic. Seems there are a couple. Yes DH and I love to sail the Celebration 1st time was on the 7 day out of New Orleans. Everytime after was out of Galveston. It is just so much simpler. Yes I would sail her again as long as I don't have to work.LOL bad day on the sea is way better that a good day at work. Hope to get this topic back to the first page.

5/98 Celebration
6/01 Celebration
3/02 Celebration
10/03 Victory
1/04 Celebration
9/04 Elation

[Liinndda]

Well we are going on the Elation, on Aug. 29 out of Galveston, cant wait.......



TSS Carnival 1979

Linda Gifford

[Babyblue]

Hey Mr Nobody,
Well it seems some of the team won't be going.
My stepdaughters family can't make it but it will still be me and my stepdaughter, My sister and her two kids. So we do have enough for a small team http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
It will be my niece and nephews first trip and they are already talking about it. My niece went out and bought her a new "fancy dress" as her brother called it.
We have been in touch by the internet and I get so excited when we chat and they ask all those new cruiser questions and I can answer them http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
I am more excited I think about them going then they are----Well maybe not http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
I can't wait, come on December hurry and get here

Karen

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;12;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600 &nbsp;Till we are Elated again





Destiny 1-99
Celebration 9-00
Crown 3-01
Ocean 10-01
Golden 2-02
Golden 12-14-02
Grand 1-19-03
Conquest 5-4-03
Jubilee 8-23-03
Elation 1-11-04
Elation 12-19-04

[oldmedic]

hey there to all!
mr. nobody, we don't sail until Nov. the weekend after thanksgiving. so, will look forward to your review when you get back!
babyblue, we aren't scheduled on the haloween cruise, maybe we will win the lotto on saturday and will be able to afford it! lol hope you'll have a great day!

Proud members of O.A.T.C.
Inspiration Sept,2001
Celebration Jan,2002
Celebration Oct.2002
Conquest Sept, 2003
Elation Feb. 2004
Elation Nov, 2004
http://www.gifs.net/animate/am369.gif
from the Alligator capitol of Texas- we dance to the Raggae beat!!!
http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Sports/Water_Sports/Swimming_down.gif

[MrNobody]

oldmedic...I guess I could've checked your cruise listings on your earlier reply and figured that one out, huh?? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif "I was born ignorant and I've been losing ground ever since" The Geezinslaw Brothers

[lisa2]

love2sale
I first lived in Crosby back in 1983 for about a year.Then came back in 1995 and moved here to friendswood at the end of 1999. I lived in Newport Subdivision. I sure do miss going to the beach(river) every weekend. Crosby sure is growing. I moved here to be closer to work and for the schools. How about you?

Lisa2

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;20;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Vacation Here We Come!!!
6-20-04 Carnival Elation!!!

[love2sale]

Lisa2, was just wondering cause I live in Highlands although it is Crosby School district. I graduated from Crosby and now I own a buisness in Crosby. I opened in January of 2000. Its Buck's Pizza. Was just wondering if we might of known each other. Maybe? Maybe Not?

5/98 Celebration
6/01 Celebration
3/02 Celebration
10/03 Victory
1/04 Celebration
9/04 Elation

[p2lockhart]

Love2sale, where have you been? Steph/Birms and I have been searching all over for you to invite you to join our Elation 9/26 Roll Call. We need you! Please report at once to the Roll Call message board and sign in! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
Patti

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;9;26;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
until I cruise on the Elation

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;11;25;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
until I cruise on the Ecstacy

Ecstacy 11/25/04
Elation 12/28/03,9/26/04
Celebration 9/5/03
Carnival Conquest 5/18/03
Rhapsody of the Seas 5/02
Norwegian Sea 12/31/99

[cruizintexas]

Going on the Elation in October 3 - 10! Can't wait ... anyone been on this one lately with good excursions?? Do tell.

10/03 Carnival Elation!! Can't wait.....
<IMG SRC="http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi

[MrNobody]

Hello cruizin...welcome to this thread...we are just under 5 weeks from our cruise on the Elation...hope you have a great time...Patti...how are things in Lockhart Lion country? Jake from Austin

[trvl911]

Hi fellow Texans,

Looks like we have enough cruisers to book our own ship http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
We are from San Antonio!

We will be sailing March 12, 2005 on the Grand Princess.

One Carnival and One RCCL years ago http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif


http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2005;03;12;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Grand Princess 03-12-2005 click here (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=4763056957&m=75110066) for our roll

San Antionio Cruisers click here (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=887097554&m=509100602) for roll call

[camreesmom]

Jake, I tried looking up the EZ parking stuff but the link didn't work for me. Would you mind posting it again. We used the city/port parking in March because we had a coupon for it. Is the EZ parking covered? Still undecided as to spending the night in Galveston the night before. It is an easy drive for us, less than 3 hours and not too much traffic so I tend to want to save the $$ to spend on the cruise. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Julie

mjcrober@yahoo.com

Fantasy 12/03
Splendour of the Seas 3/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;11;8;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600 &nbsp;until our first time on Princess

Grand Princess 11/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;7;30;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600 &nbsp;until our family cruise

Ecstasy 7/05

[BrendaB1]

ANOTHER DFW AREA CC PARTY ~ AUG 7TH Hi Everyone! Any Texas cruisers that are in or near Dallas area or may be in town on Aug 7th. You are welcome to join us at the Ballpark in Arlington for another CC party. Saturday night at 6:00PM. It's a nice way to meet other people that share the love of cruising and also put some faces to the posts you read everyday.

Valor 10/30/05 Miracle 2/13/05
Sensation 10/04
Conquest May 2003
Holiday Sept 2002
Inspiration 2001
Celebration 2000
Crown Princess 1999
Oceanic (Big Red Boat) 1998

Days til Sensation Cruise from the Bayou
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=FF0000&cdt=2004;10;23;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
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Days til Miracle Partae Pirates Cruise from Tampa
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Days til Valor Vampires Cruise
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[KrusinKay]

Hey RandyKaye,

We are originally from Palestine too. Small World. We have been gone for about 8 years.
Crusincoach...we now live in Frisco. We think it is the best place to live in Texas!

We are booked on the Elation on 7/25. 3 families...we can't wait! 6 adults and 8 kids.

Kay

Nordic Empress 98
Majesty of the Seas 00
Celebration 02
Elation 7/25/04

[cruizintexas]

Howdy all! Kinda new to the boards. I am originally from Liberty, just east of Houston and just west of Beaumont. I am living in Forney, just east of Dallas. We are cruising on the Elation on 10/03. Would love to meet some other CC'ers! This is so much fun. I am already looking at more cruises!
Have a great weekend.

*10/03* Elation! Do as you please I am cruisin'!
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[fernlives2004]

If this isn't a gas. I am from San Antonio, did my first cruise on the Triumph June 5-12. I am definately hooked. My aunt and uncle go on several cruises a year. What a hoot! I haven't read all the posts, but will come back as I can to read somemore. I am currently looking for parttime work, so as to cruise as often as I can. pictures located at photos.yahoo.com/fernlives2004 See ya'll later!

[MrNobody]

Fern...thanks for posting...this thread was on its last breath...hope you had a great cruise...we are on the Elation on 07/18/04:)

[cruisinqt]

Hi everybody I'm from Cleburne, Texas. Okay, I know you're scratching your head, so let me clarify our location. We are a 30 minute drive south of Fort Worth. We will be on the Conquest this October. I can't wait! I also can't believe there are so many Texans on the CC board. I was just complaining to my husband that none of the group cruises are out of Houston, Galveston, or New Orleans. Why aren't there any CC group cruises near us? My husband likes to get a cruise nearby that we can drive to. That way we have more money for excursions, shopping, and we have more money to get a better cabin too. There are a lot of us. Why don't we Texans put together a group cruise geared toward us? Somewhere nearby that we can drive to. I like some of the extras the group cruises get. I noticed some group cruises get stuff like room credits, t-shirts, magnets, lanyards, group discounted hotels, and the down payment is as low as $25.00. What do you think?

[leesprincess]

Hey guys, we are in Austin also and took our first cruise in May 2004 on the Elation for our honeymoon and completely are addicted and our goal is to go every year for our anniversary. If any of you are going on the Elation, I want to let you know that debarkation can take an eternity, and the customs desks while you are still on the ship just take your papers and stamp them, we had 4 bottles of liquor and never paid taxes on ithe never even looked up at us, you are only allowed 1 bottle of liquor per person so we could have had a small child in our luggage I guess or anything else we decided to bring aboard from Mexico. Have a great time on the Elation. It is so very relaxing and when you come home you will not want to do anything but plan for the next one. Maybe we are just lazy!! It is completely worth the money. We will be booking on a RCL from Galveston to Key West, Grand Caymans, Cozumel next time though. Just so we don't get bored with the same ship all the time.

[BrendaB1]

none of the group cruises are out of Houston, Galveston, or New Orleans. Why aren't there any CC group cruises near us

I will be leaving on CC group cruise on Sensation in Oct. when it moves to Nola. Hopefully there will be others close to all of us.

Any other Texas cruisers that will be in Dallas area on Aug 7th? You are welcome to join us at the fourth DFW area CC Meet & Mingle at the Ballpark in Arlington.

[fernlives2004]

I have returned to read more posts, I am not sure there is a ship afloat that could handle us! I get so excited reading about everyones upcoming cruises! Hope to be posting mine soon. I belong to a mosaic group, and am considering putting together a group cruise. Anyone with advise would be appreciated. Have a wonderful Fourth of July ya'll and remember to Let Freedom Ring and keep the boat afloat!

[BrendaB1]

NrNobody, Hope you have awonderful time on elation. Let me know what you think when you return. I haven't been on that ship yet. After Conquest....kinda got spoiled to those new mega ships. But loved Celebration and Texas party atmosphere.

[Layditx]

Leaving a week from tomorrow on the Elation! From Cleburne, s. of Ft Worth. Can't wait! Have sailed once before on the Rhapsody...hoping this is as much fun or more! Plans are to do nothing but maybe shop in Progresso; Chankanaab park in Cozumel with hopefully time to stop in at Paradise Beach; and in Belize-undecided...we're on a slightly tighter budget than the last time we went :( . Hope to see some of y'all on our cruise!

[Layditx]

hey, Cruisinqt-I just backtracked through and saw you're from Cleburne too!!! Just wondering if we know each other....LOL!

[christhree]

WILL be sailing in Feb, May, and possibly Aug 2005....if not sooner. Just returned from Victory 5/23.....however, the next few will be outta Galveston....hate that flyin crapola, LOL

[Travelitis]

We're cruising July 18th on the Rhapsody out of Galveston. We're faced with the same dilemna about hotes. We're only 80 mi. from Galveston, and we have a friend who lives there with whom we can leave our car.

On a Sunday, traffic in Houston isn't bad. I've driven across the city on a Sunday. Our concern is that we have to take the ferry, because Houston is out of the way. We might get a hotel south of Houston to avoid the ferry. I would love input from anyone who is familiar with the normal ferry traffic between noon and 1:00 on a Sunday.

[CindyE]

Well, Texas cruisers rule! Hi all, I am new to the board here...and thrilled to see all the posts from my fellow Texans. Yes, I think we could book an entire ship after reading them all. Hubby and I have been on several cruises, I was hooked after the first one which was on the Spirit for the Alaska cruise. Flew from DFW to Vancouver, BC where we boarded, then it was cruising the inside strait on a 7-day cruise. I absolutely loved every single minute of it. The most beautiful country I've ever seen in my life. It really was my dream vacation. Two years ago we took a 4-day out of Galveston on the Ecstacy and thoroughly enjoyed it. In January 2005 we're booked on the Elation for a 7-day. So, really getting excited already about going. Have been thinking about doing the snorkeling or deep sea fishing thing, but haven't quite decided as yet. For all you guys getting ready to sail out, HAVE FUN!! :)

[teacup754]

Hey fellow Texans, Aggies and Austinites!We're thinking of going on a cruise in Dec and looking at the Galveston Ectasy and Elation. Are the waters in mexico,Belize etc warm enough for swimming at Christmas? Since we're used to texas swimming I don't want to be stranded looking at the water because it feels too cold to us..the only cruise we took was a few years ago on the Renaissance in tahiti in July...thanks for any help...teacup

[cruisin' scrapper]

Just wanted one of my first posts on this board to send this Texas Cruisers post back to the top!

I will be cruisin' for the first time 10/3/04 on the Elation. I'm really starting to get excited & am finding a lot of great info on this board. I live in far northwest Harris County, outside of Houston.

MrNobody-looks like you'll be leaving soon! Have a great time!

[EKELLEY]

We are from Sugar Land, south of Houston. We will be on the Conquest 11/7/04 to celebrate our 25th anniversary.

Eileen

[oldmedic]

travelitis,
from past experience, the traffic on weekends on the peninsula side can be from 15 minute wait to about 45 minutes. the ferries normally run about one every 15 minutes. If you look to your right as you leave the ferry dock you can see the cruise ships at the dock. hope this helps.

[lyssad311]

i'm from houston and im going on the elation 7/18 as well :-D cant wait!

[p2lockhart]

Jake, things are roaring here in Lockhart Lion Country. Bon voyage to you and all the other Texas cruisers departing on the Elation next Sunday. I will be watching you from Kroooz-cams. Let me know if the Elation still docks at Puerta Maya in Cozumel so I can make my rental car reservations online.

Teacup- I cruised the Elation over New Years and snorkeled in Belize without a wet suit. It was warm and pleasant. If I recall correctly, if you go to the top of this page and click on Destinations and then on Cozumel, there may be a place to click on to find out temperatures for different times of the year.

[MrNobody]

Hello to all...cruisin scrapper and p2lockhart thanks for the well wishes on our cruise this Sunday...we have shore excursions already booked on Cozumel and Belize and will probably check out the resort hotel in Progreso...p2 I'll let you know what Dock we use in Coz...Jake

[sherrintxs]

This is our first cruise. We are going on Celebration Aug.5th.

[BrendaB1]

Jake: So nice to see you back on here. Hope you have a wonderful time & we look forward to seeing you in Dallas at the party. :D

[randykaye]

TO KrusinKat-- Hey, nice to meet ya!! I can't believe ya'll are from Palestine,too!! Small world!! We moved 6 months after we got married up to Fort Worth back in 1999. But we go home all the time because all of our family is there!! I had another girl e-mail that was from P-town too! We leave on our first cruise for our 5th anniversary in 12 days!!!!! SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!

[cruisekimmy]

Hi i am from Fairfield,tx and i am going on the Elation July 18,2004

[ksufan]

Hello to all...cruisin scrapper and p2lockhart thanks for the well wishes on our cruise this Sunday...we have shore excursions already booked on Cozumel and Belize and will probably check out the resort hotel in Progreso...p2 I'll let you know what Dock we use in Coz...Jake
I apologize for crashing your topic, but I have been looking for Mr. Nobody for days and he was here today.. Jake if you are still here, get in touch. I still want to meet up on the ship this weekend. We are still meeting at the bar after the drill. There are a few more than the last time you posted... Sharon

[cruisekimmy]

Cant wait!

[redneck_dan]

My wife, daughter and I will be on Elation on 1/23/2005. We live in Little Elm, TX.

[redneck_dan]

Hey fellow Texans, Aggies and Austinites!We're thinking of going on a cruise in Dec and looking at the Galveston Ectasy and Elation. Are the waters in mexico,Belize etc warm enough for swimming at Christmas? Since we're used to texas swimming I don't want to be stranded looking at the water because it feels too cold to us..the only cruise we took was a few years ago on the Renaissance in tahiti in July...thanks for any help...teacup

The water should be nice in December. I have friends who have done winter cruises into the Gulf. The avg. his in December are in the low 80's at the Gulf ports.

[randykaye]

CRUISEKIMMY-- You live in Fairfield!! How cool!! We still lived in Palestine when we got married and we honeymooned at the Sandals in Nassau, and our first night there at dinner we met two couples. One was from Chicago(great accents to listen to all week, and they liked mine too!) and the other was from Ennis but his dad still lived in Fairfield!! too funny!! We cruise in 11 days! but first we are leaving for Vegas and California for this weekend!! Happy cruisin' Ya'll!!

[cruisekimmy]

How funny!!lol!!yall have a great time in Vegas!!are yall staying in a big hotel?like the MGM or the circus circus??we have been to vegas a bunch of times!!lolHave a great trip!!

[Still_a_Babe@55]

I'm a fellow Texan, and I'm embarking on my first cruise August 8. I live in a small village on the north shore of Lake Travis, about 12 miles NW of Austin. I've flown to the "Mayan Riviera" and explored that region many times hiking and riding the Mexican buses, but this will be the first time I've ever been on a vessel larger than the ferries that serve Cozumel and Isla Mujeres!

[randykaye]

CRUISEKIMMY- Vegas was GREAT!! We stayed fri. at Riviera, ok hotel, not really impressed but it was cheap and we were only sleeping there basically. The check-in/out was automated on a computer that you do yourself. DId not like that at all, give me a real live person! We had our friends staying with us and it kept trying to charge them for the room again on our card! and Checking out was even worse! We saw a show, walked every where we could, saw the volcano, treasure island show, etc.. everything was great! Sunday we stayed at the FLamingo, Much better. beautiful inside, great pool area with real flamingos walking around!! We just didn't have enough time to see it all, vegas was the stop on the way to Bishop,CA for a wedding. SO now we have to unpack, wash everything, and re-pack it all cause we head to Galveston Saturday to leave Monday on our first cruise!! can't wait!!
I work for an Optometrist, and our whole office is going to Vegas in Sept for the Vision Expo West convention, will anyone else be there by chance! so hopefully we can see more next time!!Thanks for asking and happy cruisin ya'll!

[KrusinKay]

Randykaye...we leave Sunday for our Elation cruise and we are elated. Now... I'm really wondering if I might know you. Palestine is pretty small, you know. Did you go to high school there? If so, WHS or PHS. I graduated in 83 from PHS, my husband 82 from WHS. Both of our parents still live there.
Good luck on your packing. Ive got my things and two of my childrens bags packed, still have to get hubby and oldest son packed. We are leaving Saturday and staying at Marriott near Houston Hobby Saturday night. Can't wait to get on vacation!

[Host Randy]

Has anyone invited these TEXANS to our DFW M&M at the Ballpark?.......August 7th.....be there.........it's like cruising if you don't look out the windows....lol:D

[randykaye]

kruisinkay- We have got to know some of the same people. Too small a town not to! We did go to PHS, but we graduated in '96 and '97! We are Brent and Miranda Evans, I used to be a Robertson. My whole family is still there and I am related to everyone!! I grew up in Montalba, that's where my parents still live. His mom was a nurse for years at the hosp and his dad was a cop, my dad still works at the railroad and my mom is a teacher at Cayuga!! I also found another person who is from Palestine here! that is too weird!! We leave for Palestine Sat to drop off our dog at my mom's she is keeping him all week! Then we are leaving Sunday for Galveston!! Our friends from here are going with us, but they are from P-town too! They are Ginger and Bryan Stewart. His parents owned the Stewart General Store that used to be in Montalba on the corner, you might know them! Ya'll have fun, I'm sure you will, maybe we will see ya in Mexico somewhere! Happy Cruisin!

[KrusinKay]

Randykaye...well lets see. I do know the principal at Cayuga, Tracie Campbell. We were next door neighbors in Palestine. I don't know too many people from Montalba though. Lee and Wanda Bishop. Do you know them? What about David & Lori Richie. They really don't live in Montalba but between Palestine & Montalba.
Hope ya'll have a great cruise.
Kay

[TexasRed]

I was gonna invite everyone to our M&M, but Randy beat me to it!!! Y'all come!!!!

And Randy, the only reason for you that it feels like cruisin is cuz of the unbalanced feeling you get from too much alcohol...lol.

Judy

[BrendaB1]

~~ Two Week Reminder ~~For any fun people from DFW area or anyone that plans to be in the area on Aug 7th. Come join your fellow CC friends at Rawlins Bar & Grill located at the Ballpark in Arlinton. 6:00PM We have people scheduled to attend from OK, AR, Austin, Kerens, and all over the metroplex.

[Stircrzy]

Weeeeee!

Our first cruise sans hubbies and kiddos!!

[cruizintexas]

Won't be able to make the August 7th meeting. We will be coming back from Tennessee. Hope that you have a great time. Not only am I preparing for this cruise, my darling DH has decided that it is time to purchase a home! Looks like we will be moving in less than a month! What timing! Packing and unpacking a house and attempting to pack for a cruise. Oh well, at least I do have a great vacation to look forward to! Oh, I am excited about the house too!

[txsmiles]

Glad to see so many Texans planning cruises! We'll be on the Elation, but not until January... can't wait! Our group all live just north of Houston.

I've been learning so much on these boards, and am having the worst time deciding about snorkeling or cave tubing in Belize... I've heard such great things about both, and am really leaning toward the snorkeling. Anybody have a particularly great time on different beaches or cayes? I've been looking at the Goff's Caye, the Horseshoe Reef & Stingray, and the catamaran to the barrier reef to snorkle then Rendezvous Key.

:confused: So many choices! I'll appreciate anyone's thoughts & experiences!

[cpayne]

Add another Houstonian (southwest burbs) to the list! We leave for NCL Spirit on 8/21 to Alaska!

[cruisekimmy]

well back from cruise on the Elation July 18-25..HAD A BLAST!!

[randykaye]

Howdy ya'll!! we just got back from the Celebration last Sat the 31st!! I have posted a review under the reviews section if anyone is interested!! We had and absolute blast!! We are trying to plan a cruise for Feb now cause we had so much fun on our first cruise!! any advise on cruising from Galveston in Feb? Is it too cold? are the pools on the ship even full? I figure Mexico would be plenty warm, but what do you do on days at sea if it is too cool to lay out. that is what we did all day on the sea days last week!! I wish the DFW meeting was before we cruised!! I guess we could still come to meet everybody and bring my 10 rolls of pictures that we got developed to show everybody!!

[TexasRed]

randykaye,

Come on to the M&M anyway and meet us!!!! We are a fun group.

Judy

[Wmiller86]

Howdy!
We will be sailing on the Disney Magic this Thanksgiving. We sailed the Carnival Holiday out of New Orleans last Christmas.(Not great) and my wife, Mom, and 2 sisters sailed Carnival Holiday again in May.(Great Cruise)

We live in Lumberton, Texas(near Beaumont) , so we plan to cruise from Galveston in the future, also.
we are sailing Disney because we could use our Disney Vacation Club points to pay for it, and not have to pay cash.

We are new to cruising, and have enjoyed reading posts from everyone. These boards do tend to get kind of vicious, though, if you post a negative about a ship!

Willie

[MrNobody]

[QUOTE

We are new to cruising, and have enjoyed reading posts from everyone. These boards do tend to get kind of vicious, though, if you post a negative about a ship!QUOTE]

Willie...these boards are not for the timid...LOL...C'mon man were ALL Texans here...just having some fun buddy;)

[Shekim]

Newbie here from Friendswood--between Houston and Galveston. We're going on our first cruise Feb 6, 2005 and can't wait. I've been reading this board for the last few days and get more excited each day. I'm sure I'll be full of questions in the next months ahead...

[BrendaB1]

DFW CC Party Tonight http://smileys.******************/cat/309.gif (http://www.******************/?partner=ZSzeb001)

6:00PM at The Ballpark in Arlington

Anyone in the DFW area tonight is welcome to join us. Your chance to put some faces to the some of the posters you see on here. Come join us for a virtual sail away party with some of your fellow Texan cruisers.