Cruzingal#9

We’re back from our cruise and when we got on board we went to the Matre’d to check our table and it was a beautiful round table for 4 right in front of a window. It was perfect!!!

When are you going on your Panama Canal cruise? And, what ship? One minute my mind is made up and I'm going with an obstructed view window and then the next minute I'm back to looking at balconies!!! I've never had this much trouble making a decision before on what room to book!

Why starboard over port?

Thank you for your responses. I think we’re going to go ahead and book an obstructed ocean view room while there’s still some good rooms left that have good views and good prices! We can always upgrade at a later date if we feel the need. I’ve been spoiled the last year or two with mini suites and a couple of suites! But, we’ve stayed in ocean views before and have been perfectly comfortable. Because of the previous rooms we need to keep the cost down for this one. This one is definitely a bucket list cruise!

We are looking at a full transit (Pacific to Atlantic) on the Caribbean Princess through the new locks. It’s not until September 2025. We usually book balconies, but have 2 big cruises coming up; a mini suite reserve in November and a window suite for next February to Hawaii. Those are both a big chunk of money so was trying to watch the budget a little bit on this one, but don’t want to be disappointed if a balcony is pretty much a must.

We are looking at an ocean view room for a Panama Canal cruise. I’m thinking that while we are going through the locks we will most likely be out on the top decks to get a full view even if we had a balcony. Has anyone not had a balcony for that cruise and regretted it?

I just sent in a request and will see what happens. It’s worth a shot, but certainly not the end of the world if nothing happens.

Are you talking about reserving a table in the main dining room? That would be amazing if we could do that! Our first stop when we get on a ship is go to the dining room to see where our table is and then go to the Matre’d to make changes if need be. We are one week out from our next cruise, so don’t now if it would be too late for this one or not.

Thanks for all the input! I am so excited to be in a brand new cruise terminal!

I’ll be interested to hear all about your experience at the new terminal. Do they look at the check-in times, do you have to wait in line outside (or what time do they open the doors), how easy is it to get through security and check-in? We will be on the Harmony next month, and although we’ve sailed on her a couple of times this is the first in the new Galveston terminal.

Thanks for the response. We’re getting picked up at our hotel near Houston Hobby at 9am, so should be at the port by 10am (assuming there’s no traffic back ups!). We’re Diamond +, but I don’t think that makes a difference. Never been to the new port so just don’t know how strict they are on adhering to your scheduled check-in times. Never had a problem anywhere else, and it sounds like we should be fine in Galveston as well (barring any unforeseen delays). Again, thanks for your response; it’s put my mind at ease!

Does anybody know how strict Royal Caribbean is on the check-in times in Galveston? We will be getting to the port around 10AM and our check-in time is 11:30AM; (our friends time is noon). We have been to other ports where they don't even look at the times. Just trying to find out if we'll be waiting around for an hour before we'll be let in.

Thanks! I’ll start checking the beginning of February.

Thanks! Just getting a little anxious I guess!😋

Do you remember how far in advance you were able to book those? We're about 50 days out and still nothing. We can start checking in next Thursday; maybe then???