BDRebel

Oh, and this is the document that says that the Horizons Court isn't open on the Emerald... at least if I'm reading it correctly: http://www.princess.com/learn/onboard/food_dining/Dining_Options_2014.pdf

The ships that the Horizon Court is closed for dinner on are the same ships that have the Café Caribe on board, which is open for dinner.

Good news is that you still get to eat:D

Glad you finally got your assignment.

See you Sunday :)

The Emerald Princess is also cruising out of Bayport on 7 day Western Caribbean cruises.

Disney, Royal Caribbean and Carnival sail out of Galveston.

(Looks like Mary Ellen types faster than I do :) )

It looks like all balconies and above are sold out, so you should probably be getting your assignment soon. If they keep you at a balcony, then it looks like you will remain on the Caribe deck. The alternative would be a free upgrade to a mini or better.

Don't let it worry you -- and see you in Houston on the 1st :)

Join the roll call if you haven't already :)

if your idea of fine dining is going out to Chili's or TGIF, a specialty restaurant on board IS going to be a magnitude above.

Unfortunately, where I live, Chili's is "fine dining". TGIF doesn't exist.

We have a handful of chain "family restaurants" and a bunch of taco stands:(

So for us, even the buffet on cruises is gourmet.

Last Feb I sailed the Magic and brought a small ice chest with a bottle of wine, a few waters and ice. No problems, but YMMV.

Twice the ejuice you regularly use, a spare battery or two, and several extra atomizers/cartomizers.

No, it is not allowed.

Yes, people do it all the time.

Why reserve a chair you are not going to use, and deny it's use to others who want (or need) it?

There is nothing I like about flying.

The security (although I do understand the need for it) keeps me in line too long with a bunch of rude people.

Then they cram you in to the plane like you are a bunch of sardines.

Most of the time, the flight attendants are rude.

The service (cokes, peanuts, meals) are non-existent.

After the flight, you are herded to the mob scene known as baggage claim.

I gave up flying years ago whenever possible. I'd rather drive several days than take a flight.

(The above is only my opinion of US carriers. I did fly to Korea a few years ago. The US flagged portion was horrible. The Korean flagged portion was what flying was like in the early 80's - good service, snacks, meals, comfort, etc.)

Actually, I was wondering (silently) the same thing.

Why? So I can stare at the deck plans yet again and not be lost as soon as I board:D

Too many days til the end of August 2015 (see below counter).:(

Wow, that went south in a hurry :D

To the OP, for a guy, long pants and a button-up or Polo type shirt.

For a gal, slacks / capri and a comparable blouse.

Ziplock bags work wonders. Just suck all the air out before you seal it and it takes up no extra room.

My personal thoughts it should only be done on a significant historical date of remembrance. At other times it is blatant self promotion.

I don't mind the self promotion of someone who risked their life for my freedom. They have a valid reason to be proud of their accomplishments.

If you earned them, then wear them with pride.

The ship's smoking areas, inside and out, are complete with ashtrays that are cleaned on a regular basis and appropriate furniture (tables and chairs).

You are not relegated to the depths of the ship, but rather are treated as a paying passenger.

Center = least movement.

The more forward or aft, the more movement.

Also, the far forward gets more movement than the far aft.

Generally, 8 or more drinks daily will put you ahead. 6 or fewer drinks will put you behind.

Don't forget, with the alcohol card, you also get coffee, sodas and bottled water, which may lower the above numbers.

Personally, I like it up high. To me, the Lido or forward Riviera deck is the best, and by coincidence, the least expensive.

Not a long-time cruiser (yet), but I prefer high and front.

The movement doesn't bother me (as long as I can at least see outside). The balcony view is a lot better higher up.

Another advantage is that Princess seems to view these as steerage cabins!

I too am looking for short term parking at the Houston terminal.

They do have the long-term parking at $10 per day, but would like to know if they have anything for the short-term parking.

Generally, I take my passport, ship card, cash and a credit card (for emergencies).

I keep the passport in case I get separated from the ship -- it makes matters easier.

Blue, Platinum, it really doesn't matter as long as I can get on board!:D

It is open on all ships. The only way I can see to get reservations is to call the 800 number for princess.