crusin okie

We have only done one B2B on X and that was in FLL in Feb 2020.  The only thing different we experienced was that there was no luncheon involved.  It was a smooth process and the crew handled the process well.  Our only other B2B had been on Carnival Vista out of Galveston in Nov of 2019.  There were 24 of us.  Then, 3 months later on the Equinox, there were just under 250 in our group.  That was quite a few more folks than we expected to see.  🙂  

Have not sailed from NY/NJ so I cannot comment on the "PITA rating" for those locations.  We have sailed on one or more occasions from Ft Lauderdale, Miami, NOLA, Galveston, and Long Beach.  The only real difference is the length of the ride from the airport to your hotel.  Depending on your choice of hotels, the ride to the terminal is minimal - except NOLA.  Our only experience there was not wonderful.  Stayed at the Embassy Suites and could see the terminal from our window.  Took about an hour to get to the terminal.  Have been out of Galveston over 15 times - most times getting there by air but have driven at least twice.  Never have had a bad experience.  The folks on Galveston and Houston are always inviting and we have always enjoyed ourselves.  There have been times we spent the evening before sailing in Houston rather than Galveston and that also worked very well.  The only negative we have ever identified about sailing from Galveston is the limited number of different itineraries.  To each his/her own, so to speak.  I can say, however, the worst cruise we have been on was wonderful.  🙂 

USAF:  Aug 1967 - Sep 1989  

Luggage Valet is not available in the port of Galveston.  😞

komputerguy - Don't know when your cruise is but I hope you have a great time!!

There are many forms of transportation from the airports or hotels to the cruise terminals.  We have used many of them including the available buss transportation through the cruise lines.  The best transportation we can recommend is VIP Express, LLC.  This is the last review I left for them - I think it speaks for itself but please check all the other reviews you want, I think you will be impressed:  

We have sailed from Galveston a number of times and Houston once when Princess still sailed from there.  We have always flown into Hobby unless we drive, which has only been twice.  We have flown home once from IAH.  If you can fly SWA, I would recommend Hobby over IAH.  We have only used two hotels in Galveston:  the Galvez and the Hilton.  Love them both but it is usually difficult to get a one night stay unless you call the hotel using their local number and even that does not always work.  Additionally, if you can get a room for $200.00, consider yourself fortunate although once in a while the Hilton is available for under $200.00.

If you are able to fly into Hobby, I highly recommend the Doubletree at Hobby.  (Their warm cookies are REALLY good)  The rooms have always been clean, the staff is friendly, the rates are very reasonable, and they provide a shuttle to/from the airport.  The restaurant and bar in the hotel have always been great for us.  If you arrive early the day before your cruise, the NASA Space Center is just an Uber ride away and will fill your day if you are interested.  If you arrive late in the day you can relax, use the pool (outside), or enjoy the bar or restaurant.  There isn't much within walking distance.

There are many forms of transportation from the airports or hotels to the cruise terminals.  We have used many of them including the available buss transportation through the cruise lines.  The best transportation we can recommend is VIP Express, LLC.  This is the last review I left for them - I think it speaks for itself but please check all the other reviews you want, I think you will be impressed:  

Have not been on the Enchantment OTS but we have been on the others you mentioned - some more than once.  I would recommend them all except the Vista.  We did a B2B on her last Nov and found her not to be our favorite ship for a lot of reasons but did find the crew to be great.  If everyone is over 50 and would prefer a more mature crowd, I would probably suggest an RCCL ship on a cruise 7 days or longer.

There is a Mayan ruin excursion from Cozumel which takes you to the mainland (Tulum, I believe).  There is one on Cozumel but it is, in my opinion, false.  I would not recommend it.  But, if you don't mind an 8 hour excursion to the mainland, you can probably find a cruise that stops in Cozumel and Grand Cayman and have both your wishes satisfied.

I agree with the comments by others that the comedy venue is always packed - makes no difference which cruise line, which ship, or which performance (early or late) - they are always crowded.  My opinion is that Carnival's entertainment may lag behind some other cruise lines but it is, on many occasions, a case by case opinion.  Are you really there to be "WOW'd" by each and every performance?  

I will have to say that, as a proud military retiree, Carnival, hands down, has the most respect for veterans and by any measure, the best Veteran's gathering.  

Don't think I have helped you a lot but after 30 cruises on 4 different cruise lines I have to say that the worst cruise we ever had was ---- WONDERFUL!!  If something isn't 100% to your liking; smile, breathe in, breathe out, move on.

Hope you have a great cruise!

We did this in FLL.  Different port but similar setup.  We simply wandered out of the terminal with our luggage, got a taxi, and told him which ship to go to.  He wasn't too impressed as the trip was short and the fare quite low but a generous tip cured that.  

Definitely try VIP Express.  Call and ask for Emanuele.  He provides great service and reasonable cost.

This hotel is very close to Hobby.  We have stayed there several times and have not been disappointed.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston Hobby Airport
8181 Airport Boulevard, Houston, TX 77061
T:  1 713-645-3000

Try the Galveston Island Hilton Inn.  They provide free parking and transport to and from the port.

We've had good luck  staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston Hobby Airport
8181 Airport Boulevard, Houston, TX 77061
T:  1 713-645-3000 .  For transportation to/from Galveston try VIP Express, call and ask for Emanuele.  He provides great service at reasonable price.

Try VIP Express.  Call and talk to Emanuele.  He's great and provides the best customer service.  We use his company exclusively when we are in Houston/Galveston.

Call VIP Express and ask for Emanuele.  We use them every time we cruise out of Galveston.  Price is $25 per person and he provides excellent customer service!

I am helping a family member coordinate her husband's "burial at sea" from the Vista later this fall.  I believe I have the information generally available from Carnival.  What I am looking for are any first hand observations, comments, or advice from anyone who has recently been through the process on any Carnival ship and specifically the Vista. Thanks ever so much for any insight you may be able to offer.

We have toured some of the ruins available while in Belize and have used some of the private tours (available through the folks at the terminal area) that went throughout the general city areas - both "good" and "bad" areas. All with positive results. Never felt unsafe or uneasy. Had an enjoyable time. I took a quick look at the URL you shared. My knowledge of the geography of Belize City is far from intimate but my memory tells me that the tour, as suggested, would be very long and difficult. From a safety point of view I think it would be a personal decision. If you carry yourself well and are not afraid of "casual conflict" I would guess you would be OK but it will still be unnecessary. Too many "easy" ways to see the city. Just my opinion.

We have cruised out of Galveston a number of times in late fall/early winter. First, we love Galveston and find it a very friendly place to visit. It can be cool necessitating a light / medium jacket for most ( I, however, am not the sharpest knife in the drawer, so I wear shorts and a long sleeve shirt. ) The temperature is simply something you tolerate while having a great experience. The temperature in mid/late December through probably mid February can create an issue other than comfort. Namely, FOG. If you are flying into IAH or Hobby ( we always use Hobby ) you might want to consider formulating a "Plan B" in case the ship is late returning to port. We have been fortunate but it is not unusual to see significant delays. Just my humble opinion.

The "rules are not for ME" people can be found everywhere: Embarkation, Debarkation, Buffet lines, Seat savers in the theater, lounge chair savers by the pool, and more I won't bother to mention. It used to bother me but anymore, I sort of feel sorry for these inconsiderate souls. Let someone do it to them, however, and all of a sudden the rules change. These would be some of the same folks who have obtained "internet paperwork" for their "emotional support" animal.

I am going to enjoy my cruises in-spite of these folks. :)

We've always liked Passion Island. But, it's been two or three years since we've been there so I can't speak to the present condition.

My recommendation would be VIP Express. Manuel gives EXCELLENT service http://www.vipexpressllc.com

We have stayed a number of times at the Hilton by The Marina and the ES on 17th St. The Hilton was not that great the last time we were there (March 2017). The Manager's reception and the breakfast at the ES have always been very good. The taxi fare to/from the airport and to the port from either hotel is minimal. Go for it! You are on vacation!! :)

This nice lady had a very simple, straightforward request. She ended up with the information she wanted, thank you Molly361, and in true CC fashion, she was also criticized for making a simple request. Back on your meds, people.

Krydstosser, I hope you have a great cruise!!

We have stayed at the Galvez and Hilton a number of times and always had a great experience. :)

I am also diabetic and it appears one of us is confused. Just to confirm my beliefs, I Googled the sugar and carbs in Maker's Mark and Crown. Both are zero grams. Personal preference may make one brand "better" than others but from a diabetic point of view, there is no difference. If I am missing something, please let me know.