Barsnikel

Could care less about the Maitre D.  He adds zero value to my cruise.

You can build up points to pay for your cruise.  For example, if you use your card to pay for everyday bills  (food, electric, etc, etc) then you can eventually accrue enough points to pay for a cruise. I have done that several times

That is unfortunate.  I have had several mediocre PVPs until I found a really good one.  Unfortunately, this forum will not allow referencing PVP information

You did not say how long it has been since you made the reservation..  It can take several weeks before you get any confirmation.  I've had confirmations come back right away, and some that take several weeks.  Be patient

this is why you need a PVP..  Call a PVP and let them be your advocate.

Absolutely.    You can order as many as you want, upcharge or no upcharge.  But personally, I would not do it.  If you want the premium steak, go to the steak house.  You'll enjoy it more.

Also, if you want steak - consider the Sea Day Brunch... which is free.  The steak (and eggs) is a good quality steak.  Better than the flat iron steak in the MDR

We have stayed at the Country Inn and Suites many times.  We always enjoyed it.... but having said that, we have not been there for several years, so I cannot say if it has maintained the quality it had before.

They always allowed us to park for free during our cruise.  There are a few other hotels that do that as well.

One thing I will stress about Galveston hotels...  prices fluctuate widely, depending upon activities in the area.  We have stayed for $69/night (senior rate) and then for the same exact room been quoted $250/night, simply because there was something taking place.  Also, there is a huge price difference between summer rates and winter rates.... (don't book a reservation in the summer for a winter cruise)

I had the RU2 offer and took it.  We are not big drinkers, but It's a pretty good deal.  The cost depends upon how many cruise days, etc.

Also, don't forget that by accepting the offer, you will likely forfeit any previous OBC associated witht he previous booking.

Bring a LONG extension cord.... I have a 15 foot cord.  You will only have ONE AC outlet, and it will not be where you want it.  Depending upon what type of cabin you have, and where the bed is located, a 12-15 foot cord is going to be required

1 hour ago, SNJCruisers said:

Bottles of wine are not included with Cheers, only glasses with a dollar amount up to 20.00

Thank you. I did not know that.  We will just order by the glass   :)

1 hour ago, drsel said:

if both of you together could consume 80 drinks in 8 days, it would be very good value.

hmmm.. not sure where you're coming up with 80 drinks in 8 days...

For the sake of discussion, let's say alcoholic drinks average out to $10 each..  at $125 Cheers price, we would each need to drink about 12 drinks over the 8 day cruise, or about 2 drinks per day to break even.

If we got a bottle of wine at dinner for each night, even without individual drinks, we would easily recover our $125 cheers cost.

We are booked on the Pride for December 11th Panama Canal cruise.  Been on many Spirit class ships.  They are older ships, but still a lot of fun.

I just got an RU2 offer, and had my PVP apply it to our 8 day cruise in December

We are not big drinkers, but on an 8 day cruise we certainly would have water, an Irish coffee and a glass of wine each day.

The cost was an additional $125/ person, which averages out to about $ 15 day... and since the Cheers offer includes sodas, specialty coffees, and bottled water,  I figure we will at least break even.  Maybe we'll even get a bottle of wine instead of just a glass 🙂

Carnival's web site simply says that "testing" should be expected under the "new normal".  I might point out that it does not specify COVID testing.  It could be nothing more than temperature tests when checking in.  Don't assume the extreme until we have more information.

On 9/26/2020 at 5:55 PM, Sillyjilly said:

The ship is my destination. Just get me out to sea again.

Exactly.  Most cruises, we don't even leave the ship.

No.  I think prices have gone up, as compared to say a year ago.

Booked December 11, 2021  on the Pride - It's a Panama Canal cruise, which we have never done...  I figure by then, they'll have it all figured out  :D.

^ agree with this.  We always get 2 night stands, no matter how the cabin is arranged or what class of cabin booked

It may take a few weeks to get a confirmation back.  I booked it in July for a September Dream cruise, and the confirmation didn't come back right away, but it wasn't long either.... and as stated previously, you don't pay when you book,.. it will appear on your S&S card

It can vary...  Generally, it will be mild, but a cold front can move through... you just never know.  You're not going to have COLD temperatures, but the wind coming off the ocean can make it chilly and breezy. 

Book now, if you want to be assured of a seat.  It does fill up.  Sometimes they will schedule a second seating, but sometimes not (probably depends more on the itinerary more than anything else)

We take a travel water pick with us.  The electrical outlet in the bathroom (which is designed for shavers, and has limited current output) seems to work just fine.  The outlet is high (above the shelves) but our cord reaches it fine.

Now that Uber is finally operating in Galveston, is Uber adding a surcharge for dropping off at the pier ?  (referencing the fee the port authority now charges for shuttles and commercial vehicles)

I've used taxi service in Galveston many times.  I've never found it to be poor, although at peak times you may have to wait a little.  We just have a leisure breakfast, then call for the taxi while we drink coffee.  We're not in a rush.  I will say that our wait has never been longer than what we have had to wait for shuttle service (at hotels that provide shuttles).

Coming off the ship, taxis are lined up and waiting,  right off the door  (to the right as you walk out).  No waiting at all