Voyager back home, stuck in Galveston

[gtalum]

Umm, not exactly. Voyager has to turn around in the harbor, an impossible feat in heavy fog. There was not enough time to get both ships out.

 

You're right, it would take longer for the Voyager to turn around. That delay alone wouldn't have been long enough to keep them stuck at the pier, though. Carnival had everybody on board, and when they got the signal they dropped the ropes and took off. Voyager had passengers out and about in Galveston and even if they'd gotten them all aboard quickly they would have had to submit a new manifest and wait 90 minutes before sailing.

[bobstack]

Fellow cruisers:

 

Here was our sunset on Conquest about 30 minutes ago, about 60 miles NW of Nassau. Your trip on Voyager did not go as planned. However, at the worst times, please remember this sunset. And remember this is why you cruise!

 

Clear skies and blue waters to all our Voyager friends real soon!

 

Bob and Donna from Dallas/Ft. Worth

Carnival Conquest, 55 miles NW of Nassau

Heading SE, making 21 knots!

[Radio Dude]

I was on Conquest this last week. Even met Bobstack onboard which is why I'm here.

 

Voyager was turned when we arrived - late - today. Maybe they will do that in the future. They may not have been able to do it last week on arrival because of the fog. Just drive in straight and dock it.

 

 

In the 2008 season, the captain almost always turned the ship on arrival in Galveston, but last year I don't think the ship was ever turned until departure. I wonder why that is?

[CarolSW]

Just a quick checking-in to say I've returned from the foggy-start Voyager cruise of last week. Sure, it had a rough beginning of her Texas sailings this year, but I for one am thrilled to have this ship and RCCI back in Galveston. That's one of the reasons I wanted the crew to know how much we appreciated all they did to accomodate us during the dealy. The cruise, once we got under way, was great and I am glad I stayed. It was the right thing for me, though I totally understand why some 811 passengers chose to disembark and try again on another cruise. Weather was sunny and mild for the remainder of the journey after the fog lifted on Tuesday and we finally made our way out to sea.

 

My favorite part of last week was our stop in Costa Maya, my first time at that port. It was delightful, and so was our day at Maya Chan Beach. My second favorite part of last week was my chance to get up on stage with the featured entertainers one night - The Unexpected Boys. They do a Frankie Valli/Jersey Boys show that I loved, and so I returned for the second performance, sat in the front row, and raised my hand to get picked to go up on stage to be serenaded. Way fun, and totally out of characted to for me! But hey, I was on a CRUISE!!!!

 

Merry Christmas to all who are sailing now!

[dplusd]

We were one of 2,500 who stayed on the ship and are glad we did. There were no lines for anything on this cruise. We always got great seats for the shows, there were always plenty of tables in Windjamer, we even found chairs poolside every day instead of up on deck 12 where we usually have to go. It was a very unusual experience to sail on a Voyager Class ship with only 2,500 people on board...I am afriad I have been spoiled!

 

Things were looking pretty bad on Monday night when we realized we would be spending a second night at the Galveston pier and hundreds of people were leaving the ship. But, the next morning we awoke to clear (well at least not foggy) weather and by 9am were setting sail and by 11am the casino, shops and all the bars were open. We were finally on our way! From that point on, the cruise was very enjoyable!

 

During our time "stuck" in Galveston, we still enjoyed Portofino's, the shows and time relaxing with our reading. We didn't take this cruise for the ports, so missing Roatan was not a problem for us. We still had a nice cruise experience, even with the frustrating start.

 

Will I sail out of Galveston again?...probably not. I was not impressed with the city or the Hotel Galvez where we stayed pre-cruise. I also prefer the eastern Caribbean ports, so it looks like we're flying to FL for next year's cruise.

[bobstack]

Fellow cruisers who sailed on Voyager:

 

I am so happy to read CarolSW's report of your fun cruise on Voyager. We on Conquest wanted you, our fellow cruisers, to make the most out of your unexpected cruise week. And it sounds like many of you have. You can read my account of the unexpected Conquest week on the Carnival thread, Conquest and Voyager Fogged-In in Galveston! Again, we hoped the first day of sun on your cruise would help everyone remember you were on vacation. All cares stay on shore!

 

I have attached the 7 am sunrise from this Sunday morning, some 35 miles ESE of Galveston, while Conquest was still in the Gulf of Mexico. Hope you had a chance to enjoy this sunrise from your beautiful ship.

 

Hope to meet you all on a gorgeous cruise ship one day!

 

Bob and Donna from Dallas / Ft. Worth

In Dallas / Ft. Worth (and planning the next cruise!)

 

PS: Did I tell you we were lucky to meet our new friends, Rud and Shari, on our cruise? And they know how to sing in harmony???

[wolfganghowell]

Thanks for the reports. Although I am surprised that a poster was unhappy with Galvez - we have stayed there 4 times and always been pleased. Yes the rooms are small, it's an old hotel but the service and location are top notch - at least for us. Glad the 5 day cruise was good - and nice weather! :)

[Driftwoodgal]

For those that aren't impressed with Galveston, please remember this port was hit with a hurricane a little over a year ago. We worked Hurricane Ike, and must say this area has recovered quicker than any area that we have been to. This wasn't just wind that hit these people it was a wall of water with lots of debris etc.

 

I give kudos to the entire town and their recovery efforts.

[Galveston Cruiser]

For those that aren't impressed with Galveston, please remember this port was hit with a hurricane a little over a year ago. We worked Hurricane Ike, and must say this area has recovered quicker than any area that we have been to. This wasn't just wind that hit these people it was a wall of water with lots of debris etc.

 

I give kudos to the entire town and their recovery efforts.

 

THANK YOU

Also note 75% of the island was under water, up to 16' of yuck from every imaginable source; in our homes, businesses and covering everything. We had no potable water for months, sporadic power and debris everywhere. We are proud of our city and love the cruise ships coming to our port docking next to the 1877 Barque Elissa, the official tall ship of Texas. We left in December last year because our 1860 home was not habitable; but we are home this Christmas and enjoying every day, thankful we had a home to come back to.

[wolfganghowell]

Absolutely in agreement - Galveston has done an amazing job of recovery, with little or no help from the media. There's still work to be done but many people knocking Galveston have no clue that the city was virtually GONE for months.

[granghee]

What was wrong w/ Galvez Hotel? We think it is very nice. People from here go down for the Sunday Brunch very often, even since Ike...

Galveston, along the Strand had much more damage than French Quarter in NOLA, but you never hear about that. Those wonderful old building were destroyed, to never be rebuilt.

We love going out of Galveston, and coming home as we just did from Barcelona. If we want to lose ships coming here, then we quit using this port. If we wish other ships to come, then we frequent departing from here. Our plan is to continue, even though Galveston will never be quite the same...Sad but true. Changes happen. We had family that lost homes on Crystal Beach and friends in the Clear Lake, Kema Board Walk, and other places that lost so much. We are lucky to have a decent port at all.:D

[granghee]

Remembering Ike

[CarolSW]

I agree granghee....if we want our Texas port to attract more Royal Caribbean ships (and other lines as well) we will keep on doing our best to sail from our local port. I was very aware of making a good impression as a Texas passenger on this fog-delayed Voyager sailing. I wanted very much to show the crew that we are an appreciative clientele that they will like. Of course I realize it is the bottom-line profit margin that will make the difference, but it certainly does not hurt to be nice in the meantime!

 

 

This was my first time to visit Galveston since Ike. It was indeed sobering to see how different the island looks without many of the buildings, trees and foliage that were destroyed in the surge. The people of Galveston have done an incredible heroic job of digging out from the devastation, and I applaud them.

 

I would give a word of advice to RCCI however, to do a better job of training their local terminal staff on providing a safe and efficient embarkation/debarkation process. It was obvious these seasonal part-time workers were overwhelmed that first weekend Voyager returned from her European sailings. I sympathize with them as I expect some were doing this job for the first time, but I do hold RCCI accountable for not having them adequately prepared for 3000 passengers getting off and 3000 boarding within the space of several hours. Even if there had not been fog, Voyager would have been delayed because everyone was not yet on the ship for the scheduled 5 pm Sunday sailing, myself included. Many were still lined up in the parking lot outside, as I had been for 4 hours!

[Schooner Bar Girl]

I agree granghee....if we want our Texas port to attract more Royal Caribbean ships (and other lines as well) we will keep on doing our best to sail from our local port. I was very aware of making a good impression as a Texas passenger on this fog-delayed Voyager sailing. I wanted very much to show the crew that we are an appreciative clientele that they will like. Of course I realize it is the bottom-line profit margin that will make the difference, but it certainly does not hurt to be nice in the meantime!

 

 

This was my first time to visit Galveston since Ike. It was indeed sobering to see how different the island looks without many of the buildings, trees and foliage that were destroyed in the surge. The people of Galveston have done an incredible heroic job of digging out from the devastation, and I applaud them.

 

I would give a word of advice to RCCI however, to do a better job of training their local terminal staff on providing a safe and efficient embarkation/debarkation process. It was obvious these seasonal part-time workers were overwhelmed that first weekend Voyager returned from her European sailings. I sympathize with them as I expect some were doing this job for the first time, but I do hold RCCI accountable for not having them adequately prepared for 3000 passengers getting off and 3000 boarding within the space of several hours. Even if there had not been fog, Voyager would have been delayed because everyone was not yet on the ship for the scheduled 5 pm Sunday sailing, myself included. Many were still lined up in the parking lot outside, as I had been for 4 hours!

Hmmmm.....how are they supposed to prepare the new people for the 3000+ passengers when they don't have a ship there for 8 months of the year. Should they fly them to other ports to train??? Should they raise the price the cruise in order to fly these new hires to train in other ports? Remember this is a seasonal job for these folks so new hires are going to be needed each year.

[rubrrick]

The last time that I was in Galveston was prior to 1990. It was not to cruise, but to enjoy the island.

 

We will be experiencing our first trip from Galveston in March. Our plan is to stay at the Embassy Suites in Houston, then are open to suggestions as to how to get to Galveston.

 

Looking to past Galveston passengers for ideas???;)

 

Rick

[TEXASMUNK]

#1 Galveston DID not sit back and wait for every goernment agency from A to Z to come to their rescue! They rolled up their sleeves, and started to get it done. Their Mayor (I have not got a clue what her political affiliation is) could teach every major city major (including Ray Nagen) how to get a city back up and running!

 

#2 The people of Galveston are truly amazing!!!

 

#3 This one time Customs and Immigration botched the return of Voyager.

The locals that work the departures and returns are REKNOWNED for being some of the very, very best of any cruise line. Sail Carnival out of Galveston and the difference is overwhelming!!!!!

 

The first departure was a nightmare. I feel bad for those folks....but don't take cheap shots at Galveston or the good folks that work the pier.

[J & G]

#1 Galveston DID not sit back and wait for every goernment agency from A to Z to come to their rescue! They rolled up their sleeves, and started to get it done. Their Mayor (I have not got a clue what her political affiliation is) could teach every major city major (including Ray Nagen) how to get a city back up and running!

 

#2 The people of Galveston are truly amazing!!!

 

#3 This one time Customs and Immigration botched the return of Voyager.

The locals that work the departures and returns are REKNOWNED for being some of the very, very best of any cruise line. Sail Carnival out of Galveston and the difference is overwhelming!!!!!

 

The first departure was a nightmare. I feel bad for those folks....but don't take cheap shots at Galveston or the good folks that work the pier.

 

 

You are right on all counts! People in Galveston, on Bolivar Penninsula, Crystal Beach, Oak Island, Seabrook, Kemah, San Leon, and communities all along this part of the Gulf Coast have not sat idly by, whining and waiting for help and a handout, since Ike. They've done what Texans do.....they've gotten busy helping themselves and others to rebuild. I know.....I live here!

 

And because they aren't whining, it isn't news!

 

Just a few short months ago, historical buildings just across the street from the cruise terminal took 9 feet of sea water! The very fact that there is a terminal to cruise from is a testament to the fortitude of Galveston and its citizens.

 

Every dollar that is spent in a business in Galveston helps with the rebuilding process and that is greatly appreciated. Tourism keeps Galveston going, so thank you to all who cruise from and spend their money in Galveston.

 

There is a saying.....Don't mess with Texas! And for those who would hurry to criticize Galveston......Don't mess with Galveston!

[mechcc]

The last time that I was in Galveston was prior to 1990. It was not to cruise, but to enjoy the island.

 

We will be experiencing our first trip from Galveston in March. Our plan is to stay at the Embassy Suites in Houston, then are open to suggestions as to how to get to Galveston.

 

Looking to past Galveston passengers for ideas???;)

 

Rick

 

Hi Rick!

 

Really happy to see you and Bobbie sail on the Voyager out of Galveston. There always seem to be a difference in the friendliness of the passengers and crew on our Galveston cruises.

Can't help you with getting to port from Embassy Suites since we do a drive and park in Galveston.

[granghee]

Amen.:) Same with Rita in Jefferson County and all the neighboring Counties. Reason? Because it was 3 wks after Katrina.:eek: Did u hear of the devastation? No, because they are/were proud and did the clean up themselves. They are just now ridding homes of the blue tarp from FEMA....

outta speak out for the right thing to do.....:D

[rubrrick]

Hi Rick!

 

Really happy to see you and Bobbie sail on the Voyager out of Galveston. There always seem to be a difference in the friendliness of the passengers and crew on our Galveston cruises.

Can't help you with getting to port from Embassy Suites since we do a drive and park in Galveston.

 

 

Hi Maggie!

 

Great to hear from you!:);)

 

I lived in Dallas for 6 years, and loved the time that I was there. My mother was born and raised in Ft. Worth, and I have a cousin that lives in Frisco.

 

Don't worry.........I'll figure out how to get to the port.;)

 

Rick

[granghee]

It is not difficult..........I45 South, but EZ Connection will take you there...ck online....:)

[mechcc]

Hi Maggie!

 

Great to hear from you!:);)

 

I lived in Dallas for 6 years, and loved the time that I was there. My mother was born and raised in Ft. Worth, and I have a cousin that lives in Frisco.

 

Don't worry.........I'll figure out how to get to the port.;)

 

Rick

 

Do hope you enjoy our favorite ship. Be sure to take in Derrick Lewis' show at the Pig and Whistle.

 

If you start looking at other places to stay pre cruise, we tried Hotel Galvez last year and loved it. Decided we should go early and support Galveston's recovery from Ike. Beautiful, historical hotel and enjoyed a great dinner on Sat night. That was followed by meeting several interesting people and enlighting conversation at the bar. By the end of the memorble evening, we had contributed more to the economic recovery of Galveston then previously planned on.:D:D:D The hotel does have a shuttle service to the port.

[Rancher Dave]

Hi Maggie!

 

Great to hear from you!:);)

 

I lived in Dallas for 6 years, and loved the time that I was there. My mother was born and raised in Ft. Worth, and I have a cousin that lives in Frisco.

 

Don't worry.........I'll figure out how to get to the port.;)

 

Rick

 

Rick we can chat via phone tomorrow perhaps and share some ideas on best options to get to the port. I did not look at your initial post to see what week you are going...perhaps we can say Howdy in Galveson...

 

Almost time to go watch the web cam...and no I am not really up at 2am in Houston, its just before 11pm in Anchorage where we decided to celebrate Christmas and tomorrow (27th) DWs birthday.

 

I am sure y'all will have a great time on VOTS...

[rubrrick]

Rick we can chat via phone tomorrow perhaps and share some ideas on best options to get to the port. I did not look at your initial post to see what week you are going...perhaps we can say Howdy in Galveson...

 

Almost time to go watch the web cam...and no I am not really up at 2am in Houston, its just before 11pm in Anchorage where we decided to celebrate Christmas and tomorrow (27th) DWs birthday.

 

I am sure y'all will have a great time on VOTS...

 

We will have time to chat, when are you headed home?? Hope you are having fun in the snow with your beautiful bride!!

 

Rick

[BecciBoo]

Anchorage!!!!!!!! Holy snowball batman....what are you doing up there??? In the winter!!!!

When are you cruising rubrrick? Feb. 21st?;):D