btate

I did a lot of looking and research to decide this very question. From the advice and marketing on the cruise lines, I chose Royal Caribbean. They have college educated persons who watch after the kids and seem to cater to the different age groups very well. I took four kids on this trip 9, 11, 13, and 15. I found that they were well accepted and the programs seemed to keep their interest for the entire cruise. I was very pleased with what they had to offer. The price was within my budget as well. I have not sailed Carnival, but have heard that some of the older ships have smaller rooms and seem to show a bit more wear and tear? Perhaps that is why some of those cruises are so extremely inexpensive? I am sure that the newer boats are very nice, I would check the ratings of the ships. . . I am no pro on the subject, but did find a LOT of fun for everyone and very well ballanced for all in the family who came on this RC cruise.

Jaqueline, I got your email and I must say THANKS! Wow! You spent a lot of time on that. I am VERY greatful for your time spent in my behalf. That is what makes the difference to me in a forum like this one. My wife and I look forward to meeting you.

Sorry for not paying closer attention here either. . . I got your email and will return it soon. . . I hope we can meet to say hello. . . Glad you are here.

Robert, Sounds like we may be the last ones to sail on this ship before it repositions? I sailed out of Galveston in April on the Splendour of the Seas and was the last to sail there before it repositioned to Italy. Either way, I love to cruise. . . I look forward to the Rhapsody in October as well.

The statistics are still very good considering the millions who cruise every year. . . I think it may be about as dangerous walking down the street with cars as it is to cruise. . . I don't know anyone who has died on a cruise, I do know several people who have been killed while walking down the steet! Sad no matter how you write it or read it. . .

Robert, you are being kind on the good looking couple comment. . . I think you want me to buy you some drinks or something. . . Keep it up and I will have to! I am looking forward to meeting you as well!

Yes Robert! I got my docs today also! I have not opened them yet! I am looking forward to meeting you and your lovely wife! 5 weeks! We are excited. .

I think that someone got smart. . . They know we go on vacation and that we spend money on our kids. We don't like to entertain our kids, but we want to be with them and know that they are having fun. We want to see that they are happy and we will pay to see that. We want to feel like we made it possible for them to be happy as their parents. We just don't want to entertain them, we want to take a nap and eat and lay by the pool and get a tan. Someone in marketing figured this out and that is why younger families cruise. They give you BIG bang for your buck and the biggest worrie I have is "what am I going to wear for dinner?" I think that is why younger people are cruising. . .

I forgot about this section until Cheryl reminded me! Sorry about that. It is just my wife and I this time. We are flying into Hobbie on the 14th and were just planning on staying near the airport that day? We have Marriott points and have a room reserved. We were going to call the hotel and see what transportation they recommend if any. I know we have to arrange something a couple weeks before. I would not want to impose on you coming to get us. . . You are very kind to offer though. I would like to meet and say hello. . I look like any other ugly guy when I am not in a tux. . Feel free to email me. . I would love to chat. byron@juniormints .com

Shirocco, sounds like you may be a local to Texas and know your way around. One of the reasons I joined this is to find a good transportation provider from Hobbie to Galveston. . . I got some pretty good information. but do you know of a place I can call to get transportation for a decent rate? Thanks for you help if you know. I hope to meet you!

I can't wait to hear your review! Hope you have a safe one!

This was very unfortunate for those who were harmed. . . I am one that would try to find the fun in all of it. After reading some first hand experiences by those who were there, it looks like this was not as big of a deal for most of the people on the ship. I think some people just like to whine. .

John, You always have good info. . . I always learn something from you. . .thank you.

I get sick when I am not on a cruise. A cruise cures the sickness.

Some great comments. I forgot to mention that mine is an Olympus 510 (I think). Does anyone else have a camera that has a case that goes underwater? Anyone have a camera that is amphibious? I looked for one for a long time, but either too much money or too cheap looking and not enough features.

I have a digital camera that is small and has good quality pix! The battery life is long and rechargable. I have 3 batteries for it and they take about 250 pictures with flash each. I have a memory card that will hold 800 pix and another that will hold 400 pix. I also have a case I can put it in that will allow that same camera to go under water rated at 100 meters. The view screen is large and clear so I can view the pictures easily and you can see about everything easily. It is small enough to put in my pocket and works great for motorcycle trips as well. I went so far to purchase 2 other digital cameras a little less expensive so when someone asks to borrow my camera, I give them loaners. When those are loaned out, then they need to wait to use them. . . I don't loan my good one out. (I guess I am selfish)

JohnG, You have personally provided the most valuable answers to my questions. I thank you for that. . . I consider you a friend, so since you are a friend, I can tease a little can't I? Just looking at all the things you are retired from. . . Man! You must be OLD! Just kidding buddy. . .Thanks for making my travels easier. . . It is much appreciated. . .

I think I will just go to the mall. . . Same effect I think. As long as I dont' take my wife with me to the mall, it might cost less than a cruise too. . .

Am I old enough to be old fashioned? I like the black Tux.

For me, it is fun to dress up and play the part and enjoy the fun that comes from nice clothes that you don't usually wear. If nothing else, you should see my wife! WOAH! Now that's worth dressing up for, just to see her.

:rolleyes: (yes, this is me rolling my eyes)

When I first saw this on the news, I told my wife that it was an inexperienced person at the helm. Turns out I was right. Those ships don't just take a turn on their own. . . I would have no problem going on this or any other ship. I am sure that this ship will not have a problem filling up again. The Grand Princess had a sililar thing happen last December. The story there was that they were about 2 hours out of port in Galveston and a lady had a heart attack. The decision was made to return to port and get her to the hospital rather than air transport. While turning around, they took it too fast and the ship tilted and they ended up dropping off a couple more people that got hurt in addition to the lady having the heart attack. I think this is more common then we think.

I am a computer network engineer, and a mortgage broker. I am looking into investing a lot more. I am still learning what works and what doesn't.

Don't be discouraged, There is a lot to do there. If you are using the cruise line to book the tour, they may only have so many spots available. After all, they just use local companies to do the tours and take a cut of the money. You may want to look at booking a tour with a company that is not through the cruise line. You may get a smaller group, and pay a lot less money. Cozumel is still recovering from a terrible hurricane from last year. I hear they are opening a lot of new attractions. There are a few posts here on this site that were very helpful to me in making decisions where to visit. Good luck.

I talked to a friend of mine about a month ago. He went on the Grand Princess last December out of Galveston. He says that ship had a similar problem only they were turning around to drop off a lady who had a heart attack. While turning around, the ship turned sideways and everyone went flying. . . Perhaps this is more common than we know? I do feel for those who are sailing. . . They will all have a story to tell! That part is for sure!