Laurenlou

I just called Carnival to get exact pricing on the 7 night cruise out of Galveston...... $922 per person with no military discount... :(

Yes, both of those rates are directly from the sales reps. The cruises on Carnival out of Galveston do not have military discounts until October, and the only week of the year that we can go is 8/19-8/26. I called Carnival today and the 5 day Cozumel and Meridia cruise out of Galveston at that same time is $720pp! (vs. $348 pp out of New Orleans). I can't imagine what the 7 day would be out of Galveston!!

Here are our 2 options for cruising in August. Which one do you think we should pick? Keep in mind, that money is a big issue for us and we are trying to pretty cheap. We really shouldnt be doing this, but we both work hard and have never taken a vacation and we feel that we deserve this to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary! Option 1: Royal Caribbean, Rhapsody of the seas 7 nights to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel $599 pp w/ military discount, total of $1308 Leaves out of Galveston (a 5 hour drive from us) Option 2: Carnival, Ecstacy 5 nights to Cozumel and Meridia $348pp w/ military discount, $696 total Leaves out of New Orleans (a 10 hour drive from us) So... the first cruise is longer, and on what I think would be a nicer ship. It goes to places I'd rather see, but is almost twice as much and would leave us less money for spending on excursions, drinks, gambling, massages, etc. It also leaves from the closest port to us. The second is much cheaper but is shorter, goes to places I'd love to see (but I can't get my mind off of swimming with those darn sting rays in Grand Cayman!), and leaves from a port that is pretty far from us. However, we would have an extra $600 to spend on fun stuff and excursions- more drinks, a couple's massage, better excursions. What do yall think??

Thank you all for the warm welcome! I am already hooked, and I havent even booked the cruise yet! All day I was so excited about coming home from work and doing more research!! So, what do you do on the boat all day when you're at sea? I'm imagining laying out by the pool w/ a fruity drink and looking out at the ocean-- is that about right? I may want to do rock climbing, go to the spa, etc. The casino at night, maybe catch a show... speaking of, how are the shows on RC? How does everyone else spend their leisurely days out at sea??

Hi everyone! My husband and I are thinking about booking a cruise this summer! It will be our first time, and actually our first 'real' vacation together. We haven't booked yet, and I hope y'all can help me sort through some of my confusion before we put the money down! After some research, we have decided on a Western Caribbean cruise on RC from Galveston going to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel- 7nights on the Rhapsody of the Seas. Anyone done this cruise before or one similar? Anyone gone on this ship? Any reviews?? Also, what happens if a hurricane comes at the time of our cruise? We are only able to go 8/19-8/26. How does the drinking situation work? Do we pay as we go? Load a card w/ cash first? Pay at the end? What about eating? My DH and I are NOT, I repeat NOT, formal people. My idea of a vacation is wearing shorts and a bikini- not slacks and dresses! Is this required in order to be fed??? Any info would be appreciated, I have so many questions I can't even type them all!