Your cruise vacation is a time meant for fun, relaxation, and time away from the troubles of the world found on land. When most people are on a cruise ship they can let their guard down and think some of the problems of the "real world" on land don't apply anymore. However, as guests and crew cross the gangway, various germs and pathogens can cross the gangway too. No matter what vacation destination a person chooses he or she will be exposed to germs and pathogens. Taking a cruise does not exempt anyone from this risk of exposure. Even though there is no way to completely protect yourself from getting sick, there are some precautions that one can take to protect themselves from sickness.


What You Can Do When Boarding The Cruise Ship 
1. Filling Out Your Health Questionnaire (If Asked)
        Many cruise lines require passengers to fill out a health questionnaire during embarkation. It is important to fill out this form honestly to the best of your knowledge. If you are dishonest and lie that you were not sick or in contact with someone with a highly infectious disease you could be putting yourself and your fellow passengers in danger of getting ill. Questions on these questionnaires may vary. These questionnaires will help a cruise line determine if you are a high risk to the safety of other passengers and people in the foreign ports of call you will be visiting. Cruise lines may have you further screened by medical staff or denied boarding depending on the answers you provide. Some passengers lie to prevent a possibility of being denied boarding. Please don't lie. By being honest you could be protecting the lives and well being of up to thousands of other passengers. 

What You Can Do Onboard During Your Cruise Vacation
1.  Wash Your Hands Often
          This may seem like common sense, but it can help. Wash your hands with warm water and soap prior to eating, drinking, after touching any surface, and after using the restroom. Some cruise lines provide hand sanitizer in dining areas. This is a good attempt on the cruise line's part to prevent the spread of germs, but hand sanitizer does not kill all germs. Washing hands is the best way to kill germs. 
2.   Feeling Sick?  Visit or Call The Infirmary 
          If you believe that you are sick (whether you are contagious or not) you should speak with the infirmary. The infirmary may be able to give you medication or treatment that will help you. By doing this you are also giving the ship's infirmary staff a record that you are not feeling well and they can determine whether or not you are a threat to the health of others on board.
           If you are contagious or don't have enough strength to walk to the infirmary you should call the infirmary from your stateroom phone. Tell them what is wrong and most likely they will send someone to your stateroom. This would allow you to keep from spreading germs in an elevator or in the cruise ship's public areas. 
            For those that walk to the infirmary, try to avoid crowded elevators and areas. Crowded environments make it easier for germs to spread quickly. 
3.  Report Unsanitary Behavior By Other Passengers
            Just like on land, passengers can do gross things. There are some people who break health regulations by using the same cup twice at a drink machine. There are also some people that will use a cup and then put it back with the clean ones (witnessed this before). Consider telling a staff member discreetly that this happened. This could help stop the spread of germs from contaminated dishes. 
4.   Comply With Health Regulations Onboard 
             In the event you are quarantined or the ship is placed on "code red" because of an illness outbreak you should comply with the measures that have been put in place. If quarantined, you should stay in your quarantined environment. It probably won't be a fun time, but you were placed on quarantine for some specific reason that was determined by the ship. If your ship has a major illness outbreak the staff members may have to abide by specific buffet regulations (such as serving food). Follow all directions from the staff on the cruise ship. 

Keeping Yourself Healthy - Additional Tips:
1.   Stay Physically Active     
             Try to work off some of your food or calories in the gym or on the jogging track.  Depending on the weather, I like to walk on the jogging track in the evening after dinner and watch the sunset.  I carry a camera and snap pictures as I go around in a circle.   However, be careful onboard not to overwork yourself, pull a muscle, or get sick from trying to burn off your food/calories. 

2.    Don't Overeat 
              At meal times don't eat an outrageous amount of food or drink. If you are over-stuffed you could get sick and vomit.  Be careful not to eat more greasy foods or rich foods than you can handle.  Overall, watch what you eat and how much you eat.  

There is not a way to 100% protect yourself from getting sick.  Always be careful and use common sense while you are on a cruise. 

 The year 2018 is here and for Galveston it looks like it will be another one filled with cruise ship departures! Here is an overview of what to expect from cruise lines that sail from Galveston in 2018: 

Carnival Cruise Line
         Just like 2017, Carnival Cruise Line will continue having three year round ships departing Galveston. However, there will be a major change to Galveston's Carnival Cruise ship lineup in September 2018!  The Carnival Freedom will primarily sail 7 night cruises that depart on Saturdays from Galveston. The itinerary for these seven night cruises will vary depending on the departure date.  The Carnival Valor will primarily sail 4 & 5 night cruises that alternate between departing on Thursdays, Mondays, and Saturdays. Both of the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Valor sailed from Galveston in 2017 and will essentially continue doing the same cruises in 2018. The Carnival Freedom and Carnival Valor are both Conquest Class vessel and have many similarities (in terms of layout) because they are members of the same ship class.  
                      The Carnival Breeze will sail 7 night cruises from Galveston through mid-September 2018. After leaving Galveston, the Carnival Breeze will be replaced with the Carnival Vista. During the Carnival Vista's time sailing from Galveston, it will primarily sail seven night cruises that depart on Sundays. The cruise itinerary will vary depending on departure date. Although the Carnival Vista was launched into service in 2016, it is still considered one of Carnival's largest and newer ships. 

Royal Caribbean
            Just like 2017, Royal Caribbean will continue having the Liberty of the Seas sailing from Galveston in 2018. The Liberty of the Seas will continue primarily sailing 7 night cruises from Galveston that depart on Sundays.  In late 2017, Royal Caribbean deployed the Vision of the Seas to Galveston to sail 4 & 5 night cruises. The Vision of the Seas' 4 & 5 night cruises will continue through April 2018. These 4 & 5 night cruises will primarily depart on Mondays, Fridays, and Wednesdays. Previously, Royal Caribbean had cruises extending into summer 2018, but this is no longer the case due to some changes announced in November 2017 by Royal Caribbean. 

Disney Cruise Line
               Disney Cruise Line will once again sail seasonally from Galveston in 2018. The year will start with the Disney Wonder sailing from Galveston, but in mid-January the ship will reposition. However, in November 2018 the Disney Wonder will return to sail more seasonal cruises from Galveston. It appears the majority of the Disney Wonder's cruises from Galveston are seven night cruises that sail to the Bahamas. 

For more information about itineraries, sailing dates, and for the most up to date information please visit each respective cruise line's website. ​Please keep in mind information is subject to change!

               ​ As the year 2017 comes to a close, it is time to look towards 2018 which will bring another year of cruising to the New Orleans cruise industry Here is an overview of what to expect from cruise lines that sail from New Orleans in 2018: 

Carnival Cruise Line
             Once again in 2018, Carnival Cruise Line will have two year round cruise ships sailing from New Orleans. The Carnival Triumph will primarily sail 4 and 5 night cruises from New Orleans. The Carnival Triumph's 4 night cruises leave on alternating Thursdays and sail to Cozumel, Mexico. The Carnival Triumph's 5 night cruises alternate between Mondays and Saturdays. These 5 night cruises are primarily scheduled to sail to Cozumel and Progreso. In addition to the Carnival Triumph, the Carnival Dream also sails from New Orleans. The Carnival Dream primarily sails 7 night cruises that depart on Sundays from New Orleans. The Carnival Dream alternates between three different Caribbean or Bahamas itineraries. 

Norwegian Cruise Line
               Norwegian Cruise Line will not sail year round from New Orleans in 2018, but the cruise line does sail from New Orleans for a large part of the year. When 2018 begins, the Norwegian Pearl will be sailing from New Orleans. The Norwegian Pearl will primarily be sailing 7 night cruises from New Orleans that depart on Sundays. However, the ship will have a few 5 night cruises too during its time from New Orleans. The Norwegian Dawn is scheduled to reposition from New Orleans in early April 2018. 
                       In 2018, the Norwegian Breakaway will come to New Orleans. According to Norwegian Cruise Line's press release, the Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest cruise ship to sail from New Orleans and will sail a variety of different seven, ten, or eleven night cruise itineraries. As of the time of writing this article, bookings for the Norwegian Breakaway from New Orleans are open through March 2019. 

Royal Caribbean
                       At the very end of 2018, Royal Caribbean will return to New Orleans after a several year break. The Vision of the Seas will start sailing 7 night cruises at the very end of 2018. 

River Cruises That Depart & Have Port of Call Stops In New Orleans
                 New Orleans has many river cruises that depart New Orleans and/or use New Orleans as a port of call. I do not usually cover river cruises on RyG's Cruise Guide, but I wanted to make everyone aware that the major large cruise lines are not the only cruise lines that depart from New Orleans.

           The first day of a cruise can be very exciting, but before you can enjoy the food, fun, and excitement of your cruise you have to check-in and actually board your cruise ship. Throughout my years of cruising, Carnival Cruise Line has implemented changes to their check-in procedures that have made check-in a little easier and more efficient. Here are some tips and things to keep in mind when checking in for your Carnival Cruise that could make your first day much easier: 

1.  Secure Your Luggage Tags To Your Luggage Prior to Arriving At The Cruise Terminal
              In Carnival's online booking manager, you will have the ability to print luggage tags. I recommend taking time to secure these to your suitcase prior to arriving at the cruise terminal. When you get to the cruise terminal or parking lot that will shuttle you to the cruise terminal, there may not be enough time to put your luggage tags on.
              If you happen to forget to print your luggage tags, typically someone working at the cruise terminal will be able to provide you with a generic luggage tag that you will write your name and stateroom number on. 

2.  Have Your Boarding Pass and Required ID Ready When You Get To The Cruise Terminal
                  Before your cruise actually begins, it will feel like you show your boarding pass and required identification a million times. When you turn over your luggage to a porter, you will have to show your boarding pass & id. As you try to enter the cruise terminal building, you will have to show your boarding pass. When you check-in for the cruise inside the terminal, you will once again have to show these two things. Have your boarding pass and acceptable ID ready when you get the cruise terminal. It is not fun to have to step out of line because you can't find one of these things, so make sure you know where yours is and keep it handy!

3. Complete Your Health Questionnaire Prior To Arriving At The Cruise Terminal
                            You can make your check-in process faster inside the cruise terminal if you print and complete the required health questionnaire prior to arriving at the cruise terminal. For women, a pregnancy questionnaire is required too.  

4.  When Going Through Security In The Cruise Terminal...
                       Make sure you listen and follow written instructions provided by the security staff members in the cruise terminal. Failure to follow directions could result in your carry on bags being searched because you didn't take out your laptop or getting a pat down because you left something in your pocket. 

5.  Do Not Take Pictures Inside The Cruise Terminal 
                     Taking pictures or video inside the cruise terminal is not allowed and terminal staff members will tell people to stop taking pictures/videos if they are caught. This is something I am not very good at following! I typically try to get pictures of my cruise ship from the terminal for the cruise reviews I write on here. I have been told several times to stop taking pictures! If you don't want to be yelled at our get in trouble for your cruise, don't take pictures in the cruise terminal!

6.  Knowing The Order Of Boarding Will Make Waiting No Seem As Long 
                      When you know which group of cruisers is in front of you for boarding you can have a mini countdown in your head of how much longer you have until your group gets to board. Carnival starts with VIFP Diamond guests. These guests have sailed 200+ days with Carnival. Next is Carnival's VIFP Platinum guests. These guests have sailed 75+ days with Carnival or were grandfathered in under an old loyalty program. The next group of guests is Faster to the Fun. These guests paid for early boarding as well as priority luggage delivery. Following Faster to the Fun guests, will be the numbered zones. Guests with zone 1 are first and the process continues from there. 

        Galveston has two cruise ship terminals that are located next door to each other. Typically, the first cruise terminal is used by Carnival Cruise ships. When two Carnival ships are docked in port one will be at each terminal. Royal Caribbean ships as well as Disney Cruise ships almost always use Cruise Terminal #2. In June 2017, I cruised on the Carnival Valor and we used Cruise Terminal #2 for embarking and debarking in Galveston. 
                  Upon arriving at Cruise Terminal #2 we found an area that was for luggage drop off. Several luggage porters were around taking luggage from cruisers. After checking in our luggage we headed to the main entrance of the cruise terminal. We walked into the cruise terminal building and got in line to get our passports scanned and boarding passes checked. 
                    Following this check, we were directed to the security checkpoint. There were several security lines opened up to minimize congestion. 
                        After security we continued walking into what is considered part of the new area of cruise terminal #2. The bottom floor of this new part was setup with several check-in area counters. We checked in and were directed to an escalator that took us up one floor and into the second level of this area. During check in we were given zone numbers and told to sit by the seats that had our zone. The waiting area had several chairs that were lined up in rows. Restrooms were available as well as vending machines that were located close to the restrooms. There were some circular windows to look while we waited. 
                           When it was time for boarding and our zone was called, we were directed to get in line. We got our shipboard cards (Sail & Sign card) scanned and then proceeded down a hallway. We were not at the gangway yet, but were getting close. We continued walking down this somewhat long hallway and then we finally got to the gangway. Once we were up the gangway we were on our ship!

Getting Off:
                       After we debarked our cruise ship, we headed back down the gangway and into the cruise terminal. We headed back down the same hallway that we entered, but instead of going into the check in area we were directed down a long ramp. This long ramp took us to the terminal's bottom level and then we walked across the cruise terminal in order to get to Customs & Immigration. Since I took all my luggage with me I do not know about people needing to get luggage. Customs & Immigration had several lines open and once we were through this checkpoint we were allowed to head towards the cruise terminal's exit. The TABC had a table setup for cruisers to declare their alcoholic purchases that were getting brought back into Texas. 
​           

              Galveston has two cruise ship terminals that are located next door to each other. Cruise Terminal 1 is primarily used by Carnival ships and Cruise Terminal 2 is used by Carnival when two Carnival ships are in Galveston, but is almost always used by Royal Caribbean & Disney ships. Since my first cruise out of Galveston in 2007, each of my Carnival Cruises out of Galveston (with 1 exception) have used Cruise Terminal 1. 

Boarding The Ship:
                  When we arrived at the cruise terminal we found a porter to take our luggage. We then followed signage that said "Entrance/Check-In". Several terminal staff members were outside to give directions and answer questions. There was a separate line for VIP guests. When we got to enter the cruise terminal we had to immediately show our boarding passes. After our boarding pass was quickly examined we got in line to get our passports scanned & boarding passes checked again. This process did not take too long. 
                    Following this check, we were directed to the security checkpoint. There were several security lines open to minimize congestion. 
                        After the security checkpoint we were told to continue walking until we reached an escalator that would take us up the 2nd floor. At the top of the escalator (on the 2nd floor) several terminal staff members were there to tell us where to go. This area was filled with crowd control ropes for lines as well as numerous check in desks. We went to our designated line (general check-in) and were told which check-in representative to go to.  During this part of the check in process we had to turn in our health questionnaire as well as receive our Sail & Sign cards. Please note, recently Carnival has implemented a new procedure out of Galveston that has changed how Sail & Sign card distribution works. This process may be different if you are cruising out of Galveston on a Carnival ship that has the new procedure that was scheduled to begin late July.  For my cruise, our boarding passes were stamped with a zone number that would be used for boarding. 
                           When it was time for boarding and our zone was called, we were directed to get in line. We got our shipboard cards (Sail & Sign card) scanned and then proceeded down a hallway that would take us to the gangway. There were a few windows located along this hallway so we were able to see the ship as we got closer to the gangway. Once on the gangway we walked up and were finally on the ship!

Getting Off:
                       After we debarked our cruise ship, we headed back down the gangway and into the cruise terminal. After exiting the gangway we were almost immediately directed down a ramp that took us into one large room on the bottom floor of the cruise terminal. There were two long lines for Customs & Immigration that would be subdivided into counters once we got closer. One line was for Passports Only & the other line was for those with birth certificates. Once we got closer, cruisers were divided into about 13 or 14 different lines. Several lines were open and each moved at a varying speed. After getting through this checkpoint, TABC was collecting taxes on alcoholic beverages being brought into Texas. Since this did not apply to us, we proceeded to the cruise terminal's exit.

        The Carnival Freedom and Carnival Valor are two of Carnival's Conquest Class vessels. While the ships have several common features and very similar layouts, there are some differences between the two ships. I recently sailed on both the Carnival Valor and Carnival Freedom from Galveston. The Carnival Valor currently does 4 & 5 night cruises from Galveston and the Carnival Freedom does 7 night cruises from Galveston. This is a photo comparison of the public areas of each of the two ships: 
Click Any Photo To Make It Larger!

        Carnival Cruise Line's third Vista Class ship recently underwent its steel cutting ceremony at Fincanteri's Marghera Shipyard. The ship will be the third in Carnival's Vista Class and will debut in 2019. 
            At this time, we do not have the ship's official name, homeport, itinerary details, or design plans. However, there will likely be many similarities to the Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon because both of these ships are also Vista Class ships. The Carnival Vista has been sailing since 2016 and the Carnival Horizon is scheduled to begin sailing in early April 2018. 
               We should know more information about this new ship at a later time, but for now we know the ship's construction has officially started!

For more information check out Carnival's official press release:  Click Here (link will take you to Carnival's News website.) 

     The month of March is here again and this means that many schools around the United States will soon be enjoying Spring Break. While Spring Break can vary by state, area, and school, many schools will have their Spring Break sometime during March. As schools give time off for a break, some families will spend this time on a cruise vacation. If you are cruising during the Spring Break time-frame or are considering a cruise around this time of year, here are a few tips & suggestions for you to consider: 

1. If You Don't Like Cruising During School Breaks Because Of More Children On-board, This Time Of Year Is Probably Not For You!
           There are some people that prefer to cruise, with very few children onboard. If you are one of these people, consider cruising during a different time of year when school is in session. Another option you could consider, is choosing a cruise line that is less family oriented. This could decrease your likelihood of sailing with children and families, but does not guarantee a child free cruise.

2.  The Weather May Not Be Perfect Or As Great As You Hope For
               Everyone wants his or her cruise vacation to have nice weather, but this does not always happen. Cold fronts and other weather systems can occur during March, which could have an effect on your Spring Break cruise. Check the weather forecast often before your cruise to see if precipitation is likely in the places you will be cruising. I hope the weather will cooperate for everyone cruising for Spring Break! 

3. Don't Forget Sunscreen or Sunblock
         If you plan on being outside for any length of time you need to make sure you bring sunscreen that will protect you from u/v rays and the sun. Bring enough sunscreen for you and your family.  However, don't forget to actually put it on before going outside. You may still get sunburned, if you are like me, but the sunscreen should help protect you. Put the sunscreen on as recommended by the label on your bottle and don't forget to reapply if the directions state the protection only lasts for a certain amount of time.
         Getting a sunburn during your cruise vacation could put a damper on your vacation or make you feel terrible.

4. Parents Please Watch Your Kids At Pools
          No matter what type of pool, slide, or water recreation activity your child wishes to participate in, make sure you keep an eye on each him or her. Most cruise ship pools have no lifeguards and are use at your own risk. The pools on ships can be used year round in some destinations, so this tip doesn't just apply to cruises that sail during spring break or the summer. Parents need to watch their children closely to make sure nothing happens to them. It is always much better to be safe than sorry!  ​

5. For The Ports - Keep Track of Time & Be Back Before The Designated Time
                  Sometimes cruisers get off in a port of call and then get too wrapped up in their excursion or activity, which causes them to forget about getting back to their ship on-time. Although this is an issue that pertains to all cruises, it is important to remember to give yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship before the designated return time. Once your ship has sailed, you are probably out of luck and will have to find transportation to meet the ship elsewhere. The simple solution is to keep track of time, get back to the ship early, and then you can enjoy watching others rush back to the ship because they arrived near the last possible second!

6.  The Price For Spring Break Cruises Can Vary
                    Typically, spring break cruises cost more than some of the cruises that sail identical itineraries around the same time of year. This is because cruise lines know their will be some demand for cruises during this time frame. You can most likely expect to find cruises that cost less than summer rates, but more than some of the other cruises offered during off-season times. However, do not wait until the last minute to book a spring break cruise because prices can go up and availability of staterooms will decrease.

​7.  Check The Dates Of When Your Cruise Begins and Ends 
                   Some cruises that offered around the spring break timeframe do not align perfectly with time kids have off from school. This could mean choosing a certain cruise could result in your kid(s) missing a little bit of school if you choose to book the particular cruise vacation.  

         Hurricanes can be a major disruption to any cruise vacation because these storms can make seas choppy, close ports of call, force itinerary changes, and damage many destinations. The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30 and the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season runs from May 15 through November 30. The time for hurricane season is upon the United States and many other places in the world once again.
         While many people will cruise during hurricane season without any inclement weather or disruptions to their cruise voyage, there always seems to be some cruises each year that have itinerary changes or rough seas because of hurricanes. Our goal is to help you plan for a cruise that could be potentially disrupted in some way by a hurricane or tropical storm. 


Onboard The Cruise Ship During A Hurricane
           If you find yourself onboard your cruise ship during a hurricane or tropical storm you do not need to panic. Many cruise ships will make an effort to avoid sailing into the storm and instead keep the ship in calmer waters. This is for the comfort of all passengers and the safety of the ship. However, this does mean cruisers onboard will not feel any motion. You may feel the ship rocking, but it should not be nearly as bad as the waters directly affected by the storm. The closer you are to the storm the worse the waves will be. 
           Your cruise ship may close the outside public decks as a safety precaution if winds are too high, the ship is rocking too much, or the ship deems there is a safety concern with letting people freely walk on the outside decks. Be prepared for this possibility, but keep in mind there are probably other things you can do in the interior spaces of your cruise ship. If there is rain outside most people will probably stay inside anyways. 
             I recommend bringing some medication or a safe remedy that will help you in the event you become seasick or ill because of the movement of the ship. Talk to your doctor about what remedies or medications may work best for you.

There Is A High Potential For Itinerary Adjustments & Port of Call Cancellations/Changes
           Cruise ships will often avoid areas that will be affected by a tropical storm or hurricane, if possible. This could mean a cruise's itinerary could be altered. In the past, cruise lines have cancelled ports of calls and made that particular cruise day a sea day. In other cases, when possible, cruise lines have swapped a port of call with another port of call. There are many factors that go into a cruise line's decision when making itinerary adjustments.

Before Cruising:  Could The Cruise Be Cancelled & How Would I Find Out? 
           Many cruise lines will make an effort to avoid cancelling a cruise, but in some cases cancelling is the only option a cruise line has. A decision to cancel a cruise could be based on the storm's expected landfall, how close landfall is to a cruise's departure date, port authority storm procedures, and more. 
              Many cruise lines will email guests about a cancellation or post information online. There are a few cruise lines that use a text alert system to give notifications to subscribed guests. If you feel like you are missing important information and a storm is likely to impact your voyage in some way, you should call your cruise line directly. 

Before The Cruise:  Can I Voluntarily Cancel? 
            The specific answer to this question will depend on your cruise line. In many cases, your cruise line will allow you to cancel, but not receive a refund. This is because you are voluntarily cancelling on a voyage that is still going to sail and you are held to the cruise line's cancellation policy. In some cases, cruise lines will show compassion and allow cruisers to cancel without a penalty, but this does not happen with all cruise lines. However, if the cruise is cancelled by your cruise line they should be providing you with a refund and compensation. 

Driving To A Cruise Homeport Where The Storm Is Expected To Hit: Things To Do
           If your cruise is still sailing and the storm is expected to make landfall around your departure port there are a few things you can do: 
-  Parking:   Flooding could occur at the place you park your car. If you can, try to park in a covered parking garage on a level higher than the ground. This will help protect your car from some flooding, but is does not guarantee your car will be 100% safe. Your car could still be damaged by water in many ways, including higher than expected floodwater. Don't forget that the wind can damage your car or blow objects into the glass. 
-  Take Valuables Out Of Your Car:   Before leaving your house to cruise, take valuables out of your car. You should not leave valuables in your car at any time, but in this case your car could be washed out from flooding or looted after the storm.

If You Live In the Storm's Impact Area -  Prepare Your Home 
           If you live in the area the storm will affect or potentially destroy, you need to prepare your home before cruising. I recommend doing tasks such as unplugging electrical devices from the walls to minimize your loss from a power surge, boarding windows, and storing objects that could be damaged easily in a safer place. There may be other tasks you must complete depending on your home's location and your own personal storm preparation plans. Some people have to deal directly with flooding, high winds, and other things. Make sure you prepare your home to minimize any damage that may occur while you are gone. 

Links To Further Your Hurricane Preparedness
National Hurricane Center:  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ 
I will be adding more links at a later time.