$1.00 transportation!? YES PLEASE!!!…read more I had never been to Galveston before, but arrived a few days early for a cruise that I was taking that left from the city port. Our hotel was on seawall but we were told that "The Strand" (shopping area) was a place that we needed to check out. We took a Lyft but as we were travelling we noticed the cutest little trolleys passing by. After a quick Google search, we learned that it was public transportation and only cost $1.00 to ride. After we were done shopping, we decided to hop on one for a "tour". We had no idea where we would be going but were up for the adventure. The trolley is BEAUTIFUL inside. Very shiny wood and just so pretty. There was only 2 other people on our ride. It took us back around through the shopping area and then travelled on down to the seawall. It literally stopped a block from our hotel. This was so great. Note- MUST have cash. No change. You drop a $1 bill into a box upon getting onto the trolley.

Island Transit is a small local transit system that operates the local bus and street car/trolley…read moresystem. The system has purchased new buses and shelters in recent years and has also expanded there network. Most visitors will find the system more then large enough to get around Galveston however it is by no means a major system. Recently the system had purchased modern buses to replace the aging system, however demand outpaced there budget so some older buses from other systems were purchased for cheap and fast. The system also operates the popular street car system. The system is mostly for tourist use however more recently they have expanded they main line to go to the UTMB medical district.

I did a transatlantic cruise and this was so amazing. The ship was on its way to get refurbished…read moreand it definitely could use some updates. However, the overall experience was wonderful and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I enjoyed all the activities. I enjoyed the staff. Most of the food was really good, there again were areas for improvement, but overall it was great. I really enjoyed how easy it was to get around the aft elevators were sometimes of a long wait and sometimes did not want to stop on deck six for some reason. But the zip lining the shows the people the experience the ship as a whole is just wonderful and I can't wait to try her again once she's been Refurbished.

This was my first cruise ever on Harmony of the Seas. Seven nights out of Galveston with stops in…read moreRoatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. The ship is HUGE. So big you forget you're on water and start wondering if you boarded a floating outlet mall. It barely moves and the shows were actually really good. Now the chaos. There is a camera waiting for you everywhere. I have never felt so famous and so annoyed at the same time. You can't even eat at a specialty restaurant you already paid for without someone interrupting to sell you photos. I'm mid bite. Please stop. The ports were fine but the second you step off the ship you're swarmed by solicitors. Honduras especially felt sketchy and the beaches had so much seaweed it felt like swimming in a salad. I paid extra for the deluxe dining package which was a mistake. The app was glitchy, reservations were gone, and I paid for food I couldn't eat. On top of that, they charge an 18.50 daily gratuity per person whether you dine or not. Yes, even toddlers. My two year old apparently has a tab. The staff was amazing and honestly the best part. They work incredibly hard and deserve way more credit. Food was decent overall, with Chops Grille and hibachi being the highlights. The ship itself was insanely crowded and the elevators were packed, so I took the stairs for my sanity. Glad I tried it once, but I'd pick a different cruise line next time. Would not recommend unless you enjoy crowds, cameras, and surprise charges.

My family and I spent about a week here this summer. It's not a huge beach house, but it's well…read morekept with a beautiful view. It's not right on the beach, but about a lot back. There is no house currently in front of it, so you can sit on your balcony and watch the Gulf and feel the breeze. Because of it's location, you don't have to fight with the hustle and bustle of Galveston during the summer. As a fisherman, you can fish right out in front of the house if you are up with fighting strong currents, and climbing over rocks. There seems to be a deep hole that boats crowd around early in the morning, in which they seem to be catching loads of speckled trout. Beach access is just down the road from the house with a little bridge to cross. You can also drive on the beach roughly 2 miles down, or head to the bay side in that same location. Don't forget, you are nearly on San Luis pass, so that's always an option, and there is a bait shop right there. There is a great chance that we will return to this house next year, or possibly try out one of the owners other locations.

Wow. Royal Caribbean Terminal 10 is easy breezy for parking & checkin…read more My experience comes from parking in premium parking which costs a little more but it's covered from the weather elements & you are literally a few feet away from the main luggage drop off. When in this parking lot, no need to drop your bags off in advance, it's a super short walk from the parking lot to the luggage drop off/entrance. You can walk all the way to the luggage drop off area but there's lots of the baggage support workers who will grab your bags right outside the parking lot. Once we entered the terminal it was simple... as a suite guest we went thru passport check-in & security check-in thru a separate line from the other passengers. Then they showed us to a priority lounge area with breakfast sweets & coffee and a staff member promptly did a final check & directed us toward the ship entrance ramp where we then joined the other passengers for the gangway walk to enter the ship. I must say Royal has a smooth process for their suite and higher Royal Caribbean tier level passengers.

2nd fastest check in ever for a cruise. Maybe 8 minutes from curb to the boat…read more Uber dropped us right at the curb with no fuss. Not crowded at 1:35pm. Porters took our luggage immediately and we went into the terminal. Went up the escalator (they have elevators if u want) and a scan of my sea pass card and passport. Then thru security. Then one more sea pass check and a new photo. Then to the boat. Super fast today.

I desperately needed a bathroom. I didn't know when the ferry would arrive. I was in line for it…read more And I had to just suffer. It was awful. I also didn't know if there was a restroom on the ferry so I sat in my car and suffered some more. After crossing, I stopped at the first gas station I came upon. It was so gross too. Disgusting. And I used that. I wish more info was posted about the times the ferry arrives (like a countdown digital clock) and restrooms. The ride was smooth and didn't take long. I was so glad I didn't have to pay for the ferry.

Ride coming to Galveston wasn't bad fast loading.... going back across was talking forever..an hour…read morewait to load..

The Bolivar Peninsula and beach area reminds me so much of trips in my youth to the beach where we…read moredrove on to the beach to pick our spot. Not too many beaches left where they let you do that anymore but Bolivar is one of them. The peninsula is narrow and long with the main road going from the ferry terminal at the mouth of Galveston Bay to High Island. Used to go all the way to Port Arthur but with many big storms it washed away and they decided it wasn't worth rebuilding. I go down there mainly to take pictures of birds, there is a good variety; mostly shore birds like gulls, plovers, avocets and skimmers. The far west end is now a bird sanctuary owned by the Audubon society. You do need a beach pass on your windshield or your risk getting a ticket. Stop at any convenience store along 87 and get one, they are $5 during January and February and the price increases to $10 after that.

Great birder's paradise. Love the view of the gulf and they…read morebird sanctuary we visited. Looking forward to going back!

Built in 2003, the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas is part of the Voyager class of ships. My…read morebrother and I took a 5 night cruise in November, part 3 of a 3 week trip out of Galveston to keep accumulating nights for us to attain status while taking advantage of casino offers that my brother continues to get. Compared to the newer boats in the RC lineup, the Mariner doesn't stack up well in amenities, but had some really nice bright spots that I really enjoyed. The Mariner was refurbished in 2018, and can carry about 3,114 passengers at double occupancy. Like other RC ships, it has an ice skating rink in Studio B, live shows at the Royal Theater, and casual buffet meals at the Windjammer Cafe for all three meals of the day. Good: - We arrived at the cruise terminal 10 REALLY early, about an hour before check-in was even open. It was an unseasonably cold and blustery day in Galveston, so the nice security folks allowed us to wait inside. At 9:20, people were allowed to check-in. It went very smoothly (including seated waiting in a room with excellent free Wi-Fi), and we were able to get onto the boat around 10:30. - Room: sink had a stopper for easier hand washing. Beds were comfortable. Had US type power outlets near nightstands, so no need for extension cord. - Really enjoyed the prime rib at main dining room, the udon noodle stir fry at the buffet and sushi/sake tasting at the Japanese themed restaurant Not so Good: - extension cords are not allowed on the ship due to risk of electrical fires. Thus mine was confiscated and I had to pick it up at the security desk at the port after the cruise completion. - there isn't a many indoor places to hang-out as on the newer boats. It was cold enough on sea days to the outdoor pool area couldn't be used. The only real large indoor area is the Star Lounge on Deck 5, and they had it closed for an art auction. - Room: water problems during trip including brown water at the beginning of trip and having to turn off water completely towards the end of the trip. simple temperature controls didn't change the room as quickly as newer boats. Smaller TV and zero USB ports. - Due to weather, canceled our 2nd port stop to Costa Maya, replacing it with 2nd stop at Cozumel (though at different port). Because the port fee for Cozumel is slightly lower than Costa Maya, we got a small credit on our shipboard account for the difference.

This ship is OLD. It desperately needs updated. I wouldn't choose this ship again. Our carpet in…read moreour hallway got replaced while we were on board, but so many other things need work. It could be retired honestly. As my first Royal Caribbean experience, I was really let down.

Yes, I'm still alive--well, mostly so--thank you for asking. Across the board, MSC tends to get…read morepoor ratings. Having explored the entire ship, I can somewhat sympathize. Thousands of passengers vying to eat, to shop, to see a show--the list goes on. The Seascape is built to accommodate about 5,700 passengers (4,700 were on board for our sailing) and with that many folks gathered together, there are bound to be problems. But I'm not here to write about problems, but rather, the lack of them. Peg and I sailed for a week in MSC's "ship-within-a-ship," The Yacht Club. As you may remember, we have taken a few previous cruises together, but not on MSC. It's an Italian line, privately owned. When you don't have investors to please, you can do things your way--and indeed they do. Add the Yacht Club's elevated food, service, accommodations plus a long list of other amenities, and it is indeed an experience second to none. "Just how much does all this cost," I hear you ask. For the most popular cabin--Deluxe Balcony--it's around $3,200 per person. Interior suites (over 200 sq ft--about the size of balcony cabins on other lines) are around $1800 per person. I have made a study of similar packages on other cruise lines and they are from about $10,000 to $22,000 per person. So, what are the amenities? Private lounge, restaurant, pool deck (with breakfast and lunch buffets), solarium, Thermal Spa access, Premium Drink Package, internet for two devices, butler and concierge service, room service at no charge and more! Lest I forget--one of the "horrors" of cruising is the elevators. Wait, wait, wait! Wait for them to come, wait for them to stop at multiple decks before yours. But we placed our wrist bands under the call station, pushed the deck we wished, the elevators zoomed to us; we stepped in and we were whisked to the deck we chose without stopping at others along the way--express service! Trust me, I could go on and on--you know I could!--but I won't. As you know, both Peg and I are not easily impressed. But after only two days on board, we signed up for another Yacht Club cruise. Same ship, same itinerary--doesn't matter, we don't care about excursions--we just want to be in the Yacht Club again! If you truly want to "get away from it all," consider a voyage in the Yacht Club. Although we sailed from Galveston, many American and European ports have ships with the Yacht Club. Yes, it is more expensive--stop whining and save up for it. You will not be disappointed!!!

Great ship Great food…read moreGood music Great service Very professional and organized for embarking Drink packages very expensive and you have to buy for all adults in cabin not allowed just one Kids are free, went at a time we tried to avoid them