Dine Drink Travel started as a channel about cruises out of Galveston, and that is still what we do as much as we can. However, we decided to expand and also cover air travel and other great destinations. We always try to post short, focused reviews so you have the information you need to plan your next trip. You can also follow us at dinedrinktravel.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @dinedrinktravel. Interested in trip to Vegas? We hope you will check out our channel Dine Drink Travel Vegas. Happy travels!
As someone who is a senior with some mobility issues, I can’t get in/out of a bathtub w/o being concerned w falling & injuring myself. I prefer a walk-in shower for my safety.
The extra gates up the stairs are interchangeable, there's another set of security doors upstairs and that area can be used for either non-US flights or Preclearance flights depending on capacity requirements.
You check your baggage like normal, then you pre-clear customs. They have the ability to bring your luggage up on video at that point, but it is otherwise checked through to your final destination.
The requirements vary by alliance. I know that in One World you can get in with mid-tier status-- what amounts to Platinum on American Airlines. We got in because we were flying business class. I cannot speak to United. Sorry!
It absolutely does get crowded at peak times, and the gate areas get congested. On balance, though, I love being able to go through customs and immigration on the front end.
I was hoping you’d cover the experience a little more in depth than just the alcohol. I will probably only have 1-2 drinks on the ship and my husband doesn’t drink. The casual vibe in the dining room was helpful; I’m not a fan of that. I did take a cruise on the Carnival Paradise back in 2013 and was disappointed by the complete lack of anything to do on the ship. The dining room atmosphere seemed fine, though. But you’re right, the ding room food was not amazing. The vista seemed way more casual in your photos. After swearing off cruising after our last experience, my mother is law is wanting us to try again. I said I’d only do it if there was a water park and a movie theater. I’d been looking at Vista, which is what brought me to your channel. She recently went on a Royal Caribbean and said she didn’t think it would be a good fit for our child. She will be 4 or 5 by the time we would cruise next year. My wish list is: family friendly entertainment options (the comedy show on the last cruise was revolting), tasty included food, and an elegant but not boring environment. I’m not the type to want to lay on a serenity deck all day. Suggestions?
Honestly, a lot of it depends on where you are cruising out of. I am a big fan of leaving from a port to which I can drive to save money and stress in the event a flight is cancelled. You might look at some of our videos of the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas. I particularly enjoyed their water park.
Basically, a regular Admiral's Club has what amounts to heavy snacks. We are dropping a video on the Flagship Lounge tomorrow, but it has a very large buffet from which you can absolutely make a meal. The principle difference is that with First Class Dining you get waiter service, and the liquors are of an even higher quality.
For the Cruise I am looking at for 2025, the price difference between a Balcony cabin and a Junior suite is $60. So I guess even for the priority boarding it is worth it.
Thanks for this video!!! We have a queen suite booked at the Tremont house and this room became available and not a lot of video out there showing this loft. Would love an upgrade but scared it might not be available. Did you find it just as convenient as being in the hotel?
I am so sorry it took me this long to respond! Yeah, this is still super convenient, and if you can get a better room it is definitely worth the walk across the street.
We didn't snorkel on this trip, but we have snorkeled n previous trips. It was beautiful, and I would do it again. Here is what to keep in mind-- at the time, I was snorkeling with my roughly 10 year old an was looking for an easy swim. That may or may not be the experience you are looking for. Also, it is hard to get from the island to other spots. If you want to snorkel and then make a day of it at Maya Key- which we did- then great. If you are wanting a more challenging swim or to do something else afterwards, you might find a different spot.
I've found the Premier/Ultra Cruises to be of a lesser value vs. booking on a non-Premier/Ultra Cruise thru Carnival Corporation on a value standpoint.
Hello, we are going on the liberty of the seas July 27, 2023 just a couple of questions I saw the beer wine and soda picture you had in the video I am assuming those are not complementary in the diamond lounge because now they just get four drinks per person for diamond members or five drinks per person for diamond plus members would that be correct? Also, I noticed you said there’s a outside private deck for the diamond lounge, but on other ships, the diamond lounge had a dress code. Can you actually enter in the diamond lounge to get to the outdoor deck the private outdoor deck? Thank you. By the way when I get your response, I will absolutely be liking your video with a checkmark. Looking forward to hearing from you.
So the rules have changed since I was on that particular ship. At that point, they were still offering an evening cocktail hour and my understanding is that they now instead have the four free drinks. As for the dress code, for most of the day the room does not have an attendant and you use your key to get in. You shouldn't go in wet, but if you went in with a nice coverup and then just walked to the deck it shouldn't be a problem. Happy travels!
Did a guided snorkeling excursion there. The guide was terrific. The reef is beautiful. The current was kinda strong, so, if you’re not a good swimmer (I am) you might not want this. There are nice dressing rooms with showers. Plenty of shade just off the water and lots of lounges. Good snack bar. 5 minute boat ride from Royal pier to the Key.
I have booked Jr. suites because i do love the extra space and the tub/shower combo. Like you Im a big girl and plus it more comfortable. Bit im going to do some solo cruising in the Jr. How many points per night will i receive? Love the vid ❤
Just fyi RBC has added a “Sky Junior Suite” which offers all perks the Grand suite just a slightly smaller room. This may just be on Quantum Class ships but we just booked for September and we have all the same perks we had for our Grand suite including all access to Coastal Kitchen as well as access to suite lounge and concierge. Check to see if this available in US.
Great review of the room! We booked the same room. Did you have constant banging and clanging of pot and pans all night from the galley above? It kept our 8 month old up all night. FYI to people who book this room in the future.
So sorry it took me this long to write back! It has been a couple of years, so I don't have current pricing information. However, yeah, they will absolutely sell you a variety of package deals. We loved Chankanaab every time we went.
