Cruise departing from Galveston and visiting Cancun?

Question

I've tried searching on the major cruise lines and I only found it on the Carnival Cruiseline for roughly $529 for October 2008. Does this sound like a good deal? Is there a discount for seniors (my dad is 61)? Any tips in general?

Answer 1

Rates on the 7 day Carnival Conquest for Oct is as low as $479.  None of the cruise lines leaving from Galveston will stop in Cancun.  The closest you will get is Cozumel.

There are senior discounts, just not available for this sailing.

Answer 2

Check out the search features on www.vacationstogo.com to easily compare cruise prices, destinations and get ship details.  Click the find a bargin button and then use the depart from port pull down menu to select Galveston.

For departures out of the Port of Galveston, there are two cruise lines that serve this port. Carnival, with two ships and Royal Caribbean with one ship.

None of the ships dock in Cancun but you can take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.  This is about a 45 minute ferry ride.  We did the Cavern by Jeep tour in Playa del Carmen and it was awesome!

Notables when selecting a cruise...

- the prices you see on the web are teaser rates for the smallest, inside cabin and they don't include port fees, taxes and the new fuel surcharge.  Have the travel agent include these fees when quoting you any numbers.

- Spring Break for Texas schools is March.  Avoid booking in March if a ton of crazy kids of ALL ages would disrupt the vacation.

- Hurricane season is July-November.  We got caught in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 between Tropical Storm Cindy and Hurricane Dennis.  It was rough and our itinerary had to be changed.

- Carnival has a 5-day cruise on the Ecstasy.  She visits Cozumel and Progresso.  Cozumel is a very developed port but still recovering from the 2005 hurricanes.  Progresso is a developing port with less to do.  Great deals on trinkets in the open air market.  She is a smaller ship at 70 tons and you feel more motion on her.

- Carnival has a 7-day cruise on the Conquest.  She is a larger, 110-ton ship and her ride is great.  The itinerary is rough.  First 2 days at sea and then 3 days back to back ports. It is a bit exhausting.  We love this trip.  Took it for Spring Break 07 and will be taking her again for June 2008.  

- Royal Caribbean has recently moved the Voyager of the Seas to Galveston, replacing the Rhapsody of the Seas.  The Rhapsody was moved to the Asian market and none too soon.  That was the worst ship/cruise I have ever been on and will not waste my money on RC again.

- The Port of Galveston has invested in many improvements.  Parking is still a hassle but managable.  Arrive early in the boarding cycle and you will be fine. Parking at the port is $10 per day per car.  If you get up at about 6 or 6:30 am on the debarkation date, you can see the ships turn completely around in the channel.  It is very interesting.

- Stay in tune with the changing passport requirements for sea travel in 2008.  If your group does not have passports, you should probably consider starting the application process now.

Answer 3

Currently the only 7 day ship from Galveston is the Carnival Conquest:

Pricing is showing as follows:

Oct 5th - 499.00 pp inside and 619.00 oceanview plus government taxes

Those are great rates, best time of the year to travel - Nice ship and the only option from Galveston - I'm not showing any senior rates that are lower right now.  These are special "guarantee" rates that will promise you an inside or oceanview room but not assign the exact cabin number until later - usually the best deal.

Enjoy!

Answer 4

Yes that does sound like a good price for a 5 or 7 day cruise.  But my bet is that its an inside cabin; the lowest priced on the ship.  Cruise lines do ask your age when booking on line (I'm over 60 too) and they say that there MAY BE a discount for a senior.  BUT, I have never been able to figure whether I got a senior discount or not.  It NEVER shows on my invoice.

The best discounts I have gotten that you can always get are early booking discounts.  Early booking means 9 to 12 month or more before the cruise date; so right now for next December or January 09.  The other discounts that I know that I get are those we get as frequent cruise club members; the Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society and the NCL's Lattitudes.  You can also find discounted cruises on many cruise line web site home pages; go whenthe price is best.