Extending Cruise

Since you're already going on RC later, I'd stay for a 2nd week on Princess, even if you have to change cabins (steward will move you) being on the same ship for another week is relaxing. Lots of good advice already posted, so I won't repeat it - welcome to cruising, enjoy!!

https://www.portofgalveston.com/

Here's the link to the parking and terminals. If you plan to cruise out of there at all, just learn where everything is, open an account, and cross that stuff off your list. Do it once, you'll remember.

We cruise out of Galveston alot, when we're not cruising out of NOLA. We're almost double your distance and drive down as well. You should note that RC has a brand new terminal in Galveston, and plenty of parking for it. You can get a map of the new terminals by looking up "Port of Galveston Cruise terminals"..also you can open an account with them, also on line, and get some reasonable discounts when parking. That end of the terminals only have out door parking. Some lots have a shuttle, some don't. their site is very informative. Their lots are the closest you can get to the terminalas. Most folks walk to the ship from the lots. Speaking of which, walking is a big deal when cruising..Not only are the ships gigantic, and getting bigger, but the terminals are too. They are not conducive to a 95 year old, no matter what kind of shape he's in. Having said that, all of us have seen folks on oxygen, or wheelchairs dealing with and cruising...MORE POWER TO EM I SAY!!!. We're seniors ourselves and know the energy it takes to do this. There is handicap assistance at the terminal as well. By all means CONTACT RC DIRECTLY, and ask them what specifically happens if you decide to do a B2B cruise...staying in the same cabin, or not, switching ships or not, depending on the schedule. It can turn into a nightmare, depending on the bureaucratic rules, which can and do vary. Considering its your FIRST cruise, don't bite off more than you (or he) can chew. Its supposed to be FUN, not work...we remember our first VIVIDLY...lucky we could find our respective heads with both hands...no clue what in the world was going on.

Keep posting, you'll have questions, guaranteed someone in here has answers. GOOD LUCK!!!

Very well said Auntie ... advantages to each ... just a matter of figuring which sounds best to you

I know it would be easier and I’m sure you’re right but I’m kinda leaning toward Royal Caribbean but time will see. I’m going to go look at both now and see if I can make decision. This will be our first cruise so we’re not sure what we want right now we’re going on Ruby Princess first and then Royal Caribbean Allure of the Sea a little over a month after. Guess I’m antsy cause I want to book another but it would be easier for us cause we live almost 300 miles from the port. Thank you for your help I really appreciate it.

Thank you for your insight, I do appreciate it..

The advantage of staying on the same ship would be the ease of the transition for the second leg. And the crew will remember you. The advanage of a different ship is the joy of discovery and different atmosphere. We have switched ships and stayed on the same ship. Personally, I prefer the same ship, but either choice will be enjoyable. Assuming there is no other determining factor like better itinerary or preferred cruise line.

Either line is a great choice! I haven't been on either ship so can't really speak to that, but I have been on both cruise lines.