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17 Must-Have Cruise Items Under $20

Posted May 2nd, 2016 in fun by Galveston Cruise Tips

Headed out on a cruise soon? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite cruise items that can make your trip more comfortable, more memorable, or just plain more fun. And because we know that you want to save all you can for umbrella drinks, every item we’ve listed below is less than $20.

So get ready to shop guilt-free with these items that you’ll want for your next cruise…

Anti-Slip Lightweight Sandals

li

Walking around the pool area can be tricky. With the wind and wet deck, you have to be careful. That’s why we like this pair of fun (and cheap) sandals to keep you from slipping whether on the ship or on shore. $10 on Amazon

Sterling Silver Anchor Earrings

Anchor earrings

Sure, you don’t have to have them to cruise. But we think these earrings are too cute… and they only cost $15 on Amazon.

Anchor Headband

anchor headband

Great for hanging out by the pool! This headband will keep your hair from blowing in your face as you get some sun. It’s also super stylish and would go with any swimsuit. $4 on Etsy

Secret Alcohol Flasks

Hidden flasks

Most people buy drinks on a cruise, but let’s be real. The prices are high and the costs add up fast. That’s why we like these containers for your booze. They allow you to carry it on in secret, since they look like regular lotion bottles. $8 on Amazon

SPF 45 Sunscreen

sunscreen

You may not realize how powerful the Caribbean sun is until it’s too late. That’s why you should pack plenty of sunscreen. Amazon offers up cheap sunscreen, but you can also find deals at your local supermarket.

3 Outlet Adapter (With USB)

Outlet adapter

iPhones, iPads, fans, hair straighteners, nightlights… the list of things you’ll want to plug in goes on and on. Unfortunately, plug space is at a premium. We recommend bringing an adapter like this one, which also has USB ports for charging gadgets. $16 on Amazon

Don’t Need Therapy Shirt

Dont need therapy shirt

Let’s be honest, the best shrink can’t do what 7 days on the open water can do for your soul. This shirt isn’t just fun… it’s true. $20 on Amazon (Comes in several colors)

Mesh Sand-Free Bag

Sand-free mesh bag

If you’re headed to the beach, then take this bag. Large enough to carry towels, a change of clothes, and toys, it’s also made of a mesh that will keep the sand from piling up in your stuff. $9 on Amazon

Silver Anchor Necklace

Anchor necklace

A cute fashion accessory to wear on formal night (or any other night). The pendant is delicate and small, so it won’t be gaudy, but a classy addition to your outfit. $20 on Etsy

Waterproof Phone/Money Pouch

Waterproof bag

If you’re worried about what to do with your valuables while you swim, grab a couple of these pouches. Put your valuables in them, seal them up, and strap them on your waste. Now you can get in the water without worrying about leaving your phone/money on shore. $16 on Amazon (2 pack)

Canvas Tote Bag

Canvas tote bag

Perfect as your carry-on for the cruise, or to haul around souvenirs when in port. This oversized bag has room for everything, while also looking totally stylish. $19 on Amazon

Keep Calm Cruise Shirt

Keep calm cruise shirt

To all those people stressing excited their cruise, this shirt is for you. Enjoy the sun, the sea, and the sand. Keep calm. Yeah, right! $17 on Amazon

Rather Be Cruising Car Window Decal

Rather be cruising decal

Show your love for the ship with this awesome decal. Put it on the back of your car and watch everyone else drool with envy. $8 on Etsy

CamelBak Water Bottle

Water bottle

Stop paying a ton to buy bottled water on shore. Get filled up on the ship with water (or any other beverage) and stay hydrated no matter where you go. $14 on Amazon

Wide-brimmed Hat

Wide hat

The best way to treat sunburn? Avoid it all together. We highly suggest bringing a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face and neck. There are tons of styles available out there. We liked this one because it’s $18 and gets great reviews on Amazon.

Towel Clips

Towel clips

First-time cruisers are always surprised at how strong the wind is on a ship. But remember, you are sailing at close to 25 mph! Towel clips like these help keep your towel attached to your chair so you don’t have to battle the constant wind flipping it. $8 on Amazon

Portable Fan

Portable Fan

There is no fan in your room. So if you want air to circulate, you either need to bring your own or open your cabin door. We prefer to bring a portable one to help us sleep more soundly. $20 on Amazon

Comments Off on Meet Galveston’s Newest Ship: Carnival Breeze

Meet Galveston’s Newest Ship: Carnival Breeze

Posted March 28th, 2016 in news by Galveston Cruise Tips

carnival-breeze-port
Beginning May 8, another big change is coming to Galveston cruising.

On that day, the Carnival Breeze will sail her first trip from the island — heading on a 7-day cruise Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

The Breeze will be the final change-up of the 2016 cruise season for Carnival, who replaces both the Carnival Triumph and Carnival Magic during 2016. The Breeze will replace the aforementioned Magic, which departs Galveston for the last time on April 10.

During its time the Carnival Magic has become a crowd favorite among Galveston cruisers, leading many to be anxious about its leaving. Not to worry. The Carnival Breeze is a sister-ship to the Magic, meaning you’ll have many of the same amenities, only aboard a slightly newer ship.

Carnival Breeze will take over the 7-day cruises, running several different routes. Most notable are cruises to Nassau, Key West, and Freeport, as well as cruises to Roatan, Honduras; Belize; and Cozumel.

Like Carnival Magic, the Breeze belongs in the “Dream” class of ships. In fact, a quick comparison of the two ships shows just how similar they are:

Carnival Breeze comparison

Once aboard, you’ll have the favorites like Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ, Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina and the RedFrog Rum Bar. In other words, you won’t be going hungry.

For entertainment, expect everything that comes with a Carnival ship built just a few years ago. You’ll find the WaterWorks water park, Punchliner Comedy Club, Serenity Adults Retreat, Seaside Theater, and ZSpa — just to name a few.

If you’re looking for a chance to take a trip on the Carnival Breeze, the good news is that you have plenty of time. According to Carnival’s website, the ship is available for booking from Galveston through April 2018. That means she’ll be homeported on the island for years to come.

Carnival Breeze side

Photos: Montel G. | Raging Wire

Comments Off on Galveston Welcomes Carnival Liberty

Galveston Welcomes Carnival Liberty

Posted March 15th, 2016 in Uncategorized by Galveston Cruise Tips

Carnival Liberty

March 18 is when the Carnival Liberty arrives in the Port of Galveston, marking a new era in Galveston cruising.

The Liberty replaces the Carnival Triumph, which has sailed from the island for years. The Triumph is relocated to New Orleans, representing a major upgrade in capacity for that port.

Carnival Liberty comes to Galveston from San Juan, Puerto Rico and is also a major upgrade for the cruise scene in Galveston.

First, the ship is larger than her predecessor. Coming in at 952′, the Liberty has more than 50 feet on the Triumph. That means she can carry more passengers on each trip, with a capacity of nearly 2,975 guests — or about 250 more people than the Triumph could hold.

The Liberty is also much newer. She was built in 2005 (compared to 1999 for the Triumph) and updated in 2011 with Carnival’s FunShip 2.0 upgrades.

Aboard the ship you’ll find what’s become the standard Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar, Punchliner Comedy Club, and the Serenity adults-only area.

What’s especially exciting is that rates on the new ship are extremely affordable. We found rates of $249 per person on a 5-day cruise. Of course, this is the lowest “get on the ship” rate, but it still comes out to just $50 a day for a Caribbean cruise. That’s a deal.

In total, the arrival of the Liberty is great news for Galveston cruising. From the ship, to its capacity, to the low rates to sail, everything about the Liberty is an improvement over the outgoing Triumph. It’s also a sign at the Galveston cruise scene continues to boom in popularity.

Photo: Thomas Hawk

Carnival Making Major Changes to Ship Lineup

Posted March 8th, 2016 in news by Galveston Cruise Tips

For several seasons, Galveston cruisers have gotten used to seeing two Carnival ships in port: Carnival Magic and Carnival Triumph.

In just a few weeks that will completely change.

Carnival Triumph, which has been operating from Galveston for years will sail her last cruise from the island on March 17. After that, she will relocate to the Port of New Orleans.

If you remember, Triumph has seen a rocky past while sailing from Galveston. She was the ship that infamously broke down in 2013, resulting in weeks of negative press for the company after passengers experienced inoperable plumbing while being stuck at sea.

Replacing the Triumph will be the Carnival Liberty, which will continue the regular 4 and 5-day cruises to Mexico. This is an upgrade for the island, as the Liberty is longer, newer (built in 2005), and carries more passengers than the Triumph. The Liberty also comes with Carnival’s popular restaurants and bars, including Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and the RedFrog Rum Bar.

Carnival Liberty has her first trip from the island on March 18.

Meanwhile, Carnival Magic just returned from drydock upgrades, but won’t be back in Galveston for long. The Magic sails her last cruise from the island on April 10.

Taking her place will be two ships. First is the Carnival Freedom, which was updated in 2014 and first started sailing from Galveston earlier this year. The second is the Carnival Breeze, which came into service in 2012 and is set to arrive in Galveston on May 8.

If all those changes have your head spinning, we have a chart below to help you visualize which ships are in port:

2016 Galveston cruise ships

All in all, Carnival is banking big on Galveston with three ships regularly sailing from the island for most of the year. That’s a major investment and a sign that Galveston cruising shows no signs of slowing down.

Comments Off on Carnival Magic Headed to Drydock

Carnival Magic Headed to Drydock

Posted February 20th, 2016 in news by Galveston Cruise Tips

Carnival Magic

Good news Galveston cruisers… Carnival Magic is headed to drydock to receive some major new upgrades.

From February 21 – March 6, the ship will be away from her normal Galveston homeport. During that time, she will receive a facelift — her first since being launched in 2011.

Here’s a list of upgrades that Carnival has confirmed:

  • Guy’s Burger Joint
  • BlueIguana Cantina
  • Redfrog Rum Bar
  • BlueIguana Tequila Bar
  • Pizzeria del Capitano
  • Alchemy Bar

In addition, the ship will receive maintenance and updates to public areas. She will return to Galveston on March 6, before repositioning to Florida in April. Bon Voyage Magic!