Has anyone started thinking about what excursions you are going to do or thinking of doing? I have my eye on a couple...
Cozumel is a day at Paradise Beach for us, no question. Key West will be a day of enjoying the nice empty ship.
Grand Cayman -- As much as I loathe tendering, I've finally convinced my son to snorkel with the stingrays with me! Last time, he wouldn't even get off the boat, lol. But he was only like 8 or 9 at that point.
Costa Maya is one of my very favorite ports, and DS & I were trying to decide what to do this time. Last time, we toured Chacchoben with David from Native Choice, and it was pretty much the most amazing day either of us have ever had. We're both Mayan history buffs anyway, and to get to see and touch actual history, and hear about it from a true Mayan descendent, was beyond amazing. David knows so much, and is so passionate about all of it.
I was just looking at their website when you mentioned excursions, to start thinking about it again, and saw that they have a new offering that sounds so cool!! It's the Costa Maya Ball Game Tour. DS & I toured a Mayan ball court replica in Roatan this year, and were absolutely fascinated by the rituals and history behind the tradition. I called him just now to tell him about this new tour, and he said "BOOK IT", so I think that's what we'll be doing there.
It must be brand new, though -- there aren't even prices listed yet.
But I just can't speak highly enough about David and Ivan and Native Choice as a whole, and if anyone is looking for something to do in Costa Maya you ought to check them out. I've heard the Mayan Experience tour is really good too.
www.thenativechoice.com
And I am now all set up to spend the 2 nights prior to the cruise in Galveston
Super excited about this. I am thinking of heading over to Kemah to check out the boardwalk, and maybe Moody Gardens. Any other great suggestions?
Moody Gardens is at least a full day in itself! Kemah is fun, we love it there. Downtown Galveston has Pirates! and the haunted house right behind Sangerfest Park, just off the Strand, and if you like history and/or gorgeous architecture & design, you could tour the Bishop's Palace (which we think at night, reminds of the Haunted Mansion!), the Moody Mansion, or the Ashton Villa. Just stunning places.
www.galveston.com is your best bet for info on anything and everything to do, see, or eat in Galveston!
What about places to eat? Im thinking maybe Landry's, Flying Dutchmen, Joe's? Any other good eats suggestions? I LOVE my seafood and looking to try some awesome stuff here
I would try either Fish Tales, or Gaido's. Fish Tales, right across from the new Pleasure Pier, gets consistently amazing reviews for their seafood:
http://www.b4-u-eat.com/houston/restaurants/reviews/rsv1551.asp
Gaido's seems to be more hit or miss now, which is sad because it is an Island institution. Another place I hear a lot of people rave about is Miller's Seawall Grill. I don't eat seafood, though, so can't really speak for any of these places! But you can read the reviews for yourself at B4-U-Eat.
And if you want an amazing burger (or some seafood things like fish tacos), as well as an amazing view, there is simply no place but The Spot. YUM. And if you want an adult beverage with said view, there is Drip, the Rum Shack, the Tiki Bar, and Squeeze all there as part of the "Island Famous" complex with The Spot.
www.islandfamous.com
P.S. Gina, just realized I didn't give you much info for the first page. You can add my age, 32, and that Im in room #7567. SERIOUSLY hoping for an upgrade at port!! Will be there early to see
Got it added! And I'll be crossing my fingers for you for an upgrade!
Even at 10 o'clock at night! The Seawall was packed, even the *ferry* was packed. Lots of people enjoying Galveston this summer, which is great!! The more tourism improves, the more attractive Galveston is to cruise lines, and the more ships we get! 
