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Just the Basics

Flights must come into Houston, TX (airport code: IAH or HOU)
Transfers rates $31.95 - $39.95 pp each way

Book Royal Caribbean’s Airfare

Air2Sea:
If you'd like to choose your routing schedule, you can choose to book "Air2Sea". These rates are subject to change until locked in. Transfers are not included in the price but can be added. Royal Caribbean offers both refundable and non-refundable fares. If you select a refundable fare, payment can be made later, with your final payment. Non-refundable fares must be paid in full at the time of booking. Flights are customizable and you can choose to book Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class or First Class.

To book your own Air2Sea reservation, go to https://www.royalcaribbean.com/flights/bookFlights Check rates as often as you'd like and then when you are ready...go ahead and book. You will need your reservation number, Ship name (Allure of the Seas) and sailing date (29JAN2023) in order to book. Once booked, Cruise & Crop will receive notification and we'll send you an updated confirmation.

Air2Sea is the only air booking site that Cruise & Crop recommends. For FAQs on Air2Sea and their flight assurance policies, click here.

Book your own air and arrive on 1/28/23.
Book the pre-cruise hotel with Jennifer & April

Jennifer & April have a hotel group rate, and they'll be holding your pre-cruise meet & greet there the night before.

Moody Gardens Hotel. The room rate will be $177 for two queens OR one king rooms. Be sure to mention Simply Spoiled Crafting Cruise when you call to book.

Details:

  • The room rate is good for two days before AND after group reservation if you want to extend your stay.
  • Lot self park is free. Garage self park $10/night. Valet parking is $22/night
  • You can park in any location for the duration of the cruise
  • PRIVATE SHUTTLE IS BACK!!! We will provide a private shuttle for our group to go to the port the morning we leave. Shuttle is approx. $6 per person depending on how many sign up for it
  • Public Moody Gardens shuttle from port back to hotel (since we all get off ship at different times)
  • Call 409-744-4673 to reserve your room
  • Check the hotel out at: https://www.moodygardens.com/
Book your own air and arrive on 1/29/23.
Book Royal Caribbean Transfers

Transfers from HOU: $31.95 each way, $63.90 round-trip
Transfers from IAH: $39.95 each way, $79.90 round-trip

If you book your own flights, flights must arrive at the HOU airport no later than 12:00 p.m. on 1/29/22 and leave no earlier than 12:00 p.m. on 2/5/232.  Round-trip transfers can be purchased for $63.90 pp.

Flights must arrive at the IAH airport no later than 11:00 a.m. on 1/29/23 and leave no earlier than 12:30 p.m. on 2/5/23. Round-trip transfers can be purchased for $79.90 pp.

NOTE:  If you book your own air & hotel (to arrive on 1/28/23) you can go back to the airport on 1/29/23 and take Royal Caribbean's transfers to the pier. Call Cruise & Crop for details and to pre-book this transfer. Or you are welcome to book your own private transfer. Houston Hobby airport is approx. 45 minutes from the pier. Intercontinental Airport is approx. 1.5 hours from the pier. Visit http://www.portofgalveston.com/index.aspx for a list of Shuttles, Taxis and Rental companies. Cruise & Crop does not operate or control in any respect the services provided by these companies, nor does it guarantee their performance.

Drive to the Pier

Parking Fees: $85 for vehicles up to 20 feet in length
The total fee for the time the vehicle will be parked is due on entry. They accept cash, Visa, Mastercard and Traveler’s Checks issued in U.S. dollars. Pre-pay and save $5 on parking. Visit this link to reserve your parking spot.

Directions to Port of Galveston

SHORE EXCURSIONS
Shore excursions are available to be booked. You can go to Royal Caribbean's Website and click "Before you Board". Excursions can be reserved online up to 4 days before your sail date. Crafting activities will not interfere with your days in port - so feel free to go and explore at each stop.

Save on Excursions
Book shore excursions for less on Dream Vacations' website! Go to http://www.DreamVacations.com/cthomas Click "Tours/Excursions" at the very top of the page. Be sure to book them at least 15 days prior to sailing to avoid an expedite fee! For a direct link, Click Here.

Book a tour with Viator.com. They have a massive list of excursions. It will be your responsibility to check the departure and arrival times and make sure they fit within the time your ship is in port. We recommend a tour start time of at least 1 hour AFTER arrival. Tours should return to the ship at least 1 hour before your ship is schedule to leave. For a direct link, Click Here.

Enjoy a local Resort for the day, Click Here.

Coming into town early or staying a few extra days? Click Here for some tour options.

class schedule
The schedule is subject to change. All self-paced classes & crops will take place on deck 3, forward. Be sure to use the forward stairs/elevator to access the Conference Center.

Initial Meet & Greet is in the Moody Garden's Hotel Lobby on January 28 at 8:00 p.m. If you are not staying at the hotel, meet the group in the conference room, on the ship, in the conference center (deck 3). Be sure to join the Group's Facebook group for more information. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357454421087546

Connect with us on Facebook.....via the Group Page
Chat with your fellow cruisers about your upcoming trip. Go Here.

travel insurance
If you have not already purchased travel insurance, we recommend that you do. Insurance covers you in case you had to cancel due to a medical reason or death in the family. It also covers your baggage, emergency evacuation and more.

You can find a document of coverage by clicking here.

What you'll need...

...Personal Packing List

  • Proof of Citizenship
    • Option #1: *RECOMMENDED* Passport (valid at least 6 months after you return) & a drivers license
    • Option #2: A CERTIFIED birth certificate with a raised seal + a government issued photo ID such as a drivers license {plus, a bridging document if the name on your drivers license and birth certificate do not match - such as a marriage license}
    • Non US Citizens are required to have a passport.
  • e-Docs & Set Sail Pass, luggage tags, Transfer/Hotel Vouchers
  • Shore Excursion Tickets (if you booked your excursions through Dream Vacations/Shore Excursions Group)
  • Casual clothes for during the day - dress in layers as the temperatures can change through out the day and will vary from port to port.
  • 2 Semi-Formal, 2 Smart Casual & 3 Casual outfits for dinner
  • A light jacket in case the crop room is chilly
  • Work-out clothes
  • Bathing suit, cover up & sunscreen
  • Camera & extra batteries
  • Pajamas
  • Toiletries (hair-dryer, soap and shampoo are provided)
  • Tennis shoes & flip-flops
  • Lighted alarm clock (or you can use the Wake-up call system)
  • Royal Caribbean allows you to bring 2 bottles of wine (750 mL) per stateroom onboard on embarkation day; subject to corkage fees. Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.  These must be CARRIED on! If you put them in your checked luggage, your suitcases will be held in security.

...Crafters Packing List

For the Open Cropping times, please bring your own paper/photos/accessories/tools that you'll need to complete your own cards/pages.  Please also bring your own supply of wet-wipes to clean your hands and your workspace. 

**Be sure to pack all sharp objects in your CHECKED Luggage, all together in a plastic bag**

Jennifer & April will have the following items available for sharing: Die Cutting Machines, Ink Pads, Stamps, Punches, Dies & Embossing Folders.

The following supplies are suggested for your self-paced classes.
Subject to change.

  • Tons of your favorite adhesives - various types - wet & dry, tape runner
  • Scissors (blades must be less than 4 inches long)
  • 12" Personal Trimmer
  • Paper Piercer/Take your Pick Tool
  • Bone Folder
  • Clear blocks - only for borrowed stamps (we provide in classes)
  • Wet-wipes to clean your hands and table
  • Optional: Stampin' Pierce Mat (foam mat)
  • Optional: Silicone Craft Sheet
  • Optional: Battery powered crafting light

There will be a store on-board selling adhesives only.

don't forget to download and create your cruise & Crop passport before you go. Go here for more information.