Ahoy, fellow cruisers! As we get closer to setting sail on February 27th, I wanted to share the latest scoop on our upcoming adventure. Here is the most recent Texas Pet Sitters 2025 Cruise Update for your review. Stay tuned for a final countdown blog post next month!
Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
First and foremost, I want to take this opportunity to thank our travel agent, Stormy Lothringer, for her tireless efforts. From day one, Stormy has guided all of us on booking the cruise, followed up with reminders and deadlines, and kept us informed on all things cruise and Royal Caribbean.
I know I’m not alone in saying that Stormy has made this process easy, enjoyable, and is single-handedly preparing all of us for an epic experience. Thank you, Stormy!
Get in touch with Stormy as follows:
Facebook: The Gallivanting Guru
Keeping in Touch Before We Set Sail
Discussion and planning are happening in the Texas Pet Sitters 2025 Conference Cruise group on Facebook. Make sure you stop by and join the conversation!
Important Reminders
- Stormy sent out packages to all cruisers. They should have hit your mailboxes via snail mail. If you didn’t receive yours, contact her ASAP!
- For dining arrangements, feel free to email Stormy if you’d like to sit with specific people. Just ensure you’re in the same seating (early or late). By default, you’ll be seated near other Texas Pet Sitters Members and your cabin mate. This only applies if you want to sit with someone who isn’t in your cabin. Requests must be emailed to Stormy by January 20th. She will submit your request to Royal Caribbean. Please note that they have the final say on seating.
- Download the Royal Caribbean app if you haven’t already done so – it’s your cruise companion!
Check-In
As of this week, you can already check in for our cruise. You can either use the Royal Caribbean app or the website. Following are the tips Stormy shared to make this process easy:
- Have your passport or other travel documents in-hand before starting the check-in process
- Complete the health questionnaire
- Upload a security photo
Stormy shared this video for those who run into any challenges.
Upgrade Opportunities
The Key
Considering the Key program? There is a discussion in our group about why it is or isn’t beneficial for some seasoned cruisers. This video also discusses the details and benefits.
Royal Up
The Royal Up program allows you to submit offers to upgrade your stateroom. It is often offered to establish loyalty members first. You can find out if it’s an option for you when you check your reservation online or on the app. Note the following, per Stormy:
- There is no charge unless accepted
- There is very limited availability
- Contact Stormy for guidance if you need it
I will say that our group is reserved in a nice area of the ship and I, personally, am very pleased with my cabin selection and location. When you bid, it looks like you don’t really know where the cabin will be so that’s a little too much risk for me – but you do you!
Parking at Cruise Port
Need parking in Galveston? Let Stormy know for her Travel Agent discount!
Pre-Conference Digital Marketing Retreat
I am hosting a digital marketing retreat on Wednesday, 2/26 from 10 AM to 6 PM. Full day, half day, and virtual opportunities are available. It will be a small group of us and I have a great schedule planned. If you want to join, learn more here. When checking out the schedule, click “show more” to see the details of each topic.
A donation will be made to the Texas Pet Sitters Association for letting me host the retreat around their conference.
Ship Cleanliness
A thank you goes out to Tiffany Hammer Manson for sharing this link! Our ship scored a perfect 100% on a recent CDC inspection! With all the winter viruses going around, that’s great news.
Plan Your Cruise Days
Still available for pre-purchase (some have discounts):
- Spa packages
- Excursions
- Beverage packages
- And more!
Visit the Royal Caribbean website or app to plan your cruise days!
Excursion Highlight
As mentioned in my previous post, some of us are doing a Beach Break at Nachicocom in Cozumel. You may still be able to book your reservation, which is recommended at this popular location. Learn more here. Stormy (along with a few other TPSA members) has been and shared her photos here.
Plan Your Conference Days
Conference?! What conference?! Just kidding! The 2025 Texas Pet Sitters Annual Conference wouldn’t be a conference without some awesome industry-specific sessions. Here is the conference schedule as it stands at this time:
Friday, February 28th from 9 AM to 1:30 PM
Sunday, March 2nd from 9 AM to 1:30 PM
Conference T-Shirts
If you’re registered and haven’t sent the BOD your preferred shirt size yet, please use this link to do so.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for the Texas Pet Sitters 2025 Conference aboard RC’s Mariner of the Seas! It’s going to be an unforgettable voyage! 🌊🏖️
