Grappler’s Escape IX

  • Are there any discounts for non-training guests and kids?

    Yes. Non-training guests and kids pay respectively: Guests who don't train: take $750 off Kids 9-13 who train: take $450 off Kids 8 and under who train take $750 off All discounts are already included in the listed packages.
  • Are there any meals included in the price?

    Yes! 3 meals in the ship’s main dining venues (there’s gourmet fare in the formal dining rooms and casual restaurants for meals throughout the day), with reserved group dinner seating in the ship’s main dining room. Please note, dining at speciality restaurants, bottled water, sodas and alcoholi...
  • Can I be contacted while onboard?

    Guests can be contacted onboard the Harmony of the Seas by calling 1-888-724-7447 (from the U.S.) or 1-321-953-9003 (from outside the U.S.) Please note that rates apply and are billed at $7.95 per minute (subject to change). Forms of payment accepted are Visa and MasterCard only, and calls are li...
  • Can I bring my own beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) on the cruise ship?

    Guests are not allowed to bring water, sodas, and other non-alcoholic beverages onboard that are packaged in glass or plastic bottles. A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, energy drinks, juice, and milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought onboard on e...
  • Can I change my stateroom after I make my reservation?

    Stateroom changes to another room within the same room category or higher can be made up to 45 days prior to sailing and require authorization by all parties named on the reservation. Stateroom changes to a room category lower than the room category of the original reservation would be considered...
  • Can I change the number of guests in my room reservation?

    Yes, you can - subject to availability. Rates are based on the number of guests in your reserved stateroom. Changes in occupancy will result in a rate increase or decrease, depending on the type of change. No refunds will be issued for any decrease of rate change until the stateroom has been paid...
  • Can I make a name change on my reservation?

    Name changes are permitted, but at least one of the original and/or primary financially responsible guest’s names must remain on the reservation. If all original guests cancel, this is considered a full cancellation without refund, and name changes will not be allowed. Note: event badges are not ...
  • Can I take pictures and video onboard?

    Yes, you can take personal photos and videos of yourself and family/friends on board. However, video will not be allowed during seminar instruction. There will be plenty of time to take photos with each other and the instructors after the classes. Please be courteous and do not include other shi...
  • Can the ship accommodate special dietary needs?

    RCI can accommodate special diets that have been created in consultation with a dietary specialist. Selections offered are for lunch and dinner in the main dining room only. Sample diets include vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, low fat, low sodium, low cholesterol, kosher meals, gluten-free and lacto...
  • Does the ship have a fitness center?

    Yes, there is a fitness center (see ship’s daily newsletter for scheduled hours) and a jogging track, which is open 24 hours a day and complimentary to all passengers.
  • How do I book shore excursions?

    You can pre-purchase shore excursions on RCI’s website once you receive your booking number and online check-in instructions for the cruise (approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to the sailing date) or once you are onboard the ship. There will also be a private tours for the camp group, which most of...
  • How do I check-in for my cruise and receive my cruise documents?

    Approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to the sailing date, guests who have booked and paid in full will receive an email with their cruise line booking number for the cruise. The email will also contain instructions on how to check in online via RCI’s website - where guests can sign up for shore excur...
  • How do I make changes to my existing reservation?

    Please, contact us directly in case you want to make a change in your reservation.
  • How do I make purchases onboard?

    The cruise ship operates on a cashless system. Passengers can validate their onboard account with a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express card, or by making payment by cash or traveler's check. Passengers can then sign all on-board services and purchases to their shipboard account. At the end of ...
  • How early can I board the ship?

    The ship must be cleared by local customs authorities before guests can begin boarding, which can be as early as 11:30am or noon, but varies. Please note, however, that staterooms will not be available until approximately 1:00pm and guests will be asked to adhere to their chosen Arrival Time Slot.
  • How many Gi should I pack?

    If you are participating in the Jiu-Jitsu training, we recommend bringing 4 Gi and 2 no-Gi outfits. There will be laundry service available for an added fee with a 24-hour turnaround for Gi.
  • I am a Crown & Anchor member. Will RCI recognize this cruise under that program?

    Yes, this cruise will count towards your Crown & Anchor membership, and your program amenities will be available onboard the ship.
  • I am traveling solo. Will you find me a traveling partner/roommate?

    Yes, best efforts will be made to pair you with a roommate of the same gender and within the same stateroom category, however roommate requests are not guaranteed.
  • I don’t have a passport. How do I obtain one?

    Please visit the U.S. Department of State website for all passport information. It can take six weeks to process a new passport or passport renewal, please be sure to allow enough time to receive your passport before embarking on the cruise.
  • Is room service available on board?

    Room service is available any time of the day or night - simply order from the room service menu located in your stateroom (a service fee applies for all room service orders).
  • Is there a doctor on the ship?

    The ship has a minimum of one fully licensed doctor and 2 licensed nurses onboard, who are available in the ship’s medical facility during scheduled hours or on call 24 hours a day through the Guest Services desk.
  • Is there Internet access onboard?

    Yes, to keep you connected while at sea, all RCI ships provide VOOM Internet access facilitated through the Internet Café and through the ship-wide Wi-Fi network. There are various plans available for purchase. Further details regarding availability and cost will be available on the cruise line’s...
  • Is there parking in the Port of Galveston?

    Parking is available at the port and rates are based on availability. Parking facilities are patrolled by local security, but neither the port nor Royal Caribbean is responsible for any damage or losses caused by the use of the facilities. For more information regarding parking at the port, go t...
  • May I bring other family members and/or friends? Can our rooms be near each other on the ship?

    Yes, family and friends are welcome! There is plenty of fun to be had on board the Harmony of the Seas and the cruise ports for guests not attending the Grappler’s Escape sessions and activities. A discount on the per-person price is offered for non-BJJ participants. Passengers who wish to book ...
  • May I purchase insurance for my cruise through the website?

    You will have the option to obtain a quote and purchase trip insurance after payment is made (deposit or full payment) on your reservation. This travel insurance is offered by Travel Guard. Please, contact us directly if you are interested in Travel Insurance.
  • What are RCI’s COVID-19 Requirements and Protocols?

    Currently, RCI does not have any COVID-19 testing or proof of vaccination requirements. Note: this is subject to change based on the status of the pandemic and/or the requirements of the local governments at the ports of call at the time the cruise sails. Please visit RCI’s Healthy Sail Center fo...
  • What documentation is required to cruise?

    Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise for all passengers. Even though a passenger has completed the cruise line’s online reservation, it is still the passenger’s responsibility to present the required travel documents at the time of embarkation. Any pass...
  • What equipment is available in the staterooms?

    Hairdryers and safes are available in each stateroom. Irons or ironing boards are not present, however the ship offers washing, pressing, and dry-cleaning services for a reasonable rate. Please also note that irons and clothes steamers are strictly prohibited onboard the ship for safety reasons. ...
  • What if I have special medical needs?

    Any special needs, including allergies, must be indicated in the Note section of your booking, and will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. While there is no guarantee that all special needs/requests can be accommodated, we will make our best efforts to accommodate the need or provide an altern...
  • What if I have to cancel after registering? 

    Due to the unique nature of this event, all reservations will be subject to the following cancellation policy related to the cruise portion of your booking: Between the date of booking and February 15, 2024: the initial deposit is non-refundable  Between February 16 and March 15, 2024: 50% of th...
  • What is NOT included in the price for this camp?

    Air Transportation and Transfers (to or From Airport/hotel and Ship) Shore Excursions  Photographs  Cost of Medical Services, if Required  Specialty Restaurant Dining  Bottled Water, Sodas and Alcoholic Beverages  Goods Purchased Onboard (Gift Shops, Art Auctions, Etc.)  Spa and Salon Services  I...
  • What is the address for the Port of Galveston?

    The address for the port is: Cruise Terminal 10 2502 Harborside Drive Galveston, TX 77550
  • What is the closest airport to the Port of Galveston?

    Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is approximately 42 miles from the Port of Galveston, approximately a 45–55 minutes’ drive depending on traffic. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is approximately 70 miles from the Port of Galveston, approximately a 1-hour and 15 minutes’ drive dep...
  • What is the Customs procedure upon arriving at the Port of Galveston?

    Detailed instructions for clearing Customs will be provided onboard the ship near the end of your cruise. Some general guidelines/suggestions to keep in mind as you shop in foreign ports include keeping receipts for gifts and purchases. U.S. residents visiting foreign ports have a duty-free allow...
  • What is the payment schedule for the cruise?

    There are three payment plan options available for this event: Pay In Full - attendees will pay in full at time of booking. Four Payment Plan - attendees who choose this payment option will be required to pay a $500 per person initial deposit ($1,000 deposit for single occupants) at the time of ...
  • What is the Smoking Policy onboard?

    All interior public spaces (except as otherwise noted below) and staterooms/suite accommodations are entirely smoke-free, including outside stateroom balconies. This policy includes all forms of smoking, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, and personal vaporiz...
  • What should I pack?

    Daytime: Casual attire is always appropriate day wear on the ship and in port, and includes jeans, shorts, tees, tank tops, polos, sundresses, and blouses. (Please keep swimwear for the pool deck only.). Also, be sure to bring low-heeled, comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen for deck activities...
  • What "Taxes, Fees, and Gratuities" are included in the price?

    Taxes, Fees, and Gratuities are a flat rate of $250.74 per passenger, regardless of room type or occupancy of the stateroom booked. Shipboard gratuities include your room steward and the ship’s main dining room venue staff. Both must be pre-paid with your reservation and are subject to change unt...
  • What time should I arrive at the pier?

    Guests are required to check-in at least one hour prior to departure. Guest will be asked to choose an Arrival Time Slot during the online check-in prior to sailing. It is important that you arrive during your designated time slot. If you arrive earlier, you will NOT be able to begin the boarding...
  • What types of accessibility options are available in staterooms?

    There are a limited number of wheelchair accessible staterooms available onboard the ship. For people that do not use a wheelchair but still need minimal assistance, bars and raised toilet seats can be accommodated in most staterooms. In addition, disposal units for needles, refrigerators for med...
  • When is the cruise and where does it go?

    Grappler’s Escape IX is a seven-night, Western Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas. It will depart from Galveston, Texas on Sunday, June 16, 2024, and return on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
  • When registering, do I need to use my legal name and gender?

    Yes, your legal name as shown on your proof of citizenship and gender as shown on your identification is required.
  • When should I book my flights?

    If you are flying on the day the cruise departs, it is recommended that your flight arrive into Houston William P. Hobby Airport before 12:00pm on June 16th to be sure you have time to disembark the plane, collect your luggage and make your way to the cruise terminal. All guests must be checked i...
  • Who May Sail?

    Passengers are responsible to ensure that they are eligible to sail according to RCI’s requirements, including but not limited to the following: Guests who meet RCI’s COVID-19 protocols and requirements at the time of sailing as posted on RCI’s Healthy Sail Center Infants must be at least 6 mont...
  • Will my cell phone work while at sea or in ports of call during the cruise?

    RCI offers an advanced roaming network on board all ships, allowing you to make and receive calls while at sea using compatible mobile phones that are set to roaming. International roaming charges will be conveniently billed to you by your home mobile carrier. Mobile phone service will be availab...