Casinos in or near Galveston, Texas TX

Hello everyone! We cruised on Liberty of the seas out of Galveston, TX July of 2018. Some things might have changed a little. It has taken me awhile to get around to this, I had a hard time finding information when we went so maybe someone will find this useful. Formatting may be an issue, on mobile. Links at bottom.
Tips: -If you get a sun burn don’t go to the spa. They will give you a “milk protein” it smells like baby powder, is $80 a tube and makes the burn worse.
-Tipping is highly encouraged. From the guys who helps you park, take your bags, charter boat staff, excursion leaders to staff on the ship.
-Auto gratuity was $14.50 per person per day, there isn’t a way to prepay.
-There was a scavenger hunt that started on embarkation day, fill everything out and get a small prize-see guest services.
-Visit the shopping desk on embarkation day (4:30-7). You will get a checklist for a free charm bracelet through diamonds international.
-Register your big purchases with the shopping desk for the RC guarantee
-Take your passport into Mexico, they do 8.9% rebates for Americans.
-Pool towels have to be scanned out with your card. If it isn’t returned they will charge you $25 per towel, house keeping will not take pool towels
-Wait till the last sea day for shirt deals in the gift shop. We got a 2/$20. Get to the shop early, they sell out quick. All jewelry in the center of the pomade will be 1/2 off
-If you wait till you get on the ship for drink packages and ask around. They will have a coffee only punch card, beer only punch card in addition to the plans online. Beer buckets (buy 4 beers get 1 free)
-Best frozen drinks are on the pool deck, strongest drinks are in the casino.
-Skip the casino until the last sea day. We got a free $10 credit to use in the casino, you can spend it all or play a couple slots and cash out.
-Only got 3 towel animals in our room during the cruise. I wanted more, just a personal preference.
-Most classes during sea days will be packed and they never have enough supplies. Just go to the pool instead.
-There will be photographers insisting on pictures while you are eating in the main dining room. They have to meet a quota every night.
-Ask fellow passengers for a family photo. Most will be happy to take your picture if you return the favor.
-For money on the cruise take the amount you are thinking and double it. This covers souvenirs, gratuity and tipping. Shopping will be pushed on the cruise, unless there is something specific you want, don’t feel pressured.
-Keep track of on ship expenses as you go. The last sea day or second to last go down to guest services early and request a copy of your bill and dispute any charges now compared to later with everyone else.
-Book excursions before boarding. Everyone who didn’t will be in line to do so on the ship and you will wait in line for hours just to find out everything is filled. When you get to your room, if you don’t have a ticket for an excursion, then it was cancelled and the money has automatically been credited to your account
-On disembarkation day we were told to be out of our room by 9am. The morning of we didn’t get breakfast and were kicked off of the ship at 7:15. Pack a granola bar per person and save it for the last day in case this happens. We self assisted and luckily packed the night before. Make sure you do this as they will not give you time to get your things together.
-Being kicked off, we were through customs and driving out of parking by 8:30.
-On disembarkation day, take an elevator up. Everyone is taking them down and you will be waiting a long time to get on. You will get further quicker. What goes up must come down.
-The treadmills in the gym overlook the ocean
-On the ship there is mini golf, shuffle board, and ping pong. In the library there are cards and board games.
-On one of the nights in the MDR, lobster tail was included on the normal menu. Any other night it is $30 extra.
-New York strip was included every night.
-On deck 5 we had pictures with shrek, puss in boots, and king Julian. Though I think they aren’t doing this anymore.
There is a lot of information so I split it up, here are the links If you are interested.
Boarding tips https://www.reddit.com/royalcaribbean/comments/auf0kb/rcc_tips/?st=JSJPJ5R7&sh=f757aa17
Boarding day https://www.reddit.com/royalcaribbean/comments/auf6vt/boarding_day/?st=JSJPLEY6&sh=59e3d59c
Sea days https://www.reddit.com/royalcaribbean/comments/aufdbn/sea_days/?st=JSJPKXKJ&sh=20ea0332
Ports https://www.reddit.com/royalcaribbean/comments/aufilb/belize/?st=JSJPJZOA&sh=e830d331
Drinks https://www.reddit.com/royalcaribbean/comments/aufqwa/drinks/?st=JSJPWGJ6&sh=d5a14666
Pictures of daily schedule, Dolphin exhibit and few others. https://imgur.com/gallery/hYmxcws

My wife and I are looking to take a trip to the Caribbean this winter, but are having trouble finding where we want to go. We are from Austin, TX and would want to fly out from here or Houston, TX.
When - Early December. Looking at 5-7 days. Leaning toward a full 7.
Where - Preferably a resort; all-inclusive package would be nice. Could be open to a B&B sort of place if the location was amazing. Wife doesn't want to deal with cooking/cleaning/planning where we'll go next too much which is why I say all-inclusive.
Budget - Hoping to stay around or under $2000 for the whole trip including flights/hotel/etc. But willing to spend more for the right experience.
Interests - Looking for a really awesome beach. Probably want to go scuba diving or boating while out. Some place with an amazing pool, casino or live shows would be nice but not necessary. Wife mainly just wants to not have to do the "work" of being on vacation. I really value an authentic cultural experience, so something with a great nightlife or day trips in the surrounding area would be fantastic so we can get out and mingle with people.
This is where you come in!

1. Can you recommend a particularly amazing island/city/resort we should consider checking out? What did you enjoy about it?
   
2. What's the best way to find a cheap deal on a vacation package? Any sites you've used with great success personally?
   

Most of the places I've looked at on travel sites just seem like a glorified, cheap hotel experience. If I wanted that I'd go to Galveston for a week.
Thanks in advance! :)