This was our fifth cruise, third on Carnival. We booked this cruise just two weeks before sailing date after finding a great rate on-line thru our regular travel agency.

We drove to Galveston on Sunday - stayed at the Hilton on Galveston Beach with Hilton Honors points and took advantage of their free parking & shuttle service. The weather was absolutely raw on Sunday and Monday - had no opportunity to do any sightseeing in Galveston.

On Monday, took the 12:30 shuttle to the pier - embarkation was probably the quickest here that we have ever had. We were on the ship and settling down to our buffet lunch and first drink of the day by 1:30 after dropping off our carry-on baggage in our room. We were on Main Deck, room #260 - 2nd window from the left on the rear of the boat facing the wake. We thought that this would either be way-cool sitting in the window looking at the wake, or really noisy and motion-filled. It was a little of both - I would take this room again. Read more