DH and I just returned from the 2/25/06 sailing from Galveston. We were first time cruisers, so everything was new to us. Galveston had Mardi Gras parades at the time the ship was loading, and we had a little problem getting to our parking (at EZ Cruise). Finally found it, and apparently others had trouble too, as the ship was held and departed an hour later than scheduled. I thought that was very considerate to give folks the extra hour due to traffic problems in Galveston.
Check-in was really no problem. The long lines seemed a little daunting at first, but they moved quickly, and there were plenty of people directing you where to go.
Found our cabin with no trouble, and were pleased. We had an ocean view cabin on deck 5 (Main deck). The cabin was very clean and neat, however, who decided to put that darn table in the corner? You had to crawl OVER the bed to get to the window.I had read where other posters said this ship rocked, and it sure did on Sunday! However, waves seemed to have 6 - 8 foot swells, which I would think is a bit bigger than average. We were in deck chairs on deck 11, and got water spray! DH and I both had the "behind-the-ear-patches", and they worked GREAT! DH is very prone to motion sickness, but neither of us had any trouble at all, even with the ship rocking. I would recommend the patch to anyone who may have motion sickness.