The day before the cruise we stayed at Howard Johnson's on Harborside drive about 5 miles from the port. The positives were that the price was very reasonable, and they allowed us to park the car there for free. Discount Cruise Parking is right across the street and we used them to shuttle us to the port and back. I shuttled all the luggage to the port, came back and picked up the other 6 people and dropped them at the port as well, then shuttled myself to the port $10 round trip, bought a return for my wife as well. 5 others used the Carnival shuttle back to Houston Hobby. That all work out wonderfully as on our return we were back to our car by 8 AM. The downside to the hotel was that a freight train ran along the side of the hotel and laid on the horn forever, every hour all night long. Little sleep was to be had. The other downside was the carpet was filthy. It looked fine until you looked at your socks after walking around.

We headed to the port at around 11:00 and they started boarding at about 12:15. We had just achieved platinum this cruise, we were one of the first on the ship and first at the Red Frog Pub. They rewarded us with free beer. We were on the cruise with our daughter, son in law, and 3 grand kids. We both had Cove Balconies side by side. They are what I consider the best value on the Magic, Breeze, and Dream. we headed to the buffet since we had not eaten all day. I found the food your typical buffet food and since I never eat there except for the first day getting on the ship, I really can't offer an opinion.

Our Cabin Steward Niar was fantastic, he met our every need, was friendly, talkative, and made every Towel animal requested by the grand kids. We could not have been more pleased by his service. Read more