We cruised on the Carnival Conquest December 10-17 out of Galveston. We are in our early 50's from Little Rock, Arkansas, and cruised with a group of family and friends - 26 total. Going with a group made an even more enjoyable cruise. I recommend it. We had a balcony cabin located on Deck 8 Verandah Forward.
Pre-Cruise: Stayed at the Ramada Limited on Seawall Blvd. Nothing fancy but clean and comfortable for the one-night stay. Booked over the internet for a rate of $59.95. We could see the ships from our balcony room on the 5th floor. We had dinner Saturday night at Fish Tales and it was good. I missed my meeting with the CC group at the Ramada because we were eating supper at the time. My mother-in-law met some from Missouri at the continental breakfast the next morning and said they were very nice folks.
Embarkation: We left the hotel around 10:50 a.m. and dropped off passengers and luggage at the terminal. We had made reservations in the EZ Cruise parking lot over the internet - $50 for the week. We could have left our vehicle at the Ramada but wanted to be closer to the ship when we got off so we wouldn't have to wait for a taxi. EZ Cruise is less than two blocks from the ship an easy walk if you don't have any luggage and weather permitting. Otherwise, they have a shuttle. Parked the car and walked back to the terminal. Walked right in and went up the escalator. After us and the couple behind us reached the top, they closed off the escalator and wouldn't let anyone else up for a period of time. As soon as we got in line, it started moving so we timed it just right. Went through security and then to the check-in line. We accidentally got in the non-fun-pass line which was shorter and actually worked out better. We were then directed to the chairs which were all taken so we lined up against the back wall. They called the travel agents and we were able to take the chairs that they vacated so again we lucked out. We were the fourth group called. Stood in a short line, had picture taken, and then on to the ship. Total time from car to standing in the atrium was about 1.5 hours. Got my first DOD and then headed to the buffet for the first of many meals. After eating we went to our cabin and luggage arrived about an hour later. I lost all track of time while unpacking and again missed my meeting with the CC group. I guess the excitement of being on board just overtook me!