Arrived in Galveston the day before...stayed at the Best Western Beachfront Hotel on Seawall Blvd. This was a great place to stay, as they allowed us to leave our car there for the week, free! It was also in back, under covered area! Book early, as it is on the ocean, so it fills up I'm sure. We chose to take a cab the next morning to the port. Cost was about. $17, including tip. Far cheaper than paying for parking. Left hotel at 10:30 am, arrived at terminal by 11:00..we were in the first group to board ship, as we were on before noon!
Boarding early allowed us to beat the crowds..and it gave us time to explore the ship. TIP: Only carry on what you want to keep up with as rooms were not ready until 2 pm. We wished we had just taken our backpacks with needed items an no extra at that point. I will also take a fanny pack next time...very handy to carry small amount of money around,etc.
Go by the casino and pick up a bungee cord for your sail and sign card...it was a great way to wear it all week and really came in handy! MISTAKE # 1: Since this was my first cruise ever...I tried to see the WHOLE ship within the first 24 hours I think!! My feet hurt so bad by bed time! you do not have to do it all the first day, I promise!!