We arrived in Galveston at about noon on embarkation day, and were happy to find that all the rumors about difficult travel between Galveston and Houston were just that mere rumors.

Our check-in process was the best we've had so far. I can't speak for anyone else, but suite guests and Diamond Members sailed right through with no delays. The personnel at the check-in area were cheery and helpful in spite of the crush of passengers waiting to board.

Once aboard, we lunched in the Windjammer. The buffet was crowded, but this is not unusual and we were able to find seats at a table with another couple, with whom we had a nice conversation. If you want a table to yourselves, you'll have a long wait, but if you don't mind sitting with strangers (who don't stay strangers for long) the seating is quite ample. The food was nothing to write home about, but it was fresh, hot, and there was plenty of it. Read more