I am 53, retired, my sister is 51 school bus driver, so this was a spring break cruise for us with my 11 yr old neice and her 12 yr old friend, who has never been anywhere much less seen the ocean or on a cruise.

Hotel prices were high in Galveston, so we stayed at Quality Inn in LaPorte TX for less than $100 the Sat prior to sailing on the 24th. It is about 35 miles to Galveston.

We used E Z cruise parking for $50 as I had a $5 off coupon.Parked, they loaded the luggage into the shuttle and delivered us to the cruise terminal. From curb to on ship took probably an hour and we were on ship by noon. I was able to take our carry on with soda directly to the room and drop it off. Read more