A quick background...Our cruise was 5/13... we were a small group of 7 celebrating our son's graduation from Rice Univ. We chose Carnival because of the timing and location from Houston to Galveston. My parents flew from NC, my husband and I from SC (53 and 50), my son from Michigan, cousin from NJ and our graduating son from Houston locally. We traveled from Houston on Sunday morning in a rental van which had to be returned by 9:30 am in Galveston near the infamous causeway which apparently had been a nightmare traveling on these past weeks according to the CC Boards. We found the trip very easy, no closures and stress free! Since we arrived early to return the van, the Enterprise Car Rental shuttle had us at the port by 10 am. We were quickly approached by porters and Carnival Staff who were helpful and happy! They took our luggage, we crossed our fingers and were led up to the checkin area.

Embarkation: Here the 7 of us were instructed to sit as we were told we would have to stand at least an hour before we could check in starting at 11 am. There were about 20 or so others this early as well. Since my elderly mother has trouble standing, one staff member Ellie, assured us that we would not have to stand in a line, and we could all sit in an area where she would escort us to the line once the other cruisers started to fill up the room where everyone waited. Anyone with a disability was placed here so as not to be uncomfortable waiting in a long line. We were also told that there were 3 large wedding parties that would have priority over everyone and that they would all be meeting here as well. At 11 am, the wedding parties were quickly escorted through security and into the registration lines. Ellie then asked our group to proceed next where we were escorted directly through security and the first ones to start check in. We had a few minor problems with our checkin as the computers locked up as they were changing some of our room details but the attendants who helped us did everything manually and we were all processed quickly and led toward the gangway.

As we approached the long walk along to the gangway, we were met by a staff member who quickly stopped us and told us to wait, right as we were ready to step onto the gangway to the ship. And wait we did! For about another 1/2 hour of not moving. Apparently their computers were down and they could not let anyone onboard for security reasons as the entry would not take the Sign and Sail cards and the pictures for entry. At least that was what we were told as we stood there. Many people behind us apparently were getting very warm, elderly people had trouble standing, including my mother, so wheelchairs and chairs were being requested. Carnival staff members were passing us by nonstop with as many wheelchairs as possible as the wait approached an hour. Our group of 7 was allowed to pass onto the ship with my mother being pushed in a wheelchair by a staff member. We were now on the ship, but could not gain access inside because of the problem so we waited another 1/2 hour or so standing right at the ship's entrance on the lobby deck. The staff did accommodate people in wheelchairs and let them inside to sit in the airconditioned lobby, some even offered drinks, but the rest of us only stood outside and waited. Finally at about 12:45, we were let on the ship. We were the lucky ones as we were stopped in the beginning of the line early. I can only imagine what the line looked like behind us and outside once the crowd arrived. Arriving early at 10 am was an advantage for us this day! I did hear people had to wait in the heat a long time! Read more