This was the 4th cruise for me (1st on Carnival) and 5th for Wifey (2nd on Carnival).

We live in Austin, so it's relatively easy and inexpensive to drive 4 hours to Galveston, park at EZ Cruise ($50 reserved online), and get on a big boat. This is our 3rd cruise out of Galveston (2004 Grand Princess and 2006 RC's Rhapsody).

Sunday Jan 6 - Left Austin at 7:15, arrived Galveston 11:15, parked at EZ Cruise - not many cars in the lot yet. Took shuttle to terminal. Line moved a little slow, but by 12:15 we were getting on the boat. Walked into atrium, immediately saw a nice lady with a tray full of umbrella drinks, purchased 2, and sat down on a comfy chair to enjoy them. We're finally here! Woo-hoo! Kept the souvenir glasses for future drink discount ($6.25 for souvenir glass w/drink, $3.75 afterward if you hand them your souvenir glass, which they replace with a new full souvenir glass - not a bad deal). Read more