OK, our flight wasn't supposed to leave until 5:50 AM. Since our security is a little tighter here (we have a nuclear weapons facility 10 miles off the north end of our airport) it has been common practice for one to arrive at the terminal an hour and a half prior to departure to ensure they can make it to the gate on time. So we arrive at 4:20 AM only to find that security won't open the wing that our gate is on until 5:00 AM. We get to sit for a bit. Luckily, a concession was open and we were able to get a sausage, egg & cheese biscuit for breakfast. This was fortunate for us as we did not have another realistic opportunity to eat until we got on the ship. Once airborne, our flight attendant came on the intercom stating that since this flight was of such a short duration (45 minutes), no refreshments would be served. The actual translation was that she was the only stewardess on board and she wasn't about to do her job without a helper (Boooo American Airlines!). As soon as we landed in Dallas, we headed for the next gate without stopping for anything, which was fortunate because boarding started for our connector almost as soon as we got there. Then we arrived in Houston. We promptly found the baggage claim and got our bags. one of the exterior pockets on my suitcase was completely unzipped and flopping loose. I don't know where or when it happened, but I'm glad I hadn't put anything there and am appalled that American Airlines employees didn't even have the decency to try to zip it back up after it got unzipped. So, we gathered the bags and quickly and easily found the Carnival rep. She quickly pointed us to the waiting area we needed to be in and were assured that transportation would arrive ASAP, which most likely would be at 10:30 AM. We didn't try to get anything to eat and never ventured further than the restroom, due to fear of missing a ride to the ship. 10:30 AM rolled around and we finally started loading up on the bus. We hit three other terminals to collect more shipmates and then began the 1 hour and 45 minute ride to the ship. I had fully planned on taking every aspect of the trip in, having never been to Houston before, but soon and frequently I found my eyes slamming shut. When I woke up the last time, we were approaching the bridge to cross over to Galveston. I perked up then. My compliments to the bus driver. I never got the chance to tip him, but he did a great job of getting us there in one piece. Being a professional truck driver myself, I surely would not have wanted to drive a bus for that trip, much less just through the ship's parking area.

Now comes the ship boarding adventure! I should have seen the omen at the airport. There was a "special" contractor who was assigned with shuttling crew members to and from the airport. I didn't know it at the time, but it was time for the ship's 90 day crew rotation. We arrived at the ship, identified our luggage, and got in the line that went from the entrance all the way to the east end of the building next to the wharf. Two couples in our group decided to walk across the street to Fuddrucker's for a bite to eat, in hopes the line would be under control when they finished eating. Having not planned or intended to buy any meals in Galveston, I along with another couple from our group opted to stay in line. This was at 12:45 PM. By the time we made it upstairs to the last few switchbacks before the security screen, the speed of the line really picked up fast. It was getting close to departure time and the line had not shrunk a bit. 2:45 rolled around and we finally walked onto the ship. Granted, it really shouldn't have taken us this long to board, we did get on much faster with Royal Caribbean. But they were undergoing a complete crew rotation. A delay such as this is to a point tolerable, but they really need to get the bugs worked out and get the process sped up.

OK, We're on the ship! FINALLY! The first thing we did was drop off our carry ons and hit the buffet. Pam went to the buffet while I went to Sur Mer. The buffet (which I also visited) surprised me, the food was actually warm! (take a note RCL) At Sur Mer, I first had the fish and chips, then the fried oyster, and finished with the Brulees (?). All items were prepared right on the spot and were piping hot (again, take a note RCL, passengers like their food hot). The fried oysters were the best I've had yet and the fried fish was to die for. The Brulees had mussels in it, which I don't particularly like, but the broth pretty well made them tolerable with the exception of the mussel flavored belches I endured afterwards. We had the 6:15 seating in the Renoir for dinner. I had originally planned on just doing the buffet and only, but decided I'd be sociable and try to meet some new people. We were seated at a table for 8 and they were all older than we were (I'm 51). I could not have asked for better mannered tablemates. Discussion was warm and friendly and the food was great. My wife and I both had the Alaskan Salmon and it was prepared perfectly, and was still hot (RCCL! Are you listening?). We then went to the Welcome Aboard show, which my wife and I left shortly after it started. I found my eyes slamming shut again and figured I'd better go back to the cabin and go to bed. From what I can remember of the show, it was good. As for sleeping in the cabin, the cabin had been a bit too cool for our liking. I adjusted the thermostat and everything was OK after that. The wind is up a bit and the boats rockin' and a-rollin'. The wind was causing the balcony door to whistle and rattle. I took a clothespin and inserted the flat grip end of part of it into the latch for the door, thus drawing the door tighter against the lamb and tightening the deadbolt so is didn't rattle. The bed was much more comfortable and the pillows were far better than what we had experienced on the Serenade of the Seas. There was a little noise from the lobby musician and the boat did rock and roll. But I slept good anyway. Read more