From the beginning, everything went RIGHT for us on this trip. My family flew into Houston from New York on Saturday, and my parents flew in from Calgary the same night. Their Air Canada flight arrived within 30 minutes of our Continental flight. Our hotel was every prompt in picking us up at the International Airport with there courtesy shuttle.
After getting a good night's rest, on Sunday morning we all meant up with our driver that would provide us with the ride to the Carnival "Conquest" at Galveston, Texas. We had pre-arranged for this transportation to Galveston. We had read a lot of good things in various reviews of other cruisers about this service. The best piece of advice I can recommend in this review: If you need private transportation to Galveston for your family or party, call L.J. at the Texas Cruise Ride 281-443-4430. This helpful and friendly man picked us up at our hotel in Houston the morning of our cruise and drove us to Galveston. On the way to the Galveston cruise ship terminal he provided us with a complimentary tour of the Galveston strip over looking the Gulf of Mexico and other local highlights. It was a great way to learn about these two cities that we had never visited, especially with such a knowledgeable guide. Our driver is also a professional tour in Houston.
The cruise terminal in Galveston is pretty well set-up, its also right across the street from in the old historic district of downtown Galveston. If you arrive early enough there are blocks of shops, restaurants and bars to kill some time Don't bother with the porters in tropical shirts, carry your own luggage if you able for the 50 feet and drop them with the Carnival employees who will help you tag them. Our bags were outside our cabin door by the time we'd boarded and eaten lunch.