Cruise day - Around 1:00 pm Sunday January 4 - My husband, daughter and I drove to Galveston from Houston with no traffic or congestion problems. It was a little foggy and sprinkling rain but otherwise no major problems. Arrived at the port so that we could drop off luggage but was told that the ship would not be accepting cruisers until 4:00 pm due to heavy fog. So we drove around and decided to stop at McDonalds for lunch. Around 2:30 we decided to park since we had prepaid parking at EZ Cruise, however, EZ Cruise had a line of about 2 blocks of cars waiting to park. We sat in the line for about 1 and ½ before we were able to park. We parked and decided to walk over to the terminal instead of riding the EZ Parking Van since there were quite a few people already waiting and we had already checked our bags. Once we made it to the terminal we discovered there was another very long line to get onto the boat. We waited another hour before getting to the escalator to check in. After passing the line where you show your passports and fun pass we were able to go into the VIP section because of our Carnival Vacation Club Membership. We were then taken to a little waiting room that had a couch and two chairs and was told that we would be called when it was our turn to speak to a Carnival representative to get our Sign and Sail Card. Waited and waited but noticed that people were coming in behind us but leaving before us. So I got up and peeked next door to let them know that we were told to wait in the room - how much longer would it be. Well of course the Representative was surprised that we were waiting and claimed he wasn't told we were there. My husband was starting to show much frustration on his face at this point. We were just hoping this was not the beginning of bad vacation. After meeting with the representative, we stood in line to take our shipboard picture which was about 15 minutes. We were given some sort of badge (not the sail in sign card) and we were told to take to the Concierge to pick up our S&S card. Stood in another line 15 minutes to get on the ship. Then made it over to the Concierge and another very long line so I asked the Carnival Rep at the Platinum Member window if we could just pick up our S&S card from her - initially she said "Mam this line is for Platinum Members only are you a Platinum Member" and I said "no but I am a Carnival Vacation Club member and all we need is out S&S card can you help us?" I guess she saw the frustration on our faces and she finally said she could help us. So she gave us our cards and we had to walk back over to the entry to take our picture for the S& S card. Ok after about 6 hours we were able board the Carnival Conquest. I totally understand that the fog was not Carnival's fault but the whole S&S card issue was a very frustrating.

One nice thing is that Carnival gave everyone a $15 on board credit - I guess since we had to buy our lunch waiting to board the ship. The crew all looked so tired in the dining room and I could just tell that there day was just as long as ours had been if not worse. But they all seemed to still have the warm and welcoming smiles. Cabin 1026 (Balcony-8E) Deck 10. The cabin was big enough for the 3 of us - there was a king bed (2 full size pushed together) and a full size bed where the couch normally is with two drawers underneath. Three closets - one with shelves, two for hanging clothes - middle closet is where life jackets are stored 2 at the very top and 2 at the bottom no room for anything there. Three drawers on the vanity and two more storage cabinets on the other side of the vanity. Enough storage for the three of us. The only problem was that we were right underneath the Spa Deck and could hear furniture moving early in the a.m. Typically around 1:00 am or 2:00 am. Kind of annoying to say the least.

Monday (Ship Day & Formal Day) Relaxation day for us. We did wake up early and my husband worked out at the gym while I visited the spa to determine what treatments I wanted. I decided on a facial and was happy with the treatment. However, I was promised that I would not have any breakouts or scars but I did on Tuesday morning. Nothing major - it cleared up by the time we were to leave the ship on Sunday. This was also formal day so we dressed up to take pictures. Read more