Perspective: We are both 50ish ;). We have cruised 20 or so times mainly on main stream cruises. We cruise for the relaxation. Especially in this case since we had visited all the ports before.
Pre-Cruise: Love home port cruising. Nice 5 hour drive in good weather to the home port of Galveston.
Embarkation: No ship visible when we arrived at Galveston. Because of fog the pilot did not meet the ships until late in the day. We were allowed to board around 5:30pm. I believe a wind came up, blew the fog away, and the ship left the dock around 2:30am. Only effect on us was the ship had to observe Texas laws until then. Extra tax on alcohol and the shops and casino remained closed. We were issued a $15 OBC per person to help us get over the delay.