We chose this cruise because Galveston is a convenient port for us and we wanted to be on the new Carnival Vista. We booked a balcony cabin, and about a month before the cruise, the "up grade fairy" called us and offered us an aft balcony cabin for about $6 per person. We took it and were very glad.

The ship had arrived late so the lines to check in were fairly long since passengers were still getting off. However, Carnival handled it well, and called out in the line for passengers who had our arrival time booked, and sent us into the priority boarding line. We quickly got checked in and had a very short wait before being allowed to board. We had decided to go the barbeque eating place (Pig and Anchor) instead of the buffet where we were quickly served and sat outside enjoying the day as we ate. By the time we had finished, our cabin was ready.

The cabin was large enough for our needs and our luggage had already been delivered. We unpacked and were pleased to find extra hangers that someone had left in the closets. There is lots of storage space. The message on our phone confirmed our dinner reservations for that night in the steakhouse. Our balcony is quite large with three chairs, a table, and a lounge chair. Read more