Has any one sailed on carnival cruise lines from galveston tx and if so what can you tell me about it?

Question

Has any one sailed on carnival cruise lines from galveston tx and if so what can you tell me about it?

Answer 1

Carnival offers two cruises departing from the Port of Galveston.

The Ecstasy is a 5-day cruise and the Conquest is a 7-day cruise.

The Ecstasy is a smaller, older ship but a good option for those new to cruising or on a smaller budget.  I felt more motion on the Ecstasy than other ships.  You visit Cozumel and Progresso.  Progresso is a developing port and there are limited shore excursions.  There are still many street vendors, including small children.  Just say "no, thanks" and they go away.  The open air market is great for picking up cheap t-shirts and trinkets.  Cozumel is a very developed tourist port with a ton of things to do.  1 formal night; good shows, casino and clubs.

The Conquest is a newer, larger ship and she stops in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.  The Conquest is a better ship than the Ecstasy.  She has a smooth ride and good amenities.  The only draw back to the Conquest is her itinerary schedule.  2-days @ sea, 3 port days back to back and then sea day.  It can be exhausting to hit a port w/o any rest.  Montego Bay is a bit dicey...stay with a Carnival contracted shore excursion.  2 formal nights; good shows, larger dining rooms, OK casino.

The Port of Galveston has really improved and the boarding process is smooth.  Parking is $10 per day day per car.  Arrive at the port in the earlier session of the boarding period to avoid the really long lines.

Carnival sells out these sailings very easily.  

We like the Conquest; sailed her last year and will again next month.

Answer 2

I did 2 years ago and we enjoyed it. The only complaint I had was the stops were to short in Mexico. You get off the ship at like 8 or 9am and you have to be back on the ship at like 4pm so you don't have much time inland at the ports. The food is okay but not spectacular on-board. Our favorite hang out was the piano bar with the piano player Robert...............My other grip was that it takes a couple hours to get off the ship when you get back to Galveston, They kick you out of your rooms so you have to wait in the other parts of the ship a couple hours to get off............

Also, buy a soda card when you get on so you don't have to pay for every soda you get. Watch your alcohol bill if you drink. Ours was $600 for 5 days so it gets very expensive.