Carnival Conquest Sailing 10/30/05

[mysticks1]

My husband, 11 yr old daughter and I will be going on our first cruise on 10/30/05 on the Carnival Conquest. I would appreciate any tips or hints for a first timer. Because of hurricane Katrina we will now be leaving from Galveston. I have heard horror stories about New Orleans but nothing about Galveston so I would appreciate any comments on that. We will be traveling by car from Mobile,AL . Thanks in advance for your help.

[KeithnRita]

Hi Donna and...

We cruised from Galveston in 2002 and really enjoyed the town. The old town district is called the Strand and has nice dining and shopping. We would not hesitate to go back.

Our New Years cruise was to be from New Orleans and has been changed to Houston. We changed from driving to port to flying. :cry: :cry:

[cruisinmama]

Haven't been to either Port..

But wanted to wish you Happy Sailing...

:smiley:

[hamster92256]

Donna once you get on the ship you'll forget about everything else. Get on board wander around, find out where all the important things are. Like food, drink, food, and drink, get something to eat then find your cabin. After the emergency drill wander around some more, meet some of the people you will be traveling with, get something to eat and drink. The thing is to just relax and have fun!!! Don't forget on Carnival they have ice cream and pizza 24/7 :grin:

[GottaCruz]

Welcome aboard, Donna. We're so very glad to have you here with us. I haven't sailed the Conquest but we've been on many Carnival cruises and loved every single one. After your first, you will be absolutely hooked on cruising. I have 2 kids and have been taking them on cruises for the last 10 years. We've always cruised Carnival because of their excellent kids' programs. The kids also became addicted because there was so much for them to do . They've always made friends that they've kept in touch with through the years. Just make sure sure that you and your daughter attend the welcome aboard meeting for daughter's age group. That's where she will make her friends and hook up with kids she'll hang with for the week. Other than that, just relax and enjoy. If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to ask away. That's what we're here for.

[Mebert]

mysticks1.

I've never sailed out of Galveston, but I did sail the Conquest out of New Orleans. She is a great ship and I'm sure you'll enjoy your cruise on her.

The Conquest has loads of things to do while you're aboard. The shows are great, dining is special. There's even an optional dining room where if you pay $25 or $30 you can have a really special dining experience.

If you're into keeping fit while you're cruising (I'm not) there's a great gym on board that's free. If you'd like to pamper yourself you can indulge in the spa for an additional fee.

Your daughter may enjoy meeting the other youngsters through participation in Camp Carnival.

You will be pampered by the crew to no end. Once you've done this, you'll be hooked like the rest of us and you'll be an official Cruise Crazies Crazy person like the rest of us.

Please let us know about your experience in Galveston.

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy yourself.

[JohnG]

I'll be getting on the Conquest on Oct 30, as our national conference is aboard her on the Oct 23 sailing. From our Galveston fact sheet:

Port Website: http://www.portofgalveston.com/cruiseinformation

City Website: [url=http://www.galveston.com/]http://www.galveston.com/

Other Info: [url=http://www.greatports.com/galveston/index.htm]http://www.greatports.com/galveston/index.htm

LOCATION: the Port of Galveston is in Galveston, Texas, about 50 miles south of Houston, at the end of I-45. It is one of the most conveniently located cruise ports in the USA, near the restored downtown area of Galveston, with the main shopping street (Strand) only about 200 yards from the port.

AIRPORTS:

Houston has two airports, Houston George Bush International Airport, and Houston Hobby Airport. Bush is the major airport, serving most major carriers, and the headquarters of Continental Airline. It is located about 65 miles from the Port of Galveston, and is north of the city of Houston.

Directions from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston:

- Take I-45 south to Exit 1C

- Turn left (east) onto Harborside Drive/Hwy 275

- Continue about 4.7 miles to Kempner/22 Street (which is the street leading into the Cruise Ship Terminal entrance) and turn left

- The area adjacent to the terminal is for loading/unloading luggage curbside only

- 65 miles to Port of Galveston; approximate driving time 2 hours

Directions from Houston Hobby Airport: This airport is closer to Galveston, but serves only Southwest Airlines and other smaller regional airlines. Hobby is south of Houston and is approximately 50 miles from Galveston via Interstate 45. Just follow the signs to I-45 South to Galveston.

Port Parking: At least three different lots available. Parking will be approximately $10 per day per standard size vehicle. Two lots are city owned and run by the Port of Galveston. Another (EZ Cruise Parking) is private. All are excellent, but EZ is cheaper but also allows you to pre-reserve your space, and also provides transportation for passengers and luggage. The city lots require you to drop off passengers and luggage prior to parking car, and on return from the cruise, one person goes to get the car and then goes back to the port to get the passengers and luggage. All accept cash or credit card.

Port Website: [url=http://www.portofgalveston.com/cruiseinformation/parking.shtml]http://www.portofgalveston.com/cruiseinfor...n/parking.shtml

Private Parking Website: [url=http://www.ezcruiseparking.com/]http://www.ezcruiseparking.com/

TRANSPORTATION:

Shuttle service from Bush & Hobby: L.J. Cormier, 281-443-4430 or 409-765-5515. Very accommodating. Even provides a short tour of Houston or Galveston, depending on end destination. MUST reserve transportation by phone in advance. Prices range from $100 to $125 one way, per vehicle (up to 8 people). Check him out at [url=http://www.cruiseshipshuttle.com]http://www.cruiseshipshuttle.com or email at Info@CruiseShipShuttle.com

Taxi: Expensive due to the distance, but will cost a minimum of $100 per cab no matter which airport used.

Rental cars: No rental car agency provides a one-way rental at a decent price.

HOTELS:

Hilton: Across the highway from the beach. Discounted rates depending on season. Courtesy transportation to & from the ship. Allows free parking at the hotel while client is on a cruise IF client stays at least one night at the Hilton pre-cruise. Call the hotel direct to male reservation and ensure you can get the free parking package.

Address: 5400 Seawall Blvd.

Phone: 409-744-5000; reservations at 800-HILTONS (445-8667)

Website: [url=http://www.hilton.com]http://www.hilton.com

Hotel Galvez: A Wyndham property; across the highway from the beach. Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines have packages with this hotel.

Address: 2024 Seawall Boulevard

Phone: 409-765-7721; reservations at 877-999-3223

Website: [url=http://www.wyndham.com]http://www.wyndham.com

Tremont House Hotel: A Wyndham property; downtown in the Strand Historic District. Walking distance to the ships. Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines have packages with this hotel.

Address: 2300 Ship’s Mechanic Row

Phone: 409-763-0300; reservations at 877-999-3223

Website: [url=http://www.wyndham.com]http://www.wyndham.com

Harbor House at Pier 21: A small 50-room hotel in downtown Galveston, only steps from the cruise dock. Excellent location.

Address: Pier 21

Phone: 409-763-3321 or 800-874-3721

Website: [url=http://www.harborhousepier21.com]http://www.harborhousepier21.com

LaQuinta: A good budget choice. Located across the highway from the beach.

Address: 1402 Seawall Blvd.

Phone: 409-763-1224; reservations at 866-725-1661

Website: [url=http://www.lq.com]http://www.lq.com

[Mebert]

JohnG,

When I have to sail out of a port that I'm not familiar with I'm going to make sure I contact for directions.