Travel - Cruise 101 - Carnival Cruise Ship Disembarkation at Galveston, Texas

At the end of your cruise, when you are in the destination port (which in my case happened to be the same port as I started, Galveston, TX), you will begin your disembarkation from the ship. Depending on your cruise line, there could be different steps or policies. I'm going to list out all the things that I went through so you have a general idea of what to expect, because the cruise line may not explain the process to you.

When Can You Disembark?
The following information does not apply if you have a special membership (like a "Faster to the Fun" or a VIP or you booked a shore excursion, etc).

Carnival Cruise Line use a system of Zones numbers. You will be informed ahead of the disembarkation day to pick up a Zone Number at a specific location and time. Be sure to get there early so you can pick the time you want, otherwise (like me) you will have to choose from the leftover times. So you get a Zone Number and then on disembarkation day they will call your number and you will start the disembarkation process of leaving.

Luggage Options:
Self Disembarkation or Carry Luggage Off: If you prefer to carry all your own bags, choose this option. It's faster because you don't have to go searching for your luggage at the terminal especially if you are in a hurry to catch a flight or bus. However, you will be lugging your suitcases around on your own. And I didn't see any luggage carts.

Checked Luggage: The second option is to allow the cruise line to carry your luggage to the terminal and you pick it up there (just like you would at an airport). This is the option that I chose for this cruise because I had several large bags that I didn't want to drag around.

If you also want the cruise line to handle your bags, be sure to pack a small day bag with your valuables, medicines, your disembarkation day clothes, toothbrushes, makeup, etc that you will carry with you. Once they take your luggage, you will not be able to get it back without major hassles. Keep a duffle bag, small rolling bag, or backpack with you with the day essentials. The rest of your luggage you will tag and place outside your door the night before you disembark. Be sure to take pictures of your luggage tags because the numbers/colors will be how you find your bags.


Can You Eat Breakfast on Disembarkation Day Before You Leave?
Yes! As the picture above shows, there were 3 dining options open for breakfast on our cruise anyway. Check your own Cruise Line for options. The selections will be limited.

Are there Activities while I wait for Disembarkation?
Not really. The pool is closed (it's covered with a net). The casino is closed. It's pretty much a ghost town as many of the staff are "off-duty". The goal now is for the ship personnel to get you off the ship and welcome the next group of guests.

Anything I should do before I leave the ship?
Be sure you turn in all your towels. Pay any outstanding bills. Cash in any casino chips (if it's not digital). Fill out any Customs forms (such as for Alcohol). Pay any tips if you didn't already. You will be required to leave your cabin at a specific time, so be sure to get everything out before you head to breakfast or the exit. Arrange your transportation if you didn't already. Be sure to keep your room card with you (because you need it to get off the ship).


How Does Disembarkation Work?
Exiting the ship is a lot like embarking but going the opposite direction. For our cruise, there were limited elevators (and they were slow) so we took the stairs (and even those were crowded with people and their luggage). It was a bit chaotic, IMO. Then you will head into the Cruise Ship Terminal via the gangplank/skybridge. They will scan you out and take your card. You will walk through the terminal areas to the luggage area where you will have to search for your bags. Picture #2 above shows how the luggage is just set the side and you will need to search for it. I wrap my bags in colorful luggage straps which made it very easy to find.

These are the luggage straps I used with my black Costco bags and it made it so easy to find in a sea of black, blue and red bags:

What if I need help with my Bags?
There are porters who will move your luggage on their racks for a small fee/tip. Worth it if you have a lot of bags. Unfortunately, they will only go as far as the front area or the front parking lot. If you parked in one of the nearby garages, you will have to drag it there yourself.

Travel - Cruise 101 - Useful Tips and Tricks concerning your Room Cabin for a Great Cruise Vacation

After my family completed our 7 days Western Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Vista cruise ship, I realized how much information I was missing about my room cabin. I'm happy to share these lessons and tips to you!



Before our trip, I watched dozens of videos on door and cabin decorating. Most blogs and bloggers talked about buying or making customized magnets to hang on the door or hanging magnetic hooks on walls for extra storage. Well, we quickly learned that some of the walls were not magnetized at all in our cabin. Talk about disappointing! Luckily I had brought command hook strips and painter's tape. Try to google your specific ship to find out what is/isn't magnetized in your specific cabin type. For the Vista, the wooden wall panels and the cabin room door are not magnetic. The panel next to the door is magnetic.

Here are some doors we passed by that were decorated:



Another things many blogs talk about is the lack of space. Our cabins seemed roomy enough to contain all our luggage and items. Even with 3 people per cabin, I never felt cramped. But I did use magnetic hooks on the walls (that were magnetic) to hang my lanyards and hats.

Ask you room steward for extra hangers. Ours wanted to know specifically how many we needed.

You may not need to bring towels on your vacation. Our cruise ship provided towels for each of us to use on the ship as well as for use offshore at various beaches (as long as we brought them back). We always had clean, fresh towels. You will want to return these the night before your debarkation date to avoid long lines.

Do not take the robes home. You will be charged. Leave those in the room.

Your room steward can get your furniture re-arranged if you don't like the set up (even if you requested it in a certain way).

Write down the name and country of every single person who provides you excellent service so that you can mention them in the survey the cruise line will send you after your trip (they may qualify for incentives and rewards). Bring some small bills for tips. Even if you pre-pay for tips, you may want to single out a great employee with a little extra.

Travel - Cruise 101 - Carnival Cruise for Families - Onboard, Now What?

This blog reflects my own experiences on the Carnival Vista which departed out of Galveston, Texas for a Western Caribbean cruise, but some of the steps will be similar for other cruise lines and Carnival ships. The most frustrating part is that your travel agent and the cruise line will give you no useful information on what to expect once you step onto the ship. Hopefully this blog will help you with those expectations!

When we first boarded the Carnival Vista, we started on Deck 3 (shown on their map as "Lobby"). You can click here for more Carnival Vista deck plans. (For your specific ship try googling "deck plan" and the name of your ship to find the floor plans).

For the Carnival Vista, Deck 3 is where the big Dreamscape Funnel and bar sat. It's the important deck of the ship as the Customer Service desks and the Excursions desk are located here. On the first day, it will be crowded as all cruisers board the ship at this deck. Many cruisers headed to the buffet on Deck 10 (also called the "Lido Deck").

Also, if you board in the morning, the crew will not let you head to your stateroom unless you have some kind of VIP package. The elevators to some of those floors were blocked as well. So be prepared to carry your bags/purses around until the room is available. We had swim clothes packed in a carry-on just in case we couldn't get to our luggage/room. Your checked-in bags will be set outside your stateroom so don't pack any valuables in those.

The first thing you will need to do is find your muster station. This is especially important if you have children travelling with you because each of them will receive a wristband. If at any time during the cruise, your child gets lost, a helper can take them to their assigned muster station and someone will be able to reach out to their guardians. You will watch a video or presentation (or in your stateroom) that explains the safety procedures. Some cruiselines require you to acknowledge your understanding of these procedures.

Now, you can wander the ship. Some of the food options are not yet open. Casino and bars weren't opened yet. The pools and slides were open and not crowded at all.

Travel - Cruise 101 - Carnival Cruise Ship Embarkation at Galveston, Texas

My family recently took our first cruise - a seven night Carnival Cruise on the Vista ship which started at Galveston, Texas, went through the Western Caribbean and returned to Galveston. Although we worked with a travel agent to book our cabins, we had no information on exactly how to embark the ship or even how to disembark. We didn't know what to expect getting through security, what to do once we got on the ship, etc. There really isn't very much on the internet to clarify those either. I did a lot of internet searches but mostly found "how to pack for your cruise" and "what to wear" posts or videos.

So, I decided I really needed to share what I learned with all those first timers out there!

First, you need to get to your port of call (where your cruise ship is waiting). My cruise port of call was Galveston, Texas which is a little bit out of the way.

There are no major airports close to Galveston Island (probably because there isn't enough room for a runway on the island). The closest major airports are in Houston - George Bush Intercontinental and William P Hobby Airport which are about an hour's drive from the Port. You could rent a car but then you have to deal with parking so you're better off with private transfers (ie, Uber, Lyft, shuttles, etc). Carnival does offer a transfer option to/from the airport but it's pricey. If you're Facebook-savvy, there are cruise ship groups where you can share rides to save money.

A lot of people drive to the port from their home towns. I met a couple who drove for 17 hours! If that is your plan, I highly recommend finding either a hotel nearby that offers free cruise parking or reserving a parking spot at one of the local parking lots ahead of time. I paid around $100 for a week of parking at a nearby lot when I booked months ahead of time. Most of the parking lots will shuttle you to the terminal and drop you off close to the entrance. Bring some cash to tip the baggage handlers who are happy to cart your luggage to the ship.

If you park in one of the parking garages across the street (opposite from the dock) you can just walk over via the skybridge and not deal with busy streets.

Here's a photo of the Terminal where the Carnival Vista was docked. (Another Carnival Ship was docked to the left). You can see in the background where people get dropped off via car. TThe arched entrances along the building lead to the covered walkway where people can wait to meet their party members or rides. When you're ready to embark, you will head along the walkway towards the left where there's a door that takes you inside the actual terminal building. There are restrooms midway along the walkway.

Here's a snap of the walkway that you will head down. You can see where the parking lot (or even hotel) shuttles will pick you up/drop you off. If you need a wheelchair or assistance, try to arrange that ahead of time because I didn't see any cruiseline or harbor workers waiting around to offer help (not like at the airport).


It's a very long walkway. You can see a sign uphead pointing to the restroom and the second snapshot is what that area looks like. The restroom is in the back.

When you finally get close to the end of the walkway you will see a sign like this - if you have an appointment at the posted time (ours was 10:30am) then head left otherwise head right. You will start to encounter security check-points along the way where they will want to see your boarding pass and/or passport/id/birth certificates/etc. Have those in your hands (we kept ours in a big envelope).

At the end of the walkway there are two doors. The further door is for Priority guests. The other is for appointment arrivals (with a security check).


Just when you thought you were done walking! More walking along rows inside until you reach a Carnival security personnel. This is where they will check all your documents carefully.

Next you will enter the Check-In area where you will be called to a desk and they will go through all your passport/id/birth certificates, etc. Then if this is your first cruise, they will take your picture. It's important to have your kids face the camera and be still (you will see why in a minute...). If you brought any carry-on luggage or bags, they will be scanned by security just like at the airport.


You will wind your way through another queue to the Photo-Security check-point. You will look at the camera and they will verify your picture is retrieved from the system (feel like you're about to be spied on? this won't be the last time your picture will be verified by the computer). For young kids, this could be tricky but it's required. Also, your family might be separated so they can get through the line faster. You can wait further down after you have verified your face but they won't let you stand there.


You're finally directed to the loading queue to board the ship (whew!). You will walk through the skybridge onto the ship. When you finally get through the check-point you will walk right into (onto?) Deck #3.

All this walking is aimed at able-bodied persons. If you need assistance, please reach out to Carnival (or your cruise line) ahead of time to make arrangements.

Travel - Cruise 101 - What to Do before your Cruise and Enjoy a Smooth Embarkation Day

As a first-time cruiser, I had tons of questions and confusion on what I needed to do before I arrived at the Port for embarkation day. My travel agent and the cruise line didn't provide very much information. Google searches returned limited info. So I hope I can give you some tips that will help you based on my own experiences!

Some people make fancy binders where all their documents are saved. I used a big brown mailing envelope with the brad closure thing so my documents wouldn't fall out. Nothing too fancy and it fit in my backpack.

Your cruise line may have you "check in" ahead of time which will decrease a lot of your anxiety.

First, print all your documents and tickets. The internet can be slow and wonky. Having your boarding passes in an envelope will give you reassurance.

Second, if you bought additional insurance, bring the information in your envelope. My vendor gave me a phone number and confirmation number which I took with me. Don't rely on being able to get to your email even if you pay for the wifi package.

If you used a travel agency, bring their information (names, phone numbers) in case you can't reach your emails.

Third, bring all your vital documents (insurance cards, driver's licenses/ID, passports, birth certificates, etc.). Security will need to verify each passenger (even babies) and that you have the ability to travel outside the country.

Not required, but having plastic luggage tags is very helpful. I printed my luggage tags off then stuffed them into these plastic tags and attached to each of my checked-in bags. You don't need it for carry-on bags. Take photos of them in case you need the numbers, etc. Otherwise, you have to tape your tags onto your bags risking them getting lost. Also keep the info inside the bag just in case the tags DO get lost.

These are the Luggage Tags (plus 4 ID badge holders) that I ordered and used.

Badge holders are recommended because they give you a room key card to swipe to open your room, to swipe to get on/off ship, and to pay for different things. Not all your outfits will have pockets. Or for times when you don't want to carry your purse or bag around. Some cruise lines have wristbands or app-based "cards". The Carnival ship at this time still had swipe cards.

This post contains some affiliate links whereby if you make a purchase this channel will make a small commission. It won't change your price or contain any hidden fees. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases which go right back into maintaining this channel. Win-Win.

Special Offers - Amazon Prime Day Deals on Travel Related Products

Amazon Prime Day Deals are live today and here are some things that I purchased for myself, my family and as gifts for my coworkers and friends. Shop around because sometimes Target and Walmart will price-match these deals on their websites or have even lower prices.

Packing Cubes:
There are a few sets marked down for Prime Day. I love using these to separate my family's travel clothes by day or by person so I usually buy different colored sets.
Amazon Basics 4pc Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set, Slim - Currently 32% off (depending on color and sizes) - https://amzn.to/3rBZwXX

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes (6pk) - Currently 26% off (depending on number and color) - https://amzn.to/48PCNbm

Laptop Bags:

Amazon Basics Laptop Computer Backpack (for up to 15inch) - Currently 43% off - https://amzn.to/3ZM9CC5

Amazon Basics Laptop Computer Backpack (for up to 17inch) - Currently 50% off - https://amzn.to/3RYy6WZ

Amazon Basics Rolling Travel Bag Laptop Computer Case (up to 15.6 inch screens) - Currently 38% off - https://amzn.to/3tyBgWX

Luggage:

Amazon Basics Suitcases Softside Spinner - Currently up to 50% off (depending on size and color) - https://amzn.to/3PXCqmK

Amazon Basics 3pc Luggage Set Hardside Spinner - Currently up to 30% off (depending on size and color) - https://amzn.to/3Fa48HF

For Cruise Travel:

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with Hanging Hook - (perfect for hanging in cruise cabin) - Currently 30% off (depending on size and color) - https://amzn.to/3RRiWCy

BESHON Flat Plug Power String (3 outlets with 3 USB (2 USB C))(3.2ft cord) - Currently 41% off - https://amzn.to/45qutvG

Misc:

General Medi Mini First Aid Kit (110pc) - This is an awesome set that I have in each of my cars and work bags - Currently 50% off - https://amzn.to/3Q8DIMS

SURE LOCK TSA Compatible Luggage Locks - Currently 44% off (depending on number and color) - https://amzn.to/3ZP6lBP

MrsDry Travel Bottles for Toiletries (TSA approved 3oz)(4pk) in clear bag - Currently 21% off (depending on color) - https://amzn.to/3PNKu9j

Amazon Basics RFID Travel Wasite Belt Fanny Pack - Khaki - Currently 50% off PLUS 20% off coupon - https://amzn.to/3rJTwwe

This post contains some affiliate links whereby if you make a purchase this channel will make a small commission. It won't change your price or contain any hidden fees. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases which go right back into maintaining this channel. Win-Win.