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.
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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).
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
