Lost our Darned Minds

[DenaInWyo]

Just booked a 5 day cruise, tonight, for April 4 on the Liberty. My last two cruises have involved a year of planning so we have just skipped from "looking forward to it" straight to "almost there!"

 

I know it's a quickie 5 day, but we were (are) planning another in November and I just got too much cruise fever to stand it, along with circumstances being favorable for my sister and I.

 

We are REALLY living on the edge too..we're flying in the same day we embark. I've never been brave (foolish) enough to try that before either! It's a straight through flight though, no connections, and gets in at 10 am so I'm only 50% freaking out. Choices were slim!

 

Please tell me about your experiences with Carnival's shuttle to the port in Galveston from Hobby, how much you love the Liberty, and that I am not insane :D I posted in our roll call too. Wake up ya'll!

 

It's been too long, and I am SO stinkin excited! Sorry for the non informative or questioning post..I just had to get this out there to others who will understand the happy dance I'm doing right now!

[Tripper10]

We book cruises 2-7 days out with flights the same day all the time. Enjoy.

[KatPem]

Love the liberty! Congrats!

[DenaInWyo]

Oh good, I'm glad to hear that. I'm the type that usually books any vacation about a year out and then obsessively plans that whole time..this is a LEAP for me.

 

I'm dooming myself here, I know, but I have yet to have a non stop flight not work out for me, so fingers crossed this won't be the first time. In the past, the pre/post nights have been a huge amount to add to the final bill.

 

Besides, this is all about livin on the EDGE here this time! We are REBELS, darnit, booking a cruise in 4 weeks :D

 

Tripper, that makes you a flat out CRIMINAL!

 

Katpem, I'm glad to hear a thumbs up for the Liberty. Which ship was a major influence on the choice I made. For this cruise, I'm not particularly focused on the ports. Some of the shorter cruises have some pretty questionable reputations, and I do know to take reviews with a grain of salt.

 

I'm just waiting for Blizzcon dates (Warcraft/Starcraft/Diablo fans?) to book my second one this year. I already have that one pretty much pinned down though. I think the Liberty might have me spoiled by that time, from what I've seen.

Edited March 5, 2016 by DenaInWyo

[AndyT3]

I'm like you, I look to book way in advanced, and then do tons of research, and then form very well laid out plans. Now, mind you, this is usually for land based vacations, as this Oct will be our first cruise, but we almost never go by those plans once we set out, and we find 98% of the time, we like it better that way. But, I have to say, I feel a lot better knowing I've taken the time to (try) to plan everything out.

 

I'm sure you'll have a blast, and things will work out in your favor!

[Tapi]

Liberty is our favorite ship in the Carnival fleet. Enjoy!

 

For someone used to book their cruises a year in advance, a month may seem insane, but it's really not. A lot of people book their cruise close to sail date. We've booked cruises as late as 10am on the morning of departure (obviously back when we used to live in Miami and we could do this!)

 

About the flying on the same day, not to make you any more nervous but that's the only part that would make me a bit nervous as well. But with that said, a lot of people do fly in on the day of the cruise without a hitch so don't stress about that more than necessary.

 

Enjoy!

[Tapi]

Double post

Edited March 5, 2016 by Tapi

[elainmir]

I know how you feel! Hubby and I booked a free offer right after we got off the Paradise in February...this one sails March 19th..I have so much going on at work that I've barely had time to book excursions! I'm usually packed way ahead of time..I don't see that happening until MAYBE next weekend...we'll see how this works out!! Good luck to you!!

[freedomcruiser891]

Can't speak for hobby shuttle service but hobby is about 30-40 minutes from the port. Galveston usually does a good job with embarkation but debarkation can sometimes be slow so book a later departing flight if you can!

[winddawn]

Just booked a 5 day cruise, tonight, for April 4 on the Liberty. My last two cruises have involved a year of planning so we have just skipped from "looking forward to it" straight to "almost there!"

 

I know it's a quickie 5 day, but we were (are) planning another in November and I just got too much cruise fever to stand it, along with circumstances being favorable for my sister and I.

 

We are REALLY living on the edge too..we're flying in the same day we embark. I've never been brave (foolish) enough to try that before either! It's a straight through flight though, no connections, and gets in at 10 am so I'm only 50% freaking out. Choices were slim!

 

Please tell me about your experiences with Carnival's shuttle to the port in Galveston from Hobby, how much you love the Liberty, and that I am not insane :D I posted in our roll call too. Wake up ya'll!

 

It's been too long, and I am SO stinkin excited! Sorry for the non informative or questioning post..I just had to get this out there to others who will understand the happy dance I'm doing right now!

Congratulations on your upcoming cruise! I did Carnival transfers in Galveston a couple months ago. It was not a fun experience, so just be ready for that. You will sit in a certain area in baggage claim and wait until a Carnival rep decides to start taking names. Then you'll sit some more until they get enough people gathered to fill the bus. You'll board the bus and sit some more. And then the ride to the port is another hour. As long as you realize that ahead of time and plan accordingly with something to keep you occupied during the wait, you will be okay. No need to worry about your scheduled check-in time for the ship because you won't get to the port in time to worry about that. Then once you have that hassle out of the way, you can relax on the ship and start the fun.

 

I hope you have a great time!

[evandbob]

We are REALLY living on the edge too..we're flying in the same day we embark. I've never been brave (foolish) enough to try that before either! It's a straight through flight though, no connections, and gets in at 10 am so I'm only 50% freaking out. Choices were slim!

 

Please tell me about your experiences with Carnival's shuttle to the port in Galveston from Hobby, how much you love the Liberty, and that I am not insane :D I posted in our roll call too. Wake up ya'll!

 

 

I flew into Bush International twice in Oct and Nov of last year, both on the morning of the cruise. I had absolutely no trouble with the flights, arriving at 10AM. The Carnival shuttle, on the other hand, took an absurdly long time, first to even appear, and then to leave the airport terminal. Got to the pier at 3pm.

 

Nothing to worry about, though. I missed a few hours on the ship, but there was no waiting on the platinum line by the time I got there. It's my understanding that if you book Carnival's shuttle, they have to get you to the pier before the ship leaves.

 

Would I sail out of Galveston again? I doubt it very much. I prefer airports that are much closer to the ports, like FLL and MIA.

[sjn911]

It is a miracle you guys got a flight...one way you could do. I so get it living where we do...Montana or Wyoming. Lived in Red Lodge MT..dad ranched 20 miles form there....my High School..the peak of winter and spring fever country.

 

Life is so darn good when this happens and last minute decisions can be made..that one (cruise) leaves later.. so prayers for perfect timing....and that ship is supposed to be a blast. So happy for you....LOL...clean up the s*** kickers early or twice this year and have a good time!!!

Edited March 5, 2016 by sjn911

[bizzybee902]

My third cruise is in ten days. I never book out more than a month so far. The second cruise was three months. I fly in same day at 8 am to Miami. Check in at the airport and I'm omw.

[Jehaams]

My mother and I flew into hobby last march the day of a cruise and used the carnival shuttles. All went smoothly. No issues. As someone else mentioned you may have some wait time at the airport for the shuttle to be full etc but I didn't have a problem with that at all. It is a long ride to the port but once again I anticipated that so no worries.

 

I sailed on the liberty this January. Loved it! Service was great. Food was good and I enjoyed some of the comedy shows as well as the casino.

 

Have a great time.

[Jana60]

Just booked a 5 day cruise, tonight, for April 4 on the Liberty. My last two cruises have involved a year of planning so we have just skipped from "looking forward to it" straight to "almost there!"

 

I know it's a quickie 5 day, but we were (are) planning another in November and I just got too much cruise fever to stand it, along with circumstances being favorable for my sister and I.

 

We are REALLY living on the edge too..we're flying in the same day we embark. I've never been brave (foolish) enough to try that before either! It's a straight through flight though, no connections, and gets in at 10 am so I'm only 50% freaking out. Choices were slim!

 

Please tell me about your experiences with Carnival's shuttle to the port in Galveston from Hobby, how much you love the Liberty, and that I am not insane :D I posted in our roll call too. Wake up ya'll!

 

It's been too long, and I am SO stinkin excited! Sorry for the non informative or questioning post..I just had to get this out there to others who will understand the happy dance I'm doing right now!

 

I use Galveston Express instead of Carnival shuttle because it's a lot less expensive and because they're smaller vans you don't have to wait for a hundred people to get on board before you get to take off for the port. Because they're a small company though they run out of availability more quickly than carnival so if you ever want to use them be sure to book as soon as you know your cruise date. And don't worry there's not that much preparation required for a cruise. I'm so used to it now that I could book a cruise now that was leaving in one week and be ready in plenty of time. Only problem would be if you do not have a passport handy.

[ShakyBeef]

DenaInWyo, You're not crazy, you're adventurous.:cool::D I hope you have a fantastic cruise!:)

[splash_in_the_water]

nice! a couple years ago the wife and I had a busy day. Left home at 5, drove down to detroit, got on the plane to miami, and got on the ship with everyone else I....There were a few things that could have gone wrong. Thankfully everything went fine. Anyway, enjoy!

[DenaInWyo]

It is a miracle you guys got a flight...one way you could do. I so get it living where we do...Montana or Wyoming. Lived in Red Lodge MT..dad ranched 20 miles form there....my High School..the peak of winter and spring fever country.

 

Life is so darn good when this happens and last minute decisions can be made..that one (cruise) leaves later.. so prayers for perfect timing....and that ship is supposed to be a blast. So happy for you....LOL...clean up the s*** kickers early or twice this year and have a good time!!!

 

This is so true on the flight! I had to do a lot of searching to find one. There were plenty to be had but they were either very expensive or on Spirit, and I've heard too many horror stories about them to try them for flying into the port on the same day. The other issue we face living where we do is having to drive to Denver to catch a flight or pay $300 or more extra on the fare.

 

Thanks to everyone for the advice and encouragement, especially regarding the shuttle. It's booked now, but I'll keep the Galveston one in mind for next time. We will just make sure the kindles have plenty of books I guess.

 

Woot! Still excited! Cruising is my favorite way to vacation and it's been way too long!

[DenaInWyo]

DenaInWyo, You're not crazy, you're adventurous.:cool::D I hope you have a fantastic cruise!:)

 

That's my story and I'm stickin to it! :D

[sjn911]

This is so true on the flight! I had to do a lot of searching to find one. There were plenty to be had but they were either very expensive or on Spirit, and I've heard too many horror stories about them to try them for flying into the port on the same day. The other issue we face living where we do is having to drive to Denver to catch a flight or pay $300 or more extra on the fare.

 

Thanks to everyone for the advice and encouragement, especially regarding the shuttle. It's booked now, but I'll keep the Galveston one in mind for next time. We will just make sure the kindles have plenty of books I guess.

 

Woot! Still excited! Cruising is my favorite way to vacation and it's been way too long!

 

That's my story and I'm stickin to it! :D

Very happy for you and sooooo get it!!!

:)

[sprint180]

Yep, lost your mind. But, isn't it fun!

[swalton85]

The Liberty is beautiful and my favorite ship!! (I may be partial to her though since we got married on it) :) Hope you have a great trip!! :)

[violetsmile]

 

Please tell me about your experiences with Carnival's shuttle to the port in Galveston from Hobby, how much you love the Liberty, and that I am not insane :D I posted in our roll call too. Wake up ya'll!

 

On my first ever cruise, we did the Carnival shuttle out of Hobby to Galveston, and honestly, never again. I'd strongly encourage you to look into other shuttle options. We were late coming in due to plane issues; if the ship hadn't been delayed for fog, we'd have missed it! I'm an anxious type, I'll admit, but we were directed to sit in one area of baggage claim, where we sat, alone, for HOURS. I was SURE we were forgotten or missed something. It was a really rough start to our day. Eventually, a few other people joined us, but all in all, I think we probably waited in the baggage terminal for at least four hours. I can't remember anything about the waiting area in Galveston because we didn't wait there at all, but I feel like it has to be better than waiting at the airport. Plus, you might actually get on the ship sooner if you take your own transportation. I remember feeling like the party was already started (and we were starving) by the time we got on board.

 

Just my two cents, but I've never used a Carnival Shuttle again after that experience!

[mistycruiser]

We used the Carnival Shuttle from Hobby in January. No problem at all. We had flown in the day prior and took the shuttle back to the airport in the morning. Waited by baggage claim about 30 minutes or so for the shuttle and then headed out for Galveston. Just because someone had a bad experience once doesn't mean it happens all the time. Have fun on the cruise.

[Jana60]

I used to always take the carnival shuttle but I discovered a couple of cruises back another company that's a lot less expensive and they are very good. They even have a senior discount which makes it so that my transfers cost about half of what they did with carnival. Also the last time I took the carnival shuttle the bus sat in the airport parking lot waiting to fill up because they did not want to drive with any empty seats. It ended up taking an hour and a half for them to find enough customers to fill up the bus and although my flight had arrived at 7am we barely arrived to the port before boarding started.

Edited March 8, 2016 by Jana60