Carnival Cruise (Ecstasy - Port of Galveston TX)???? Whats it like???

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I have been on two cruises so far, both on the Carnival Ecstasy. I had a great time, and can not wait to take another cruise! My first cruise on the Ecstasy was before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. My second cruise was after the hurricanes. Ecstasy was one of the Carnival ships that was chartered out for relief efforts. When it rejoined the fleet, it recieved MAJOR refurbishements. A mini golf course was added on the top sports deck. The childrens area was moved from a closet like room to a fabulous new facility with awesome technology and games. Every stateroom was beautifully redone. The picture gallery was moved to where it takes up a whole deck of the Atrium. An art gallery was moved to the corridor that used to serve as the picture gallery. Ecstasy is a smaller ship, but it is very nice and kept very clean! A five day cruise on the Ecstasy would take you to Cozumel and Progresso. I highly recommend the rock climbing excursion in Cozumel! I suggest dining in the main dining room on the first night of the cruise and on formal night. Unless you want to get dressed up, eating at the casual Lido deck resteraunt is much easier. You get to choose from a wide variety of foods, and don't have to stop all of your activities to go get dressed. You can enjoy a nice, quick meal and then get back to your activities. You have to check out the shows in the Blue Sapphire Theater. They are spectacular! If you want to relax in the sun, you may want to get away from the main pool with the water slide. Kids are usually hanging out there at all times. I am a kid, so I would know this. Look for a quieter deck to relax. Other than that pool, the kids are kept busy at Camp Carnival, and you'll hardly ever see them. When going from deck to deck, I suggest using the stairs instead of the elevators, especially at dinnertime. The elevators are usually very crowded, and there is a long wait. You can usually get somewhere much faster by using the stairs. I had an insane amount of fun on the Ecstasy, and would go again in a second! This is all I can think of right now. If I think of more information, I will try to tell you. Have fun on your cruise. I'm really jealous!

Julie T

We hosted a 19-person family reunion on the Ecstasy in 2006.

She is a smaller and older ship in the Carnival fleet but is still nice.

Progresso is a good place to get great bargains since they are not as commercial as Cozumel.

Yes, they do have a topless sunbathing deck but the only people that are topless up there were old, fat bald men!

Since she is a smaller ship, I felt more motion. Be sure to take some Dramamine just in case.

It costs $50 per car to park at the Port of Galveston for a 5-day cruise ($70 for a 7-day cruise). This is the biggest hassle you will face during the trip. You drop off your passengers and luggage and then the driver parks the car.

You have to check in as a group so your party has to wait at the curb until you return from parking the car.

Take plenty of $1, 5 and 10 in USD for shopping in the open air markets, tipping tour guides, taxis and the like.

Mark your luggage with some colorful yarn, ribbon or plastic flags from the hardware store. This will help you find your luggage quickly when you return to the port.

Spend the money to get a porter to pass through customs on your return trip. They expedite the exit. Plan about $1 or 2 per bag tip for your porter. This saves a ton of time!

globalguy93

No, No, No, No. The ecstasy is too small, larger ships leave from galveston on the. If its the price that is the problem then ok. The ecstasy cruises are shorter, so go with that.I think if you want the best cruises, take the Conquest Class ships that leave from galveston. Those include, the Conquest, Glory, Freedom, and Liberty. Good Luck, Have Fun.

Bryan H

You will have a great time. If you are drinkers, I suggest packing a few bottles to save money.

Bill in Kansas

Ecstasy is an older/smaller ship, but in nice condition.
Considering you will sail out of Galveston, you will either be on a 4 day(one stop) or 5 day(two stop). Both are good cruises. If you have never cruised before this is a good first cruise, if you have been before, it will feel rather rushed.

Carnival Conquest in August will be number 12 for me

Don't book your cruise until you see how much you can pay.

See our 360 page and learn how you can book a cruise for whole sale!

Manisha G

This is an excellent site with some wonderful options for you.

Rosie

I have noooooooooooooo idea what it is like and by the name, neither would I want to know.

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