Cruise #2... and We Were Hooked!

It took two and a half years, but we finally got to go on another cruise!

Cruise details~
Embarkation Port: Galveston, Texas
Ship: Carnival Ecstasy
Date: Sailed 5/19/2007
Length: 5 Days
Destination: Western Caribbean, Cozumel/Progreso
(Click on a destination above to go to a detailed review for that stop!)

Embarkation~
The Port of Galveston is a fairly easy one hour drive from Downtown Houston. There are plenty of hotels (some with park n cruise options) close by, and a few different parking options besides the parking available at the port. However, having family in the Houston area definitely has it's perks. So we saved some money by getting dropped off.

I don't remember how long the process took, but I do know we have never had a complaint with the check in process in Galveston. Even the times we have had to wait a while before getting on the ship. I also know we were on the ship early enough to eat lunch and still walk around a while before getting in to our room about 1:30.


Itinerary~
This cruise itinerary was very similar to our first cruise. We had a stop in Cozumel and then Progreso, with sea days on either side.

The first sea day was relaxing, but at the same time we kept ourselves busy. We spent a lot of time out on the deck. In between laying out times we'd hang out in the public areas of the ship or play mini golf. That night was formal night. I love a reason to get all dressed up! There was also a comedy show late that night. It was a good day!

Waking up in the caribbean tops my list of Most Favorite Things Ever. :) To look out and see the perfect teal colored water makes my heart so happy. This morning we woke up to the teal waters of Cozumel. More details on our day HERE. There was still time after we finished shopping, so we decided to take advantage of most people still being off the ship, and we went to a near empty pool area. It was a nice way to finish up our day in Cozumel.

Progreso, Mexico was our second stop. We went on an excursion this time. Check it out in Destination Review: Progreso. :)

That night was the past guest party and then after dinner we went to a show in the main lounge. To this day, the X-Treme Country show on the Ecstasy is still one of my favorite Carnival shows. They are all good, but that one is excellent.

The second, and last, day at sea was full of lounging. We slept in, slept on deck chairs, there may have even been a nap in the lounges. It was the most laid back day of the whole cruise.


Debarkation~
We chose Self Assist debarkation again, hoping to be off the ship early. Things went smoothly, until we were off the ship and in the line for customs. All of a sudden people were coming through telling everyone in line to follow them. We all had to go to a holding area because the security dogs smelled something in the ship's cargo. 20 minutes later we were told we were getting back ON the ship "so we would be more comfortable". It was hot and not air conditioned in the holding area, with only one large door opened to let air in. We were inconvenienced, but at least Carnival was doing what they could to make us comfortable. Apparently the Coast Guard and FBI were called in to search also. Two and a half hours later, we were still some of the first passengers off the ship, just later than we had hoped.



This and That :) ~
The Ship
Although the Carnival Ecstasy is an older ship, it only showed age in the decor. Even with dated decor, everything was kept up nicely. There was always someone cleaning or polishing the different areas of the ship. They were always inconspicuous and always had a smile when we would walk by.

The Food
Just like before, the food was amazing. The don't do this anymore, but there was a midnight buffet one night. It was magnificently decorated... with food! Everything on the table was edible, but looked like decoration. It was such an elaborate set up that they opened the doors 45 minutes early just for people to walk through and take pictures.

Our Cabin
We chose an ocean view for this cruise. We were in M70, which is on the Main Deck, mid ship, but more toward the front. It was a nice cabin. Pretty much just like our first cabin only with a window. Once you've gone ocean view, there's no going back. We loved waking up and immediately seeing the ocean. We never closed our curtains. That being said, an ocean view room is not a deal breaker for me. If there ever came a time when I wanted to cruise but was trying to do so as cheap as possible, I'd rather cruise without a window than not cruise at all. :)


Service
I don't foresee ever having something negative to say in this area. With many more cruises to go (I hope!) that could change. For now though, our service was impeccable! From the deck hands, to the wait staff, to even the higher ups, we were greeted happily in one way or another. They were always ready to give or do whatever we needed.


The whole cruise was extremely enjoyable. Even with the delay they tried to make things fun. The delay was completely out of Carnival's hand and we certainly do not blame them. We found it a little ironic that our first two cruises were both delayed though. And yet... it never swayed our opinion. We were hooked and very much looking forward to when we would be back on the ocean!