Missives from the 6th Floor

Disembarkation was complicated by the INS choosing that day to train new employees - but the cruise portion was surprisingly efficient. They clearly know how to herd 2500 people around effectively. We retrieved our luggage with minimal hassle, got through immigration, and boarded the waiting buses for our return from Galveston to Houston.

Traffic was light, and the trip painless. Kids and parents alike were sluggish from their early wake up call, and many dozed on the bus. We were driven straight onto the tarmac, next to the waiting ATA 757, and TSA setup a temporary screening - in the rain - where they managed to get everything damp while defending me from my crazed co-workers.

Once aboard, we had a repeat of the flight out - with too little of everything on the flight - no rum, no gin, vodka or cheap whiskey. Note to self - don't fly ATA. The flight home was seriously bumpy - Dawnise was less than thrilled, but we made it home safely, and found the house mostly in order - thanks to our wonderful neighbors who took care of the diabetic cat while we were away.

I'm in the process of writing a letter to Princess' corporate parent with some constructive criticism - based on our experience, I don't see myself cruising with Princess (or any other Carnival owned line).

More fundamentally, Dawnise and I really enjoy "going somewhere" - the getting there, spending time in the place, going places where most tourists don't - and the "in port at 08:00, out at 18:00" lifestyle doesn't really appeal to us. I lost weight on the trip - surrounded by food 24x7 - and that pretty much says it all.

The excursions were fun - we took many pictures, which Dawnise has put up in a set on her flikr account.