By Wendy Bernshausen and Amber Layton
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Next door to the historic Strand Seaport in Galveston is the Texas Cruise Ship Terminal, where more than 1,800 passengers congregate, all with the same idea in mind-sailing away to paradise on the Carnival Cruise Line ship, the Celebration.

Because the Celebration debarks out of the Galveston port, this makes it very convenient for students who are residents of the Clear Lake area. Travel time to the port is approximately 60 minutes from the Clear Lake area. To save on parking fees, you can have someone drop you off for your departure and pick you up upon your return.

Never has taking a Caribbean cruise been so affordable and accessible for local students. With cruises starting as low as $299 per person, this is one vacation that can be worked into any budget.

Although Carnival Cruise Line does not offer a discount for the hard-working college student, the amenities on board the ship and the fun awaiting you at each port of call makes the already low price seem more than fair.

Carnival's staff greets guests boarding the ship with warm smiles. From the time each guest boards the ship until the ship sets sail for its paradise destination, Carnival ensures that guests have plenty of entertainment.

With a steel band playing pool side, guests can either enjoy a fruity cocktail at the bar or choose from a variety of foods offered on the lunch buffet. Prompt luggage delivery to guests' cabins means that as soon as the guests are ready, they can put on their swimsuits and hit the sunning decks or take a dip in one of the two swimming pools.

As the ship pulls out of the Galveston Cruise Ship Terminal, excitement is in the air and everyone waves goodbye to the Texas coast, setting their sites on the paradise that awaits. While cruising in the Gulf of Mexico, Carnival plans a variety of activities and shows, not to mention the casino, to keep guests entertained on the "Fun Days at Sea."

For the duration at sea, passengers have access and use of all ship facilities, including a fully operational gym, spa treatments that can be purchased on board, and use of the Internet cafe for those who cannot leave technology behind.

One of the ports of call is Cozumel, Mexico. Upon arrival, guests can wander off on their own to do some duty- and tax-free shopping or take advantage of one of the offshore excursion packages that can be purchased on board before arriving at each port of call.

Should you choose not to go through Carnival to book your excursion package, there are many local dive shops offering a more personalized diving and snorkeling experience.

From top to bottom: A scuba diver enjoys aquatic scenery off the coast of Mexico; A local vendor on the beach of Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
photos by Wendy Bernshausen and Amber Layton

Most underwater adventure shops in Cozumel have their own private boats and included in the price is snorkeling and diving equipment. Some of the shops also include a lunch buffet with the package. You can expect to pay, on average, $40 to $100 for underwater excursions.

If one of these packages does not fit into your budget, then you can take a taxi or walk into town and enjoy the duty- and tax-free shopping and the sites and sounds of Mexican culture.

Another port of call is Calica. This is actually a rock quarry that is about a two-hour taxi ride away from Cancun and approximately 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen. The local people, however, make this stop a fun one. The dock is lined with vendors offering tourists a variety of souvenirs such as T-shirts, hats, blankets and jewelry.

Cruise passengers can choose from a variety of things to do at this port of call such as visiting the Mayan ruins of Tulum or Chitchen Itza, enjoying shopping in downtown Cancun, or taking a quick taxi ride to the quaint beach town of Playa del Carmen.

The shopping district in Playa del Carmen is a unique experience. The local people are ready to make deals on their merchandise, and if any of the passengers would like to have their hair braided, this is the place to get the best price. Local restaurants, with their open patio seating, offer authentic Mexican food while visitors can enjoy the sounds of a street band.

If this is not enough, beach access is five minutes walking distance from the shopping district. Beach access is free and the water there is beautiful. You can relax by lounging on the beach or take this opportunity to experience the water sports offered. Local vendors offer jet ski rentals and parasailing for a reasonable price.

The ports of call each offer something different and unique to meet the expectations of all cruise passengers, and the Celebration also does a good job of meeting the expectations of all passengers.

Whether you relish the lavish dinner in the dining room each night, the dance club, the casino, the Las Vegas style shows, the karaoke bar, the comedy shows, or the midnight buffet, Carnival cruises can offer you fun, food and relaxation at an affordable price.

For reservations and current cruise specials, call 1 (800) CARNIVAL or your local travel agent.

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