Here's an image of the Port of Galveston from the port side of Mariner of the Seas. Of course, the expansive cruise terminal is on the other side of Mariner. We sailed out of Galveston regularly many years ago when Kjell was Chief Engineer aboard Freedom of the Seas. We loved the people at this port.
Galveston is one of the ports shut down during the dock workers strike that started October 1. We understand passenger ships/ cruise travel will not be impacted by the strike.
An interesting side note: I took my Dad on a cruise on the Delta Queen from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh for his 80th birthday back in 1984. The Delta Queen was both a passenger vessel and a US Post Office. Either of those designations gave her priority over other vessels going through locks, etc. It was interesting to sit on the deck and watch as we passed numerous barges while going through locks. Even at 3 AM, the calliope player climbed up on the back of the ship to play, all ship lights were on, and local residents lined the dock to watch the Delta Queen pass through. I understand the local papers published the ship's schedule so residents wouldn't miss it passing. It was a different time....
Due to bad weather, we didn't make it all the way to Pittsburgh on that trip, but we had another great experience. As the bad weather set in, the captain pulled the Delta Queen to the southern side of the channel and we tied up to large trees hanging over the riverbank. It was dark outside, just after dinner, and passengers were dressed up (those were the days!) and on the deck watching. The Delta Queen was all aglow with lights on all decks. A young boy about ten years old came down the river bank, eyes wide, and all excited. One of the passengers called to him, "Go tell you Mom you have guests for dinner!" The young boy ran back up the hill and disappeared. Of course, no one left the ship, but what a memory it must be for that young boy as well as for us.
Sadly, the Delta Queen is no longer in service. It will take another act of congress to get her back on the water and that is unlikely to happen, but is still a dream.
Such good memories, though....
Our Delta Queen has had an extensive, fascinating life. Those interested in a more complete history of the Delta Queen can find it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Queen
Lois
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