Galveston, Texas Port Q&A
48 Galveston, Texas traveler questions & answers
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A: you need to be more specific. The original post was under Galveston and not any specific cruise line.
Answered by DACruiser57 on November 15, 2024
A: has anyone got the email to download the cruise tickets yet
Answered by shipsusie on November 14, 2024
A: yeah again. about a 50/50 chance you'll even need it at sail away on the upper deck. anything heavy will end up being a nuisance to pack and store
Answered by jallaway on November 7, 2024
Q: Hello, It will be our first time cruising by Jan 2025 with Mariner of the Sea, sailing from Galveston and i am trying to get as prepared as ever. i have a quick question, is there free wi'-fi on board? i know there are packages to buy but is there any free wi-fi at all?
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A: Depending on the ports that you visit you can sometimes find free wifi in bars or restaurants near the port. I would not recommend using them without a VPN.Also remember to keep your phone in airplane mode to avoid international roaming charges.
Answered by LinnM on September 21, 2024
A: There will be wifi available but unless you buy their wifi package all you can use is their app. You can only get wifi by buying their package.
Answered by tarrbot on September 21, 2024
A: There is no free wi-fi on board. Unless you really need it for some reason, I would not pay for the packages. The wi-fi onboard Is horrible. You have to remember, you are at sea so no towers!! You can find free wi-fi in most ports if you need it... .See More
Answered by crusin4gramma on September 21, 2024
A: You can look at your booking confirmation email and if it came from carnival, is located up near the top of the email where your personal information is located. Or, you can download a pdf of the ship’s deck plans and find your cabin on the plan. The... color of the cabin on the plan is what determines the category. There is a key at the top of the deck plan that breaks down the categories. If you booked through a travel planner, they can help you. Happy cruising!See More
Answered by HarryMess on August 23, 2024
Q: Just got notification that our precruise hotel reservation has been cancelled due to the recent hurricane. Is anyone else experiencing this. Now I scramble to find a place big enough to fit 4 adults and 3 children's in a 2 week span. (I understand that the hurricane is out of anyone's control and this is a small price to pay compared to people impacted. I'm just trying to get some suggestions)
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A: We took a pretty nasty slap from Beryl up here in the north side of Houston. South had it much worse. There are hotels in my area that are up and running as usual, but we are 90 minutes away from the cruiseport. I would look at hotels around The Wood... lands and Conroe. Possibly Airbnb closer to the port. Good luck.See More
Answered by abbylane on July 25, 2024
A: Try booking the clarion point. it's where we stay when we go to galveston whether cruise or just a weekend getaway. 😊
Answered by KiylieCrisp on August 4, 2024
A: We just got a call from our Resort informing us that they have to cancel our reservation as well as it'll take 6 months or more to repair damages due to the hurricane 🌀. Our cruise isn't until November but it makes me wonder how the Royal Caribbean G... alveston Cruise port is since the resort was on a matter of minutes from the resort.See More
Answered by Empress01 on August 3, 2024
A: Sorry for the trouble. Maybe try to find an air bnb if possible. Or look for a hotel that is not exactly in Galveston. Try a bit further out possibly just 30-min to an hour from port. Some of the hotels that are further out from port may not be exper... iencing those problems. Hope all works about and enjoy your trip.See More
Answered by ILoveCruising82 on August 2, 2024
A: have you tried calling the hotel to confirm? Utility outages have been a huge problem over the past two weeks; but much of those have been resolved.
Answered by jallaway on July 25, 2024
Q: has anyone used island breeze shuttle from IAH? reviews? ones one their website are 9 years old.
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A: This Cruiseline.com/Shipmate advice article should help answer some questions: Homeport Destination Guide: Galveston, Texas - cruiseline.com/advice/before-you-cruise/what-to-know/homeport-destination-guide-galveston-texas
Answered by CruiselineAdmin on August 5, 2024
A: I have used Galveston Express and it worked out great. Even took it the day before our cruise to a nearby hotel. Sorry, nothing on Island Breeze
Answered by jandorocab on July 21, 2024
Q: We are driving from Illinois to Galveston and need to find parking while we are on our cruise, where is the best place where our vehicles will not be disturbed near the port?
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A: I use port parking it is at 37th street in Galveston in parking and outside I have been on 12 cruises and used them 11 times
Answered by aircraft06 on May 16, 2024
A: I recommend Galveston Park N Cruise. Across the road from the port, they have enclosed as well as fenced parking. People very friendly and helpful.
Answered by Okie6259 on May 19, 2024
A: indoor port parking, has a shuttle to port back to vehicle after. cruise 😀
Answered by skeeter2015 on May 19, 2024
A: Check out Galveston Park n Cruise. They're my favorite. Drop off passengers and luggage, park right across the street and walk back, easily.
Answered by mommapj on May 17, 2024
A: I have parked right there at the port for eight cruises and have never had any problems
Answered by pburkett on May 15, 2024
A: it does. and since it's the big RC ship, it will always have priority
Answered by jallaway on April 5, 2024
Q: Does anyone know a nearby place to stay with free cruise parking and shuttle to and from pier? Carnival Jubilee in September
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A: There's several with free parking and some you can walk to the the port; but I don't know any with free parking AND free shuttle
Answered by jallaway on March 10, 2024
A: The last time I looked, I don't believe any had the combination of free cruise parking and a free cruise shuttle. harbor House and Tremont House are very close and should have cruise packages. start with them
Answered by jallaway on July 20, 2024
A: there are quite a few actually. https://www.visitgalveston.com/cruising/cruise-friendly-hotels
Answered by dsinthesun on July 20, 2024
A: Best Western Plus Seawall Inn has free parking with a one night stay. No shuttle. Average hotel with breakfast. We used Uber to and from hotel. About $13 to the port, but $45 back to hotel! Ouch.
Answered by djlee72559 on July 15, 2024
A: Sorry, Galveston's port page doesn't have the info. https://www.allcruisehotels.com/blog/port-galveston-hotels-cruise-shuttle/ or the City's page here: https://www.galveston.com/lodging/hotels-condos/hotels-cruise-shuttles/
Answered by dkantouth on March 11, 2024
Q: If you had an afternoon & evening prior to cruising out of Galveston...how would you spend your time?
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A: My aunt has a shop on Post Office, The Naked Mermaid, you should check it out!
Answered by KaleighxGary on January 4, 2024
A: the free car ferry to bolivar peninsula is fun . can turn around and come right back . always see dolphins and feed sea gulls from the back of ferry. yes you can get out of your car
Answered by slkl on January 4, 2024
A: I love walking the eclectic shops on the strand. Driving down the sea wall.
Answered by petestexasgirl on January 10, 2024
A: We rented a beach house for the night so we will hit the beach. We also like to participate in the many ghost tours offered in Galveston. They are very interesting!
Answered by Ilovecruising24 on January 4, 2024
A: if I was counting the pennies, I'd do the ferry to Bolivar to check out the old fort and maybe the beach (don't get stuck in the sand) and then walk the strand and maybe see a naked mermaid. if I was loaded, I'd pack all the kids and head to the ple... asure pier.See More
Answered by jallaway on January 4, 2024
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Q: Cruise Parking? We are on a B2B on NCL Prima Jan 19-Feb2 and need info on best place to park for NCL terminal. Not sure covered parking would allow my vehicle, F250, 84” height and 21’ length. Outside would be fine, just so in not a long way from terminal. THANKS
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A: Port of Galveston has parking at decent rates,some discount rates if you look online and they have a shuttle.
Answered by mary0909 on December 6, 2023
A: porkparking.com mentions large vehicles on their website 855-435-7678
Answered by kcl9257 on December 7, 2023
A: I would definitely call your choice and see if they consider your 21' of truck as oversized. Not sure what they would charge you if you get put in "RV" parking
Answered by jallaway on December 6, 2023
A: look up Park and cruise it's just one block away from port
Answered by AlanBarrett on December 6, 2023
A: we have been very satisfied with ez cruise parking. It's close to the port and has a shuttle! They are very friendly! We are also going Jan 19th and pre paid!
Answered by martyhill on December 6, 2023
Q: Can I bring a pack of bottle waters on board? This is my first time, and my daughters need to drink lots of water every day.
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A: Every cruise line we've sailed wont allow plastic bottles, for water or sodas. Cans only. We also drink a lot of water and pre-order it to have it in our cabin when we arrive the first day. On longer cruises, we'll have 36 bottles waiting in our cabi... n. It's reasonably priced and keeps us from having to lug it around with us when we come to the port and check in.See More
Answered by Dutch3901 on November 27, 2023
A: The answer to this question is 100% dependent on the cruise-line you are sailing
Answered by TXatsea on November 29, 2023
A: person asking is sailing Carnival, and the answer is no bottles. their websites even states as much. drink the water available, or buy water from their website and have it in the cabin.
Answered by DACruiser57 on December 2, 2023
A: Royal Caribbean allows plastic bottled water, as if there is another kind. I carried a 12 pack. I dont know where the guy who said you can't got his info.
Answered by JimmyJames63 on November 27, 2023
A: On a Carnival cruise you are allowed a 12 pack of can drinks each.Or 1 750.ml bottled wine per adult. No bottles of soda or water are allowed. It's easier to go to your planner and have it sent to your cabin.
Answered by mary0909 on November 28, 2023
A: you cannot bring plastic anything on board. only cans or cartons. I just got off today and it's not allowed. i saw a lot taken from those who tried to bring plastic bottles on board. it can be bought on board but it's expensive.
Answered by crysles20 on November 30, 2023
A: Harbor House or the Tremont House will give you 6-10 minute walks to the Piers used by Carnival, Princess, Disney, and NCL. Nothing is really walkable to the RCCL pier. Note those are both very nice hotels and are priced higher than the mid-range s... electionsSee More
Answered by jallaway on November 20, 2023
A: We stayed in the County Inn & Suites by Radisson 2818 Avenue Galveston TX. We would walk out the front door and walk to the beach, the pleasure pier was something to visit as well as the Bubba Gump shrimp factory.
Answered by okhappy493 on November 20, 2023
A: This will be our first cruise out of Galveston and this is where I booked for us to stay I was hoping it would be walkable to get to the ship, is it?
Answered by jlucas1019 on November 20, 2023
A: I found a condo studio for rent for two days before departure You could check those
Answered by Fervy on November 20, 2023
A: I stayed a really nice VRBO for an affordable price on Sealy Ave. Two rooms and a full kitchen. The owner was looking to sell at the time, but it might still be available. Here is video footage of it: https://youtube.com/shorts/yha6-tlBLCk?si=8zv2xbI... 91P8rAaGMSee More
Answered by SPTravelTeam on November 21, 2023
A: Benno’s on Seawall is very casual, but good basic food. http://www.bennosofgalveston.com/. I also love the Gumbo Diner. Casual, great food and service and fun vibe.
Answered by TrixieBOI on October 16, 2023
A: I like Katie’s,you can make reservations,great food,service and location.
Answered by lchiara84 on October 16, 2023
A: Katie’s Seafood House is really good for a nice meal but Darlene’s Shrimp Shack has the best shrimp I’ve had on the island…food truck with seating around for a quick delicious bite!
Answered by Fam2Cruise on October 16, 2023
A: Miller's Seawall Grill is also a good choice. Their shrimp & grits is amazing!
Answered by LisaKitty on October 16, 2023
Q: How hard is it to get an Uber or Lyft out of Galveston port back to airport on debarkation morning? It is a pretty small city so are all the ride-share cars taken then? Should I pay extra to reserve a ride?
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A: Try Galveston Express shuttle, they do airport and cruise port rides
Answered by teejay45 on September 18, 2023
A: Never an issue. I’m local, but friends I cruise with can always get an Uber within 10-20 minutes. While Galveston Island is technically small-ish, the Houston/Galveston metro area is massive and local drivers know when ships come in.
Answered by ChristinaRenaud on September 19, 2023
A: I’ve heard Uber picks up outside of the terminal so you would need to walk out to the pick up location. Also heard it’s really expensive, but wouldn’t know how valid that statement is. We booked a transport from a private company to pick us up at the... airport and then from the terminal. We are doing a day deviation before and after.See More
Answered by JenMitch302 on September 19, 2023
A: It can get busy, but there are always cars available. The wait times can back up a bit though so be patient.
Answered by Kracka on September 18, 2023
A: as a local, I've never had to use Uber out of this port. but I also monitor all the comments for this port and I've never really seen anybody say it's been a problem. I also know that's one more thing you don't want to have to deal with so if it was... me I'd either do a reservation or arrange to be a shuttle passengerSee More
Answered by jallaway on September 18, 2023
A: Never had a problem getting an Uber out of any of the ports we’ve sailed out of. Good thing about Uber in the US is there’s always another one lol
Answered by livlifenoregret on September 18, 2023
A: Just make absolutely sure you're on board by 3 or you won't get on
Answered by AsYouWishTravel on September 13, 2023
A: you should have picked a time on the app already. They start as early as 10:30 am usually
Answered by ddulanaz on September 13, 2023
A: When you do the check-in ( as early as possible) ,it will give assign you an alloted time. I personally like the earliest time to embark and the longest time to disembark. I want every minute ( I paid for) to count on the ship ,from beginning to en... d.Happy Cruising !See More
Answered by AlwaysBeaCruisn on September 16, 2023
A: We always wait until 1:00 don’t like the traffic. After 12:00 you generally can drive right up park (prepay) and on the boat in 20 minutes or less
Answered by CrusinPappy on June 16, 2024
A: I also like the earliest I can get. you do to take a chance on clearing everything and then having to sit in the terminal for a bit until they open the gangway doors. Pappy is correct though, if youre not the early bird, better to wait until the cr... owd goes downSee More
Answered by jallaway on June 16, 2024
Q: Is a 12:15pm flight out of IAH doable if we’re back in port at 8:00am? I plan to user Uber/Lyft to go from port to airport and am platinum so I should have priority disembarkation. Just not familiar with traffic or the airport in Houston.
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A: if it's a weekend, if the boat is on time with no holdup by ICE, if Uber drivers are readily available - it's doable. but that's too many ifs for me
Answered by jallaway on August 24, 2023
A: It depends on the construction on I45 and the airport. What day of the week. What month. I live in central Houston. It is an an hour to my house from the port and 45 minutes my house to airport. Allow 2 hours travel time. It also depends on the air... line and which terminal. I think you can do it but it might be close!See More
Answered by passportready on August 24, 2023
A: I looked at your booked cruises and if you are asking about 1/13-1/20 Jubilee we are on same cruise.It gets back to port on a Saturday the busiest day at Galveston for sure.
Answered by mary0909 on August 24, 2023
A: We have been late getting off ship from Galveston twice.Once a barge wreck blocked the port entrance.Once they had issues with the manifest. kept us on-board till almost 10 am. I would say it's too early a flight.
Answered by mary0909 on August 24, 2023
A: I doubt insurance would cover a missed flight in that circumstance. The policy usually includes wording that you allow ample time to make flights. If you were in a car wreck sure but cutting the time close and delayed by traffic, I don’t believe so.
Answered by willwork4cruz on August 26, 2023
A: I would probably try it myself. just have insurance.
Answered by walkingdeadcrz on August 24, 2023
Q: Hi, has anyone sailed out of Galveston the end of February? If so, what can we expect for weather? Thanks! So excited!
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A: I have lived in this part of Texas for over 30 years. Probably highs about 60-65° but it could be higher or it could be a lot colder. You will have to check the weather much closer to when you embark. Houston is colder than Galveston in the winter... by a few degrees.See More
Answered by passportready on August 24, 2023
A: we sailed at the end of this last February on Ruby Princess. I remember a bit of rain but sunny and warm enough for shorts and t-shirt. Mind you, I am Canadian and we shed our winter clothes as soon as it hits 9°C 😆
Answered by smorgan341 on September 1, 2023
A: The last few February’s we had ice storms but most years it’s chilly you just never know anymore 🤣🤣
Answered by PrincessMeka on August 31, 2023
A: By now you've probably picked up on the theme that there's just a good chance it's going to be sunny and warm as it might be icy cold (chance of a freeze will stretch into March). regardless, it always warms up the further south you go and it should... be very nice when you get down to CozumelSee More
Answered by jallaway on August 31, 2023
A: we used to live on Galveston Island. we're from MN so what they considered sweater weather, we were wearing shorts on the beach. I never experience days under about 50 or 60 there and not a ton of storms in the spring. if you're from a colder clima... te, locals will be quite bundled up, in January, they dress their kids like Maggie from the Simpsons. hope that helps! 😎See More
Answered by SchmonkeyBoy on September 3, 2023
A: We went end of January walked the beach the day b4 a bit cool the day we boarded then February we sailed on the 27th weather was nice. I would plan on good weather but keep a sweatshirt handy should a northern blow in
Answered by basssacker on September 3, 2023
Q: So I have booked Scottish inn in Galveston but now I’m hearing some not so positive things… can u please tell me your experience with this hotel r if there is another reasonable price hotel that u would recommend
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A: We have stayed there several times and are staying there again for this one before and after. We have NEVER had any problems. We leave our car there while on the cruise.
Answered by gbshaul on August 2, 2023
A: I stayed at Motel 6 in Galveston. It was pretty decent. I checked prices for the 10th of September and it is $60. It was very clean. I wouldn't recommend any other Motel 6, but I'd stay at the Galveston one again.
Answered by Tennlady on August 2, 2023
A: If you don’t mind staying off the island you can find good deals at hotels in Texas City, Webster, and Clear Lake.
Answered by MichaelW on August 2, 2023
A: We've stayed there several times including this past January and it was fine. It's nothing fancy, but free cruise parking and shuttle to and from the port.
Answered by gbshaul on March 10, 2024
A: Is it easy to get a shuttle to the pier and on return from cruise back to Scottish Inn?
Answered by kajuncyn95 on March 10, 2024
A: I haven't stayed there, but it appears about what I would expect for a Scottish Inn. I'm guessing it's about a $99 buck stay and you're getting about $80 bucks worth of cruise parking for free. Reviews are mixed, but not terrible. just sleep tight a... nd don't let the bedbugs biteSee More
Answered by jallaway on August 2, 2023
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