Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal Directions and Information

 

 

You booked your cruise and now you have to get to the Port.  I compiled some information to prepare you for what to do, where to go.  Questions like, can I drive there?  Can I park my vehicle and is it safe?  I want to visit Galveston before my cruise and explore the town, where can I stay? Answers can be found below and much more…

 

Regardless, of the information in this document, if you would like assistance for your upcoming cruise, please call us.

 

Take advantage of cruises out of Galveston providing a convenient way to put together a group and visit the Caribbean islands.   Galveston cruises include Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises.   Texans and Southern States resident can visit other destinations like Galveston cruises to the Bahamas. Disney cruises Galveston are seasonal and it visits the island port on the winter months.  Carnival cruise Galveston is year round, with several vessels providing 4-5 and 7 nights cruises.  The city provides great prices for Galveston cruise parking.  

 

Directions to Galveston cruise terminal:  from Houston

 

Galveston cruise port address:  2502 Harborside Dr. Galveston, Texas 77550

Travel Time: 42 miles from the Houston Hobby International Airport; travel time is approximately 60 minutes. 70 miles from the Houston Intercontinental Airport; travel time is approximately 90 minutes.

 

Cruise Planners is an American Express Travel Planner

 

Port Address: 

 

Cruise Terminal 1 (Carnival) 2502 Harborside Dr. Galveston, TX 77550 Phone: (409) 766-6100             

Cruise Terminal 2 (Royal Caribbean) 2507 Harborside Dr. Pier 27, TX 77550

 

Driving to the port:  if you decide to drive to Galveston ensure you give yourself plenty of time.  To get to Galveston you will have to drive through Houston.  Houston is the 4th largest city in the US and it is always congested, even on the weekends.  If you are driving from San Antonio to Galveston, it will take you about 4 hours (give and take) to arrive.  A safe departure time is around 7, but not later than 8 AM.  If you have to drive more than 5 hours to get to the port, my advice is to arrive a day earlier and book a hotel.  This way, you and your family will be stress-free and ready to start your vacation.  We can help you find a nice hotel.  There are some hotels offering free parking and transfer while you cruise (more information below). 

 

Flying and transfer to the port:  Houston Hobby Airport, HOU (closer) and Bush Intercontinental, IAH (farther) are the airports serving the Houston area.  Again if you are flying to Houston, ensure to arrive before 11:00 AM.  You will need a couple of hours to make it to the port with sufficient time to embark.  If you cannot find a flight arriving before 11 AM, plan to arrive the day before.  There are many companies providing transfer to the port.  Many options to choose from; express shuttle, taxi, Uber/Lift, private car services or even a car rental.  Shuttle prices start from $150 round trip or more.  Always be sure to get a complete “out the door” price quote from any car service so that you aren’t hit with any unforeseen charges.  If you need a transfer, let us know and we will find you a reputable and safe transfer for the arrival and departure.

 

Boarding procedures:  Cruise lines recommend to arrive at the port to start boarding after 11 AM.  Arriving cruise passengers are disembarking and the terminal space is limited.  Boarding is between 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.  At your arrival to the port, if by personal vehicle, follow the signs and drop your baggage first at the terminal.  Porters will be available to collect your luggage and they will take them to the ship for you.  Porters are not paid by the cruise line, be sure to give them a cash tip.  Traditional guidelines are for $1-2 per bag.  Then, drive your vehicle to one of the public or private parking areas available.  Buses will bring you back to the terminal. 

 

Some cruise lines are implementing new faster boarding procedures.  Ensure your online check-in was completed correctly reducing your time spending on the counter completing last-minute steps.  Cruise lines personnel will be available to assist. 

Parking:  Parking is very safe.  Be at ease if you leave your vehicle at the port parking.  But, as always, do not leave anything of value in the vehicle regardless.  Public parking is recommended, it is run by the port of Galveston, rates are very reasonable with a $5 discount if pre-pay through their website.  www.portofgalveston.com.  VIP package available.  Buses pick up and deliver passengers from and to the terminal every 5 to 10 minutes.

 

Before boarding, you’ll have to go through a metal detector and pass your carry-on through an X-ray machine. This has a very “airport” feel, however, you don’t have to worry about liquids or taking off your shoes.  Many people like to check-in right when the boarding starts. That leads to enormous crowds and lots of waiting in line. Waiting until closer to departure time lets the crowds die down and means you can usually check-in quickly.

 

Documentation:  Every cruise lines have different check-in procedures.  Ensure you complete all your check-in online through the cruise line website.  Most cruise lines are trying to making it a smooth boarding process as possible by checking in online.  Keep copies of all your documents, just in case an issue is found and has to speak with a cruise line representative.  For the most part, everybody should go straight in.   Luggage tags are either mailed by the cruise line or can be printed online.  Ensure your tags are securely attached and visible on the luggage handle area.  The luggage tags identify your cabin number and can be easily taken to your cabin.  It will take some time to deliver your bags, so it is important you keep a carry on with essentials.  You want to be sure to keep with you a carry-on that has anything you’ll need for the first day — including passports, medication, and a change of clothes.  Once you’ve dropped off luggage, you’ll make your way toward the gangway area. You’ll need your ID to access this area, and you will likely be asked to show it several times.

 

Boarding with water, beverage, and alcohol:  Each cruise line has different policies when it comes to bringing drinks (alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages) onboard.  There many variations on the policy too lengthy to cover here in this document.  Go to each cruise lines website to check for each cruise line’s policies.  But, some good tips, for example, Carnival do not allow any type of bottles (alcohol or not), but passengers can carry 12 sealed cans per person taking in their carry on.  Royal Caribbean allows 2 unopened bottles of wine per cabin without corking fees.  Alcohol is generally not allowed on any cruise line with few exceptions (for example wine on some cruise lines). 

 

Staying in Galveston before or after the cruise:  If you visited Galveston or it is your first time, give this beautiful city a few days to explore the history and activities.  There is always something going on here in this town, adding a great stop as part of your vacation.  Many hotels offer free parking with shuttle to cruisers.  Let us know if you would like to stay in Galveston and we can reserve the rooms for you.

 

Things to do in Galveston:  Galveston is a first-class tourist destination — not just a place to depart. There is year-round fun that starts, of course, with the beach. But there’s so much more. There is great food, the Strand shopping district, world-class restaurants, and plenty beautiful architecture. December brings Dickens on the Strand, a festival of all things Victorian England. February or March is Mardi Gras season, and Galveston has one of the biggest Mardi Gras festivals outside of New Orleans. And of course, don’t forget Moody Gardens and its famous pyramids that house a rainforest and aquarium. Truth is, you could spend a week in Galveston and still not do it all.  For the latest in activities visit www.galveston.com.  A calendar of events provides information to better plan your cruises.  If your trip may begin or ends in one of the special events, maybe is a good idea to stay for a few days. 

 

Remember to contact us to book your before and after the cruise hotels.

 

 

Contact Cruise Planners - Grandmastertravel, Your Travel Agent Advisors.  Travel Expert in San Antonio and South Texas.