5 Amazing Tips for Cruising out of Galveston Texas

[@garymanning8044]

We'll be cruising out of Galveston in Nov24 for the inaugural Jubilee sailing. Thanks for the tips! We planned on getting in a couple days before to be able to check out the city.

[@ThePodcastaways]

I will be right there with you Gary! I’ll buy you a drink on board!

[@kmcbride2988]

Thanks for the tips. We Cruise July 2024 we were able to depart right before the hurricane we had a nice cruise even though we could not dock in Costa Maya. We didn’t have rain until we returned. Upon our return carnival port did not have power so we had to dock at Royal terminal. We stood in the rain waiting for shuttles to bring us to carnival port until I decided to go to the taxi area to get a ride directly to the garage.I will add the tip of bring an umbrella and poncho. Park inside of a parking garage if cruising during hurricane season.

[@joey8701]

I am going to get there the night before and get a hotel in Galveston so I make sure I don't miss the ship taking off

[@lindaohia6938]

I love cruising out of Galveston. Its quick and super easy to me.

[@ThePodcastaways]

Me too!

[@Big_Deezy12]

2:45 fresh of breath air lol😂 BARS

[@jeremysherylcruiseadventures]

Excellent tips! Love the video.

[@younglady2789]

Great tips for sailing out of Galveston!

[@ThePodcastaways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@madsmom22]

THANKS for that bonus tip! Headed to Galveston Sunday and I LOVE THRIFTING!

[@ThePodcastaways]

Have fun and happy thrifting!

[@Jpeveto44]

Wholeheartedly agree with you on your first tip of getting there early. Also agree with the Texas City and Houston traffic issues. You're forgetting some people though. Some of is live in Orange County or Jefferson County and our primary route to get there includes the ferry. If it's a late sail then just get to Galveston early if it's an early sail during the summer months then it might be best to get there the day before and get a room. It's not as if you can't find something to do for the evening, it's Galveston!

[@charlayned]

I'll add, that ferry is FREE. So many people not familiar with the area don't know that. You can drive on/drive off very easily. Now, TIP: be aware that the lines for the ferry in the summer and spring break times are HORRENDOUS. I'm talking an hour or more. This is because there is a party beach on Bolivar (Crystal Beach) that so many party-types go. There is no drinking on the Galveston beaches so they all go over the ferry. There are a couple of porta-potties on the road, but that's it. The lines are "no cut/ticket given" so you can't leave and come back. There are police down the line watching and at the actual terminal area. I've seen them check cars on the final lines to embark, checking people and mirroring the car. There are restrooms at the ferry terminal but, again, you can't go and come back except by walking (and you have to leave someone to drive the car as it moves. Depending on what part of the line you're on, the walk can be blocks and blocks. And, while there's a motel and a quick stop on the Galveston side road, they do not have bathrooms so you need to go before you go into the line. Coming back, it's more sparce, without a terminal, just a very long line (at peak times). I've seen signs on both sides with times to the boats, I don't know if they are live still. Bonus: you can dolphin watch on the ferry. You can get out of your car and go to the front to watch for dolphins, or go to the back to feed the sea gulls (no other place to feed, though). There's an air conditioned part up top (climb the stairs) with a bathroom, if you need. You can also, if you just want to sight-see, park on the Galveston side next to the terminal and walk on to ride over and back. You don't have to get off on Bolivar, just follow the personnel's guidance on where to stand while the cars go off and on.

[@kmcbride2988]

Thanks for the video. How long is your drive from Texas City and where have you stayed?

[@Sun87day]

I love Galveston, cruising.

[@janebeltran1200]

Please give tips for people flying into Houston. We will travel in April 2023 out of Galveston on RCCL. Thanks!!

[@ThePodcastaways]

I am doing a lot more tips and tricks, especially about Galveston so keep an eye out!

[@Jpeveto44]

I live close enough that Houston and Galveston are day trips for me. To be honest, if you're not from the area and can afford a few extra days, I would suggest flying in a few days early. There is so much to do and see. I will list a few things that are on the route from the airport to the port in Galveston. There is NASA Johnson Space Center where you can see a SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, a space shuttle mounted on a 747 shuttle carrier, a Saturn 5 rocket and many other things. You can stop a the Kemah Boardwalk for some amazing food ,drinks, and rides. Then in Galveston itself you have great beaches, many different places to eat along with many historic sites. The Elisa is a beautiful sailing ship, the Battleship Texas that was originally built in 1912 is currently in drydock getting hull repair in Galveston can be seen from the Cruise Ship. The Texas served as the Flag Ship of the U.S. Navel Fleet for a time in WW1 and WW2. At Seawolf Park you can walk through the Stewart a Destroyer and the Seawolf a submarine. Both from WW2. There are many things to explore in Galveston from staying in supposed haunted hotels to taking tours at night through historic cemeteries.. Galveston has a very long and colorful history.

[@francissantos7448]

Hello Jane. We are also cruising out of Galveston Dec 5 on Carnival Breeze. We arrive days early to visit family. We are renting a car out of Houston International. We bought Carnival bus transfers to/from the airport. That way we are assured(?) the ship will not sail without us and assured(?) we have priority disembarkation as we fly the afternoon out. Have fun on your cruise. We might visit Galveston on a day trip, visit the museum ships and check out the Hawaiian shirts as per the video.

[@sharonfrazier4217]

See you there!!!

[@janebeltran1200]

@@sharonfrazier4217 we are flying in the day before. Still need to make hotel reservation. Are you sailing RC Radience of the sees on 4/21?

[@kmcbride2988]

Thanks for the video.. Love the bonus!

[@ThePodcastaways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Bartlett6827]

Cruising out of Galveston next year for the first time and only cruised out of Florida. My wife and I plan on using a shuttle service to get to Galveston called Galveston express so we’re just wondering what to expect and anyone’s thought on this service and if anyone has used it before.

[@ThePodcastaways]

Galveston Express is great! I know a coupld of people who have used them with great results!

[@johnmaruscak5238]

Good tips to follow..

[@ThePodcastaways]

Glad you liked it

[@gwcrispi]

Was at the port last week. They were still hard at work upgrading Terminal 1 to handle the Jubilee. Didn't look ready to me. FWIW, we toured the Elissa (an 1870 sailing ship) docked next door. Well worth the few bucks if you like history.

[@ThePodcastaways]

Thank you for the tip! Definitely going to add it to my to do list!

[@wendysoulliere1305]

We are going to cruise out of Galveston in February 2026. We are flying from Detroit to Texax.

[@Sun87day]

I am cruising out of Gove Dec 3rd.

[@evelyncrawford3373]

Question- do you have any shuttle you can recommend to take us from IAH airport to a hotel in Galveston? We flying’s in one day early. Thanks for your help!!

[@ThePodcastaways]

Good question, just made a video on this topic kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2TTkIKMp9OHpLc

[@donscarlett8041]

I have a question what would you recommend for transportation to the cruise terminal, we fly into Houston IAH on the Friday and are staying at the Wyndham Houston hobby airport, any advise would be appreciate, this is not till Oct 21st 2023

[@ThePodcastaways]

Galveston Express is a good choice and do some mock bookings of UBER or LYFT and see what the difference is. Good luck Don and have a blast!

[@tennoklark]

Is Park and pay at the hotel with a shuttle a good option?

[@ThePodcastaways]

It can be. I always ask the hotel if they do anything to keep your vehicle safe and secure while you are away. It’s the same thing I ask at the park and pay lots. I don’t want to worry about my car while I am enjoying my cruise!

[@bethdavis6863]

That is the method I prefer!!

[@neldalewis1511]

I have a question my cousin and I are going on a cruise on the dream in may of 2023 and we have walking issues. Could you give me the name of the closest and safe place to stay and to park. Thank you advance for your help.

[@caddothegreat]

I use EZ Cruise parking. Pay extra for shuttle to terminal. At terminal get wheel chair assist for my wife.

[@HaveLuggageWillTravel]

Fish Tales great food

[@ThePodcastaways]

I’ll have to try that out next time I’m in Galveston!

[@rgruenhaus]

Hello! NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE PLEASE!

[@ThePodcastaways]

Ive never cruised with Norwegian so I am not 100% comforatable making tips for their cruiseline. But once I do, I will make sure to cover all the fun!

[@wascarg5341]

I normally go and park the car and tip them guys at the parking lot to handle the lifting . How early can you drop your luggage off with porter before you go back and park your car ?

[@ThePodcastaways]

We drop off at the pier just before we go park. It’s a pretty quick process and you don’t have to worry about dragging your large luggage around.

[@rgruenhaus]

Aa early as the terminal staff start taking passengers bags you can give it to them. Once you hand it over to them it's on it's way to the ship!

[@annholstrom539]

Thanks for the tips. So TX taxes out of state travelers on duty free alcohol and tobacco purchases?

[@twooten31]

Thanks ❤

[@ThePodcastaways]

You're welcome 😊

[@lovermonkey]

What do you suggest for people getting to Galveston if we are flying in? I am not 100% sure but probably Houston is where I would need to get a rental etc. I know there is Uber etc. Is there any other options that I can get to Galveston? The cheaper the better if you have any good suggestions. Thank you in adv.

[@ThePodcastaways]

If Carnivals shuttle will not work for you, then you have a few options. Uber can be hit or miss depending if you hit a surge or not, but if done right can be the cheapest option. You can rent a shuttle that will take you from the airport to the hotel, and then it will pick you up after the cruise to go back to the airport. Thats a bit more expensive but then you know your ride is taken care of in advance.

[@kmcbride2988]

Is there a lot of added congestion near the port during Mardi Gras weekends

[@bethdavis6863]

We returned from a cruise the day Mardi Gras festivities began and were warned to get out of the downtown area before a certain time because streets would be blocked off. I entered Galveston once the evening before my cruise and was blocked from getting to my hotel for hours!

[@ryanviveiros5992]

We are cruising out of Galveston for the first time on Disney. We are flying into Houston the day before. What's the best way to get to Galveston from IAH if you don't have a car? Id assume Uber or a car service, but I wasn't sure if there were alternate ways like train maybe.

[@MrsNBrooks11]

No other way. Uber or Lyft, which will be pricey. The trip is about 2 hrs from Bush International and 1 hour Hobby.

[@ThePodcastaways]

There are always choices! Check out Galveston Express or simular busses or vans that can get you to and from Galveston and the cruise!

[@katiecatron7673]

I think we have our Hotel and parking booked for our June cruise

[@mcc8041]

What hotel do you recommend that I stay for one night before the cruise and then taxi over to the port? This is my 1st cruise ever

[@ThePodcastaways]

I like to either say in Texas City or if I am staying in Galvestion, I like the Beachfront Palms for a nice clean place to sleep and have some fun things nearby to do within walking distance. The bar at the fishing pier is amazing!

[@ayeeffkay]

Where exactly should I park .. and how do I do it .. and cost and payment.. the parking for a week is what worries me the most out of everything!

[@ThePodcastaways]

Do your research but my goto is the port of Galveston Parking. I know others who have gove with EZ parking and loved that experence as well.

[@caddothegreat]

If driving from east or due north. Try the Bolivar peninsula route and ferry across to Galveston. Almost always see the dolphins along side the ferry boat. The ferry is free. I turn off of I-10 at Winnie, Texas.

[@ThePodcastaways]

Thank you so much for the tip!!

[@bethdavis6863]

Just be aware that fog will delay the ferry, so plan to go to Galveston the day prior to your cruise!!

[@Purvis-dw4qf]

Thanks for the information. We are staying in Texas City, We have a 10:00 check-in time, what time should we leave the Holiday Inn to go toward the port?

[@patirussell8353]

Do they have handicap parking?

[@ThePodcastaways]

ADA Handicap Accessible Parking spaces are available at the official Port of Galveston cruise parking lot. There are shuttle buses to and from the terminal for those who cannot walk the short distance. There is a special site for Disabled Veterans Cruise Parking. For more information you need to email [e-mail] for full details.

[@patirussell8353]

@@ThePodcastaways Thank you. I am one who has a very hard time walking. The ramps to the ship kill me.

[@rgruenhaus]

@Pati Russell once inside the terminal request a wheelchair to board in!

[@lisam4853]

Is Traffic that bad? We are driving in from Dallas the morning of the cruise. Any tips for avoiding traffic?

[@carmenpulido2783]

It can take 2 hours to get across Houston and reach Galveston. If there is an accident, sports event, special event …..nothing will help you escape the traffic. I agree with arriving to Galveston early and enjoy the day there.

[@brittanyblevins5759]

If your eta 6 hours - i would leave 9 hours early for restroom and food breaks and also traffic..

[@brittanyblevins5759]

I will add i live in houston and work in houston and it takes 2 hours to get to and from work everyday - with no traffic its a hr drive with traffic - easily 2 hrs 🤷

[@ThePodcastaways]

It can be. When I made this video, they were working on the only bridge that goes onto the island and it was causing people to be so late for their cruise a lot of people were missing it. Do your research and plan ahead and you will have a fantastic time!

[@MB-uy5kh]

Don’t understand why the only time I have had to pay taxes on liquor is at Galveston port. I bring back one bottle of Tequila from Mexico when flying and never had to pay at the airport. What’s up with the additional money grab?

[@ThePodcastaways]

This is a extra tax put on by the state of Texas! We dislike it as well!

[@bzydad]

Cruising on December 3rd and flying in to Hobby, taking the Carnival Shuttle to the Galveston Port.

[@ThePodcastaways]

The carnival shuttle should get you there no problem! I’m always too paranoid with flying in the same day with the possibility of delays or cancellations happening.

[@bzydad]

@@ThePodcastaways We are the first flight out of Phoenix non stop, if we had to first fly into Dallas then I would be worried 🙄😉😂😂

[@vanessatorres4601]

Is Texas city safe ?

[@ThePodcastaways]

I have never had an issue there but like with any traveling, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don't let your guard down in places just because you think its safe, because crazy stuff happens everywhere.

[@nursethibodeaux]

Yall don’t forget their are drug dogs at the terminal when you get on and off the ship!!! They do luggage sniffs

[@ThePodcastaways]

Yes!

[@rolandmisa7365]

birth certificate wtf?

[@ThePodcastaways]

Not everyone has a passport!

[@brandyverdun5248]

I am going on the new cruip.ship dec 2024 forva 7

[@ThePodcastaways]

Thats exciting! I am going next year and you should report back after your cruise and let us all know how it was!

[@Garamiri]

Thanks!