DannyMac

If you are planning a cruise out of Galveston, please take into account freeway construction and closures on I-45. You can go to www.transtar.com for current road conditions. There are several freeway construction projects ongoing plus construction at Bush (IAH) airport.

You will find that Texans get around in cars, the freeway system is extensive! "Metro" in Houston offers buses and trains through out the area. "www.ridemetro.org" should provide you information on routes, schedules, etc. Metro's transportation system is not anywhere near what you have in the UK. Pickup stations are open air with a small cover.

The Cypress Outlet Mall that you referred to is about 70 miles from Galveston,  about 35 miles from downtown Houston.

I am not sure if there is a car rental facility in Galveston, suggest you contact the Galveston Chamber of Commerce or Galveston Visitors Center.

42 minutes ago, waughy said:

Hello

Myself  and my daughter are from Uk are on a cruise from Galveston. Flying into George Bush airport and going to book a shuttle to Galveston where we will stay night before. 
Any recommendations of what to do on the Friday night gratefully received. Both over 21.  
Post cruise heading to Houston for a few days before flying home. We will not be driving. Very happy with public transport. 
questions- it appears Galveston has a bus station but cannot get information on where these buses go to?  Does anyone know is there a bus/train we can get to Houston on?  Even if we have to change etc or get half way then order an Uber/Lyft. 
the price for an Uber to Houston is pricey - do people car share? I’m more than happy to do that if people do this? 
Whilst  in Houston we want to go shopping at cypress premium outlet. Again can anyone help out with trips that go there or public transport routes? I have found there is a park and ride but the times are more geared for people going into Houston with buses to cypress not starting at 2pm or am I reading the timetable wrong? 

thanks any help much appreciated. Coming from uk where public transport in my area is excellent, finding it slightly frustrating that a huge tourist attraction , cruise port is not catered to. 

Check this website. www.galveston.com  

There is a trolley that makes runs from the seawall to the Strand, but public transportation is not available. Taking an Uber/Lyft would be your best option, suggest you contact the Galveston Visitors center for more information, www.visitgalveston.com

I

On 1/16/2023 at 2:07 PM, lucy2mb said:

Thank you!  We will be leaving around 8:30 or 9:00 on a Saturday morning.  Looks like most shuttles would have a fee if we need to cancel.  Someone said Uber is not allowed in the port area but others say they have used Uber and Lyft.  We would need 2 cars for the 6 or 7 of us and afraid we would get separated if we take two vehicles.  I know that cruise line charges $100 per person, so I would rather use company that would not cost that much per person and not have cancellation fee if cancelling a few days before the cruise.  Any suggestion would be appreciated.

I'm not able to help you with transportation company's. I live 40 minutes from Galveston and have no need for them.

17 hours ago, Texas Tillie said:

 

Are you aware that Uber isn't allowed into the port? They won't pay the access fee. If you use Uber you have to schlep your luggage from the gates to the port area into the terminal.

Didn't know that!  

Uber

On 1/8/2023 at 4:26 PM, lucy2mb said:

 

We decided to stay at an IAH hotel the night before our Vista cruise in April where we can have free airport shuttle to hotel.  I have read that the traffic can be bad going from there to Galveston the morning of our cruise.   If we schedule an early shuttle, will we be able to get to the port in time?

Thank you for your help!

You don't indicate what day you will board the ship, Saturday/Sunday? Saturday traffic on I-45S gets busy as the day progresses, Sundays are not too bad. It is about an hour and a half drive from IAH to Galveston. I-45S is routed elevated through downtown Houston and can be a problem if traffic is heavy or there is a wreck. Once through that area 45S is clear all the way. There is some construction between the Clear Lake area but nothing that would cause a delay. If you can leave for Galveston by 9:00am you should get there with plenty of time to spare. 

23 hours ago, tiffcruisers said:

Hi! We are on Allure in March and we have never been to Texas. Interested in opinions on hotels near terminal vs HOU airport.

 

Only staying 1 night pre cruise so looking for place that is convenient with a decent restaurant- preferably local. 

 

Thanks in advance!

You don't indicate which airport IAH or Hobby. If you can, spend your night in Galveston and enjoy the area,  The area around Hobby is "questionable"! Check out Galveston.com for hotel info.

On 1/1/2023 at 11:36 AM, RCmommy said:

Perhaps a place with a nice view or even just a cool atmosphere?  If not, just good food would be great!  We don’t like seafood.  (Weird I know) 🥴

Depends on what you are up for! There are plenty of good restaurants in Galveston. Check out Galveston.com

Depending on maintenance schedules, some ships may go in for a refit/upgrade or general maintenance.

Is there a shuttle or some type of transportation from the ship to the  Havensight mall for "seniors" with walking disabilities?

My wife and I sail on the Emerald May 20 from Seattle, we will be one day behind you!

Anyone know at what dock in Juneau the Emerald Princess will tie up at, on May 23, 2018?

We have searched websites high and low but can't find a specific dock. Thanks!

Thank you!

Return from cruise 11-18-17, have a 4:15pm flight back to Houston on SWA. How early can we check our luggage in at FLL. Have not been through FLL in years.

Suggest you look at driving to Mobile and spend the night then on to Florida. It's a good 8-10 hr drive from Houston providing there are no traffic problems.

The Atchafalya Basin Bridge can be a real headache if there is an accident. You are looking at 18 miles of 2 lanes over swamp. Road construction east/west of Hammond.

Good luck and enjoy your trip,

We booked the Sip and Sail promo on the Ruby Princess 12/3 out of LA. We had a group of 12 and the promo was good for us. Will watch for another S&S promo and book it.:)

Can't help with ground transportation but there is construction on I-45S around the NASA 1 area. That might account for the 2 hour estimate by Galvestonexpress.

Some of the hotels in Galveston offer on site parking and a shuttle to the cruise terminal. Check http://www.galveston.com

If you are staying in Webster, you should not have a problem with traffic or construction. Most of the I-45S construction is just north of Webster. Now, you should try to plan your arrival and transit through Houston as early as you can. Traffic starts backing up around 3:30-4:00pm and it's usually bumper to bumper from Beltway 8 to Bay Area exit on I-45.

There is an alternate route, state highway 146S. Will take you through Kemah, Texas City and intersects with I-45S just before you reach the Galveston causeway.

My wife and I usually have breakfast at the Original Mexican Cafe and look to be at the terminal around 11:30-12:00.

You need to consider traffic and construction when driving through Houston! I-45 south of Houston has ongoing construction and I believe on the northside of Houston also. Good luck.

Carnival has a problem, this is not the first person to go overboard sailing out of Galveston!

Flood waters in the Houston area are receding. I-45S is open all the way to Galveston. There is freeway construction beginning at FM:2351 to NASA 1. Depending on your travel time, expect traffic to slow down a bit in that area.

Hey there Cindy, good information. Hope you and Jim had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mary and Elaine were on the cruise just before you, fog on Sunday night but didn't cause a problem except switching ports. Around here, you just roll the dice and take your chances.

We are booked next Dec 3, 2016 on the Ruby out of San Pedro. Mike and Elaine are going with us.

Later,

Dan