Galveston Cruiser

13 hours ago, reedpartyof4 said:

I get that….  When leaving from the Port of New Orleans, for example, you’re actually in the MS River for 7 to 8 hours …then it gets smoother when you cross over into gulf waters … I just wondered how leaving from Galveston compared as I’ve not sailed from that port before….  

The is absolutely no way of predicting what the conditions will be until your sail date. The Gulf is very choppy today and has been for a several days due to strong winds.  We also see it as smooth as glass under ideal conditions.  

Limited selection is only a few hours until ship reaches international water.

Seas are contingent on weather

5 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

Recommended shuttles are discussed regularly on this forum, both private and shared shuttles. Or the cruise line shuttle.

 

I don’t recall those two but there are several FB only companies which seem to have appeared recently. Their limited method of contact and lack of transparency regarding liability insurance and business licenses concerns me. Car seats that are age appropriate for your children are something best discussed directly with the company concerned.  If your children are old enough you can use travel seats. 

How a business chooses to market themselves is their decision.  The ones you speak of have excellent reputations and are booked well in advance.  All TNC's (transportation network companies) must provide proof of commercial insurance in order to receive a permit to enter the Port of Galveston.

11 hours ago, PokrChick said:

You can do it at any point but I would do it at least 3 weeks prior to sailing

It is stated on B of A website no later than 7 days prior to cruise.

There are numerous shops on The Strand one block from the hotel.

17 hours ago, Texas Tillie said:

 

Actually it's over 7,000,000 now! 🤪

Thanks.  Living on the island, I try not to think of the mainland!

1 hour ago, WeBeCruisinMon said:

We’re getting off the carnival breeze on Monday May 6th. Looking to catch an 11:55am flight out of IAH. We get to port at 8am. We’d walk off right away with our own luggage and have TSA precheck. 
Is there heavy traffic port to IAH on Monday mornings after 8am? Thoughts on making this flight? We’re experienced cruisers and have often gotten off the ship prior to the stated arrival time, first time going out of Galveston though.

This was answered on another thread.  Traffic is horrible weekday mornings.  Houston area has over 6 million people thus multiple traffic delays all around the City.

We were on Radiance of the Seas last April/May (28 days) where I had to conduct several zoom meetings. I had no issues. We were not in the middle of the Pacific or Atlantic but through the Panama Canal and up west coast to Canada and Alaska.   Some of my meetings lasted 3 hours.  Starlink is a great improvement.

As stated, weather occurs everywhere and no way to predict weeks or months in advance.  Ships try to steer clear of storms. We have 19 transatlantics behind us with 3 more scheduled.  We don't get seasick and were basically raised on water.  All the TA's have been great, choppy seas in the Mediterranean and Gulf of Mexico, but nothing extraordinary.  Just like flying, there is no way to predict turbulence.

In regard of medical evacuation, if the ship is relatively near a port, it will circle back.  In the middle of the ocean, the medical staff will do all they can.  We have found medical care is

to be excellent.  They not only serve passengers, but all the staff.

I believe if one is so concerned about seas and medical, cruising is not the ideal vacation,

We sailed Radiance 28 days last year. Chops on Radiance far surpassed food and service on other RCL ships.

1 hour ago, Texas Tillie said:

 

You live there, it might not be as easy for tourists

The island is not that large and any map will show it is laid out in a grid.  I have utilized google maps all over the world when driving and not had an issue.  Granted, some can't find their way out of the driveway.  But the island is very easy to navigate.

Traffic occurs in any city worldwide with or without festivals. When visiting a cousin in Tomball, traffic worse there than Houston. 

22 hours ago, willing292 said:

One of the royal ships goes to Tortola.  The baths are on Virgin Gorda, I believe, so you need an excursion to get over there.  

Water taxis go to Virgin Gorda.  One doesn't need an excursion.

You will be at IAH in plenty of time.  We live in Galveston and frequently fly out of IAH during the week  It never takes us more than 80 minutes, generally much less time.  Sunday morning will have no traffic.

7 hours ago, theotherchad said:

Not once you're at the cruise terminal and on the ship it's not, but getting around the island can be a bit challenging on those days. 

We live here and have never had an issue getting around.  We learn what streets will be closed and use alternative vs. Broadway. Seawall and Harborside.  Road closures are always posted on FB by the City.

We have sailed MSC in the past and would definitely do again. 

The food and service were excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the multi cultural atmosphere.  This is an Italian cruise line with many nationalities aboard.

The problems we encountered were extremely rude Americans. An embarrassment to our country. And, I am being kind in my words.

I had one employee tell me I was the only American who said thank you as he burst into tears.

Remember to treat people the way you wish to be treated

It is closer to the terminal entrance as shown. All lots are accessible through 14th St. entrance.

RCL Terminal is Pier 10.  Entrance to terminal is at 14th and Harborside.

15 hours ago, LuCruise said:

How does that work?  I haven't seen anything in the cruise planner as an option.

Call RCL to book.  Transportation is not in cruise planner.

Scenery is everywhere and absolutely beautiful.  Very little cruising in open seas.  Sun sets very late at night and rises very early.  Always something to see.

Love the Vision; preferable to the mega ships.  On here 28 days last year from Galveston through Panama Canal and Alaska.  Best cruise ever!

The Cruise Stop. 2418 Strand

Hours 9 to 5 on cruise days

13 minutes ago, rozen said:

where do you pick up Uber at Bush airport?

When you book provide your flight info as that defines the arrival terminal.  There is no stopping and waiting at terminal. Communication between driver and passenger required.

17 hours ago, MoCowBell said:

The Port of Galveston will refurbish the building currently in place. There are no plans to build a new structure at this time.

Below is from the Port if Galveston.  A new terminal will be built at a proposed cost of $56 million.

https://www.cruisehive.com/port-of-galveston-one-step-closer-to-cruise-terminal-16/115257