Just off Magic....avoid Galveston at all costs!

[Peddler&Tass]

We have sailed from Galveston 10 yes TEN times and with only 1 (ONE) exception, everything went smooth.

 

I have a feeling that some people really don't like anything, are annoyed with everyone and probably wouldn't be happy if the cruise line (be it CCL , RCI, HAL, Princess or whoever) sent a dedicated Limo to their home for transportation to and from the ship, hand fed them with gold plated spoons and wiped their behinds for them with turkish cloths ...

 

Some folks just need to get a life and leave those that enjoy thing alone.

[Uncle Doug]

We have sailed out of Galveston 4 times over the last year with no embarkation or disembarkation issues. Any time a ship is delayed to the point that it arrives during the peak time of new guests arriving at the port there will be issues. Shuttles and porters that would of been just focused on disembarkation now must be split with the arriving guests.

 

Carnival has no control over the closing of the port due to fog. Fog will be an issues at all gulf ports during certain times of the year.

[Guest LoveMyBoxer]

Sounds like the OP had a "perfect storm" disembarkation! New Year's cruise, ship was probably full and the fog situation. For all those chiming in and saying they never experienced these problems, were your cruises during "prime" cruising time AND bad weather??? Not picking sides, just asking.

[breenw]

Seems like the people who like Galveston the most are people who drive to and from the port. I know that it makes people anxious if they get back into a port late and worry about missing their flight. I'll probably have that issue in March as our return flight was changed to 10:30am out of Hobby and I'm worried we won't make that even with platinum status.

[deborahjo]

I read on an earlier post that it was Crew Check Day also. That will make the debarkation longer because you are not only having passengers get off but the crew has to go thru customs also.

[JXR]

OK, I don't normally jump into the veracity (for my Oklahoma friends, veracity is truthfulness...snicker) of a poster but to quote salcruizer, they are not only VIP but "Plat". Previous posters agree with me that a platinum cruiser would not be given zone 3 tags. Also, it would be highly unlikely that platinum cruisers would be sent to wait in the atrium for their priority disembarkation.

 

If salcruizer is being less than honest in depicting themselves, what portions of their critique are to be believed and portions are contrived? My warning flags are up.

 

Actually, I did the US-Inaugural of the Magic. I am a Platinum VIP cruiser! I had Zone 1 tags, and if we wanted to do self-disembarkation, all VIP's we were to meet in the MDR, just off the Atrium Lobby!

 

Joanne

[misguidedangel]

OMG, 1030am flight out of Hobby. I seriously doubt that you will make it, even if you get off the ship as self assist. I would suggest you call the airline and tell them that you will be on a cruise ship in Galveston that day and the reason you booked a later day flight is you need to get off the ship and get back to Houston to get the flight, and a flight after 1pm is about the earliest anyone would suggest. I can assume you will be using Carnival's transfer, well that will add more time as the bus leaves when it is full, and that could be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour later!

 

I think Galveston is the only port that has problems with fog. Fog happens and it has happened enough times that Carnival should have a action plan to deal with it.

 

At least Miami is getting the breeze. If I want to take a ship with similar features to the Magic I can go through Miami and take a 6 day to 8 day cruise instead. I love how the Breeze is going to go to Aruba and Curacao!

 

JXR--yes, having Platinum status is great. In Miami I'd wait to get off if I had a 1-2pm flight. I have learned my lesson for Galveston, get off with Tag #1 even if I have a late afternoon flight....hanging outside the port area or at the airport is better than waiting in line to clear customs and having my friend wait for me and then leave cuz she thought I had already left when I was still stuck in line with one or two people ahead of me to clear customs...

[EastTex]

Actually, I did the US-Inaugural of the Magic. I am a Platinum VIP cruiser! I had Zone 1 tags, and if we wanted to do self-disembarkation, all VIP's we were to meet in the MDR, just off the Atrium Lobby!

 

Joanne

 

Thanks Joanne but if you're self disembarking and carrying all your luggage with you, you're the first group to leave anyhow so zone 1 tags are a moot point. You've no need for them. Don't self disembarkers typically just leave when called to do so and don't gather anywhere? The rest of us platinum folks with luggage waiting for us in zone 1 wait somewhere like the piano lounge or library or wherever we're told to go until a member of the ship's staff arrives to escort us out as a group.

[idlenote]

All of the Gulf ports are subject to fog delays, Galveston is no better or worse. We've sailed late twice, including a cruise to nowhere when we couldn't get out until noon on the second day - that was the fastest debark we've ever done, fast as you could walk down the ramps and straight out the terminal. Come back in late twice, the latest was about four hours late but since we were driving we just held back a while and it wasn't to bad getting off.

 

Of course, if we didn't cruise in January and February to get those super cheap cruise fares we probably wouldn't have to put up with this, but in Texas it's just a fact of life that you're going to see fog from November through March. Can't handle the delays then cruise outside this period.

 

I will agree that sometimes the staff in the terminal does leave a lot to be desired, some of those little old ladies need to leave their jackboots at home. However, after the last cruise in October I got the impression that Galveston had really improved the debark process, while it could never be a pleasure it was at least bearable.

 

And if you really wanted to see a terminal that never could get their act together, well the experience in Mobile was a nightmare. Wonder if that isn't part of the reason why they don't have a ship any more?

[WeBeCruisin']

 

 

And if you really wanted to see a terminal that never could get their act together, well the experience in Mobile was a nightmare. Wonder if that isn't part of the reason why they don't have a ship any more?

 

I sailed out of Mobile on the Grandeur of the Seas a couple of years ago and it was extremely easy. In fact, my roomie and I were the very first ones on the ship, although we did have to push some old lady in a wheelchair out of our way. :)

[beachseeker]

Also just off the Magic. This was our 11th cruise, 2nd on Carnival and 1st out of Galveston and our first cruise that we have driven to the port. Our previous ports of departure have been San Juan, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. We usually arrive at the port between 10:30 and 11:00 and are on the ship by noon. This time it was after 1. No biggee, especially since it was 49 degrees I wasn't missing any time at the pool! But, it did take longer than other cruises. We were not surprised by the fog and appreciated being able to stay in our stateroom. I thought the CD could have informed us a bit earlier but again no big deal. It seemed like a very long time between self disembark and the first zone being called. There appears to be a LOT more self disembark due to the number of passengers that drive to the port thus slowing the process down from the beginning. Once we were called (zone 18) the line was verrrrry long in the atrium but moved fairly quickly. Once we were off the ship, it was very chaotic. I had read that you definitely want a porter but there was not one to be found with an empty cart. We collected our bags and got in a verrrrrry long time to leave the terminal. Luckily, we went to the far left line and found as we got closer to the customs area that we were in the passport line (which is what we needed). Pure luck. No one was giving instructions at the back of the line that the lines were different. There was a large amount of pushing and shoving, cutting, etc. One of our group had a 2:30 plane out of Hobby to Love Field and by the time we reached the Hobby exit it was too late to make the flight. So instead of heading to Midland, we drove her to Dallas where family members picked her up and then we headed west. Made for a long day.

Overall impression of Galveston port was not positive. We have flown many times after leaving the cruise ship and never a problem making our plane. I would feel very uncomfortable flying same day out of Galveston. Would I cruise from Galveston again? Maybe. We are pleased that the Crown Princess is coming next year and that might entice us back.

[scottcruises]

Also just off the Magic. This was our 11th cruise, 2nd on Carnival and 1st out of Galveston and our first cruise that we have driven to the port. Our previous ports of departure have been San Juan, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. We usually arrive at the port between 10:30 and 11:00 and are on the ship by noon. This time it was after 1. No biggee, especially since it was 49 degrees I wasn't missing any time at the pool! But, it did take longer than other cruises. We were not surprised by the fog and appreciated being able to stay in our stateroom. I thought the CD could have informed us a bit earlier but again no big deal. It seemed like a very long time between self disembark and the first zone being called. There appears to be a LOT more self disembark due to the number of passengers that drive to the port thus slowing the process down from the beginning. Once we were called (zone 18) the line was verrrrry long in the atrium but moved fairly quickly. Once we were off the ship, it was very chaotic. I had read that you definitely want a porter but there was not one to be found with an empty cart. We collected our bags and got in a verrrrrry long time to leave the terminal. Luckily, we went to the far left line and found as we got closer to the customs area that we were in the passport line (which is what we needed). Pure luck. No one was giving instructions at the back of the line that the lines were different. There was a large amount of pushing and shoving, cutting, etc. One of our group had a 2:30 plane out of Hobby to Love Field and by the time we reached the Hobby exit it was too late to make the flight. So instead of heading to Midland, we drove her to Dallas where family members picked her up and then we headed west. Made for a long day.

Overall impression of Galveston port was not positive. We have flown many times after leaving the cruise ship and never a problem making our plane. I would feel very uncomfortable flying same day out of Galveston. Would I cruise from Galveston again? Maybe. We are pleased that the Crown Princess is coming next year and that might entice us back.

 

We were in the self assist, it was a zoo which explains why zone 1 was much later. People were courteous but it was so crowded people were stuck in elevators. With two little kids it was hairy for us but we got out pretty quickly. I agree it's probably the fact that so many drove and also that the boat was so late people were in a rush. We parked across the street and it was no problem at all. We spent the afternoon Sunday in Galveston at Moody Gardens and loved it, better than the New England Acquarium.

 

They need better signage. The lines for the passports vs birth certificates are elevated above the line, most did not see them. Likewise when walking into the port there is no way of knowing where things start or end. But again no problems.

 

I actually thought this was pretty orderly considering the late start.

[futaba951]

I sailed out of Mobile on the Grandeur of the Seas a couple of years ago and it was extremely easy. In fact' date=' my roomie and I were the very first ones on the ship, although we did have to push some old lady in a wheelchair out of our way. :)[/quote']

 

Uhh.........are you sure you were in Mobile? GoS has never sailed from Mobile. The only thing GoS did in Mobile was get the fender bender fixed over at Atlantic Marine. The only ships to have sailed out of Mobile have all been Carnival ships. Holiday, Fantasy and Elation. Unless you want to count the Delta Queen riverboat and some dinner cruises that would never be confused with GoS.

[WeBeCruisin']

Uhh.........are you sure you were in Mobile? GoS has never sailed from Mobile. The only thing GoS did in Mobile was get the fender bender fixed over at Atlantic Marine. The only ships to have sailed out of Mobile have all been Carnival ships. Holiday, Fantasy and Elation. Unless you want to count the Delta Queen riverboat and some dinner cruises that would never be confused with GoS.

 

As soon as I posted that, I realized my mistake and changed it to the Holiday, but I must not have hit the "save" button in the editing function. :o You must have read the original post within seconds of it being posted. I took a trip on the Grandeur of the Seas out of Tampa just a month or two before the Holiday.

[WeBeCruisin']

Uhh.........are you sure you were in Mobile? GoS has never sailed from Mobile. The only thing GoS did in Mobile was get the fender bender fixed over at Atlantic Marine. The only ships to have sailed out of Mobile have all been Carnival ships. Holiday, Fantasy and Elation. Unless you want to count the Delta Queen riverboat and some dinner cruises that would never be confused with GoS.

 

We went to Mobile two days early with the intention of doing some exploring in the area. We never made it more than about 50 feet from our hotel. We found an amazing dive-type bar called Veet's with amazing oysters and po-boys.. We spent almost all of our pre-cruise time there.

[snedecor]

WHATEVER YOU DO! DON'T CRUISE OUT OF GALVESTON!

 

The Fog is terrible! The ship is horrible! It's too big, and the crowds are huge! The traffic is horrendous! It's too far to the airport! There's no easy rental cars. Taxi's are expensive! Just decide not to do it!

 

Especially don't cruise on Jan 22. That's voodoo unlucky! And if you do, don't go early to get on the ship in the first group, wait until 2-3 to board. That way, you'll avoid ALL the hassle!

 

If you do cruise on Jan 22, when the ship gets back on Jan. 29, don't try to get off the ship early! It will be terrible! Wait until about 10:00 to debark.

 

(Can you tell where I'll be Jan 22.-Jan 29?????)

[futaba951]

We went to Mobile two days early with the intention of doing some exploring in the area. We never made it more than about 50 feet from our hotel. We found an amazing dive-type bar called Veet's with amazing oysters and po-boys.. We spent almost all of our pre-cruise time there.

 

Everybody likes Veets! :D

[Sargent_Schultz]

Never heard of Veets (no big surprise for me), but don't see oysters on the menu?

[txstarla]

Never heard of Veets (no big surprise for me), but don't see oysters on the menu?

 

It's no Acme! (mmmmmm)

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I've sailed out of Galveston 11 times and find debarkation to be no more of an issue than at any other port that I've returned to. In fact, since the changes to pier 23 have been completed, both the embarkation and debarkation process has become more organized.

 

The zones are clearly marked to help you find your luggage, if you've bothered to wait until your zone has been called :rolleyes: the shoreside agents are very good at making sure that everyone has the properly filled out documents before they are allowed into the customs lines. (That in the past has been the biggest cause for delay :cool:)

 

The customs lines are well staffed and designated to separate US and non-US citizens as well as those useing a passport or BC....it makes that part of the process much smoother and quicker.

 

And once you get outside there are clearly marked signs that direct you to various shuttles or taxi queue's. I take a taxi to my car and I don't think that I've ever seen less than 12 taxi's standing by....

 

I hope that everyone gets to experience sailing out of Galveston. It's a great island destination for a little pre-cruise vacation. I always go at least a day in advance, just to have time to revisit all of my favorite spots along the seawall and downtown on the Strand.......

 

I'll be back down there in about 60 days and can't wait for my 1st plate of shrimp kisses.........

 

do the taxi drivers just sit there for hours not making any fares for that day when a ship is late or do you think that they might leave and try to make some money?

 

Bill

[WeBeCruisin']

Never heard of Veets (no big surprise for me), but don't see oysters on the menu?

 

I had them there for every meal for two days.... fried, roasted, broiled, rockefeller, po-boys, every which way. Since the oysters were always fresh, maybe it's a seasonal thing? We were there in June of 2009.

[LCTXcruiser]

Just off the magic and we'll post a more detailed review later....the ship and service was much better than expected but Galveston port can not handle a ship the size of the magic. It's a shame because the ship was great. We were 4 hours late because of fog...even though it was sunny all morning. We didn't dock until 10:30 and that's when the disaster started. Mobs everywhere with no direction from the on board crew. They seemed to be hung over from the new years eve party. Many of us missed flights even though they were well after the suggested departure time. They could care less. Even with the four hour fog delay we would have made our flight if not for the incompetence of the ships staff and port staff Once inside the terminal it got worse. Luggage came off the ship in random order and the port staff was clueless and helpless. Porters tried their best but it was useless. We just searched through hand trucks of bags in a free for all. We were VIP with early departure and we were in the terminal for 2 plus hours searching. Once finally outside there were no taxis and hundreds of people fighting for shuttles and cabs as if we just arrived in a third world port.

 

I write this for those of you considering Galveston. Think twice. Have been through dozens of other ports and Galveston is by far the worst. Even on embarkation, with no delay, it was miserable. I also write this because over the years I've read these reviews and always taken them with a grain of salt. However, the other comments on these boards about fog are true....we just experienced it and we're told it's a real/recurring problem. It's not just fog in the area but low level fog that closes the port. Given the 2 hr drive to IAH and the inept port staff it's not a good port unless you can drive.

I'm very sorry to hear this! I live in the area and cruise out of there regularly with no issues. Maybe it was just an "off" day?

 

Hopefully people will still use the Galveston port so we can get additional ships in. We are still recovering from Hurricane Ike, being that we didn't receive near the government funds provided to other areas. We need to keep the inflow of tourism.

 

Give us another try - maybe it'll be better next time :)

[nybumpkin]

I'm very sorry to hear this! I live in the area and cruise out of there regularly with no issues. Maybe it was just an "off" day?

 

Hopefully people will still use the Galveston port so we can get additional ships in. We are still recovering from Hurricane Ike, being that we didn't receive near the government funds provided to other areas. We need to keep the inflow of tourism.

 

Give us another try - maybe it'll be better next time :)

I'm one who (February 2010) was stuck in the fog, missed a flight, but given the chance would like to come back. We didn't have any time to explore Galveston before or after our cruise, but our son the merchant marine cadet fell in love with Galveston last summer (his ship ported in Houston and he spent his free time at the beach). Not sure when we'll get to come back, but we'll be there....:)

[I'm Ready 2 Go!]

Just off the magic and we'll post a more detailed review later....the ship and service was much better than expected but Galveston port can not handle a ship the size of the magic. It's a shame because the ship was great. We were 4 hours late because of fog...even though it was sunny all morning. We didn't dock until 10:30 and that's when the disaster started. Mobs everywhere with no direction from the on board crew. They seemed to be hung over from the new years eve party. Many of us missed flights even though they were well after the suggested departure time. They could care less. Even with the four hour fog delay we would have made our flight if not for the incompetence of the ships staff and port staff Once inside the terminal it got worse. Luggage came off the ship in random order and the port staff was clueless and helpless. Porters tried their best but it was useless. We just searched through hand trucks of bags in a free for all. We were VIP with early departure and we were in the terminal for 2 plus hours searching. Once finally outside there were no taxis and hundreds of people fighting for shuttles and cabs as if we just arrived in a third world port.

 

I write this for those of you considering Galveston. Think twice. Have been through dozens of other ports and Galveston is by far the worst. Even on embarkation, with no delay, it was miserable. I also write this because over the years I've read these reviews and always taken them with a grain of salt. However, the other comments on these boards about fog are true....we just experienced it and we're told it's a real/recurring problem. It's not just fog in the area but low level fog that closes the port. Given the 2 hr drive to IAH and the inept port staff it's not a good port unless you can drive.

 

Sorry to hear that you had a less than desirable experience. I have been out of Galveston twice with absolutely no issues what so ever and would go again without any hesitation. You can always choose another port.....happy cruising!

[I'm Ready 2 Go!]

WHATEVER YOU DO! DON'T CRUISE OUT OF GALVESTON!

 

The Fog is terrible! The ship is horrible! It's too big, and the crowds are huge! The traffic is horrendous! It's too far to the airport! There's no easy rental cars. Taxi's are expensive! Just decide not to do it!

 

Especially don't cruise on Jan 22. That's voodoo unlucky! And if you do, don't go early to get on the ship in the first group, wait until 2-3 to board. That way, you'll avoid ALL the hassle!

 

If you do cruise on Jan 22, when the ship gets back on Jan. 29, don't try to get off the ship early! It will be terrible! Wait until about 10:00 to debark.

 

(Can you tell where I'll be Jan 22.-Jan 29?????)

 

This cracks me up!!! Have a great time!