Choosing Liberty out of Galveston, worth the "hassle"?

[time4u2go]

I agree, Tampa is not Galveston. Galveston is not Key West or San Juan (OSJ piers) either. I only meant to illustrate that there are other ports (as opposed to Port Everglades) that have some points of interest within walking distance.

I'm thinking New Orleans fits that description pretty well!

[time4u2go]

The only negative about Galveston is sometimes it is foggy and the ship might delay departure. Other wise it is actually superior to many ports. Nowhere else can you actually walk off the ship and wander the delights of the Strand and seaside restaurants and bars. It is somewhat like Key West in that regard.....Also, prior to departure you can look over the side of the ship and watch dolphins playing. Where else do you get to see that?

 

the Liberty? It is a very large ship. In fact, only Oasis class ships are bigger.

 

Doug

I'm pretty sure that's not the only negative. Read the posts on this thread. And fog doesn't just delay departure, it can also delay arrival, causing missed flights. See post #65.

[Clarea]

I'm thinking New Orleans fits that description pretty well!

Yep.

[Wordell1]

We were on LOS out of Galveston . Cruise was great and an easy drive from Austin. We were delayed by the fog but it was really a non issue for us.

 

I wouldn't recommend it for people flying in however. Too far from airports to port.

 

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[SPacificbound]

I agree that Freedom is a nice ship and there should be plenty of things to entertain.

 

If you can come in a couple of days early Galveston does have things to do also.

 

As mentioned, sometimes there is fog, it's not just in Galveston, I live in Houston and we get it also.

[coast2coast]

We just cruised out of Galveston on the Liberty back in January. We flew to Hobby, plane landed early, our luggage was the first off the plane, and we were in an Uber heading to Galveston at the time our plane was supposed to land. Stayed at Country Inn & Suites in Galveston, enjoyed walking along the Strand, had an awesome lunch at Blvd. Seafood, and great beers at Beerfoot Brewery, literally right next to the hotel. Easily caught an Uber from the hotel to the port.

 

The way back was a bit of a different story. Our ship didn't get into port until 10 a.m. due to fog (definitely not as bad as this last weekend's cruise), and we didn't get off the ship until 11:30 even though we were the 4th group called, I believe. Getting an Uber this time around was not as easy as our driver evidently didn't have a pass to pick people up at the port, so we had to walk a ways to meet up with him waaaaaay down the street from the port. We missed our flight, had to rebook super expensive ones, but then made up for that by accepting vouchers from Delta as our connecting flight from ATL to our home airport was overbooked. Actually came out ahead on that one.

 

So, would I cruise out of Galveston again? Probably not, but really only because if I'm going to the Caribbean, I'm going to cruise out of FL from now on as our DD goes to college in Orlando, and we'd probably drive down there and include a visit with her. The one thing I recommended on our post-cruise survey was for RCI to put a disclaimer somewhere on the page when you go to book a cruise out of Galveston about the possibility of delays due to fog during the winter so that people can plan their flights accordingly (i.e. early evening as even early afternoon wouldn't have helped the Liberty cruisers this last weekend). I should have known better since I frequent CC a bit, but not every cruiser knows about CC, especially newbies.

[grandmarnnurse]

We just cruised out of Galveston on the Liberty back in January. We flew to Hobby, plane landed early, our luggage was the first off the plane, and we were in an Uber heading to Galveston at the time our plane was supposed to land. Stayed at Country Inn & Suites in Galveston, enjoyed walking along the Strand, had an awesome lunch at Blvd. Seafood, and great beers at Beerfoot Brewery, literally right next to the hotel. Easily caught an Uber from the hotel to the port.

 

The way back was a bit of a different story. Our ship didn't get into port until 10 a.m. due to fog (definitely not as bad as this last weekend's cruise), and we didn't get off the ship until 11:30 even though we were the 4th group called, I believe. Getting an Uber this time around was not as easy as our driver evidently didn't have a pass to pick people up at the port, so we had to walk a ways to meet up with him waaaaaay down the street from the port. We missed our flight, had to rebook super expensive ones, but then made up for that by accepting vouchers from Delta as our connecting flight from ATL to our home airport was overbooked. Actually came out ahead on that one.

 

So, would I cruise out of Galveston again? Probably not, but really only because if I'm going to the Caribbean, I'm going to cruise out of FL from now on as our DD goes to college in Orlando, and we'd probably drive down there and include a visit with her. The one thing I recommended on our post-cruise survey was for RCI to put a disclaimer somewhere on the page when you go to book a cruise out of Galveston about the possibility of delays due to fog during the winter so that people can plan their flights accordingly (i.e. early evening as even early afternoon wouldn't have helped the Liberty cruisers this last weekend). I should have known better since I frequent CC a bit, but not every cruiser knows about CC, especially newbies.

My daughter and son in law were on the Carnival Breeze Salinger out of Galveston, and returning this past Sunday. They had a 4:00pm flight out of Houston, but due to the dense fog, they didn’t get off ship until around 3:30pm. Needless to say, they missed their flight, and since there is only 2 flights a day that could take them to their home in Minot, ND, they couldn’t get a flight home until 4:00pm the next day. They also had to find a hotel. Now, because of this, it has me rethinking my cruise plans for March 2020. I was planning on booking the Liberty of the Seas out of Galveston for a family cruise of 28+ people for my 50th Anniversary. Still undecided what we will do.

[CanadaRob]

My daughter and son in law were on the Carnival Breeze Salinger out of Galveston, and returning this past Sunday. They had a 4:00pm flight out of Houston, but due to the dense fog, they didn’t get off ship until around 3:30pm. Needless to say, they missed their flight, and since there is only 2 flights a day that could take them to their home in Minot, ND, they couldn’t get a flight home until 4:00pm the next day. They also had to find a hotel. Now, because of this, it has me rethinking my cruise plans for March 2020. I was planning on booking the Liberty of the Seas out of Galveston for a family cruise of 28+ people for my 50th Anniversary. Still undecided what we will do.

 

I've already entered in here-because I bumped the thread today.

If i was looking at 2 similar itineraries I would pay the extra(for me) to fly to FLA. If the cruise was substantially cheaper than I would and will go again. Blizzard 54 just finished 5 weeks on Liberty and is still going again later.

I also sail out of Bayonne because its cheaper than going to FLA

[grandmarnnurse]

I've already entered in here-because I bumped the thread today.

If i was looking at 2 similar itineraries I would pay the extra(for me) to fly to FLA. If the cruise was substantially cheaper than I would and will go again. Blizzard 54 just finished 5 weeks on Liberty and is still going again later.

I also sail out of Bayonne because its cheaper than going to FLA

I chose Galveston because the one daughter and family flying out of Minot, ND. Much more reasonable for them. To fly to Florida, they most likely would have to drive 8 hours to Minneapolis to fly at an exorbitant cost for their family of 5. Then, there’s my son and his family that live outside of Dallas, TX. They would only have to drive to Galveston. We, along with our other three children and 9 grandchildren will have to fly out of Buffalo, NY. I think the cost is comparable for us to either fly to Florida or Houston. Plus, the Liberty was cheaper. Not happy with itinerary, but I can’t have everything trying to please this whole gang. I think I will wait until one year out to make this decision.

[FOXTROT]

We have done this cruise 5 times in the last year. Why? It is very cheap & we needed the points. They are great cruises & worth the extra travel time.

[cstimmons]

I was on liberty last week and had a great time. Freedom class ate our favorite ships. Just the right size. If you do go do yourself a favor. Don't go onto the ship comparing everything to Oasis. I think us doing that ruined our oasis trip a bit. Having a second cruise on the same ship for the first time was altogether a new experience for us. Also Galveston ain't that bad. Not much different than port Canaveral.

 

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[Merion_Mom]

I was on liberty last week and had a great time. Freedom class ate our favorite ships. Just the right size. If you do go do yourself a favor. Don't go onto the ship comparing everything to Oasis. I think us doing that ruined our oasis trip a bit. Having a second cruise on the same ship for the first time was altogether a new experience for us. Also Galveston ain't that bad. Not much different than port Canaveral.

 

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Freedom class ate your favorite ships? Why did it do that?!?!?!?!:o:o

[M_J_Wright]

we just got off the Liberty on the 18th of February, we were suppose to be off at 8:30am for our flight at 2:30 in Houston, but because of the weather specifically the fog, we never even made it to the taxi stand until 5pm.

That along with the extra money spent for taxi ($160) and hotel ($150) and meals and flight change with United ($600), I won't go back to the port.

 

Just of note, when we got on the ship on the 11th, the temp was around 34 f and stayed cool for the first couple days.

 

those ports were amazing, but I'll look for them from another port.

[proggieus]

we just got off the Liberty on the 18th of February, we were suppose to be off at 8:30am for our flight at 2:30 in Houston, but because of the weather specifically the fog, we never even made it to the taxi stand until 5pm.

That along with the extra money spent for taxi ($160) and hotel ($150) and meals and flight change with United ($600), I won't go back to the port.

 

Just of note, when we got on the ship on the 11th, the temp was around 34 f and stayed cool for the first couple days.

 

those ports were amazing, but I'll look for them from another port.

 

 

 

I have the same opinion-

 

It is highly unlikly i will ever sail out of there again, Might go back for another mardi gras but not for another cruise.

[cstimmons]

Just curious, wouldn't cruise insurance cover your fees or no?

 

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[anankae]

The only downside was disembarkation, just a bloody mess. They just did not have it together, and it took much longer than it should have. Easily the worst I have seen out of around 25 cruises. Perhaps this problem has been rectified since two years have passed.

 

They have completely fixed this. My last cruise a couple weeks ago, we went down early because we thought there might be a traffic issue with Mardi Gras (there wasn't - but all of the streets in the Strand were barricaded off). Got there around 10am I think? Dropped our luggage at the pier. Parked in one of the park-n-cruise lots, walked over to the ship. Walked in and right through check-in. They've expanded the interior, it's a little longer walk to get there. Larger waiting lounge. Sat in the lounge maybe half an hour before they started letting us board.

 

Worst traffic I've encountered was from a motorcycle rally, that was a nightmare.

[anankae]

Just of note, when we got on the ship on the 11th, the temp was around 34 f and stayed cool for the first couple days.

 

I was on the same cruise. There were a lot of people running to Walmart and buying jackets and hoodies. Before we left Houston, I went back into the house and grabbed a warmer jacket. I don't recall it was as cold as 34F, but it was pretty chill.

[time4u2go]

They have completely fixed this. My last cruise a couple weeks ago, we went down early because we thought there might be a traffic issue with Mardi Gras (there wasn't - but all of the streets in the Strand were barricaded off). Got there around 10am I think? Dropped our luggage at the pier. Parked in one of the park-n-cruise lots, walked over to the ship. Walked in and right through check-in. They've expanded the interior, it's a little longer walk to get there. Larger waiting lounge. Sat in the lounge maybe half an hour before they started letting us board.

 

Worst traffic I've encountered was from a motorcycle rally, that was a nightmare.

The post you were responding to was about disembarkation, not embarkation.

[M_J_Wright]

Just curious, wouldn't cruise insurance cover your fees or no?

 

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here was their email..

 

"Thank you for contacting Royal Caribbean Internationalabout your sailing on the Liberty of the Seas. As a Platinum member of ourCrown & Anchor Society, you’re important to us.

I'm so sorry for any disappointments caused in the delayto the port. At this time we aren't offering any compensation to any of ourguests that were affected for this. If our corporate office make any changes tothis an email will be sent out to all guests on this sailing with the details.

Regarding coverage with our Royal Caribbean TravelProtection. I don't believe they cover delays. If you would like to contactthem so they may answer this question directly for you, their number is 1-800-453-4022.

We realize you have many vacation options and thank youfor choosing Royal Caribbean International. We hope we’re able to welcome youback on one of our innovative ships in the future.

Warm regards,"

[cstimmons]

here was their email..

 

"Thank you for contacting Royal Caribbean Internationalabout your sailing on the Liberty of the Seas. As a Platinum member of ourCrown & Anchor Society, you’re important to us.

I'm so sorry for any disappointments caused in the delayto the port. At this time we aren't offering any compensation to any of ourguests that were affected for this. If our corporate office make any changes tothis an email will be sent out to all guests on this sailing with the details.

Regarding coverage with our Royal Caribbean TravelProtection. I don't believe they cover delays. If you would like to contactthem so they may answer this question directly for you, their number is 1-800-453-4022.

We realize you have many vacation options and thank youfor choosing Royal Caribbean International. We hope we’re able to welcome youback on one of our innovative ships in the future.

Warm regards,"

Wow, so your insurance was through RCI I'm pretty sure they only do compensation if you booked your flights through them. Begs the question if you had third party insurance through USAA perhaps, would they cover it....sucks either way!

 

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[lbjen]

Check with the credit card you paid for the flights with, some have trip insurance as a benefit.

 

It’s worth noting that the fog issue is only for a couple of months each year!

[anankae]

The post you were responding to was about disembarkation, not embarkation.

 

Oh well. Disembarking. I was on the Liberty on the 18th, sitting in the very dense fog for hours. Circumstances put us in the first group to disembark and we were supposed to be down in Boleros at 6:30am, which we were. Then they said 8:30, then 10, then 11:30, then 1 something, they kept pushing it later. Most people don't know this but everyone got delayed disembarking for at least 45 minutes to an hour by one person who was supposed to be in our group who for some reason of his own, decided not to show (he was the passenger they kept "urgently" paging). When they finally did find him, we all got swept off the ship first, escorted very quickly to immigration. Was around 1:30pm I think? That was an experience.

[NavarreCruiser]

We've sailed out of Galveston several times. They usually have the best prices. My suggestions to keep it calm and fun:

 

Fly in the day before, and book ahead with Jeff's Cabs (409) 621-5333. The dispatch lady is a hoot! Use them airport (Hobby is best) to hotel, hotel to dock, dock to airport.

 

If you want to save money, book your air with Southwest, and try to arrive before or after commute hours. The drive down to Galveston can be heavy traffic. Definitely go to Galveston the night before, NOT the day of the cruise from Houston.

 

Book a 2pm or later flight back home. There can be fog in the port, so avoid it. Most fog burns off by mid-day, early afternoon. Go across the street to Fuddrucker's and have a nice lunch, then have Jeff's Cabs pick you up.

 

I have cruised from Galveston 6 or more times and am going there again 2 times this year. I have always driven from Houston to Galveston the day of the cruise, including 1 time when daughter used airline miles to fly in on a flight that arrived at noon on the day of departure. She tried to fly in the day before but could not find a flight using reward miles. That timeframe made us very nervous, but we made it okay. We usually leave Houston fairly early and although sometimes traffic is slow we have never been close to an uncomfortable time squeeze (except that noon flight day).

[sidekick3_cruiser]

We have cruised out of Galveston the last 3-4 times with another one booked for October and though it could be better I have no real complaints. Last week, we stayed at the Holiday Inn on the beach for $100 and got a decent room with a balcony (that had a gorgeous ocean view) and free weeklong parking (can go up to 15 days I think) AND roundtrip shuttle included. Last couple times we snagged Moody Gardens and the Hilton for about ~$150, but I can't remember if their shuttle/parking was free. Those 3 hotels did not require a minimum 2 night stay.

 

The port could use some improvements but overall we have no issues there. I've always gone by shuttle, went straight to the baggage drop area and left our luggage, and then breezed through checkout. You walk in, and security is immediately to your left, and there's usually so many open lines that going through it is fast. Then you walk/elevator up the stairs and there are clearly guided check-in lines with attendants who help guide you to the next available agent to check in. There is plenty of seating available while you wait (we went at 12:45 and had no wait time) with vending machines if you get hungry or thirsty.

 

Disembarking is quick if you carry your own bags out, and if not, you pick up your luggage in a designated area on the way to customs. It's all pretty self-explanatory when you're there and in my experiences there, it's all been a piece of cake. The very first time I went, I was on Carnival cruise and my luggage was put in a different zone than it should have been so I had to look a little harder, but since then I've had 0 issues. For what it's worth, on our Vision cruise that ended yesterday, we left our cabin at 7:45am, and with the 15-20 minute shuttle ride included, we were back in our car at 8:30am. I'd say 45 minutes total is not slow.

 

Liberty is my favorite RCCL ship so far out of the 3 I have been on (2x Liberty, once on Navigator and once on Vision), you will not be disappointed with what all she has to offer. We were missing a lot of her amenities on the Vision! But, her prices were at least 3x what we paid, so you get what you pay for, and we just wanted a small getaway.

 

Either way, Galveston may not be the neatest, most modern departure port, but in my experiences it has done the job more than well enough and the Freedom class ships are a great option for that port.

[nealstuber]

 

Liberty is my favorite RCCL ship so far out of the 3 I have been on (2x Liberty, once on Navigator and once on Vision), you will not be disappointed with what all she has to offer. We were missing a lot of her amenities on the Vision! But, her prices were at least 3x what we paid, so you get what you pay for, and we just wanted a small getaway. .

 

We’ve done Lib twice and enjoyed her both times but she’s not our Favorite (Oasis and Mariner were better cruises for us).

 

But you’re right about the 3x cost vs the Vision. So we decided that that a back to back 10 day cruise on Vision for less than a 7 day on the Liberty was the way to go! We’ll miss the Royal Promenade and the Ice show, and I guess what ever perks we have coming to us when we make Diamond after the 1st half of the B2B, but 10 days is like 40% more Cruise time and it was 20% cheaper to [emoji152]!

 

Back on point, we’re really looking forward to Embarking and Disembarking in Galveston when our ship is the only ship in port

 

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