Galveston terminal?

[39august]

It's been about 5 years since we cruised RCI out of Galveston. How is the boarding process going at the terminal: slow, smooth, etc? We waited in a very long line years ago. Is there priority boarding for Diamond members as there is in Miami and Fort Lauderdale where when you check in you are given an orange card stating "priority"? We typically arrive by at least 11:30 AM in other ports and will be shuttling in at about that time when we sail in April. I expect to stand in line, but wonder if it will move as quickly as those in Florida, LA and San Diego. I know there have been some late arrivals and departures because of heavy fog. Just hope that doesn't happen with our cruise!

[bruce-r]

Look here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=414

[39august]

I've already been to that board. My questions are specifically about RCI's procedures.

[Dialemic]

It's been about 5 years since we cruised RCI out of Galveston. How is the boarding process going at the terminal: slow, smooth, etc? We waited in a very long line years ago. Is there priority boarding for Diamond members as there is in Miami and Fort Lauderdale where when you check in you are given an orange card stating "priority"? We typically arrive by at least 11:30 AM in other ports and will be shuttling in at about that time when we sail in April. I expect to stand in line, but wonder if it will move as quickly as those in Florida, LA and San Diego. I know there have been some late arrivals and departures because of heavy fog. Just hope that doesn't happen with our cruise!

 

Last year when I boarded we got literally right on. No wait, nothing. It was quite simply, relaxing. Getting off on the other hand, well, that took some time getting the car, waiting in line, its kind of a mess.

[dscomp]

We have really never had a problem getting on or off at Galveston, but we havent cruised on the voyager yet.

[cruisePRN]

Prior to the last 3 weeks the ship Rhapsody was smaller and the terminal could accomodate everyone. Now that Voyager is there it is different, to many people for the terminal.

[nomoreknothead]

We have sailed out of Galveston on every cruise except Mariner and have never had one minutes trouble. Yes there is alot of traffic but we just get in line and roll with the flow!

[Choozin Croozin]

All the posts that I have been reading since Voyager came to Glaveston in Dec have been negative in the area of embarkation and debarkation except last week. Now, with that said I want to preface that by saying the week prior was a HUGE fog delay, the week before that was the big press thing, and the other 2 weeks they were still trying to get "it" together since it was new. I am hoping that last week was a good sign and that they are now moving forward.

[Rancher Dave]

All the posts that I have been reading since Voyager came to Glaveston in Dec have been negative in the area of embarkation and debarkation except last week. Now' date=' with that said I want to preface that by saying the week prior was a HUGE fog delay, the week before that was the big press thing, and the other 2 weeks they were still trying to get "it" together since it was new. I am hoping that last week was a good sign and that they are now moving forward.[/quote']

 

 

Pretty funny that they are so many weeks into the cruise season for VOS here in Texas and only just this past Sunday had a more or less normal weekend here. Hope the rest of the Sundays are as smooth as the past weekend.

[Pumbaamd]

Dave,

We have Voyager booked for April '09. It looks like a quite complicated affair to get decent airfare into HOU from anywhere. Then to get to the pier is another problem. Rent a car, or pay huge transfer fees, spend $150+ for a decent hotel, boarding and disembarking seems chaotic, why are we doing this? Not pretty funny for those guests on board Voyager.

Because we want to go somewhere different, sea a new town, a new beach, some new people.

However, there is a limit to what most people will endure. We are trying, at this early stage, to plan this cruise to have fun, and, not spend a lot of extra $$$ that we would not spend in MIA or FLL.

We are really wanting to visit Texas for a few days pre- and post cruise. Maybe a visit to your ranch? Hope we can work this out. And also hope that Galveston, itself, understands the difficulties that cruise ship guests have sailing from this port.

The cruise lines also realize those same problems.

Rick and Deirdra

[TEXASMUNK]

It works. Simply said, the Galveston crew does a great job.

Take into consideration this is the ship's 6 sailing.

first one was slower, next week improved. same with the third. 4th involved a special press day. 5th was weather (don't wirte the CEO of RCI, talk to the Good Lord about that one..maybe ask for a OBC). This past Sunday went smooth.

So, what was the question?

 

Yes, Diamonds are treated special. We understand that they no longer will use a gangway, but we will be escorted onboard over the prone bodies of mere Golds and Platinums.

[WhenIsOurNextCruise]

Dave,

We have Voyager booked for April '09. It looks like a quite complicated affair to get decent airfare into HOU from anywhere. Then to get to the pier is another problem. Rent a car, or pay huge transfer fees, spend $150+ for a decent hotel, boarding and disembarking seems chaotic, why are we doing this? Not pretty funny for those guests on board Voyager.

Because we want to go somewhere different, sea a new town, a new beach, some new people.

However, there is a limit to what most people will endure. We are trying, at this early stage, to plan this cruise to have fun, and, not spend a lot of extra $$$ that we would not spend in MIA or FLL.

We are really wanting to visit Texas for a few days pre- and post cruise. Maybe a visit to your ranch? Hope we can work this out. And also hope that Galveston, itself, understands the difficulties that cruise ship guests have sailing from this port.

 

I'm not Dave, but I live in Houston and hope you can visit our great state. I really think you should be able to find decent airfare. We certainly fly in and out of here all the time and find great bargains. You might try Southwest Airlines website as their flights are not listed with any of the search sites that I am aware of. Also, I'm thinking there are discounted hotels at a site like Hotwire. If you need help deciding what part of town you would like to stay in, or advice on a hotel in Galveston, I'd be happy to try to help.

Cathy

[clearlakecruisers]

Pumbaamd,

 

Another welcome to Texas and another offer to answer any questions you may have about cruising from Galveston.

 

Flights to either Bush/Intercontinental (IAH) or Hobby Airport (HOU) should be no problem. Both Southwest and AirTran have numerous flights into HOU, which is most convenient airport to Galveston, and both typically have attractive rates.

 

Transportation to the cruise terminals in Galveston has been a problem but they are working to improve the situation. Check other threads for information on contacting Galveston Limo - they seem to have had lots of satisfied customers lately. Most cruisers recommend dealing directly with the local rental car agencies to get the best rates.

 

Unless you are looking at upscale lodging in Galveston over Spring Break, there should be numerous options for much less than $150/night. If you are "hitting" Spring Break, I suggest that you look at staying in the Clear Lake/NASA Johnson Space Center area, which is about midway between HOU and the cruise terminals (20-30 minutes either way), or other off-island lodging.

 

Glad to help if you have questions.

[tbruin3235]

Too bad RCCL didn't set the schedule for Voyager as Saturday-Saturday instead of Sunday-Sunday, that way there would not have been the crowds of TWO huge ships on the same day.

 

Maybe something for them to consider in the future.

[wolfganghowell]

OP - there is a separate small waiting area for Diamond and Platinum. We were allowed to board first after any wedding parties. This was on Rhapsody but apparently the area is still in place.

[Choozin Croozin]

I booked my airfare through Southwest Airlines into Houston Hobby (HOU). If you sign up for "Ding Fares" almost everyday they have some special. All you do is put in the airports that you would use and check everyday. Even if you book it, they will credit your account (not your credit card) for the difference to be used at a later date. I think I have re-booked 4 times now and saved abouT $120 since I originally booked (for 2 people). We also booked a rental car through enterprise (via hotwire) and are just parking it for the week. (EZ parking) It is just about a wash as far as $$$ goes and now we have a car to go out and see the area, since we are coming in on Saturday. We too thought it would be great to see a new part of the country and were excited about the area until we found out how complicated things were. Now we are fine and looking forward to seeing the Houston Space Center and Galveston. Just hope the FOG stays away. :rolleyes:

[DannyMac]

My wife and I live about 35-40 minutes from Galveston and have cruised from there several times. If you don't get in a hurry and just chill out, everything will be fine.

 

Galveston is somewhat hard to get to for folks who fly into the area, they don't have commuter air service so ground transportation is the only alternative. Traffic congestion, you bet! I believe most of the traffic is people driving to and from the port at the same time to get on or get off the ships. Just take your time, relax and enjoy your vacation.

 

Most of the traffic congestion seems to be around the 9am-12pm timeline, if you arrive after 12 noon, its not so bad.

 

FOG!!:eek: count on it. At this time of the year Jan-April you can count on fog if we have a cold front that stalls on the coast. I have fished Galveston Bay for over 50 yrs and usually encounter the fog problem during this timeline.

 

Have a great cruise.

[Host Kat]

Too bad RCCL didn't set the schedule for Voyager as Saturday-Saturday instead of Sunday-Sunday, that way there would not have been the crowds of TWO huge ships on the same day.

Maybe something for them to consider in the future.

But don't forget about Carnival Ecstasy in Galveston. She alternates 4 and 5 day cruises. Her 4 day cruises depart on Thursdays returning on Mondays. Her 5 day cruises depart on Mondays or Saturdays returning on Saturdays or Thursdays. She has a 2,052 double occupancy guest capacity.

 

If Voyager of the Seas with her 3,114 guest capacity scheduled Saturday-Saturday, she would still be part of a crowd on alternating Saturdays... just not as big as it is on Sundays with the Carnival Conquest 2,974 guest capacity.

Kat

[Host Kat]

... FOG!!:eek: count on it. At this time of the year Jan-April you can count on fog if we have a cold front that stalls on the coast...

So true! But don't forget about our "fall" time of the year. The fog rolls in on cat-like feet then too!

Kat