Sailing During Galveston Mardi Gras

[texreno]

Our Roll Call group was planning to wear Mardi Gras beads during embarkation so we could spot one another. While discussing where some of our member could purchase Mardi Gras beads it hit me that we were sailing in Feb. 2010. After a quick check of future Galveston Mardi Gras dates, I found that we were sailing right smack-dab in the middle to the celebration. So much for our plan on how to spot each other. Everyone will be wearing Mardi Gras beads.

 

Long story but I do have a question here.

 

Can anyone give us advice on what it's like embarking and debarking during Mardi Gras in Galveston? We're on the VOS sailing Feb. 7 - 14, 2010. Galveston's 2010 Mardi Gras dates are Feb. 5 through Fat Tuesday on Feb. 16.

[Galveston Cruiser]

Wrist Bands

[bethco]

I've gotten on the Voyager during Mardi Gras. The only hassle was that streets were blocked to cross traffic near the port. So when the shuttle went from EZ Cruise parking to terminal, it had to go many extra blocks down and back adding about 20 minutes to the time to get to the ship. Nothing else seemed to be going on in that area late morning to early afternoon. If you want to stay in Galveston overnight pre-cruise, book it early. (my experience was the year before the hurricane hit, so there may be some changes)

 

If you arrive early enough, I'll wave to you. I'll be sailing the week before you.

 

How about a large fake flower pinned to something or a tacky plastic lei since lots of folks will probably be in beads.

[Texas Teen]

I remember seeing a big crowd of people on the Strand from the Strand Webcam on Mardi Gras! It was crowded!

[futaba951]

Make some goofy hats out of cigarette cartons or some such. You'll fit right in the crowd and no one will even look at you funny. It's Mardi Gras.

[texreno]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. We're discussing wearing Hawaiian Leis as a point of recognition.