Port of Galveston?

We're thinking of sailing in September out of the Port of Galveston. We would be flying into Houston. Any suggestions on the best way to get to the port? Also, is there much to do in Galveston if we come in a few days early?

We're thinking of sailing in September out of the Port of Galveston. We would be flying into Houston. Any suggestions on the best way to get to the port? Also, is there much to do in Galveston if we come in a few days early?

I would fly into Hobby (HOU) airport because it is much closer to the port.

You can find transfer info on the Gulf Coast Departures board:

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

We used Extreme Elegance limos in December from IAH to Galveston. We booked a town car for about $150 each way...although we got a stretch limo on the way back at no extra cost. They were on time and we were happy with the service. Galveston in December was ok, although its much, much better in the summer with lots to do in the nicer weather.

For Galveston see: http://www.galveston.com/default.asp

Lots to see and do :)

Plenty to do in Galveston

You have Moody Gardens http://www.moodygardens.com/attractions/

Pleasure Pier http://www.pleasurepier.com

Just a couple of places to look at

Would recommend the Hilton hotel, they do a complimentary shuttle to the Port

Have a great cruise.

I would fly into Hobby (HOU) airport because it is much closer to the port.

 

True it is closer, but it limits the airline choices, as not everyone likes flying Southwest

We also like the Hilton nice small hotel with nice pool with swim up bar and live music on weekends we used reservations@execucar.com for limo/towncar 110 from HoBBY

We took Z limousine from Hobby, great service. We stayed at the Tremont. We didn't find much to do in Galveston but only stayed overnight.

My DW is doing a B2B in August, and I'm joining her for the second week.

She picked the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport, for the free shuttle service, and then the following day is on a shuttle provided by Galveston Limo Svc. As a senior, we pay $60.00 pp round trip.

Rick

True it is closer, but it limits the airline choices, as not everyone likes flying Southwest

Delta flies into HOU.

The most economical way we've found to transfer from IAH to port for 1 or 2 people is to book RCI transfers. I think they are $47 US pp one way.

We sailed on Princess out of Bayport, but the procedure would probably be the same:

1. Stay in a hotel which has a free airport shuttle (we used Comfort Suites.)

2. Take the hotel shuttle back to the airport in the morning.

3. Meet the cruise line port shuttle at the airport.

It may not be the absolute cheapest way to go, but it was the most stress-free for us. If you are going to use the cruise line shuttle, make sure you know the time requirements RCI has for your return flight.

Delta flies into HOU.

So does Jet Blue and American.

We're thinking of sailing in September out of the Port of Galveston. We would be flying into Houston. Any suggestions on the best way to get to the port? Also, is there much to do in Galveston if we come in a few days early?

We used Galveston Limo when we cruised out if there, they picked us up at IAH. Don't recall the price, and it wasn't a limo, more of a shuttle type bus like you would see at an off site parking service at an airport. Not luxurious by any means, but got us there when we wanted to be there.

We used Galveston Limo when we cruised out if there, they picked us up at IAH. Don't recall the price, and it wasn't a limo, more of a shuttle type bus like you would see at an off site parking service at an airport. Not luxurious by any means, but got us there when we wanted to be there.

This might not be for everyone, but for me, to ride in a 16 passenger shuttle, beats riding in a 50 pax bus, provided by the cruise line.....any day of the week.

We have used Galveston Limo before, and found it was a great service. From HOU for seniors.........$30.00 PP each way......well, it's $60.00 round trip, and I cannot find a fare that bets this any where on the internet.

If you have something that is better.......please let us know, as we will be flying into and out of Hobby a few times in the next 6 months, to cruise.:)

Rick

We're thinking of sailing in September out of the Port of Galveston. We would be flying into Houston. Any suggestions on the best way to get to the port? Also, is there much to do in Galveston if we come in a few days early?

Clearlake/Kemah

Space Center Houston http://spacecenter.org/

Kemah Boardwalk http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/

Galveston Island

http://www.galvestonhistory.org---------Galveston Historical Foundation !!!!!!

http://www.moodygardens.com ------ just look at site !!!!!!

http://www.thegrand.com – 1894 Grand Opera House !!!!!!

http://www.pleasurepier.com - PLEASURE PIER

http://thestrand.com/tour.php - Picture Tour of The Strand

http://www.galvestonislandtours.com

See videos courtesy of

from galveston.com and Galveston Convention and Visitors Bureau

galveston.com/videooverview/

galveston.com/videoannualevents/

galveston.com/videocomingupontheisland/

galveston.com/videofunindoorsandout/

galveston.com/videoitsislandtime/

Beaches 32 miles (Seawall Blvd)

Galveston town proper - 2 miles wide by 80 blocks long

Old Town Galveston - Strand To Post Office Street

La Kings Confectionary and Factory (The Strand, downtown)

Bakeries and Coffee Shops

Festivals

Wineries

Restaurants overlooking gulf and on port

Two first class convention centers

Many live theater venues

Many live music venues

Free concert nights - old town Galveston *- on strand

Free film nights -old town Galveston *- on strand

Free band nights-“family/kids” -summer outdoor Tuesdays 24th & Sealy

1894 Grand Opera House(a must see tour, or performances of many types)

Chess park

Artist festivals

Museums

Antique stores and art Galleries

Horse drawn carriage rides

Swimming in Gulf

Fishing in Gulf, Surf, Jetties and Bay

Fine restaurants

Night scene

Galveston Historical Foundation properties*

Many Historical and Victorian homes

Galveston has 2nd largest preservation organization in United States

Wooden Carved Trees Tour (wonderful)

Bishops palace (wonderful)

Moody mansion(wonderful)

Ashton villa (wonderful)

Moody gardens *(lots and lots to do) (massive, fun and family oriented)

Schlitterbahn water park http://www.schlitterbahn.com/gal

Restored tall ship schooner Elisa http://www.tsm-elissa.org (wonderful)

1900 Storm, Pirate jean Lafitte, Galveston Immigration documentary films

Pirates Store and program - Old town Strand

Maritime museum- http://www.tsm-elissa.org

Airplane museum (Lone Star Flight Museum)- http://www.lsfm.org/

Railroad museum - http://www.galvestonrrmuseum.com

Oil drilling rig museum - http://www.oceanstaroec.com

Sea wolf park – WWII submarine and destroyer - http://www.cavalla.org

Large souvenir shop over gulf water - Murdochs

Walks and shelling on the beach

Cruise ships (RCCL, Carnival, Disney)

Fishing (piers, wadefishing and charters-offshore & inshore))

Golfing

Skateboard park - large

Kayaking trails

Surfing and children surf camps

Kite flying on beach

Marine life and children marine care educational camps at Moody Gardens

Marine life and children marine camps at Texas AM University - Sea Camp Programs

Various Running events with major Triathlon event

Sand castle building event

Shopping shopping shopping

Dolphin watching and port water tours

NOAA Turtle rescue farm behind San Luis Resort

Carved damaged trees tour from storm

Free ferry ride and a short cruise to Bolivar

Duck tour (amphibious boat)

Galveston.com/ interact and discover/cams

Many other major weekly events and festivals not mentioned

as example :

Spring Break Events (March)

Confederate Reenactments

Sanctioned and Fun Runs(some large)

Triathlon Events

Art Walk (every 5 or so weeks year around)

Dickens on Strand (Dec) ----LARGE - http://www.dickensonthestrand.com

Lone Star Motorcycle Rally (Nov) ---LARGE - http://www.lonestarrally.com

Mardi Gras Galveston (Feb) ----LARGE- http://www.mardigrasgalveston.com

October Fest

Beer Fests

Wine Events and Fests

Greek Fest

Epicurean Evening of all restaurants

Seafood Fests

Shrimp Fest

June tenth Events

Yega’s Wild Game Cook Off large

County Fair - LARGE

Children’s Fest

Feather Fest - Large

Old Timey Bathing Beauty Fest

Beach Sand Castle Contest

And many many more !!

Trauma 1 Emergency Hospital on Island – Univ. Texas Medical Branch/Sealy Hospital

For the amt of money $300, I would rent a car and find a hotel with free parking and shuttle to the pier. OR stay at motel six (it wasn't that bad,lol) and park near the pier. I had covered parking for TWO weeks for $119.

Remember to eat at the original Mexican cafe. It was superb. So much food. Only order one plate and share.

Good luck.

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The summers are great in Galveston, more activity. Go on the Strand, lots of shops, eating places, etc. There also is a dolphin tour which is really great, just google them, we saw tons of dolphins

See www.fly2houston.com for airport and airline info for both Houston airports.

If you choose to come in early, you could also spend a bit of time in Houston itself. visitHoustonTexas.com will have schedules of special events, and there's always the zoo and museum district.

So does Jet Blue and American.

The OP is from SEA

Jet blue doesn't fly to Hobby from there

Delta connects thru Atlanta and American connects thru DFW

the op's best bet would be either a direct flight via United or Alaska air. no reason to do connections when direct flights are avail.

I loved Galveston and am so glad I flew in two days before my cruise a few months ago. I rented a car at Hobby (which was a nightmare but that's another story) and drove down to Galveston for two nights. The morning the cruise departed, I returned the car to Hobby and took the cruise transfer back down. I have another booked from there next year and intend to do the same.

I loved Galveston and am so glad I flew in two days before my cruise a few months ago. I rented a car at Hobby (which was a nightmare but that's another story) and drove down to Galveston for two nights. The morning the cruise departed, I returned the car to Hobby and took the cruise transfer back down. I have another booked from there next year and intend to do the same.

Brilliant:D

What a great idea and welcome back to Galveston:)