Galveston is a unique and historical port in the Gulf of Mexico. For hundreds of years, it has been a favorite for sailors, including the notorious Pirates of the Caribbean. But did you know that in 2018 there are over 300 cruises planned to depart out of this old pirate refuse?
Currently, there are two main cruise lines that sail out of Galveston: Carnival and Royal Caribbean. The Disney Wonder also sails from Galveston during the winter months. The variety of itineraries and cruise destinations provides customers with sufficient choices for their sailing pleasures.
Just a short drive from Houston (or Houston Hobby Airport) Galveston is a gracious and fun-loving host for you and your family, either pre or post sailing.
Here are 10 tips on how you make the most out of your sailing out of Galveston:
1. The Early Bird Flies in the Day Before.
If you are flying in for your vacation, you will either by landing at Houston Intercontinental Airport (72 miles to Galveston) or Houston Hobby Airport (46 miles to the port). Take advantage of the many features and attractions of Galveston and come to the Island the day before. Not only will this put you in just the right mood to step onto your ship, refreshed and ready to cruise, you can enjoy Another great reason to come early is that traveling across Houston, a bustling city of over 2.4 city residents and an additional 4 million in the surrounding areas, can cause delays in ground transportation. Take it all in stride as you are headed to the port in plenty of time before departure.
2. Big Deals and Little Deals.
Galveston Island is a full resort city. There are stunning historical hotels (some over a hundred years old and still grander than ever) along the seawall and Strand District (the original center for business in Galveston in the early sailing days). You can also stay at more reasonable hotels and use your stay there to gain a true taste of the Gulf of Mexico.
3. Reserve Your Parking Before You Head There.
As many of Galveston cruisers travel to the port in their cars, you need to be prepared to park close to the port. Parking is relatively less expensive than other major ports and a variety of options from covered to valet.
4. Choose Early Check-In Times with the Cruise Line.
If you’ve sailed before, you know that getting ON the ship can sometimes be long. Everybody is excited about getting onboard and starting their vacation. Plan ahead by asking the cruise line for an Early Check-In. If you are working with a Travel Agent, like Cruise Planners, they will help you set this up early in the process.
5. Choose to Self-Assist at Debarkation.
No one wants to cut his or her vacation short. But when it comes to debarkation, getting off of the ship as early as possible will certainly help you end your vacation on a good note. Galveston has a reputation for painfully long debarkation times thanks to a slow customs process.
6. Always Cruise with Valid Passports
You are leaving the country once you get on board your cruise. Traveling with a Passport is not only recommended it is vital. If for some reason you are stranded at one of the foreign ports, a Valid Passport is required to get back into the Country. At the point of debarkation back in Galveston, having a passport is also a quicker process, vs. having non-passport level identification. As a travel agent, we highly recommend you have and keep these precious documents handy.
7. Insurance Pays: Winters can be Foggy and Falls can be Windy
The Gulf Coast is notorious for its weather. As they say, “Wait a minute and it will change”. Some of the winter cruises can be slowed by fog and mist, causing delays in the ships arriving and departing from the port. Cruise lines will not compromise safety just to stay on schedule. If for some reason the weather is not navigable, insurance is a smart investment.
10. Use a Travel Agent: It’s Free.
The cruise line compensates Travel Agents. They are able to find you the best deals, matching any deal that is online, as well as offer you incentives that the online providers' do not have access. Travel Agents are constantly kept up to date with all of the details of the port and the cruise line. They are your personal planners. Take advantage of their vast knowledge and connections to make sure you are not working harder on your vacation that you do the other 50 weeks of the year.
Photo: Heather Baxter
CRUISE PLANNERS
DePasquale Travel
Don DePasquale, Cruise Specialist
Don.depasquale@cruiseplanners.com
832-727-3592
Bon Voyage!
