Baltimore Parking for September Cruise

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oceanichouse

Guest
We are booked for the September 1st cruise on the Galaxy from Baltimore RT for New England/Canada. I am planning on driving down the day before and stay overnight in Baltimore. Then drive from the hotel to the pier. Does anyone have information regarding pier parking in Baltimore? Such as price and whether it's secured parking.

Thanks for any information available.
 
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cruisetarp

Guest
Parking is $7.00 per day payable when entering the lot. We parked there last year and plan on doing so again in July. Any information you need, or directions, can be found at www.mpa.state.md.us ---Go to cruise information and you will find all the info you need.When you enter the lot you will be directed to large container bins where your luggage will be put, directed to a parking spot and board a shuttle bus for the ride to the ship.
 
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cmthomas

Guest
Just got back from a Galaxy cruise from Baltimore and the parking arrangements are well planned. Just be aware, they only accept cash or Travelers Checks as payment. Also, keep your eyes open for people directing you after you pay your fee. The way that they want you to go to drop off luggage appears to take you away from where the cars are parked but it is arranged in a big circle. FWIW, as we approached the luggage drop point I just popped the trunk and the longshoremen (and women!) removed my bags and I never had to get out of the car. Saw no one seeking or offering tips. Same on the tips on return. However, if you use a porter in the Customs area I think they expect to be tipped. On arriving they shuttle you to the ship in little mini-buses. On return, they use big highway buses so they can put your luggage underneath instead of wrestling with it on board. It is a superbly efficient system. Took us 15 minutes from walking down the gangway to driving from the parking lot.
 
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Chef M

Guest
As a Marylander who is also cruising Galaxy in September (12-22) I can make recommendations for dining/attractions in the Baltimore area for those of you coming in a day early/staying a day late.

My expereinces with the Terminal and Parking are right in line with what was stated above.

Have a great trip!
 
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cmthomas

Guest
Chef M, you should enjoy the cuisine on the Galaxy. On our May 19th sailing the Executive Chef was a Brit and the Head Chef (or some other title that I am obviously forgetting) was a German. The Pastry Chef is French. Together they work miracles at sea in their kitchen which has a staff of 100 (NOT counting the waiters!).

As with most cruises, there is never a moment when food is not available. It is truly the eating Olympics. The lobster tails on the Farwell Dinner night were huge but tender and tasty. The thing that impressed me the most is that our food ALWAYS seemed to come to the table hot. Also, Eggs Benedict are served for breakfast every day in the dining room. Or you can have the cholestorol injected directly into your corotid artery if you prefer!

Be sure to catch the Elegant Tea held twice during the voyage. And by all means at least enjoy viewing of the Grand Buffet at midnight near the end of the voyage.

In 11 days I put on 6 pounds! After starving now for 1 week most of the excess baggage is gone. The gain was worth the pain!
 
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Chef M

Guest
That's so funny.... :)

There is a saying that goes, "Never trust a skinny chef." And after dropping 100+ lbs with Weight Watchers I am a little nervous about going on a cruise because I knwo EXACTLY how food is prepared in the classical French Cuisine realm of food. So hopefully, the Gym is just as good as the food (And I have heard that it is) so that I won't come home with anything extra other than memories. Oh, and the occasional souvenir.
 
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