Boarding ship in Galveston

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Cyn Cyn

Waiter
:sunny:Thanks for your kind welcome. Is anyone familiar with the boarding process in Galveston, TX ? I've heard that the Hotel Galvez will keep our car and has a shuttle to the port. The time listed is 4PM. But, I don't understand if that's the departure time and if so... when do we arrive ?
Are there seats while waiting ? I have difficulty standing for long periods. Is there a security check like at the airport ? Any info is appreciated from this novice.
Many thanks,
Cyn Cyn
 
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drydocked

Deck Crew
When I cruised from there back in 04, it was real easy going. I had driven down from near OKC the day before.
It was like an old airport lobby to me where you went thru the process and had places to sit but I didn't end up sitting very long if
at all due to how quick it went by.
 
Cruizer

Cruizer

Staff Captain
Cyn Cyn said:
:sunny:Thanks for your kind welcome. Is anyone familiar with the boarding process in Galveston, TX ? I've heard that the Hotel Galvez will keep our car and has a shuttle to the port. The time listed is 4PM. But, I don't understand if that's the departure time and if so... when do we arrive ?
Are there seats while waiting ? I have difficulty standing for long periods. Is there a security check like at the airport ? Any info is appreciated from this novice.
Many thanks,
Cyn Cyn
Click to expand...

I can't comment on the Hotel Galvez as I did not stay there. 4pm is the departure time. You have to be checked in at least 60 minutes prior and some cruise lines say 90 minutes, which means you should get there no later than 2pm or risk being denied boarding. There were seats when I was there, but I boarded the Royal Caribbean ship. Nonetheless, all the waiting areas I have been to (I've been on 18 cruises) have seats in the boarding area. And yes, there is a security check just like at the airport, except you don't have to take off your shoes.
 
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Cyn Cyn

Waiter
Hi drydocked:
Thanks for taking the time to share your impressions with me. BTW, where did you leave your car ?
Thanks,
Cyn Cyn
 
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Cyn Cyn

Waiter
Hi Cruizer !
I appreciate your information. You've been the FIRST person to give me a clue about what time to arrive at the terminal. THAT is invaluable to know to be there at 2 PM. Also, with my recent reading about cruises I never read that there was a security check like at the airport. Thanks. If you can think of any other TIPS to share.... I'm all ears !
Many thanks, Cyn Cyn
 
Mbandy

Mbandy

Staff Captain
Great advice above CynCyn. They actually start check in around noon so if you're in the neighborhood, show up early. We usually arrive at the terminal between 11 - 11:30 and sometimes are up in the buffet having lunch by 12 - 12:30. They want you on board 90 minutes prior to sailing. Those not checked in by 60 minutes prior to sailing can and probably will be denied boarding.

As you arrive at the pier you will give your larger bags to the porters who will load them on the ship and deliver them to your cabin. Any carry ons have to be able to fit through the x-ray machine (just like the ones at the airport).

I have cruised from Galveston twice and it was quick and painless...you'll be fine.
 
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Jamman

Jamman

Carnival Specialist
Community Sponsor
Mike's advice is right on. In most cases boarding will begin around Noon, so get there between 11 and Noon and get a head start on your vacation!!!
 
Cruizer

Cruizer

Staff Captain
Cyn Cyn said:
Hi Cruizer !
I appreciate your information. You've been the FIRST person to give me a clue about what time to arrive at the terminal. THAT is invaluable to know to be there at 2 PM. Also, with my recent reading about cruises I never read that there was a security check like at the airport. Thanks. If you can think of any other TIPS to share.... I'm all ears !
Many thanks, Cyn Cyn
Click to expand...

If you want to be one of the first on the ship, I would recommend arriving around 11:00am. If you want to avoid the crowds then I would shoot for 1:30pm.

Galveston can sometimes be fogged in. If that happens, and you are staying at the Galvez, see if you can make arrangements to stay in your hotel room past checkout time. It will take the ship at least two hours to off load everyone, and in some cases it can take much longer. So if the ship doesn't dock until 10:30am most likely boarding will not begin until 2:30pm. Why stay in a stuffy waiting area when you can stay in your comfortable hotel room?

Speaking of which, how are you getting home? If you are flying I recommend taking one of the ship's tours to the airport. This gets you priority debarkation, which in my case saved me several hours and insured I didn't miss my fight home. Of course to take the ship's excursion to the airport requires that you have a late flight home. I heard from several people that the ship I was on had not finished debarking until after 2:00pm because there was a large group of Mexican citizens on our cruise, and non-US citizens take longer to clear customs.
 
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G

Geckogal

New Member
Cyn Cyn said:
:sunny:Thanks for your kind welcome. Is anyone familiar with the boarding process in Galveston, TX ? I've heard that the Hotel Galvez will keep our car and has a shuttle to the port. The time listed is 4PM. But, I don't understand if that's the departure time and if so... when do we arrive ?
Are there seats while waiting ? I have difficulty standing for long periods. Is there a security check like at the airport ? Any info is appreciated from this novice.
Many thanks,
Cyn Cyn
Click to expand...

Don't know if you have already cruised, but we usually show up around 10:30 in the morning and have lunch on the ship. Been on 4 cruises out of Galveston. Galveston Park and Cruise is my favorite parking. It is right across the street from the entrance to the port.

Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk
 
1948buddy

1948buddy

Dance Instructor
Hi there..I sent you a private message re: Galveston
 
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drankin122

New Member
We drove down from Kansas and parked there at the parking at the dock. It cost us about $75 for the week. The only thing to remember if you use the parking there is to pack a full bottle of windex and a new roll of paper towels to clean off the windshield of all the presents the gulls leave on your car. Don't think parking under a tree will help because it only helps get you more gifts. We parked and shuttled to the terminal don't forget to tip.
 
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Gramma Ann

Environmental Compliance Officer
It is really easy. As everyone has said, get there around 12 or 1, and you should not have to wait long if at all. It you need seating, just let someone in a uniform (carnival not police) know, and they will help you. Your will go thru a metal detector, and there is the regulation exray belt thing. Just like airports in the past. None of the hasels though.

If you stay at the Galvez, the shuttle driver will know if there is a delay, and you will be able to wait in the lobby of the hotel. Have you been to Galveston recently? I'm wanting to see the new boardwalk area. It just opened this last year if I remember right.
 
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stevecathy

Waiter
Thanks for the question Cyn Cyn. I've been on 15 cruises but never out of Galveston. My DW and I are going on the magic Apr. 21, and the responses were helpful to us also.
 
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