Parking, Hotels and Transportation

This page was designed to give you some basic information about hotels, parking, transfers and travel arrangements. While it is geared towards cruises departing from Galveston, most of the information applies to other cruise ports as well. If you will be traveling by air either pre- or post-cruise, please review the Flights section on this page for important information before purchasing your airline tickets.  

Driving

Passengers who live within driving distance of the Galveston cruise terminal are encouraged to drive since this is often the most cost-effective way to get there.  While it is often tempting to drive in on the morning of the cruise, we actually discourage this for a number of reasons. Road construction, car trouble, and other delays could put you in danger of arriving too late to board, and you don't want to miss the boat!  We suggest that all travelers arrive in the Houston/Galveston area the day before embarkation to ensure that you arrive at the terminal on time. Additionally, we usually have some kind of social event in Galveston on the evening before the cruise, and arriving a day or more early will give you extra time to meet your fellow passengers and explore some of the great attractions on this historic and bustling island.  

Hotels

There are lots of hotel options in Galveston, available for a wide range of prices.  We usually try to arrange accommodations for our group at a fair price for anyone who is interested in socializing with the rest of the group pre-cruise. If you prefer to book your own hotel, we can recommend any of the following:  Baymont Inn and Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Casa del Mar, Hotel Galvez, Harbor House, or the Tremont. 

Parking

There are several parking options in Galveston for anyone who chooses to drive down before the cruise.  Here are two options that we recommend:

Galveston Park and Cruise

• Pre-paid gated parking:

  • • 4-day cruise: $65.00 USD

    • 5-day cruise: $71.00 USD

    • 7-day cruise: $95.00 USD

• Pre-paid indoor parking:

  • • 4-day cruise: $76.00 USD

    • 5-day cruise: $82.00 USD

    • 7-day cruise: $112.00 USD

• Gated, fenced and well lit lots and carports

• Surveillance cameras

• Across the street from the terminal

• Prepay and save your space.

• http://www.galvestonparkncruise.com/

Port of Galveston 

• Port of Galveston Parking Lots A & B

  • • 4-day cruise: $65.00 USD

    • 5-day cruise: $70.00 USD

    • 7-day cruise: $95.00 USD

• (Rates subject to change by Port Authority)

• Guarded and lighted; 24-hour surveillance and police patrol. 

• Accepted forms of payment: U.S dollars; VISA and MasterCard.

• Pre-payments may be made by visiting http://www.portofgalveston.com

• No advance reservations are required, however, discounted rates may be offered by booking in advance online.

• Handicap Parking is available with proof of a valid permit.

• Vehicles occupying two or more spaces will be charged double the rate.

• Please note: This parking is not in the immediate vacinity of the cruise terminal; you will need to take a shuttle from the parking lot. Be prepared for long lines and delays.

Flights

Many passengers prefer to shop around and book their own flights.  If you need help booking flights, please feel free to call or email us!  If you do book your own flights, please keep the following information in mind:

The nearest major airports to Galveston are both in Houston: Hobby (HOU) and George Bush Intercontinental (IAH).  Bush Intercontinental is on the north side of Houston and is about a 70 minute drive by car to the cruise terminal.  Houston Hobby is on the south side of Houston and about 45 minutes away.  Travel by airport shuttle or cruise terminal transfers can take as long as 2 hours each way and may be available only during daytime business hours on the day of your cruise departure.  

Transfers

If you need an airport transfer, please do not hesitate to call us!  We can handle all your transportation needs.  

Cruise Line Airport Transfers

The cruise line offers one-way and round-trip transfer service for a very reasonable rate.  This service is offered only for the day of embarkation and debarkation and only between the airport and the cruise terminal.  Guests who purchase airport transfers through the cruise line will be met by the Meet & Greet Staff* at the Baggage Claim area and they will direct you accordingly (i.e. to carousel, waiting area). Once you arrive at the carousel area, you will need to identify and collect all of your luggage. Then, if there are enough guests for the motor coach to leave at full capacity, the Meet & Greet staff will escort you to the motor coach. If you need to wait for additional guests to arrive, you will be escorted to a waiting area with seats.

*Not all airport locations offer Meet & Greet staff. Please check your transfer voucher that is included in your E-Documents.

Galveston Limousine Services

Galveston Limousine Services makes routine shuttle stops at both Houston airports (Hobby or Bush International) and can drop off at the cruise terminal or any hotel in Galveston.  On the return trip, the shuttle will pick you up at the cruise terminal and drop you off at either airport.  This shuttle service has just 3 departure times daily and does not operate in the evening.  Please keep this in mind when booking your flights.