IAH to port

[Galveston Cruiser]

We tried to use their shuttle on Sunday 4/6/14 after taking shuttle to airport. No go! They said that we would have to wait for the last bus and MAYBE they would have space for us.. We ended up taking the Super Shuttle and paying a lot more. We did have RCL booked for the return to Bush.. My recommendation is to book your own transportation before you go.. Last minute shuttle was Very expensive. Cheaper if booked ahead. On the cruise we met several people who were able to book with Sat arrival with RCL but only through their travel agent. So not fair! Hope this helps.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

We have never used the shuttle as no need. However, on other threads regarding this same situation OP just gave RCI a dummy flight and arrival time.

 

Just make sure it is a legitimate flight and arrival is at IAH and not Hobby.

[MBnancy]

Galveston Cruiser,

 

Thanks for the information. That is a good suggestion to use a "fake" flight, as I'm sure they don't use the passenger list from an airline to check if you are really on it. ;)

 

Still makes me nervous. I'm going to be searching for other ways to get to the port. Our son, dil and gd are joining us on cruise, but different airlines, same overnight hotel.

 

Do you know when we disembark first thing off the ship, if we would be able to find our Limo or Van easily? Is there a parking area for them, or is it a zoo in the parking lot? We have a 1 PM flight, so need to get going in the morning.

[Galveston Cruiser]

Galveston Cruiser,

 

Thanks for the information. That is a good suggestion to use a "fake" flight, as I'm sure they don't use the passenger list from an airline to check if you are really on it. ;)

 

Still makes me nervous. I'm going to be searching for other ways to get to the port. Our son, dil and gd are joining us on cruise, but different airlines, same overnight hotel.

 

Do you know when we disembark first thing off the ship, if we would be able to find our Limo or Van easily? Is there a parking area for them, or is it a zoo in the parking lot? We have a 1 PM flight, so need to get going in the morning.

 

Don't worry about the "fake" flight.

I know where the buses park, but as we live here and don't need transportation - other than a friend - I am not sure about the limos, though I have seen them waiting downtown when a ship is delayed.

Have the number and call when in terminal. Can't use your phone when near Customs and immigration:confused:

[XLVIII]

"The fare is actually 47.00 dollars and RCCL has just changed their policy and are allowing you to book the transportation if you are comming in early. You are booked on a bus at 1030a-1100am. Great service."

 

I just spent a half hour on the phone with RCL. We are taking the Navagator in July. We fly the day before to Bush airport and spend the night at an airport hotel, probably the Marriott at the airport, because we get in late afternoon.

 

We understand we would have to get back to the airport on Sunday morning for a RCL bus.

 

RCL said NO, one can NOT buy a transportation ticket to Port of Galveston if they are not flying in that day with arrangements made through RCL.

 

I repeated what I read on here, so the representive asked others around her, and sent an email to someone. The answer is still no, you cannot purchase a shuttle bus ticket in advance OR on the morning of the cruise unless you were flying in that day and booked thru them.

 

Now I do not know what to think?

 

Has anyone taken the cruise this month, got a hotel, and back to Bush the next morning?

 

We used RCL transfers from IAH to Galveston this past week. We too got in one day early and just provided RCL with "fake" flight information for a flight that was arriving early on departure day. On the day of the cruise we returned to the airport and found the RCL reps in Terminal C by the baggage claim - no problems at all. For the life of me, I can't understand why they won't book transfers for passengers arriving a day early.

[STXCruisers]

We drive the 6 hours to Galveston, but......

 

Has anyone checked out one-way car rentals Houston to Galveston? I would think this could be a great business for car rental agencies, rentals constantly going both directions, so no need for expensive relocation of vehicles. We do this when we fly into Orlando and cruise from Port Canaveral. It's a lot cheaper and more convenient than cruise line transfer. Just a thought......

 

Doris

[Galveston Cruiser]

There is only one car rental agency in Galveston - Enterprise, which is a franchise.

They close at noon on Saturday and are not open on Sunday.

However, I read on CC they will be staying open on Sunday certain hours.

 

Don't know if this is true as have not been able to verify.

Also have read the drop off charges are high.

 

We have battled for years to get more rental car agencies in Galveston, but nothing has happened. Hertz left in 2008 after hurricane Ike and has not returned.

[Susie51]

Thank you for the info. I'm going to make reservations now.