Need advice on Galveston embarkation day plans

[luvseaside]

First time cruising from Galveston (leaving on Regal Princess February 2024).  We have a flight arriving in HOU @ 7:50 a.m. on the morning of the (Sunday) cruise (I know, I know...but it's a 6:15 a.m. first flight out, nonstop with a 99% on-time arrival so we feel confident doing this.  Even if it's delayed, very good chance we'd still make it to ship with time to spare).  Anyhoo, if everything goes to chalk, we're thinking of getting an Uber from HOU to Port, which should put us at cruise terminal @ 9:30-9:45 a.m.  Could we, at that point, get porters to take our larger bags, and then leave terminal with carryon and walk around the Strand for a couple of hours - maybe grab some brunch?  How early do they take luggage?   I hate just standing around and waiting at the terminal if not necessary.  And frankly, with the limited drinks onboard and no beverage pkg available, why would we rush to get on the ship before 1 p.m.?  That way we'd also get to spend some time in Galveston since we're not doing overnight stay.  

As far as disembarkation, I think we've resigned ourselves to doing the Princess transfer back to HOU and spend 6 hours at the airport.  But I did wonder about storing luggage at the Cruise Stop store for a couple of hours and grab an Uber to HOU @ noon since our flight doesn't depart until 4:25 p.m.  Any thoughts/suggestions on that?

[2and2]

I also have a February cruise on the Regal.  Remember the first two weekends are Mardi Gras in Galveston . I have no idea how that effects cruise port traffic. But I think even on Sundays there are some parades in the Strand area and roads closed. The Princess ride back to the airport might be a good idea if it is a Mardi Gras day, as the Ubers will be very busy. If anyone has cruised in Galveston during Mardi Gras, please chime in.

[Cajuntraveler]

5 hours ago, luvseaside said:

we're thinking of getting an Uber from HOU to Port, which should put us at cruise terminal @ 9:30-9:45 a.m.  Could we, at that point, get porters to take our larger bags, and then leave terminal with carryon and walk around the Strand for a couple

We disembarked from the Regal in Galveston, on 11/19/23 at approximately 9AM (took an hour to get from the ship through customs.)  There were approximately 30 people already waiting in line to board the ship.  I did not see any luggage with them other than carry-ons, so I assume they had dropped their luggage with the porters.  If the weather is good when you arrive, I think your plan is doable.  Enjoy your cruise!

[luvseaside]

Thanks for feedback.  Forgot about Mardi Gras!  We are cruising the week between those dates, and it appears that you have to buy a ticket to access the Strand/parade area; so that's likely a no-go for either day.  Well darn.

Edited November 29, 2023 by luvseaside

[2and2]

You will probably be leaving, when I am boarding.  We are staying the night before and was hoping to tour Galveston but it looks like they block streets including the seawall. Going to have to play it by ear. The Mardi Gras web site says Galveston will have 350,000 people visit for the parades.

[Host Kat]

For anyone interested in more information about the various February 02 - 13, 2024 Mardi Gras parades and routes on Galveston Island: https://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/parade-schedule/

[ssb]

14th , 33rd and Harborside, the main routes used by  cruising folks are not used by Mardi Gras crowds . Besides those routes are mandatory OPEN for the main emergency vehicular  routes for hospital emergency room care .  And the parades are later than the times , most of you want on ships first .  Don't let Mardi Gras discourage you .  Proceed as usual . 

Edited November 30, 2023 by ssb

[RocketMan275]

6 minutes ago, ssb said:

14th , 33rd and Harborside, the main routes used by  cruising folks are not used by Mardi Gras crowds . Besides those routes are mandatory OPEN for the main emergency vehicular  routes for hospital emergency room care .  And the parades are later than the times , most of you want on ships first .  Don't let Mardi Gras discourage you .  Proceed as usual . 

Would these road closures mean more traffic on those roads used by the cruising public?

Impacts on hotel prices and restaurant availability?

How about Uber availability and pricing?

I'm just glad I've already booked a private car transfer.  

Edited November 30, 2023 by RocketMan275

[ssb]

7 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

True, but could have a significant impact on hotel prices and restaurant availability.

I'm just glad I've already booked a private car transfer.  

That's all relative to affordability.  And booking everything smart and early as you did .

 

Edited November 30, 2023 by ssb

[ssb]

19 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Would these road closures mean more traffic on those roads used by the cruising public?

Impacts on hotel prices and restaurant availability?

How about Uber availability and pricing?

I'm just glad I've already booked a private car transfer.  

No to road closures  .

That's all relative to affordability.  And booking everything smart and early as you did .

Ubers could be affected but probably not 

Glad you have  booked everything smart and early as you did .

   

Edited November 30, 2023 by ssb

[RocketMan275]

21 minutes ago, ssb said:

No to road closures  .

That's all relative to affordability.  And booking everything smart and early as you did .

Ubers could be affected but probably not 

Glad you have  booked everything smart and early as you did .

   

I believe in booking early.

Booked my airfare to IAH back in June.

Price tripled since booking.

Room at the IAH Marriott so no price change there.

 

I've got a cruise booked for 2025. 

Up 25% in price since booking.

 

Edited November 30, 2023 by RocketMan275

[2and2]

19 hours ago, ssb said:

14th , 33rd and Harborside, the main routes used by  cruising folks are not used by Mardi Gras crowds . Besides those routes are mandatory OPEN for the main emergency vehicular  routes for hospital emergency room care .  And the parades are later than the times , most of you want on ships first .  Don't let Mardi Gras discourage you .  Proceed as usual . 

Thanks for the insight.  

[ssb]

10 minutes ago, 2and2 said:

Thanks for the insight.  

We live in Galveston , and are only blocks from the terminals,  and are experienced cruisers . 

[2and2]

    You are definitely a good source of information about Galveston. I will be there the Saturday night of the main parade. Any tips for watching the parade. We are not interested in paying and watching in the entertainment fenced area (those days are gone). I am hoping to just park somewhere  and sit in lounge chairs along a residential street (25th) on the parade route from the seawall to Strand or something like that. Is that possible and any advice or experience.  What do you think the restaurants will be like that weekend

   Yes the motel prices are up the weekend we are there. The Tremont hotel wants $705.00 per night and the San Luis resort wants $469.00.

   I could not private , so sorry if a may be getting off the original question.

[RocketMan275]

32 minutes ago, 2and2 said:

 I could not private , so sorry if a may be getting off the original question.

Don't worry about that.  Cruise Critic has disabled the private message function.  A long time ago.

[ssb]

46 minutes ago, 2and2 said:

    You are definitely a good source of information about Galveston. I will be there the Saturday night of the main parade. Any tips for watching the parade. We are not interested in paying and watching in the entertainment fenced area (those days are gone). I am hoping to just park somewhere  and sit in lounge chairs along a residential street (25th) on the parade route from the seawall to Strand or something like that. Is that possible and any advice or experience.  What do you think the restaurants will be like that weekend

   Yes the motel prices are up the weekend we are there. The Tremont hotel wants $705.00 per night and the San Luis resort wants $469.00.

   I could not private , so sorry if a may be getting off the original question.

 

Which weekend of Mardi Gras are you in Galveston ?

 

[ssb]

6 minutes ago, ssb said:

 

Which weekend of Mardi Gras are you in Galveston ?

 

 

SCHEDULE and ROUTES 

https://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/parade-schedule/

 

 

Edited December 1, 2023 by ssb

[2and2]

1 hour ago, ssb said:

 

Which weekend of Mardi Gras are you in Galveston ?

 

Second weekend.

[ssb]

53 minutes ago, 2and2 said:

Second weekend.

 

See the Routes on second weekend

 

[2and2]

22 minutes ago, ssb said:

 

See the Routes on second weekend

 

Have you tried watching the main  parade  between the Seawall and The Strand area.

[ssb]

18 minutes ago, 2and2 said:

Have you tried watching the main  parade  between the Seawall and The Strand area.

yes from on 25th street and this is a the biggest and bestest and lengthy parade . Lots of viewing parties from homes on 25th . Lots of public viewing from 25th also . 

Edited December 1, 2023 by ssb

[Host Kat]

4 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

Don't worry about that.  Cruise Critic has disabled the private message function.  A long time ago.

 

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[RocketMan275]

14 hours ago, Host Kat said:

Hope this information (and a little history lesson from down Memory Lane 😀) will be helpful! 

 

Host Kat

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[Host Kat]

9 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

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[2and2]

On 11/29/2023 at 10:21 AM, luvseaside said:

First time cruising from Galveston (leaving on Regal Princess February 2024).  We have a flight arriving in HOU @ 7:50 a.m. on the morning of the (Sunday) cruise (I know, I know...but it's a 6:15 a.m. first flight out, nonstop with a 99% on-time arrival so we feel confident doing this.  Even if it's delayed, very good chance we'd still make it to ship with time to spare).  Anyhoo, if everything goes to chalk, we're thinking of getting an Uber from HOU to Port, which should put us at cruise terminal @ 9:30-9:45 a.m.  Could we, at that point, get porters to take our larger bags, and then leave terminal with carryon and walk around the Strand for a couple of hours - maybe grab some brunch?  How early do they take luggage?   I hate just standing around and waiting at the terminal if not necessary.  And frankly, with the limited drinks onboard and no beverage pkg available, why would we rush to get on the ship before 1 p.m.?  That way we'd also get to spend some time in Galveston since we're not doing overnight stay.  

As far as disembarkation, I think we've resigned ourselves to doing the Princess transfer back to HOU and spend 6 hours at the airport.  But I did wonder about storing luggage at the Cruise Stop store for a couple of hours and grab an Uber to HOU @ noon since our flight doesn't depart until 4:25 p.m.  Any thoughts/suggestions on that?

 Well , back to your original question.  I personally would take the Princess transfer back to the airport. Nothing worse than having to worry about getting to your gate on time.  And you never know about even the normal traffic jams. That is just me