All Things Galveston (Updated - 5/21/14)

[1DCL11]

When I cruised from galveston, the doors opened at 1030-1045 am. This is rather consistent.
There are only two cruise terminals here, and they have the same entrance. We don't know if it's terminal one or two.

We were in Galveston this weekend and watched the Disney Magic sail out for the first time. They are sailing from terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the Carnival terminal.

 

[Golden Rose]

Which towncar service did you use?

We used Ralph's Town Car and Limo. They aren't cheap, but my mom has used them for years when she traveled for work, and they have always been professional, polite, and on time. (I think she's used them occasionally for more than 20 years now.) I have no idea if they do from the airport to Galveston, though; we've just used them from the airport to central Houston. When I've had dealings with them, I've always been impressed.

 

[Luv2Diz]

Are Disney shuttles not available from Hobby? I'm trying to decide what to do. We are looking at a flight that gets into Hobby at 8 pm the night before the cruise. Not sure how we would get to Galveston that late in the evening so it seems we would stay near the airport then catch a shuttle Saturday morning to the pier. Any ideas on what options we have?

 

[ljknecht570]

All of the above is based on "normal" conditions -- if it's raining, if anyone is playing smash-'em-up on the freeway, anything not optimal, add a bunch more time.

I'm not trying to be a downer, but hubby really needs to finagle his way out of that conference thing if y'all want to make this cruise.

Thanks for the advice! You are not being a downer! I love the REAL TIME advice! It works on paper from google maps, but when does anything really translate into reality!

No way to get out of the seminar--he is the presenter! But I did get him to shorten the time. We should be done by about 12:30 now.

Did they email you to let you know when all aboard time was? I haven't heard anything for ours yet.

 

[cruisemaniac2011]

So that must have been the rate Disney secured then? I'll have my TA look because again this morning I checked and the rate was $259!

Yes that rate is for Disney guests. Disney said you needed to book the room through your travel agent unless you booked direct with Disney.

 

[MandyGirl]

Are Disney shuttles not available from Hobby?

Only from IAH (Intercontinental)... at least for our cruises in November and May. From Hobby, need to look for something other than DCL transport. Hard to believe they are not offering it since so many people fly Southwest, which only flies into Hobby.

 

[Belle4]

Only from IAH (Intercontinental)... at least for our cruises in November and May. From Hobby, need to look for something other than DCL transport. Hard to believe they are not offering it since so many people fly Southwest, which only flies into Hobby.

I recommend you contact Disney for your specific sailing. They are picking us up from the Marriott houston south in Dec but other cruisers sailing have said they aren't doing pick up service from the hotel for their sailing date.

 

[MandyGirl]

I recommend you contact Disney for your specific sailing. They are picking us up from the Marriott houston south in Dec but other cruisers sailing have said they aren't doing pick up service from the hotel for their sailing date.

Yep - I emailed Disney directly about a week ago and their reply was they would not be doing transport for my two cruise dates from Hobby, only IAH. Also, with my online checkin for the November cruise, transportation from Hobby is not an option. My guess is because DCL has had such low bookings in Galveston, except for around holidays and Spring Break.

ETA: My two specific sail dates Disney is not providing transportation from Hobby are the November 3 and May 17 sailings in case that helps anyone. Huge bummer because many people fly Southwest Airlines, which discontinued service into IAH years ago and now only flies into Hobby.

 

[DisMs]

Did they email you to let you know when all aboard time was? I haven't heard anything for ours yet.

Received this for an October Magic cruise:
We are pleased you will be joining us on a sailing out of Galveston, Texas. As you plan for your arrival to the Port of Galveston in Cruise Terminal 2, we want to let you know that all Guests must be onboard by 3:30 p.m. in time to attend the mandatory assembly drill scheduled at 3:45 p.m. The Disney Magic® will be sailing promptly at 4:30 p.m.

Should you have any questions about this notification, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-939-2784. We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon!

 

[Sparrow78]

Yes that rate is for Disney guests. Disney said you needed to book the room through your travel agent unless you booked direct with Disney.

Looks like the rate changed for my date! TA got back to me and the rate for Disney for Jan was $164. Oh well! Seems like it will be the easiest option for us since I'm not paying $170 for super shuttle!

 

[palmtreelover1]

We are on the Nov 10 sailing and I was able to get DCL transfers from Hobby. Just in the nick of time apparently.

 

[Wildernessbride2005]

I called DCL and they are offering transportation to HOU for my Oct. 27th cruise. That is odd they are not for all of them

 

[Wildernessbride2005]

I currently have Four Points and Country Inn booked for our pre cruise night. Which would you prefer to stay at? Why? We will have a car if that matters. Thanks for any input.

 

[MandyGirl]

Yes, it's been weird about information regarding DCL transport varying. Here's what I had received back from my inquiry to Disney almost 2 weeks ago:

"If you are flying into Houston/Hobby International Airport, you will
need to seek other transportation options to/from the cruise terminal in
Galveston."

So those who have the option for ground transportation from Hobby for their cruise date - definitely be thankful! It really isn't a bad drive down Interstate 45 to the port. Also, Hobby has lots of nice eating options inside the terminal. We arrived Friday and had to wait about 90 minutes before my college roommate could pick us up, so we walked the terminal and had a snack.

When logging into my Nov 3 Magic cruise online just now, and clicking on "Air & Ground Transportation", there is no mention of Hobby unless I am overlooking it:

"Air and Ground Transfers for U.S. Travelers sailing to the Caribbean
Guests embarking on a Disney Cruise to the Caribbean will fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport and then take a motor coach to the Port of Galveston.
Guidelines for Air Transportation
Guidelines for Ground Transportation
Prior to your vacation, you'll receive a Documentation Packet that includes your Guest Travel Booklet with vouchers and special luggage tags. Attach the tags to your luggage and bring the Travel Booklet with vouchers to the airport where you'll check in your bags for your flight.

Upon arrival at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, go directly to baggage claim where you will pick up your luggage. A Disney Cruise Line Representative will be available outside of the Baggage Claim area to direct you to your designated transportation. Be prepared to present your Guest Travel Booklet. From the airport, you'll be transported to the Cruise Terminal. You'll return the same way to the airport at the end of your cruise.

Ground transfers are also available for Guests who have arranged a hotel stay through Disney Cruise Line before or after their cruise.

Transportation options may be a motor coach, mini-bus, or taxi depending on arrival time and party-size.

For more information, call (800) 951-3532. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call."

 

[Candy Apple]

I just called DCL and the rep said they are going to phase out the Hobby airport after May 2013. I told her they should correct it on their website or they are going to have a lot of customers calling concerned that they will not have transportation from/to Hobby. When I logged on to my reservation (Jan 4th sailing), the tab under transportation only listed IAH, so I really think they need to change this.

 

[peachygreen]

I just called DCL and the rep said they are going to phase out the Hobby airport after May 2013. I told her they should correct it on their website or they are going to have a lot of customers calling concerned that they will not have transportation from/to Hobby. When I logged on to my reservation (Jan 4th sailing), the tab under transportation only listed IAH, so I really think they need to change this.

That is really crazy that they aren't offering transportation from the airport closest to the port.

 

[Belle4]

I just called DCL and the rep said they are going to phase out the Hobby airport after May 2013. I told her they should correct it on their website or they are going to have a lot of customers calling concerned that they will not have transportation from/to Hobby. When I logged on to my reservation (Jan 4th sailing), the tab under transportation only listed IAH, so I really think they need to change this.

Yeah I would imagine this is going to cause a lot of complaints from cruisers. Especially since Southwest is so popular and only flies into Hobby.

 

[Luv2Diz]

I just called my TA, who in turn called DCL to make sure that there are DCL shuttles running from Hobby airport for our December 1st sailing. The TA provided me with a 1-800 number that I need to call 48 hours prior to needing the shuttle. She said DCL doesn't have the shuttles scheduled even though this is just over 2 months away. That seems kind of strange.

 

[Princessofthehouse]

Hi,

We are on the Nov. 3rd sailing.

I just spoke to my TA who also called Disney. She said that, yes, there is shuttle service our of Hobby until May 2013. She said that there is an 800 number to call. Here is her response to me :

Beginning June 2013 DCL will only be picking up at International. They ARE picking up from Houston Hobby on your sail date.

The shuttle from the airport is a first come first serve. Your air is now listed as coming in on Friday on BOTH reservations so you should be able to catch that first shuttle if you are at the airport in time. 10:30 am is the first shuttle so I would suggest getting to the airport by 9:30 or so just to be sure you get that first shuttle. DCL asks for schedules as this helps to determine how many will be at the airport for each shuttle time. With a flight in the night before it is counted as a morning flight.

The agent also gave me an 800 number you can call at any time even on the day of sailing if you have any issues. If you are worried about catching that first shuttle and want to call on Friday night when you arrive you can do so – 1 800-395-9374 Or you can even call now if it will make you feel better to speak with someone yourself.

I hope this helps!

 

[Princessofthehouse]

One more thing:

She also said that the shuttle will not show up as an option if you are flying in on Friday evening since there is not shuttle service until Saturday. We are staying at a Spring Hill Suites near Hobby on Friday night and will then take their transportation back to the airport on Saturday morning to catch the shuttle.