Houston vs Galveston

[babyruth]

pre-stay and transport. We are cruising during the very busy Mardi Gras and February break week. It's time to book flights. Is it easier to stay in Houston and get dropped at the port (eek late PAT time! give me anxiety) or get a ride to Galveston and stay there? We are not renting a car and plan to arrive on Friday night for Sunday embarkation.

 

[Lindaloucinda]

pre-stay and transport. We are cruising during the very busy Mardi Gras and February break week. It's time to book flights. Is it easier to stay in Houston and get dropped at the port (eek late PAT time! give me anxiety) or get a ride to Galveston and stay there? We are not renting a car and plan to arrive on Friday night for Sunday embarkation.

I live in Houston and I would stay in Galveston. They have nice hotels that are within walking distance of the cruise port since you are not renting a car. Have A Great Trip!

 

[hardcorestitch]

pre-stay and transport. We are cruising during the very busy Mardi Gras and February break week. It's time to book flights. Is it easier to stay in Houston and get dropped at the port (eek late PAT time! give me anxiety) or get a ride to Galveston and stay there? We are not renting a car and plan to arrive on Friday night for Sunday embarkation.

Galveston has so many great things you can do onsite! You'll have access to a number of attractions like Pleasure Pier, the beaches, and museums! You'll have enough time to check out these said attractions since you have a full day in Galveston already (bonus vacation woot woot!). You won't have to worry about a late port arrival as you'll be within a short distance to the ship.

If you're booking flights now, consider getting a late afternoon or early evening flight if it's available so you won't have to procrastinate on debarkation morning. You'll have more than enough time to get picked up from the port, travel to the airport, and go through security.

 

[jwalk03]

depends what you want to do on Saturday? We flew into Hobby on Friday night for a Monday cruise departure from Galveston. Friday night we stayed at a hotel near NASA. We spent most of Saturday at NASA and then took a Lyft from there to Galveston Saturday evening.

Stayed Saturday & Sunday night at the Grand Galvez in Galveston- then took a Lyft from the hotel to the port on Monday morning. Absolutely loved the Grand Galveston! Rooms are small because it’s a 100+ year old property but the history and charm of the hotel and the wonderful staff far out weighed the small room.

 

[teawar]

Last Spring Break we were on the Magic out of Galveston. We flew in Saturday night on a fairly late flight to Houston Hobby airport, called the hotel for a shuttle and they sent a Lyft, then spent the night at a TownPlace Suites since breakfast was included. The next morning we took a Lyft to Galveston and stayed at the Residence Inn. We took the trolley all around the island and had the best time. The next morning after breakfast, we ordered a Lyft to take us to the ship. Everything went smoothly.

 

[CarolynFH]

In case you don’t have it already, you can access the Galveston Mardi Gras parade and events schedule here: https://www.visitgalveston.com/events/annual-events/mardi-gras/. I’d definitely use it when planning to be in and maneuver around Galveston during those dates.

 

[babyruth]

depends what you want to do on Saturday? We flew into Hobby on Friday night for a Monday cruise departure from Galveston. Friday night we stayed at a hotel near NASA. We spent most of Saturday at NASA and then took a Lyft from there to Galveston Saturday evening.

Stayed Saturday & Sunday night at the Grand Galvez in Galveston- then took a Lyft from the hotel to the port on Monday morning. Absolutely loved the Grand Galveston! Rooms are small because it’s a 100+ year old property but the history and charm of the hotel and the wonderful staff far out weighed the small room.

wow I had not considered a side trip to NASA but I certainly will look into that!

 

[OlliePop27]

wow I had not considered a side trip to NASA but I certainly will look into that!

It's amazing! Just did it with my family earlier this summer. Wasn't visiting before a cruise, but it is in Clear Lake on the south side of Houston closer to Galveston. Make sure to book in advance as some of the tours sell out.

You can also check out Kemah Boardwalk nearby, but Galveston Pleasure Pier is very similar (same owners).