Essential Tips for First-Time Cruisers: Sailing From Galveston

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Parking and Ports

If you are driving to the port, book your parking spot early. There are many lots to choose from, and most offer shuttles to the port. Some even provide covered parking for an additional fee. We use Discount Cruise Parking.

Cruise Terminals

• Terminal 10 (formerly Terminal 3) - Royal Caribbean Western Terminal

• Terminal 25 (formerly Terminal 1) - Carnival Eastern Terminal

• Terminal 28 (formerly Terminal 2) - Princess, Disney, and other lines, Middle Terminal

Tell your shuttle driver which ship you’re on, and they will take you to the correct terminal.

Street Closures in Galveston

Before your trip, check for potential street closures due to events like:

• Bike Rallies

• Mardi Gras

• Severe Weather & Flooding

Check the City of Galveston’s website for event updates: Visit Galveston Events

If roads are closed, plan an alternate route and allow extra travel time.

Staying Overnight Pre-Cruise

Arriving the night before your cruise and booking a hotel can help you start your vacation stress-free. You won’t have to worry about traffic or missing your check-in time.

• Consider staying in League City or Texas City to avoid higher Galveston weekend rates.

• If staying in Galveston, choose a hotel that allows you to leave your car while on your cruise and offers shuttle transportation to the port.

• Pack a separate overnight bag to avoid unpacking cruise luggage. Leave this bag in your car.

Motion Sickness Prevention

• Meclizine is my preferred choice (it lasts 24 hours) and can be taken twice a day. Check with your doctor before taking any medication. If you think you may have issues, start taking it the night before boarding and continue the morning after debarking. I’ve used it since 2003 without issues. Buy on Amazon

• Some people prefer pressure point bracelets. I plan to try this one on my next cruise while still bringing Meclizine as a backup. Buy on Amazon

• Others use patches behind the ear. While I haven't tried them, these have high reviews. Buy on Amazon

Researching Your Cruise

• Facebook: Join your cruise ship’s group to ask questions and get insights from current and past passengers.

• YouTube: Search for a recent video of your ship to familiarize yourself with the layout before boarding.

Check-In Process

• Arrive at your scheduled check-in time. Arriving earlier or later may result in being directed to a different line.

• Watch the overhead signs to find the correct line. Port workers will be available to assist.

• Check-in is quick with photo recognition technology.

Tipping Essentials

• Porters: $1 per bag

• Shuttle Drivers: $1 per bag

• Excursions: Tipping opportunities may arise

For most travelers, $20–$40 in small bills should be sufficient.

Embarkation & Debarkation

Embarking

• Your key card will be in your "mailbox" outside your cabin around 1 p.m.

• Muster station check-in is required upon boarding. This information is on your boarding pass.

• Lunch on the first day:

  • If you have luggage with you, one person can hold the bags at the muster station while another gets food for the group and brings it back from the Lido deck.

  • If you’ve checked your bags, head to the Lido Deck restaurant, which serves a buffet. Seating is available in other parts of the ship if the main area is full.

  • Besides the Buffet, there are other food stations around the pool.

  • Some restaurants charge extra, so research before boarding to avoid surprises.

Debarking

• If carrying all your luggage, you can leave anytime.

• If checking luggage, leave it outside your room the night before.

  • Keep passports, room keys, credit cards, and medications with you.

  • Your luggage will be available inside the terminal.

• Luggage Tags:

  • You will receive a numbered luggage tag.

  • You must wait in your designated area until your number is called to debark.

  • There’s no waiting space in the terminal, so you cannot leave early.

  • You must vacate your room by 8 or 9 a.m. to allow stewards to clean for the next cruise.

  • Listen for announcements.

Alcohol & Cigarette Taxes

As of January 4, 2014, travelers disembarking at the Port of Galveston must pay taxes on alcohol and cigarettes purchased at duty-free shops or foreign ports.

Per Section 107.07 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, each adult (21+) is limited to:

• 1 gallon of distilled spirits

• 3 gallons of wine

• 288 ounces of malt beverages (24 x 12-oz containers)

A $3.00 administrative fee applies. Importing alcohol is limited to once every 30 days, and passengers must personally accompany their purchase into the state.

Port of Galveston Luggage Drop-Off

Upon Arrival

• Passengers may proceed directly to their terminal for baggage drop-off or go straight to the parking lots.

• Porters will assist with baggage.

• Police officers direct drivers to available parking lots.

• Free shuttle buses transport passengers from parking lots to the cruise terminals.

Upon Return

Passengers can either:

• Retrieve their vehicles and pick up luggage at the loading area.

• Take their luggage to the parking lots and retrieve their vehicles.

The Port of Galveston provides both luggage and non-luggage shuttles for convenience.

Loading & Unloading Restrictions

• The area adjacent to the cruise terminal is for loading and unloading only.

Taxis at Galveston Cruise Port

• High demand during peak debarkation hours may cause delays.

• Taxis may not be immediately available—be patient as they return to the terminals.