Need help with Princess cruise out of Galveston

[learnin]

We're planning our cruise January 2007. It's a Princess out of Galveston. So early questions are:

How do we get from airport in Houston to Galveston?

Where should we stay in Galveston (have to get there a day early)?

Any must do's in Majahual, Roatan, Belize or Cozumel?

We're open to pretty much anything.

Basicaly any info or tips would be great. We've never done a Princess cruise or been in this area.

Thanks!! Cindy

[cruisingfun]

Hi Cindy:

Here is a link where you can book your transfers from either Houston Intercontinental Airport or Houston Hobby Airport:

http://transportation.galveston.com/

Houston's IAH is about 1 1/2 hours from Galveston and Hobby is about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. (Which can be horrendous at almost any time of the day)

As far as hotels, personally, I wouldn't book any hotel across the beach. The weather in January can be on the cool side. The beach is disappointing especially if you are used to Florida and the Caribbean. Both of the following hotels, The Tremont House (located on the Strand in downtown Galveston) or the Hotel Galvez are Historic hotels. If you are interested in ghosts, the Hotel Galvez is supposed to have them. Though when I stayed at that hotel, we weren't bothered. Another good hotel is Moody Gardens. Though if you have money to burn than I would stay at the San Luis Resort (which is across from the beach). Here is a link to Galveston information:

[url=http://www.galveston.com/cruising/]http://www.galveston.com/cruising/

If you working with a travel agent, they should be able to help you with all of your pre-cruise arrangements. You can also purchase a hotel package and transfers from Princess.

Have fun planning your trip

Terry

[learnin]

Thanks for the quick reply, my books from the library don't even come that fast!

C

[JohnG]

I have used http://www.cruiseshipshuttle.com/'>http://www.cruiseshipshuttle.com/

Also, look at [url=http://www.galvestonlimousineservice.com/cruise.html]http://www.galvestonlimousineservice.com/cruise.html

AIRPORTS:

Houston has two airports, Houston George Bush International Airport, and Houston Hobby Airport. Bush is the major airport, serving most major carriers, and the headquarters of Continental Airline. It is located about 65 miles from the Port of Galveston, and is north of the city of Houston.

TRANSPORTATION:

Shuttle service from Bush & Hobby: L.J. Cormier, 281-443-4430 or 409-765-5515. Very accommodating. Even provides a short tour of Houston or Galveston, depending on end destination. MUST reserve transportation by phone in advance. Prices range from $100 to $125 one way, per vehicle (up to 8 people). Check him out at [url=http://www.cruiseshipshuttle.com]http://www.cruiseshipshuttle.com or email at Info@CruiseShipShuttle.com

Taxi: Expensive due to the distance, but will cost a minimum of $100 per cab no matter which airport used.

Rental cars: Both Hertz and Enterprise offer one way rental cars from/to port/airport. Both have rental car counters in the port baggage claim areas.

HOTELS:

NOTE: The city of Galveston is proposing to stop hotels from offering courtesy shuttle service to and from the port. While the hotel info below may mention a free shuttle, CALL the hotels direct to check to make sure this service is still available for the dates your client will be in Galveston.

Hilton: Across the highway from the beach. Discounted rates depending on season. Courtesy transportation to & from the ship. Allows free parking at the hotel while client is on a cruise IF client stays at least one night at the Hilton pre-cruise. Call the hotel direct to male reservation and ensure you can get the free parking package.

Address: 5400 Seawall Blvd.

Phone: 409-744-5000; reservations at 800-HILTONS (445-8667)

Website: [url=http://www.hilton.com]http://www.hilton.com

Hotel Galvez: A Wyndham property; across the highway from the beach. Allows secure parking for a $10 one-time fee, as long as guest stays at least one night pre-cruise. Provides free shuttle to/from the port.

Address: 2024 Seawall Boulevard

Phone: 409-765-7721; reservations at 877-999-3223

Website: [url=http://www.wyndham.com]http://www.wyndham.com

Tremont House Hotel: A Wyndham property; downtown in the Strand Historic District. Walking distance to the ships.

Address: 2300 Ship¿s Mechanic Row

Phone: 409-763-0300; reservations at 877-999-3223

Website: [url=http://www.wyndham.com]http://www.wyndham.com

Harbor House at Pier 21: A small 50-room hotel in downtown Galveston, only steps from the cruise dock. Excellent location.

Address: Pier 21

Phone: 409-763-3321 or 800-874-3721

Website: [url=http://www.harborhousepier21.com]http://www.harborhousepier21.com

LaQuinta: A good budget choice. This one is located across the highway from the beach. There is another LaQuinta further away (not listed here).

Address: 1402 Seawall Blvd.

Phone: 409-763-1224; reservations at 866-725-1661

Website: [url=http://www.lq.com]http://www.lq.com

[KeithnRita]

Cindy, we stayed at the Galvez for our cruise 4 years ago. The service, food, etc. was excellent. We mainly picked the hotel because of the history. It was our first time in Texas, so we wanted something a little different then what the chain hotels provide. Never did see any ghosts, however!

[learnin]

WOW thanks for all the great info! We still have 3 months to go but I'm so excited!!

Thanks again!!

Cindy

[hazelson]

We stayed the night pre-cruise in Houston and got the cruise ship's shuttle from the airport the following morning. Most hotels offer free shuttles from the airport and back within the Houston area. After the cruise we stayed for three nights at the Super 8 in Galveston - good value and short walk from the beach.