allure returns in 2026 All Things Galveston

[steverk]

45 minutes ago, Jailman said:

Not my experience either.  I sailed on Allure on the first cruise out of the new terminal.  It was smooth with no lines.  I think some of the problems might be everyone showing up at once and not at their boarding time picked out.  We walked right in, was greeted and checked in, then directed to the suite entrance where they served coffee and pastries.  I have sailed our of Florida and this was much smoother and faster.  

 

Your experience is what I expected based on many reviews of the new terminal.  I  agree that people showing up outside their boarding window is a major contributing factor. 

The design is another factor. It appears royal was trying to be efficient.  Check in, pass through the barrier and a shortcut to security.  Sounds great on paper, but once the security line stretched beyond the first checkstand, problems began and multiplied.

I really hope they get it figured out. Galveston is very convenient for me and I Don't want to have this experience going forward. 

[DoomSlayer]

15 minutes ago, steverk said:

Your experience is what I expected based on many reviews of the new terminal.  I  agree that people showing up outside their boarding window is a major contributing factor. 

The design is another factor. It appears royal was trying to be efficient.  Check in, pass through the barrier and a shortcut to security.  Sounds great on paper, but once the security line stretched beyond the first checkstand, problems began and multiplied.

I really hope they get it figured out. Galveston is very convenient for me and I Don't want to have this experience going forward. 

They had people past security guiding people to their waiting areas based on status. Only reason we were allowed to “jump the line” was because we had the key. Other than that, it seemed pretty organized and people were waiting patiently in the waiting areas. 

[steverk]

51 minutes ago, DoomSlayer said:

They had people past security guiding people to their waiting areas based on status. Only reason we were allowed to “jump the line” was because we had the key. Other than that, it seemed pretty organized and people were waiting patiently in the waiting areas. 

That is what I would have expected. 

This happening before security.  Once through security,  we walked right in.

[ChessE4]

Just got news that our Allure 5N on Sunday is being delayed by one hour.  Hopefully, the delay will help reduce the reported confusion last week.  I don't know if the Allure will be delayed returning to port or Royal just wants more time for disembarkation.

[Zurc]

https://www.cruzely.com/is-msc-coming-to-galveston-port-approves-talks-with-cruise-line-for-fourth-terminal/
 

MSC in talks with Galveston Wharves.

[jbrinkm]

Seasoned Galveston travelers - could you help me with advice for travel from port to IAH? 

Details: family of 4 (2 teens) - 2 big suitcases and 4 small suitcases (plus our personal items, i.e. backpack, tote, etc but those can be on laps)

Flight at 2:30pm from IAH

What is the best balance of cost and reliability? Shared shuttle, rideshare XL or private transport? Can we do Uber now, or still just Lyft?

Also, we want to go as late as possible. No need to hurry with a 2:30pm flight. What time is the latest Allure disembarkation these days? Does that make a difference for transportation recommendations?

[steverk]

On my recent allure trip. The latest Disembark time was about 9.

I'm afraid I can't give much advice on airport transportation.  I live close enough that I always drive.

I can say that distance to iah is about 75 miles.

[BowTieBrigade]

On 12/15/2022 at 10:34 AM, ChessE4 said:

Just got news that our Allure 5N on Sunday is being delayed by one hour.  Hopefully, the delay will help reduce the reported confusion last week.  I don't know if the Allure will be delayed returning to port or Royal just wants more time for disembarkation.

I would bet it’s to allow for disembarkers to clear out of the terminal. The rideshare/taxi/shuttle situation has not caught up to the number of passengers disembarking and the terminal is a bit of a mess once you clear customs. 

[BowTieBrigade]

3 hours ago, jbrinkm said:

Seasoned Galveston travelers - could you help me with advice for travel from port to IAH? 

Details: family of 4 (2 teens) - 2 big suitcases and 4 small suitcases (plus our personal items, i.e. backpack, tote, etc but those can be on laps)

Flight at 2:30pm from IAH

What is the best balance of cost and reliability? Shared shuttle, rideshare XL or private transport? Can we do Uber now, or still just Lyft?

Also, we want to go as late as possible. No need to hurry with a 2:30pm flight. What time is the latest Allure disembarkation these days? Does that make a difference for transportation recommendations?

We were offered 10-10:30 as the latest time slot for disembark. Not sure what the most effective means of travel would be, but, at least as of last week, you couldn’t uber from the port - you had to go three blocks away. Lyft was allowed on site but getting one booked was very difficult and the prices just kept shooting up. Maybe a reserved shuttle would save you a headache. 

[ChessE4]

10 hours ago, BowTieBrigade said:

I would bet it’s to allow for disembarkers to clear out of the terminal. The rideshare/taxi/shuttle situation has not caught up to the number of passengers disembarking and the terminal is a bit of a mess once you clear customs. 

As it turned out, our embarkation was pretty smooth -- lots of little stations and lines of 4 or 5 instead of a big queue.  We arrived about 30-45 minutes "late" and got on the ship quickly. 

Disembarkation was in the "freeze", and a little more chaotic but staff reminded us to go to the front of the terminal to get our bus.  I'd say the ship staff were a little off-target --- the self-assist folks prevented the rest of us from waiting comfortably in the theater.  Crew prevented us from taking a seat there and insisted we stand in line although we had an assigned group number for the theater.  We ended up sitting by the Starbucks and waiting for our number to be called.  The self-assist folks were released about 7:20 and our group (1 through 4) were released about 10 minutes later.  Hotel shuttles didn't reach the port until 8ish.  Yeah, a little chaotic but I think par for the course....

[BowTieBrigade]

It very much seems like the infrastructure around the terminal has not yet caught up to the impressiveness of the terminal itself. Some local hotels don’t have shuttles to the port yet and rides from the terminal are too few for the number of passengers. I expect those things will catch up pretty quickly, as there is a lot of money to be made off cruise ship passengers. 

[Galveston Steve]

On 1/3/2023 at 4:49 PM, jbrinkm said:

Seasoned Galveston travelers - could you help me with advice for travel from port to IAH? 

Details: family of 4 (2 teens) - 2 big suitcases and 4 small suitcases (plus our personal items, i.e. backpack, tote, etc but those can be on laps)

Flight at 2:30pm from IAH

What is the best balance of cost and reliability? Shared shuttle, rideshare XL or private transport? Can we do Uber now, or still just Lyft?

Also, we want to go as late as possible. No need to hurry with a 2:30pm flight. What time is the latest Allure disembarkation these days? Does that make a difference for transportation recommendations?

Check out my original post here. I have a number of transportation recommendations. My current favorite is Galveston Saltwater Moms. 

[Brando95]

Just booked for Voyager over Labor Day week. Does anyone know if everything goes out of the new terminal or are they still utilizing the old one? 

[CrznTxn]

All Royal sailings go out of the new terminal.

[jbrinkm]

17 hours ago, Galveston Steve said:

Check out my original post here. I have a number of transportation recommendations. My current favorite is Galveston Saltwater Moms. 

Thanks, I did read the original post but I don't have Facebook for Saltwater Moms. I may end up trying to get someone else to reach out for me. The shuttles and/or private transport from the other two companies are confusing to me or more expensive than I prefer. We'd be ok with a shuttle but I can't find times and they say on the website that they will leave you. The private transport page is also confusing after I put in # of people and luggage. I've also never used Lyft, only Uber, although rideshare would be my preferred method. It is all just a little overwhelming, even though I've been trying to research on my own. I was hoping someone with a similar group to mine could recommend what they did and how well it worked.

[Galveston Steve]

3 hours ago, jbrinkm said:

Thanks, I did read the original post but I don't have Facebook for Saltwater Moms. I may end up trying to get someone else to reach out for me. The shuttles and/or private transport from the other two companies are confusing to me or more expensive than I prefer. We'd be ok with a shuttle but I can't find times and they say on the website that they will leave you. The private transport page is also confusing after I put in # of people and luggage. I've also never used Lyft, only Uber, although rideshare would be my preferred method. It is all just a little overwhelming, even though I've been trying to research on my own. I was hoping someone with a similar group to mine could recommend what they did and how well it worked.

For your situation and since the websites are confusing I suggest you call Galveston Limo or Galveston Express. They provide shared bus service and should be able to answer questions over the phone. 
 

If you use Galveston Saltwater Moms, be sure to use the links I provided. There is a group with a similar name that imitates them and is not as reliable nor properly approved to operate in the Port. 

[jbrinkm]

57 minutes ago, Galveston Steve said:

If you use Galveston Saltwater Moms, be sure to use the links I provided. There is a group with a similar name that imitates them and is not as reliable nor properly approved to operate in the Port. 

Ok, thanks. I'm pretty tech savvy - I just didn't understand those websites. I didn't see all of my questions answered there. (I intentionally don't have Facebook). I'm going to ask my husband to reach out to Saltwater Moms using your link. He's not usually a planner but I think I can get him to do this!

[Coda_Sarah]

Does Saltwater Moms take reservations for 2-4 people?  I reached out to them and asked if they took six people, and they sent a picture of an advertisement that said minimum was six people.  Is that based on one price criteria?  We may end up going as a group of 2 and 4 people so that's why I am asking here. 

[Galveston Steve]

4 hours ago, Coda_Sarah said:

Does Saltwater Moms take reservations for 2-4 people?  I reached out to them and asked if they took six people, and they sent a picture of an advertisement that said minimum was six people.  Is that based on one price criteria?  We may end up going as a group of 2 and 4 people so that's why I am asking here. 

I have an upcoming reservation with them for 2 people and I have family who have used them for 2 people. Please make sure you use the link I provided to their facebook page because there are imitators with similar names. The correct name is “Galveston Saltwater Moms”

Is this what they sent you? Read it carefully because the “6 passengers or more” only applies to the 10 person SUV option. 

[Coda_Sarah]

9 hours ago, Galveston Steve said:

I have an upcoming reservation with them for 2 people and I have family who have used them for 2 people. Please make sure you use the link I provided to their facebook page because there are imitators with similar names. The correct name is “Galveston Saltwater Moms”

Is this what they sent you? Read it carefully because the “6 passengers or more” only applies to the 10 person SUV option. 

Yes, so they must have two flyers.  This is what I got when I asked for six people.

 

They only sent me the one for six or more people.  Glad they have it for 2-4 people too.  Thanks!

[jbrinkm]

We're cruising the week before Easter and apparently a big percentage of the Galveston Saltwater Moms are also cruising/vacationing that week, so they have no availability for our trip.

[jbrinkm]

I reached out to Galveston Limos and I've been waiting for answers to questions for a few days, so thought I would post them here to see if anyone knows (I'll call them on Tuesday if I haven't heard back by then). We're thinking about taking the 10am shuttle for our 2:30pm flight.

1. What happens if the ship arrives late to port and we do not arrive in time to get on the 10am shuttle? Will the shuttle wait for the ship? Can we hop on the next shuttle? Will we need to get alternate transportation, and if so, will we get a full refund?

and

2. Will they send us detailed instructions about where exactly to meet the shuttle and/or contact info for the driver? 

[DJsMrs]

We're sailing out of Galveston in July and I reached out to a multitude of transport companies for our group of 10 for transport to and from Houston.   It took a reasonable amount of time, but we finally landed on one.   The company we confirmed provided us with the following:   

1.  confirmation of vehicle type

2.  all fees and add-ons

3.  included tips and taxes

4.  pickup times and locations

I'm hesitant to mention the company until I've had experience - but there are many many transport companies out there... 

[melmar02]

Does galveston.com have a webcam that faces the new terminal? Does the cruise cam swing around to point that direction, or is there a better option? 95 days to Allure and we're getting excited - hoping to see sail away for Adventure tomorrow or Allure this weekend.

[Jailman]

Check out this webcam.  It rotates to the new terminal.

https://www.visitgalveston.com/webcams/north-galveston-webcam/

 

[melmar02]

42 minutes ago, Jailman said:

Check out this webcam.  It rotates to the new terminal.

https://www.visitgalveston.com/webcams/north-galveston-webcam/

 

Hero of the Day! My kids are going to be so excited!

[jbrinkm]

Does Allure seem to be arriving and departing on time for the most part? I know there are some ports with issues like fog that make arrivals and departures very dependent on weather, and saw a few reports of delays when she first started cruising from Galveston.

Related, giving some info about Galveston Limousine - I wrote to them and asked about what happens if your ship gets in late and you miss your shuttle. They said they will try to fit you on the next one if there is room, but will not give a refund if the next shuttle is too late for your flight and you have to take alternate transportation.  

Haven't seen Royal's transportation yet on my trip planner but may end up going that route, even if it is a bit more. 

[steverk]

5 hours ago, jbrinkm said:

Does Allure seem to be arriving and departing on time for the most part? I know there are some ports with issues like fog that make arrivals and departures very dependent on weather, and saw a few reports of delays when she first started cruising from Galveston.

Related, giving some info about Galveston Limousine - I wrote to them and asked about what happens if your ship gets in late and you miss your shuttle. They said they will try to fit you on the next one if there is room, but will not give a refund if the next shuttle is too late for your flight and you have to take alternate transportation.  

Haven't seen Royal's transportation yet on my trip planner but may end up going that route, even if it is a bit more. 

This is the foggy season in Galveston, but it really doesn't happen that much.  Thick fog is usually only going to happen a dozen or so times a year.  As near as I can tell, it hasn't affected operations very much.

[Jailman]

Just sailed on Allure in November.  You will love this ship and the new terminal is the best terminal I've left from.

[Galveston Steve]

9 hours ago, melmar02 said:

Does galveston.com have a webcam that faces the new terminal? Does the cruise cam swing around to point that direction, or is there a better option? 95 days to Allure and we're getting excited - hoping to see sail away for Adventure tomorrow or Allure this weekend.

Here’s another webcam that changes positions and shows the new terminal. 
https://www.galveston.com/webcams/marinavideocam/

[jbrinkm]

2 hours ago, Jailman said:

Just sailed on Allure in November.  You will love this ship and the new terminal is the best terminal I've left from.

We were on her last April! We loved the cruise so much we booked again - same ship, same itinerary - just a different port and an extra day... I'm pretty sad about the foliage in Central Park and hopeful it will be blooming again by April.

[melmar02]

2 hours ago, Galveston Steve said:

Here’s another webcam that changes positions and shows the new terminal. 
https://www.galveston.com/webcams/marinavideocam/

Thanks!

[Jailman]

I understand they are in the process of replacing the dead foliage now.

[cruisellama]

Ok I was thrilled with the new terminal and Allure's arrival to Galveston.   Further thrilled when it was announced Harmony would be next.   But looking forward, it appears (I might be wrong) that there might  only be a single Oasis class ship sailing from Galveston to only the same 3 ports:   Roatan, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.  (with an exception of a single cruise to the easter Carribean including Coco Cay - one week in November).    Same 3 ports and repeat isn't very attractive.  I hope this isn't a one trick , permanent milk run from Galveston.  It looks like Voyager goes away around April '24 (is that the case?).

[steverk]

23 minutes ago, cruisellama said:

Ok I was thrilled with the new terminal and Allure's arrival to Galveston.   Further thrilled when it was announced Harmony would be next.   But looking forward, it appears (I might be wrong) that there might  only be a single Oasis class ship sailing from Galveston to only the same 3 ports:   Roatan, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.  (with an exception of a single cruise to the easter Carribean including Coco Cay - one week in November).    Same 3 ports and repeat isn't very attractive.  I hope this isn't a one trick , permanent milk run from Galveston.  It looks like Voyager goes away around April '24 (is that the case?).

I think you have the picture wide screen. Belize is building a new island with a dock to accept Oasis class ships.  I'm not sure when it will be ready, but they've been working on it for quite a while.

As far as Voyager leaving in April 2024, I wouldn't read too much in to that.  I don't believe the 3-5 night itineraries have been announced past Spring 2024. I'm sure there will be shorter cruises out of Galveston, but we'll have to wait and see what ship(s) are involved.

[Suzanne Elise]

Hey y'all.

We LOVED Galveston. We spent 2 nights there before our cruise. We would vacation there.

We loved the historic homes decorated for mardi gras and the architecture downtown, the food and nightlife.

Stayed at Holiday Inn on the Beach. Used there shuttle and did their parking.

Embarkation was very smooth EXCEPT we allowed one of the porters to take our bags-- one of our bags got lost and was damaged. Our cabin steward found it in security. (It was the smallest least important bag but still)

The hotel shuttle was ok. Crowded and slow. It's a large bus that makes several stops. The holiday inn long term parking is actually at another hotel next door. You can walk back to the lobby or the shuttle will pick you up at the lot.

Disembark--We were worried about missing the first shuttle so we did self assist. It was fine. We were there before the bus and it was about 45 minutes before we left. But the whole shuttle process is kind of slow.

Anyhow we left BIG galveston fans.

 

[WAAAYTOOO]

Galveston seems to have an issue with luggage/bags.  That is where we lost one of our bags a few years ago.  We never got it back.

We were in a full suite on that one...and I recall that when it came time for disembarkation, the suite Concierge corralled us somewhere along the Promenade - one of the bars - can't remember which one (Vintages, maybe ?).  Then, when it came time for our "expediated disembarkation", he opened a door out to the outside deck and stuck is in the back of the line with every other Tom, Dick and Harry.  I asked why he wasn't escorting us down to immigration (this is long before face recognition) and he told me that he was not permitted to leave the ship - Port rule. 

Then, much later, as we were searching high and low for our missing bag, who comes prancing down to the baggage area but the "I must not leave the ship !" Concierge.  THAT really ticked me off...I was already pretty unhappy b/c of our lost bag.  He immediately knew he had stepping in a pile of s**t and began helping us look for our bag....to no avail, of course.

The moral of this story is....there is expedited disembarkation and then there is [un]expedited expedited disembarkation. 

[Ampurp85]

I figure this is as good a place to ask this question.

We decided to take Amtrak to our cruise. It is a dream for the vintage women of my traveling party. The train takes us to Longview and a bus will take us to Galveston. Does anybody know where the Amtrak bus station is in regard to the port? We are staying at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston North at I-45 the night before the cruise. Which says it's not too far from the port. The bus after disembarkation leaves at 11am, I wanted to see if that is possible. 

TIA

[steverk]

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

I figure this is as good a place to ask this question.

We decided to take Amtrak to our cruise. It is a dream for the vintage women of my traveling party. The train takes us to Longview and a bus will take us to Galveston. Does anybody know where the Amtrak bus station is in regard to the port? We are staying at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston North at I-45 the night before the cruise. Which says it's not too far from the port. The bus after disembarkation leaves at 11am, I wanted to see if that is possible. 

TIA

The amtrak thruway bus stops in downtown Houston. I dropped someone off there just a couple weeks ago and was surprised to see it actually continues to Galveston railway museum. This is across the street from the old terminal and about a mile from the current one.

[Coda_Sarah]

Update regarding Galveston Saltwater Moms.  They now only accept 5 or fewer passengers.  Their previous driver, Stephanie, started her own business called Space City Moms and they accept more than 5 passengers now.  

Seems both are really small companies?  I asked Saltwater Moms about booking two vehicles for six people and I was told they do not tie up 2 SUVs for six people.