allure returns in 2026 All Things Galveston

[Galveston Steve]

Here is a story in the Galveston Daily News regarding the Port's continuing efforts to improve traffic flow in and around the Port.  For instance, the new Cruise Terminal 16 opening in late 2025 will have a parking garage.

[Mike n Ky]

On 2/13/2024 at 8:52 PM, Galveston Steve said:

 

A "Royal Amplified" Allure of the Seas is returning to Galveston on 17 March 2026! Now open for booking! 

We have been on the Allure more than any other ship and was aboard two weeks before they were supposed to amp it up in 2020 then Covid hit. So, we have to get back on when it gets back to Galveston...likely April 2026. Thanks for the heads up!

[Galveston Steve]

On 2/29/2024 at 6:36 PM, Carlos A. said:

How difficult is to get from Enterprise to the Port? I'm thinking on dropping off my family on the port and then return the car. Are there taxi or Ubers available for a short drive like this?

I definitely recommend giving the local office a call to be certain, I believe they have a shuttle at their office but not sure if they currently make runs to the port.  There are definitely taxi's and Uber available at the Port for the return trip if needed.

[wordell1]

16 minutes ago, Galveston Steve said:

Here is a story in the Galveston Daily News regarding the Port's continuing efforts to improve traffic flow in and around the Port.  For instance, the new Cruise Terminal 16 opening in late 2025 will have a parking garage.

I love the new terminal and parking is much better than the offsite parking at the old terminal. My only complaint is that they force you to go all the way around the North Lot, past the terminal, just to enter the lot.  It makes no sense.

[Galveston Steve]

2 minutes ago, wordell1 said:

I love the new terminal and parking is much better than the offsite parking at the old terminal. My only complaint is that they force you to go all the way around the North Lot, past the terminal, just to enter the lot.  It makes no sense.

I've had the same experience. But instead of turning left on Royal Caribbean Circle, you should be able to continue straight on Royal Caribbean Way and turn left into the North parking lot instead of going around past luggage drop-off. 

[wordell1]

10 minutes ago, Galveston Steve said:

I've had the same experience. But instead of turning left on Royal Caribbean Circle, you should be able to continue straight on Royal Caribbean Way and turn left into the North parking lot instead of going around past luggage drop-off. 

Thanks! I will definitely do that next time.  The signs make it seem like you need to go around.

[Nathan C.]

Well, the planning stage is in fuIl-swing, even though I don't sail until 02/01/2026 on Harmony OTS.

I will be driving down from Kansas City to Galveston---which according to Google Maps, it will be take between 12-15 hours of straight driving to get there. I will be driving with a family member, so it's possible that we can drive down without having to spending the night at a hotel (by splitting the drivetime when we get tired), with the exception for the night before Embarkation Day. 

Right now I am split on how to travel south:

1. Do I drive the entire trip to Galveston the day before sailing, spend the night at a Galveston hotel, park the car and take the shuttle to the port?
2. Do I drive 5-6 hours on Friday (01/30), spend the night at a local hotel (somewhere between Tulsa, Okla. & DFW area); then on Saturday (01/31) drive the rest of the way to Galveston area and spend the night at Galveston hotel (and do park & cruise)? Would seek suggestions for hotels that are 2 or 3 Stars that are in Galveston---just need something that reasonably priced that is clean & safe, but don't need all the bells-and-whistles.
3. Do I drive most of the way to Galveston (say somewhere around the Webster/Clear Lake area), spend the night before sailing at a hotel and then drive the rest of the way to Galveston & park at one of the parking facilities? Do any of these hotels (in Webster/Clear Lake area) offer the parking and then use Uber to the port? Is the Webster/Clear Lake typically a safe area, where I don't have to worry about my car being broken into (I know even in the most "safe" areas have their issues).

Thanks!

[Doug_Texas]

We live in Dallas and drive to KC all the time for family.  We also drive to Galveston all the time to cruise.  If it were me I would drive rom KC to Corsicana (9.5 hours) or Madisonville and get a a real cheap hotel.  Madisonville is only 2.5 hours to the cruise terminal.  Galveston hotels are not cheap.  Madisonville has a wonderful Buc-ees for grabbing to go breakfast and coffee.  Stray flexible in case North Texas has one of our ice storms.

[steverk]

2 hours ago, Doug_Texas said:

We live in Dallas and drive to KC all the time for family.  We also drive to Galveston all the time to cruise.  If it were me I would drive rom KC to Corsicana (9.5 hours) or Madisonville and get a a real cheap hotel.  Madisonville is only 2.5 hours to the cruise terminal.  Galveston hotels are not cheap.  Madisonville has a wonderful Buc-eyes for grabbing to go breakfast and coffee.  Stray flexible in case North Texas has one of our ice storms.

I agree.  Stay 2-3 hours north of Galveston. Save money and break up the trip

[TexanTwoStep]

On 12/4/2024 at 11:19 AM, steverk said:

I agree.  Stay 2-3 hours north of Galveston. Save money and break up the trip

Or if you can really push it, just make it to League City or Texas City.

Half the cost of staying on the island, 30 mins from the port.

[steverk]

Here's something I hadn't heard about. If you look at this video at about 3:40, you'll hear that Royal has expressed interest in adding a second pier to the Galveston terminal.

Has anyone else heard anything about this and can corroborate this?