In the Spring of 2023 I pre-booked "covered parking" near the terminal, but when I arrived (early at about 11:00am) there were no parking spots available in the "covered" area. Fortunately, a really nice attendant allowed me to park in sort of a no-parking spot in the north lot that was almost as close to the entrance as covered parking would have been. Disappointing that pre-booking and pre-paying doesn't guarantee a spot! Hopefully Royal has solved this issue with their "reservation" process.
Yes, for the first year it seemed like there weren't really checking for reservations. But when we went in January 2024, we had to use our barcode from our reservation to get in. Hopefully that is helping prevent people from parking in lots they didn't pay for!
I have reserved covered parking for later this year. I know the people disembarking have to leave first, but what time should I arrive to ensure a covered parking spot?
In theory, they haven't oversold the lot and you will always get a spot if you reserved the North Covered Lot. Usually everyone has to be off the ship around 9AM, and the first check-in times around usually around 10:30, so getting a spot should be easier if you arrive around 10AM.
@morrismaloney3311 I thought if you paid for that area, you are guaranteed a spot. I hope so, I paid 200 for a spot so I can get as close as possible.
Thanks! I really like this terminal, but it can look overwhelming from the outside, so I was happy to share all the information I could to make it less intimidating!
We always stay park and crise hotels, at any port. First thing do is find A Porter. they know where all the pick up points are. enjoyed this video. miss the trio last time. will look for this time..
Absolutely! Plenty of people walk from the parking lots nearby with all their stuff, so you would just be coming from a little further. Watch for traffic, and stay on the sidewalks, and you should be fine. Great idea!
Hi. Never been to TX and thinking about taking a cruise out of Galveston. What do most people coming from other states do to get here? Fly into Houston? Is there a bus RC provides from there? Or do we have to rent a car and drive there?
Most people from other states end up flying in and taking a shuttle or taxi/Uber/Lyft to get to Galveston. There are two Houston airports: Hobby is much closer, but smaller, so flights are more limited. I would still recommend it because the transfer costs to Galveston will be cheaper and quicker. RC has shuttles available for an additional cost, but I haven't used them personally. I would not recommend renting a car because it probably won't be worth the hassle or cost if you have to park it at the terminal for a week.
They tend to not let you start going through security until your time, but 20 minutes may be close enough. The lounge is only really used for the first time slot or two, while they are getting the ship ready. After that, you just get on the ship right after you go through security.
@@nd5713 Sounds great! Be sure to subscribe so that you can get more tips between now and then! I've got more videos in the queue for excursions and activities in ports that are often visited from Galveston!
South isn't much cheaper, right now it looks like it's $22/day, whereas North is $25/day. There are parking lots nearby that are probably cheaper, just not as convenient. Some hotels even offer to let you leave your car for free if you stay there the night before your cruise.
This footage was all shot with either Allure of the Seas or Harmony of the Seas. Both are Oasis-class ships, so they look pretty similar. Right now Harmony of the Seas is the "big ship" sailing out of Galveston from Royal Caribbean. Thanks for watching!
Very informative video. By far the most comprehensive on RUclips about the Galveston terminal. Thank you.
We aim to please! Feel free to share it whenever people ask about the port!
One of the best RUclips videos - precise and simple! Thanks
Wow, thanks! Very kind words, I'm working on more and have big plans for 2025!
In the Spring of 2023 I pre-booked "covered parking" near the terminal, but when I arrived (early at about 11:00am) there were no parking spots available in the "covered" area. Fortunately, a really nice attendant allowed me to park in sort of a no-parking spot in the north lot that was almost as close to the entrance as covered parking would have been. Disappointing that pre-booking and pre-paying doesn't guarantee a spot! Hopefully Royal has solved this issue with their "reservation" process.
Yes, for the first year it seemed like there weren't really checking for reservations. But when we went in January 2024, we had to use our barcode from our reservation to get in. Hopefully that is helping prevent people from parking in lots they didn't pay for!
This is why I just catch an Uber there, but I only live about 40 minutes from Galveston
I have reserved covered parking for later this year. I know the people disembarking have to leave first, but what time should I arrive to ensure a covered parking spot?
In theory, they haven't oversold the lot and you will always get a spot if you reserved the North Covered Lot. Usually everyone has to be off the ship around 9AM, and the first check-in times around usually around 10:30, so getting a spot should be easier if you arrive around 10AM.
@morrismaloney3311 I thought if you paid for that area, you are guaranteed a spot.
I hope so, I paid 200 for a spot so I can get as close as possible.
Well made video ! always cruised with Disney. i like how informative you made this video and really broke things down!
Thanks! I really like this terminal, but it can look overwhelming from the outside, so I was happy to share all the information I could to make it less intimidating!
Thank you for the video. Very informative and straight to the point.
I try to avoid too much fluff in my videos, we all have limited time!
Thanks for a very informative video. Well done!
Thanks! Please share it with your community whenever it makes sense!
We always stay park and crise hotels, at any port. First thing do is find A Porter. they know where all the pick up points are. enjoyed this video. miss the trio last time. will look for this time..
That's definitely another option for parking, we've done that before!
Do you know if it’s possible to walk into the cruise port without a car? Thinking about staying in a hotel in walking distance from the port
Absolutely! Plenty of people walk from the parking lots nearby with all their stuff, so you would just be coming from a little further. Watch for traffic, and stay on the sidewalks, and you should be fine. Great idea!
Hi. Never been to TX and thinking about taking a cruise out of Galveston. What do most people coming from other states do to get here? Fly into Houston? Is there a bus RC provides from there? Or do we have to rent a car and drive there?
Most people from other states end up flying in and taking a shuttle or taxi/Uber/Lyft to get to Galveston. There are two Houston airports: Hobby is much closer, but smaller, so flights are more limited. I would still recommend it because the transfer costs to Galveston will be cheaper and quicker. RC has shuttles available for an additional cost, but I haven't used them personally. I would not recommend renting a car because it probably won't be worth the hassle or cost if you have to park it at the terminal for a week.
If I arrive around 20 minutes before arrival time, can I at least go through security and hang out in the lounge area until my time?
They tend to not let you start going through security until your time, but 20 minutes may be close enough. The lounge is only really used for the first time slot or two, while they are getting the ship ready. After that, you just get on the ship right after you go through security.
I didn't see any signage for cruisers that purchased The Key. Does that even exist in Galveston? Maybe not?
Yes, it does! There was signage, I just didn't show it. I'll try to grab some footage of it next time!
@@CruisingSecrets awesome! Thank you! I'm cruising with The Key for the first time in February 2025 and I'm trying to prepare myself mentally, LOL!
@@nd5713 Sounds great! Be sure to subscribe so that you can get more tips between now and then! I've got more videos in the queue for excursions and activities in ports that are often visited from Galveston!
@@CruisingSecrets I did subscribe - thank you! :-)
What are the prices between north and south? Some of us spend all our money on fun but prefer the cheapest spot for our car.
South isn't much cheaper, right now it looks like it's $22/day, whereas North is $25/day. There are parking lots nearby that are probably cheaper, just not as convenient. Some hotels even offer to let you leave your car for free if you stay there the night before your cruise.
If you have rented a scooter in Galveston , it's my understanding scooters are in a designated area , not in your room like Florida . Is this true ?
I'm not sure, but it's a great question! Hopefully someone else sees this and is able to speak from first hand experience.
I drive car and use apple car map can you please give me a address to get to parking.thank you
1152 Royal Caribbean Cir, Galveston, TX 77550
Thank you
Great video! Thank you
You bet!
Great video ! Just subbed
Thank you! You're in the first 150 subscribers, which will be a high honor someday I'm sure! 😁
Hi, may i ask which RC ship is this?
This footage was all shot with either Allure of the Seas or Harmony of the Seas. Both are Oasis-class ships, so they look pretty similar. Right now Harmony of the Seas is the "big ship" sailing out of Galveston from Royal Caribbean. Thanks for watching!
New subscriber 😊
Thank you!
If its a 7day cruise,I am going to be ready to get off of the ship, for sure!
Sometimes I just wish I could keep going, especially if I don't have anything fun going on at home for a while!
Nice terminal. Bad cruise line.
They all have their pros and cons!
It’s all about choices