What is the check in process like to board a cruise ship in Galveston Texas?

Question

I'm planning a cruise for December 2008 to celebrate our 10yr wedding anniversary. We live in the Houston area & planning to sail on December 22, 2008 (Actual anniversary is December 19). Since this will be our very first Cruise, we'd like to know what the check in process is like.

Answer 1

It's kinda like checking in at a hotel.  Except there is more paperwork.    

It's not something you really need to worry about.  Just have everything with you and make sure all your documents are in order.

What is it you want to know exactly?

Answer 2

1.  Are you flying or driving in?  If you are driving in, you will want to pre-pay for parking at this web site:

http://www.portofgalveston.com/cruiseinf...

2.  Assuming you are driving in, you will pull up to the terminal.  A Port of Galveston Employee will ask to see your cruise documents and passport to make sure you are who you say you are and have a right to be there.  He will then take the luggage out of your vehicle, where it will later be delivered to your cabin.  Tip him $2 a bag.

3.  You will then drive to the parking lot, park your car, and hop on a small bus back to the terminal.

3.  You will stand in a very long line outside of the building.  Before they let you in the building, you will need to show your  cruise documents and passport again.  

4.  You will eventually go through security, which is similar to airports before 9/11.  Just a walk-through metal detector and an x-ray machine for your carry-ons.  

5.  You will then go officially check-in.  Here you will show the cruise agent your paperwork and ID, and they will issue you a credit-card like device that you will charge all your shipboard purchases on.  

6.  You will now wait in line to have your embarkation photo taken.  This is taken in front of a backdrop with tropical foilage and fake ruins.  

7.  You will now stand in another line to actually get on board the ship.  Once you are actually on the ship, you will show the credit card device you were issued in Step 5 and have a photo taken.  This photo is strictly for ID purposes only.  You will never even see this photo.  

8.  Now you are in the ship's main atrium.  You will now find your cabin, get your life-vest, and go to your Muster Station for the lifeboat drill.

9.  The lifeboat drill completed, you can now enjoy your cruise.

Answer 3

If you know someone who can drop you off and pick you up, that's best.  Parking is expensive.

First and foremost, have your passport or certified birth certificate in a safe and accessible place.  You can't board or debark without it.  Other than that, it's like going through check-in and security at an airport.  The difference is that all bags have to be security screened, since you will have access to them on board.  Long lines, security checkpoints. Oh, and professional photographers.  There will be photo ops throughout the entire cruise, including as soon as you clear security, so you might want to wear something comfortable but nice (I know, it's hard to look nice after you've been lugging your bags around).  You can purchase and order whatever photos you like from the photo shop on board, and are not obligated to buy any.  Once you get through that, it's really very easy.  Find your cabin, relax and enjoy, explore the ship, wave to the people on shore.  Some of the bars and cafes will probably already be open.

Also, budget yourself to spend as much on "extras" as you spent on the tickets.  While you can go the entire trip without spending anything else, there are many things on board and in the ports of call that will cost extra, that you will likely want to participate in.  Art auctions, gambling, ship stores, sponsored shore excursions.  The shows, food and most beverages are free (juice, coffee, tea, milk), but not alcohol or sodas.  If you just want to hit the beach or go shopping in town, there's no need for shore excursion packages.  Some of them can be adventurous though, and you might see one that you want to try.

Debarking on the return takes longer, because you have to go through customs, so the ship debarks in sections and takes a few hours for each section.  Also bear in mind that when you shop in ports of call, they won't let you on board with something that won't pass security, so something like a ceremonial knife or spear will end up in the trash, because you won't have time to go get your money back.  I saw that happen to someone.  So... don't try to bring back anything (food, etc) that you might have a problem with in customs or security.

Have a great trip... I can't wait to go again.  If you like fine food, you will be in heaven.