Howdy
Ok so I'm going to start some serious planning for this cruise--and I always start off by flying in a day ahead-sometimes two if the flight times aren't that great-
Has there been any special hotel mentioned that some of group plan on staying at- pre cruise that is ?
Phil I did see you mentioned something about the Comfort Inn and Suites -Beachside ????
I would be nice if we were staying a a hotel with other CruiseMates---
Thanks for any and all information.
There are several options in Galveston and surrounding. I do have a post where there is a link to a search engine for hotels....will have to look and find it again.
**here it is... http://www.hotelscombined.com/Search...ults=1&Rooms=1
Haven't heard about one best for the group. Were not a big group so its not likely we will get a package deal like with the NOLA bloggers.
For those with kids or want something different there is Moody Gardens or the town of Kemah.
Higher end hotels are the Tremont and Hotel Galvez. Others offer free parking for the cruise.
Just have to go with what you want to budget, location and ammenities.
Transportation to/from the airport is something to work out also.
The Phil & Liz shuttle service might be operating on a limited basis!
Best plan is to arrive day before given traffic issues going toward the island.
Phil & Liz[/url]
__________________
The Original Phil & Liz
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher
"Never take an idiot travelling, you can always pick one up when you get there." Billy Connolly
"If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun"
Katharine Hepburn
Peggy and I always drive to Galveston the day before, stay at the Beachfront Best Western, where our car is parked free during the cruise,
and ride a taxi to and from the pier. For last minute supplies, there is a super Walmart about a block away from the hotel.
Ok so I want a 5 star hotel at a 2 star price--lol--close to the port and where other CruiseMates are staying ---for this cruise anyways---flying in so no worries about parking----but wouldnt mind if someone else could use free parking if we booked at a hotel that offered that-----
Starting the party early sounds great---and Phil your shuttle service-- might come in handy if we opt for a local ride-----thinking dinner or ???
pre cruise---
Cheers
April
and yes I'll have to check out the Best Western--thanks for that tip
Paul--
---and Phil your shuttle service-- might come in handy if we opt for a local ride-----thinking dinner or ???
pre cruise-----
It would be nice to have a gathering before like we did with Kuki in NOLA.
Gaidos Seafood Restaurant is along the seawall and the Strand has a few places tho they are smaller.
Phil & Liz
__________________
The Original Phil & Liz
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher
"Never take an idiot travelling, you can always pick one up when you get there." Billy Connolly
"If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun"
Katharine Hepburn
We actually stayed at Gaidos Motel and had dinner the night before at the restaurant. The food was great, the Motel so, so, but clean and they have free parking. They also offer you 20% off your meal and we were able to watch the ships roll in. The taxi was only $6.00 from the Motel as well. I would do it again, but this time I believe we are staying at Comfort Inn because of a discount my Niece gets for working at the Marrott. I will be coming in to Galveston the day before, but I'am actually getting to Houston on Thursday and spending the night with my Sister and then with a friend on Friday. Plan to go to Jax's on Friday night for some down home Zydeco music.
__________________
Miracle to Aruba Feb. 23, 2011
Valor to Belize Sept. 2011
Another idea for a gathering the night before the cruise is Fisherman's Wharf. The last time I sailed out of Galveston, we reserved the meeting room (to the left as you go in) and all met up there.
I wasn't involved with reserving it, but I know it didn't cost us anything. We had cocktails and mingled for awhile before having dinner. Some people stayed there for dinner, others went to different restaurants. But it was a great place to meet up and to get familiar with the pier area where the ships dock.
__________________ Linda
( aka Innocent One )
Carnival Magic-11/11, Carnival Glory-2/11, Carnival Splendor-8/10, Carnival Conquest-1/10, Mariner of the Seas-3/09, Carnival Spirit-1/08, Grand Princess-12/06, Rhapsody of the Seas-12/05, Grand Princess-12/04, NCL Dream-12/03, MS Zuiderdam-12/02
Well finally I have a hotel booked--thanks to Priceline---
I must admit after looking and looking and reading tons of reviews---and not being able to make up my mind----I went for it---
Tremont House here we come-----no continental breakfast included but at the great price----of 78.00 per night--- no worries-------
Now on to book our flights and airport transportation----
I'm booked at Quality Inn & Suites Beachfront which is a block or so from Best Western Beachfront. Have stayed there before.
Gaidos Seafood Restaurant has great food, been there twice before on cruises out of Galveston. Any place we choose to meet and greet before cruise is fine with me.
The room is booked! Holiday Inn Sun Spree ... NON Smoking!
I could not accept Best Western's really good deal because it was a smoking room if you booked online. I called the hotel directly and they did have non smoking rooms for about $40.00 more . But to book H I it was not "extra" for a non smoking room.
I'm happy to say the my great Priceline bid and getting the Tremont House - after reading about it and planning on calling and asking for a smokefree room-- the entire hotel is smoke free--so no worries for me thank goodness
Cheers
April
April, I am so anti smoking rooms Thanks goodness that the hotels offer non smoking rooms ...... and thank goodness that they are not anti wine tasting
TC
...... and thank goodness that they are not anti wine tasting
TC
Ummm.....that would NOT be good. Yay for wine tasting!!
__________________ Linda
( aka Innocent One )
Carnival Magic-11/11, Carnival Glory-2/11, Carnival Splendor-8/10, Carnival Conquest-1/10, Mariner of the Seas-3/09, Carnival Spirit-1/08, Grand Princess-12/06, Rhapsody of the Seas-12/05, Grand Princess-12/04, NCL Dream-12/03, MS Zuiderdam-12/02
Me three (four?)!! A pattern DOES seem to be emerging.
__________________ Linda
( aka Innocent One )
Carnival Magic-11/11, Carnival Glory-2/11, Carnival Splendor-8/10, Carnival Conquest-1/10, Mariner of the Seas-3/09, Carnival Spirit-1/08, Grand Princess-12/06, Rhapsody of the Seas-12/05, Grand Princess-12/04, NCL Dream-12/03, MS Zuiderdam-12/02
Carnival Magic-11/11, Carnival Glory-2/11, Carnival Splendor-8/10, Carnival Conquest-1/10, Mariner of the Seas-3/09, Carnival Spirit-1/08, Grand Princess-12/06, Rhapsody of the Seas-12/05, Grand Princess-12/04, NCL Dream-12/03, MS Zuiderdam-12/02
Can we get a list of those having spoken up about using the Phil&Liz shuttle service from Hobby to Galveston?
TC was about noon. Someone was just before that, and another was around 5pm??? Who else?
Y'all can PM the info if you rather.
Need to know the actual time and day you arrive. We think we can get the early folks in one trip...ie the 11am group gets luggage and waits for the noon folks the we all leave. We then return for the afternoon arrivals so that we can all make it to the pre cruise get together...which is described below and in the other official thread....
OK. We just returned from the island. We mistakenly went down for Dickens but, alas, it is next weekend! So , we will be down there again next weekend!
We went to both The Spot and Mosquito.
We arrived at The Spot at 1pm Saturday to find a long line...of bikers! We decided not to wait but to head back to Mosquito so we can't comment on the food at Spot.
It did look like a nice place to hang out. Might be windy, as it was today, for outside eating, particularly in January. They have a Tiki Bar next to it and next door is the nightclub/bar called Drip.
Food at Mosquito was good but the place is small relative to the number of people it holds= noisy! Not a good place to have a conversation in.
When we first asked about the Spot and group resv's they indicated they like to have the groups at 20 or larger. It looks like we may have just that number.
It is located at 32nd and Seawall so folks who are lodging along Seawall should have an easy time getting to it.
The deck(s) outside have a webcam pointed at them so we could be seen by anyone at anytime so..umm..keep your shirt on will ya!!!
I guess we should make an official decision to offer everyone to attend a pre cruise get together at The Spot and set a time for...say...7pm
It is of course dutch treat, arrive whenever, and have fun!
Anyone have thoughts ?
Phil & Liz
__________________
The Original Phil & Liz
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher
"Never take an idiot travelling, you can always pick one up when you get there." Billy Connolly
"If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun"
Katharine Hepburn
P&L
We are away for a few days so I do not know the exact time on Sat but we are before TC. We can hook up with TC at baggage claim. 2 persons.
Scurvy & Kay
Thanks for the heads up. Gotta get some firm data before we get caught up in the holiday and forget to plan!
Phil & Liz
__________________
The Original Phil & Liz
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher
"Never take an idiot travelling, you can always pick one up when you get there." Billy Connolly
"If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun"
Katharine Hepburn
P&L
I do not know the exact time on Sat but we are before TC. We can hook up with TC at baggage claim. 2 persons.
Thanks
Scurvy & Kay
I'll be flying on Southwest, expect to be in Houston for 11:40 a.m. and I'll meet Scurvy & Kay at the baggage claim, that should simplify the morning shuttle
Now we just have to get through Christmas and New Year's holidays and then ..... we be cruising
TC
We are on Delta 5413 into Hobby at 10:46. Will wait for TC at Southwest baggage claim. Will just look for the person wearing Purple and Gold who has the most beads on.
We are on Delta 5413 into Hobby at 10:46. Will wait for TC at Southwest baggage claim. Will just look for the person wearing Purple and Gold who has the most beads on.
And a lemon drop in her hand!
Phil & Liz
__________________
The Original Phil & Liz
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher
"Never take an idiot travelling, you can always pick one up when you get there." Billy Connolly
"If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun"
Katharine Hepburn
Our flight arrives around 5:30 pm on Southwest---
Sorry I cant remember if you are free- working or packing etc etc---
I don't want bother you ----but if your available ? if not I do have some limo quotes to check into------rather do that than wait around for a shuttle to fill up---or tip you
Cheers
April
Hotel ?
. But to book H I it was not "extra" for a non smoking room.
Thanks goodness that the hotels offer non smoking rooms ...... and thank goodness that they are not anti wine tasting 
So , we will be down there again next weekend! 
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