“Houston has a reputation for being hospitable and gracious. We want our guests to feel at home. These rankings are affirmation that our city employees are providing the best service possible,” says Houston Mayor Annise Parker.

“We know the traveling public has a choice of which airport they fly or connect through when they travel by air and we are very excited to be selected for this honor,” added Mario C. Diaz, aviation director for the Houston Airport System. “About 65 percent of our customers are connecting and they never leave the airport, which means that they have time to take in the airport atmosphere and it is our job to ensure that the experience is positive.”

The readers indicated that one of the things they enjoyed at Houston Airports is the way the airport employees support their travel needs.

“We strive to exceed customer expectations at Houston Airports and I am proud of all the employees who helped us achieve this honor,” added Diaz. “I’d also like to say thanks to the traveling public for giving Houston high marks as the city with the best airports in the U.S.”

Travel + Leisure rated Houston Airports high for shopping, dining, entertainment and outstanding airport lounges.

Houston Airports were selected as the second best place to dine and relax in airports across the U.S.

Some of the newest restaurants at Bush Intercontinental include:

• Center Bar
• Upper Crust
• Panapolis
• The Real Food Company
• Einstein Bros Bagels
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate/Blue Bell Ice Cream
• Z-Pizza
• El Pinto Tacqueria & Cantina
• Le Grand Comptoir

The recognition from Travel + Leisure magazine represents the latest in a string of recent accolades for the city of Houston.

At Hobby Airport, the newest restaurant is Buffalo Wild Wings.

Houston’s airports placed near the top in several categories including:

• Airport Staff Efficiency – 2nd Place
• Airport Entertainment – 2nd Place
• Airport On-time Performance – 3rd Place
• Airport Shopping – 3rd Place
• Airport Design and Functionality – 4th Place

Houston is focused on making the customer experience the best it can be and keeping the public informed on news they can use as they travel.

Both airports launched Twitter this summer to keep customers updated on news they can use. To follow us on Twitter, go to @IAH or @HobbyAirport.

Copyright © 2010 – Houston Airport System

Princess has agreed to two additional seasons of 50 more sailings through 2016. Starting in 2014, the Emerald Princess will make Houston its home port for western Caribbean sailings. Noteworthy is the fact Princess Cruises has been named by cruise industry travel agents as having the “best cruise line itineraries.” The economic impact of these three cruise seasons by Princess is $155 million, according to the firm Martin Associates. An estimated $3 million in state and local taxes is anticipated. Additionally, a total of 736 direct, induced and indirect jobs will be created. Princess Cruises are on sale now at www.princess.com or call 800-PRINCESS.

Norwegian Cruise Lines and the Port Authority also reached an agreement covering three years for Norwegian to sail from the cruise terminal beginning in 2014, with a total of 75 calls. The agreement includes an option to extend for up to two years. Norwegian Cruise Lines will bring the 2,374-passenger Norwegian Jewel to Houston to sail seven-day Western Caribbean cruises.The deal marks a return to Houston for the cruise line, which last sailed from Houston in 2007. Norwegian’s cruises from Houston will go on sale to the public in mid-December 2013. To book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 800-327-7030 or visit www.ncl.com.

The Bayport Cruise Terminal provides some of the finest, most modern and traveler-friendly amenities available today. Located on the western shores of Galveston Bay (click here for map), Bayport Cruise Terminal’s proximity to fine restaurants and hotels and access to both regional airports, Intercontinental and Hobby, make it an ideal point of disembarkation. The state-of-the-art facility combines visual appeal, passenger convenience, accessibility and innovative security systems.

Passenger access from parking and drop-off areas is immediately adjacent to the front of the terminal. Covered walkways connect the building to bus and private passenger drop-offs and taxi stands.

Once inside the terminal, the passengers’ first-class experience continues in the expansive great area. The 96,000-square-foot terminal is designed with materials specially selected to allow natural light to brighten its open and airy features.

The terminal is designed to direct passengers without confusion, while wide areas inside the terminal minimize congestion. Ample security stations will reduce wait times for passengers while overhead plasma screens and signage display information. A sufficient number of counters will also minimize delays by accommodating passengers quickly and easily.

Once the check-in process is complete, passengers will move to the second floor of the terminal to the passenger jetway system. The Bayport Cruise Terminal and its gangway system are designed to accommodate most ships and their entry ways. The wide, unrestricted wharf allows for the loading of provisions aboard the ship quickly and efficiently.

The cruise terminal building’s low profile design and translucent blue-green wall panels are designed to give it an emerald-like presence reflective of the gentle waves of Galveston Bay.  The cruise terminal is in Pasadena, a city nestled between Houston and Galveston Bay.

For general inquiries concerning the terminal and parking, please call 281-291-6200.

Bayport Cruise Terminal
4700 Cruise Road
Pasadena, Texas 77586

 Options for Parking at the Port of Galveston:

Map of Galveston Cruise Parking Lots

To make things easier, we’ve put together this map of all the Galveston cruise parking lots:

Discount Cruise Parking – One of the cheapest places to park, Discount Cruise Parking charges just $45 for a 7-day trip if prepaid. Otherwise, the rate is $65. The lot is fenced and gated, however it is some distance from the terminal. The company does offer shuttle service for you and your luggage. Due to the lower prepaid rate and relatively small lot, we suggest booking in advance.

Cost: $45 for a 7-day trip (if prepaid).
Distance: More than 30 blocks (shuttle provided).
Website: DiscountCruiseParking.net

Galveston Park N Cruise – It doesn’t get any closer to the port than with this parking lot. It is the closet lot to the port, located just across Harborside Drive. The entire lot is fenced and lit. Most parking is outdoors, but there is also indoor parking for an additional fee. Because the lot if relatively tight, no RVs or oversize vehicles can park here. Given the proximity to the port, the $50 prepaid fee for a 7-day cruise is one of the best deals in town.

Cost: $50 for a 7-day trip (outdoor; if prepaid). $65 for indoor (if prepaid).
Distance: Less than 1 block.
Website: GalvestonParkNCruise.com

81st Street Dolphin Parking – Don’t let the name fool you… 81st Street Dolphin Parking is actually much closer to the Port of Galveston than the name leads you to believe. You’ll find it at the corner of 28th Street and Avenue D — about 6-7 blocks from the cruise terminal. The lot is fenced and features night security as well. And don’t worry about walking. Dolphin Parking offers a shuttle to the port. There is also space for oversize vehicles.

Cost: $50 for a 7-day trip (if prepaid).
Distance: 6-7 blocks from the port (shuttle provided).
Website: 

 

EZ Cruise Parking – EZ Cruise Parking offers elevated lots with high fencing and lighting to keep your car safe. While it doesn’t offer covered parking, the company does rent car covers if you are worried about the sun or salt air. Oversize vehicles aren’t allowed. While the lot is within walking distance of the cruise terminal, it does offer free shuttle service. Reservations are recommended as the lot often sells out.

Cost: $55 for a 7-day trip (if prepaid).
Distance: 3-4 blocks from the port (shuttle provided).
Website: EZCruiseParking.com

 

Lighthouse Parking – Lighthouse Parking is located right next to the Port of Galveston’s “official” lots, yet offers a rate that’s $10 less for a 7-day cruise… and includes covered parking. Reservations are suggested as this lot usually sells out. Your rate includes a shuttle to and from the port, located 5-7 blocks away. Also, if you are worried about storms while you are away, know that Lighthouse Parking offers an elevated lot. Oversize vehicles are also welcomed.

Cost: $55 for a 7-day trip (if prepaid).
Distance: 5-7 blocks from the port (shuttle provided).
Website: LighthouseParking.org

 

BOI Valet — As the name suggests, BOI Valet offers easy valet parking for passengers. The lot is fairly small, so space is limited. All spots are indoor parking. BOI Valet does not offer parking for oversize vehicle. Perhaps the best thing about parking here is that the lot is located right across the street from the terminal. No need to catch a shuttle. You can simply walk to the cruise port.

Cost: $65 for a 7-day trip (indoor parking).
Distance: Less than 1 block.
Website: BOIValet.com

 

Port of Galveston Parking Lots – The port offers “official” parking, and guarantees a space for all cruise passengers. The lots themselves are located on either side of Harborside Drive, between 29th Street and 33rd Street. The lots are fenced and lit. However, there is no covered parking. Parking for oversize vehicles is available for an extra charge.

Cost: $65 for a 7-day trip (if prepaid).
Distance: 5-7 blocks from the port (shuttle provided).
Website: PortofGalveston.com

 

Getting to the Terminal

If you’re cruising from Galveston, you can’t start your trip without getting there first!

All cruises embark at the Port of Galveston. The port is located on the northern end of the island, at the intersection of Harborside Drive and 25th Street. Of course, you’ll be able to see the ships from a distance. The port is approximately 50 miles from downtown Houston, 40 miles from Hobby Airport, and 70 miles from Bush Intercontinental Airport. If driving, expect the trip to take about one hour from Hobby Airport and two hours from Intercontinental Airport.

 

Here is a map showing the location of the port relative to the island:

Directions to the Galveston Cruise Terminal from Houston:

1. Take I-45 South (Gulf Freeway) to Galveston.
2. From I-45 South, take the Harborside Drive exit.
3. You will come to a major intersection after about 1/5 of a mile (Teichman Road). Turn left.
4. This road turns into Harborside Drive. You will take Harborside all the way to the port.
5. The port is located at the intersection of Harborside Drive and 25th Street.

 

The Port of Galveston address is 2502 Harborside Drive, Galveston, Texas 77550.

Not driving a car? Want to know about other ways to get to the Galveston port? Visit this link to read about all the other options of reaching the Galveston cruise terminal without driving.