This destination was voted Best Caribbean Cruise for the value by Travel + Leisure, this exciting itinerary offers guests an thrilling way to explore the beautiful Western Caribbean from a convenient departure point. As the namesake of the “Jewel Class” cruise ships, you can bet she’s got it all. As well as offering some of the largest suites at sea, there are staterooms to accommodate every style. When it comes to entertainment, this ship’s filled with excitement: 16 dining options, 13 bars and nightclubs and that’s just the beginning.

Enjoy delicious eats like O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill and Moderno Churrascaria, the Brazilian-style steakhouse, then hop over to the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, offering delicious hand-crafted cocktails. Guests on board Norwegian Jewel will also be able to enjoy delicious cannolis and cupcakes from Carlo’s Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s Cake Boss and Next Great Baker, at the ship’s Java Café.

For its part, Norwegian Cruise Line signed on to home port at Bayport for 75 departures over a period of three years starting with the first sailing by the 2,374-passenger Norwegian Jewel on October 11, 2014. NCL’s contract with POHA calls for an option to extend an additional two years. From Bayport, the Norwegian Jewel will sail on seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries including ports of call in Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize, and Roatan and Bay Islands, Honduras.

Awaiting passengers there at Pasadena outside Houston will be a stand-alone structure of 96,000 square feet in area. It’s specifically designed to make the embarkation process a pleasant start for the coming cruise experience and to process efficiently and speedily returning passengers and their luggage.

Anticipating a large number of passengers who will drive is parking space for some 800 vehicles. Covered walkways connect the building with passenger drop-off points. Close-in, too, are taxi stands and bays for tour buses that will shuttle passengers in from both Hobby International Airport 25 miles away and the George Bush International Airport 45 miles away.

Inside Bayport is a 13,500-square foot passenger lounge area while 55 check-in counters will be staffed to process boarding guests. Information and even paging messages are transmitted over a network of 40 42-inch plasma video screens. VIP customers will have access to a separate lounge for priority check-ins. It’s also available for wedding parties and similar pre-embarkation social events.

Boarding ships comes at an upper level reached by escalator or for handicapped passengers a large capacity elevator. A glass-enclosed air conditioned/heated FMT Mobile Elevating Gangway provides access to the ship.

For passengers on a pre- and post-cruise vacation, the surrounding areas called Bay Area Houston offers some 35 accommodations ranging from B&Bs, motels and hotels. Some will provide free shuttles to the cruise terminal. In terms of attractions, about 8 miles from Bayport is the 60-acre Kemah Boardwalk, a complex that features nine themed restaurants, amusement rides and games, retail shops and the 52-room Boardwalk Inn.

Officials of the POHA are excited that their long wait for their ships to come in, literally, is over. Says Ricky Kunz who heads up Trade Development, “We’re already getting calls from passengers about where they should park.”

Norwegian Jewel Facts

Passenger Capacity (double occupancy)	2,376
Gross Register Tonnage	93,502
Overall Length	965 feet
Max Beam	105 feet
Draft	28 feet
Engines	Diesel Electric
Cruise Speed	22.5 knots
Crew	1,100
Inaugural Date	2005

Taxi Cab Transfer between Houston Airports and Bayport Cruise Port

All destinations within Houston city limits are charged according to the zone or meter rate, whichever is less. There is a late night surcharge of $1 per trip (8pm-6am)

One way cab transfer from Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) and Bayport Cruise Terminal which is about 28 miles or 30 minutes’ rides will be between $50 and $60 on average. (Not counting the traffic delays which would run it a bit higher)

For George Bush International (IAH), the cab ride will be between $95 and $120 since Bush airport is much farther to the north from Bayport Terminal, which is about 50 miles or 45 minutes’ ride. (Not counting the traffic delays which would run it a bit higher)

*Rates for the cab ride were obtained from Houston Yellow cab dispatcher over the phone on June 10, 2013 at 4:00 pm.

Cruise Line Shuttle transfer between Houston Airports and Bayport Cruise Ship Terminal

Most of the time we don’t even check the cruise line shuttles, because they charge per person, they are usually one of the most expensive ways to get to the port. In this case, however, there is a cheap option.

Princess Cruise Lines shows a transfer fee of $24 per person each way ($48 round-trip) from either Houston’s Hobby or Intercontinental airports. That’s a dirt-cheap rate if you are coming into Bush Intercontinental.

Norwegian Cruise Lines hasn’t yet released clear pricing on its shuttle service. We expect more details closer to the initial sail date.

Car Rental from IAH or Hobby to Galveston Cruise Terminal

Many people do rent a car to drive from Houston airports to Bayport cruise port. You can find all the major rental car places in both airports. You can get a rental from the airports for about $60 a day.

For groups of 5 or 6, it is usually a good deal if they are arriving to Houston early, and they want to visit other places in Houston, and they want to have car for the convenience, but if you calculate the total expenses and the inconvenience related to the car rental, it turns out to be a bad deal. Think about gas, driving in unfamiliar city; not knowing the traffic jam areas, parking cost in the port, getting the shuttle from the airport to the rental place. Well the cost for 7 days cruise would be about $450 for the car rental, $80 gas, $60 parking, for a total cost of about $600. If none of that bother you, then you are good to go.

Shared Shuttle from Hobby or IAH airports to Bayport Cruise Port.

Most of the time, this is the most economical way to transfer from Houston airports to Bayport cruise terminal. If you have a large group, of if you traveling with your family, this option can be a very affordable transportation option. The rate per person to transfer from Houston Hobby to Bayport cruise terminal is about $40 for the first passenger and $10 for each additional passenger. So for a round-trip ride for two people, expect to pay $100, but for 5 passengers, the total will be $160. From George Bush International (IAH) to Bayport, one-way charge is $60 for the first passenger and $10 for each additional rider. So a round-trip ride for two will run about $140. For 5 passengers, the total will be $200.

Private Shuttle from Hobby or IAH airports to Bayport Cruise Port.

Check out Galveston Shuttle, www.galveston-shuttle.com they provide the private shuttle services for a very good prices, for groups of 2 or more.

TownCar or limousine from Houston Hobby / IAH to Bayport Cruise Port

Another good option, that most of the people don’t think about because of the stigma associated with the limousine service being for rich people or very expensive. In fact Limousine companies provide an excellent service for very competitive prices. For example Transgates Limousine in Houston www.transgateslimo.com offer a Towncar Transfer from Hobby airport to Bayport Crusie terminal for $70 (For 3 passengers, it is about $23 each) which is really affordable for a limo service, and very comfortable Luxury Towncar. The transfer from George Bush International (IAH) to Bayport Cruise Terminal, is $120 for a Towncar, and $145 for an SUV which can hold 7 passengers, so you do the math. They also provide 10 passengers van for very competitive prices.

These services offer a more comfortable ride than a taxi and a personal ride that can take you anywhere you want to go, unlike a shuttle. While they can be expensive if traveling alone, private cars can make sense if traveling with a group or family.

Other advantages of limousine service are:

• You do not need to wait in line as you do for cabs
• They greet you inside the terminal with a sign with your name on it.
• You can pay for the service in advance, it help if you want to pay for your parents for example.
• They can accommodate large groups
• They provide professional drivers
• They offer online reservation
• They monitor your flight in case you come early, or you are delayed, so you will always have a driver waiting for you.
• They can be hired hourly to provide you with transportation around the city
• They provide car service discounts when booked online (some companies)

Known for her super hits and distinct fashion sense, Lady Gaga has become from no one to one of the best live performers in the world. Lady Gaga has announced her ArtPop concert tour to support her latest album and will be performing in Houston next. The event will take place on July 16, 2014 at the Toyota Center. Not new to touring, Gaga has before performed in the city before as well. She has countless fans in Houston. As she comes your way, don’t forget to buy Lady Gaga Houston tickets to attend the show.

Singer, songwriter, performing artist and worldwide celebrity Lady Gaga began her career in music in 2008 with her debut album “Fame” which sold twelve million copies. The record earned her a Grammy Award for Best Electric Dance Album. Besides this she was nominated for nine awards at the MVAs.

She discovered her signature sound when she started to incorporate pop melodies and rock beats into her music. She is very influenced by singers like Freddy Murphy. She is best known for her ability to re-invent herself. Lady Gaga is an artist that sees her life and entire career as a form of performing art. She presents stunts in her live shows. Her costumes are always the highlight of her performances. She has worn outfits made of meat and hair. Watch her fascinating live performances with your Lady Gaga Houston tickets.

Tickets for artRave: The ARTPOP Ball will go on sale beginning Monday, Dec. 9  at 10 a.m.

General Admission floor tickets are $85.00 and reserved seating is also available for $35.00, $49.50, $85.00 and $200, plus fees.