Galveston Cruising from Galveston Texas during Mardi Gras can be fun, but also make things a bit more crowded around Galveston. Cruisers might be able to make Mardi Gras celebrations & events part of their pre or post cruise vacation and can enjoy some time in Galveston. This post will discuss some tips & information cruisers from Galveston should keep in mind when cruising from Galveston during the Mardi Gras celebrations or when planning on attending events as part of their pre and post cruise vacation!
Cruising From Galveston During Mardi Gras Tips
1. Research Road Closures
Before heading towards the cruise terminals, make sure you are aware of any road closures. The City of Galveston will usually post planned road closures online. Click Here to view the City of Galveston's page for upcoming closures (link will take you to the City of Galveston's website). The road closures related to Mardi Gras will likely be posted closer to the start of the celebration.
I also recommend the morning of your cruise checking Google Maps' traffic feature, Waze, or any other traffic map of your choice to check for traffic conditions, any unexpected delays, or road closures. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the cruise terminal and get parked as traffic is typically heavy around the cruise terminals even during non-event times. Also pack your patience as there may be higher than normal traffic due to ongoing events!
2. Reserve Your Hotel Or Lodging In Advance To Make Sure You Can Get What You Want
If you are cruising during the Mardi Gras celebration and are in need of hotel/lodging in Galveston pre or post cruise, you will want to research your options and book before heading to the island. Available rooms may be more limited than normal or your desired hotel could be sold out if you wait. If you cannot find a hotel room of your choice or at a price within your budget, you may want to consider staying off Galveston island and maybe look at options along I-45.
3. Weather
February is the time of the year where Galveston may have warm days and then cooler days. Make sure you pay attention to the weather forecast for your cruise to make sure you pack accordingly for the temperatures and weather. This tip isn't just applicable to cruising during February, but I thought I would go ahead and add here!
4. Cruise Parking
Cruise parking should not be too impacted by the Mardi Gras celebrations. However, since there may be road closures you will want to research a route to your parking lot and give yourself extra time to get there. If you have questions about getting in or out of your cruise parking lot, I recommend contacting the parking lot you have booked with.
If you want some general Galveston cruise parking information please click here for my post on Galveston Cruise parking discounts. I also have some parking guides on my main Galveston page that can be accessed by clicking here.
1. Research Road Closures
Before heading towards the cruise terminals, make sure you are aware of any road closures. The City of Galveston will usually post planned road closures online. Click Here to view the City of Galveston's page for upcoming closures (link will take you to the City of Galveston's website). The road closures related to Mardi Gras will likely be posted closer to the start of the celebration.
I also recommend the morning of your cruise checking Google Maps' traffic feature, Waze, or any other traffic map of your choice to check for traffic conditions, any unexpected delays, or road closures. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the cruise terminal and get parked as traffic is typically heavy around the cruise terminals even during non-event times. Also pack your patience as there may be higher than normal traffic due to ongoing events!
2. Reserve Your Hotel Or Lodging In Advance To Make Sure You Can Get What You Want
If you are cruising during the Mardi Gras celebration and are in need of hotel/lodging in Galveston pre or post cruise, you will want to research your options and book before heading to the island. Available rooms may be more limited than normal or your desired hotel could be sold out if you wait. If you cannot find a hotel room of your choice or at a price within your budget, you may want to consider staying off Galveston island and maybe look at options along I-45.
3. Weather
February is the time of the year where Galveston may have warm days and then cooler days. Make sure you pay attention to the weather forecast for your cruise to make sure you pack accordingly for the temperatures and weather. This tip isn't just applicable to cruising during February, but I thought I would go ahead and add here!
4. Cruise Parking
Cruise parking should not be too impacted by the Mardi Gras celebrations. However, since there may be road closures you will want to research a route to your parking lot and give yourself extra time to get there. If you have questions about getting in or out of your cruise parking lot, I recommend contacting the parking lot you have booked with.
If you want some general Galveston cruise parking information please click here for my post on Galveston Cruise parking discounts. I also have some parking guides on my main Galveston page that can be accessed by clicking here.
Planning To Attend Any Celebrations or Events Pre Or Post Cruise?
There are all sorts of events taking place during Galveston's Mardi Gras event. From parades to live music to even a 5K there is a variety of things to do or see as part of Galveston's Mardi Gras celebration.
1. Research The Events & Activities
If you are planning to attend or participate in any of the Mardi Gras celebration activities before or after your cruise, I recommend you research the events that will be taking place while you are in Galveston. There is typically a price to enter the Mardi Gras Entertainment District in Galveston so you will want to research how much things will cost and add this into your cruise vacation budget.
2. Local Parking
There should be some parking nearby the Mardi Gras Entertainment District that you can pay for. There typically is not free parking. If you are attending any of the events you should make sure you research where you can park. Some street parking will be available at meters (where allowed) and accessible to cars. There are some parking lots available where you can pay cash for parking. Depending on the lot you may be required to pay in cash so definitely research your options in advance to make sure you carry an appropriate amount of cash. Make sure you park in an appropriate place and pay to avoid getting a fine or your vehicle towed.
3. Ridesharing
Ridesharing (Uber, Lyft, etc.) is one option to consider if you are parking at your hotel and want to have someone else drive you to a Mardi Gras event. Please keep in mind, if you are using ridesharing to get from your hotel to the events (or vice versa) you may encounter surge pricing depending on demand. Exact policies and pricing will vary depending on the ride sharing service.
4. Check For Mardi Gras Packages
A few hotels may offer Mardi Gras packages where you can get a Mardi Gras ticket with your hotel purchase. The participating hotels each have different packages available. Booking a package might save you money depending on what your entertainment and lodging plans where.
Tip: To determine if a package is right for you, I recommend determining how much each item of the package would cost ala carte and then comparing the price to the package deal. Also, make sure you understand what any packages you purchase include and whether there are any rules/stipulations associated with anything you are purchasing.
5. Weather
Make sure you are prepared for whatever the weather & temperatures may bring!
In Summary: Do your research in advance and have a plan put together for before & after your cruise!
There are all sorts of events taking place during Galveston's Mardi Gras event. From parades to live music to even a 5K there is a variety of things to do or see as part of Galveston's Mardi Gras celebration.
1. Research The Events & Activities
If you are planning to attend or participate in any of the Mardi Gras celebration activities before or after your cruise, I recommend you research the events that will be taking place while you are in Galveston. There is typically a price to enter the Mardi Gras Entertainment District in Galveston so you will want to research how much things will cost and add this into your cruise vacation budget.
2. Local Parking
There should be some parking nearby the Mardi Gras Entertainment District that you can pay for. There typically is not free parking. If you are attending any of the events you should make sure you research where you can park. Some street parking will be available at meters (where allowed) and accessible to cars. There are some parking lots available where you can pay cash for parking. Depending on the lot you may be required to pay in cash so definitely research your options in advance to make sure you carry an appropriate amount of cash. Make sure you park in an appropriate place and pay to avoid getting a fine or your vehicle towed.
3. Ridesharing
Ridesharing (Uber, Lyft, etc.) is one option to consider if you are parking at your hotel and want to have someone else drive you to a Mardi Gras event. Please keep in mind, if you are using ridesharing to get from your hotel to the events (or vice versa) you may encounter surge pricing depending on demand. Exact policies and pricing will vary depending on the ride sharing service.
4. Check For Mardi Gras Packages
A few hotels may offer Mardi Gras packages where you can get a Mardi Gras ticket with your hotel purchase. The participating hotels each have different packages available. Booking a package might save you money depending on what your entertainment and lodging plans where.
Tip: To determine if a package is right for you, I recommend determining how much each item of the package would cost ala carte and then comparing the price to the package deal. Also, make sure you understand what any packages you purchase include and whether there are any rules/stipulations associated with anything you are purchasing.
5. Weather
Make sure you are prepared for whatever the weather & temperatures may bring!
In Summary: Do your research in advance and have a plan put together for before & after your cruise!