Swing Stars

 

 

Pre-Cruise Mardi Gras in Galveston !

What a great way to kick off our cruise !  Fat Tuesday is March 8th this coming year.  That means Galveston's 100th Mardi Gras Celebration will be at it's peak the weekend of our cruise ! !  The largest parades will be happening Friday & Saturday Nights in the Historic Strand District. Many thousands of people attend this event every year, making accommodations at a high demand.  But we are prepared.  We have great accomodations over looking the Gulf of Mexico that include: round trip transportation to the Historic Strand to partake in all the Mardi Gras fun. 

Come early to enjoy great Southern & Cajun foods, view the Spectacular Parades, listen and dance to the many bands, and more --- all at a great price !   

The Swing Stars Staff will be there to party with us.  We have a limited number of rooms for Friday & Saturday - book early - don't be left out ! 

 

Don’t miss the revelry at Mardi Gras! Galveston. The island comes alive with 11 extravagant parades, more than 50 galas and festive events, bead throwing, exhibits, live entertainment in local clubs, and the best Gulf Coast cuisine in the world. One of the most popular annual events to take place in Texas, the event is rich with laughter, celebration and people watching. There is something for everyone including a beachfront carnival, shopping, and nightlife featuring everything from Cajun and salsa to jazz and rock and roll. Returning this year – the incredible Philadelphia Mummers who take to the streets in colorful costume to entertain young and old.

Rich in history, Mardi Gras! Galveston celebrates its 100th event since it’s inception in 1867. Make your mark in history – attend Mardi Gras! Galveston 2011! Twelve days of fun and entertainment! Beginning on February 25 and it's not over until the Fat Lady sings! Fat Tuesday, March 8.

More than 250,000 people attend Mardi Gras! Galveston each year to experience the party of a lifetime. Join us for the party of the year. Call now to reserve your accommodations at one of the Island’s quality hotels or inns and plan to have the time of your life! A memorable event on a romantic island! Mardi Gras! Galveston.

See more at www.mardigrasgalveston.com See Video, Picture Gallery and more !

 

DANCEFUN PRE-CRUISE OPTIONS

The DanceFun Staff and Instructors are arriving early for the Mardis Gras Celebration.  AND - this is actually a great idea for those flying in to meet the ship. 

Flying in the day of embarkation can be risky. If your plane or shuttle is late or worse it breaks down, and you miss the ship, you will miss a good part of your cruise while trying to catch up with us at the first port. And this is not considering the extra expense to fly to the first port.

The DANCEFUN PRE-CRUISE is a fun, affordable option (air, hotel, shuttle service) for those arriving early. And the options provide service to Galveston from both Hobby (HOU) and Bush (IAH) Airports. 

For reservations call DanceFun at 1-866-326-2338 or 1-405-282-8989
Monday – Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Central Time.

 

Staying in Galveston - Holiday Inn on the Beach

Transfers - Shuttle Service

Tour Options in Galveston

Parking / Pier Information

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STAYING IN GALVESTON - Holiday Inn on the Beach

DANCEFUN HOTEL is for those arriving March 4 and/or March 5 for the Mardi Gras pre-cruise weekend.

  • Ocean View Accommodations - including State & City Taxes
  • Round Trip Shuttle Service to the Historic Strand for the largest Mardi Gras parade of the weekend
  • Shuttle Service to the Pier - Transportation to the Cruise Terminal Sunday Morning with luggage handling & tips included
  • Free parking during the cruise for those staying at least 1 night ! (Parking is $70.00/week at the pier)
  • Complimentary High Speed Internet

 

Flying – Shuttle service from Hobby (HOU) or Bush (IAH) Airports is available (see shuttle options below).

Driving – Our Arrangements here also include free parking for the week and free shuttle service to the pier and back to the hotel after the cruise ! Those driving must stay at least one night to receive this service.

Holiday Inn on the Beach

Newly Renovated !

5002 Seawall Boulevard 
Galveston, Texas 77551

Holiday Inn Resort has eight-stories of Gulf view rooms on Galveston Island located at the San Luis Resort in the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast! 

Most of the rooms have private balconies overlooking the Gulf or the pool. The Jetty Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as room service. B’Jiggers Lounge offers live entertainment and Happy Hour specials.

 

Holiday Inn
Welcome to the Holiday Inn Resort on the Beach


lobby
pool
Newly Renovated Lobby
Pool

King Bed Guest Room
Double Bed Guest Room
king
double

Most rooms are ocean views & recently renovated !

The Holiday Inn Resort is centrally located to many Galveston attractions like the beach, Rainforest Café and Adventure Ride, and shopping at the Historical Strand District. Whether you want to take a historic home tour at Bishop’s Palace, Moody Mansion or Ashton Villa or catch a play at The Grand 1894 Opera House, the Holiday Inn Resort is the place to stay. There are several Restaurants within walking distance including an IHOP and RainForest Cafe.

NOTE: Our arrangements with the Holiday Inn provide free shuttle service to above attractions.
Folks can go when they want or take advantage of public transportation in the City of Galveston !!

Hotel Offers:
Restaurant offers Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Lounge has live entertainment and a dance floor !
Shuttle Service to the Downtown Historical Strand for the Mardi Gras Parades !

Rooms Offer:
Most of the rooms have private balconies overlooking the Gulf or the pool.  Desk or Table, Phone with Voicemail and Dataport, AM/FM Clock Radio, Coffee Maker, Iron & Board, Hairdryer, High Speed Internet, 25 inch TV with Pay Per View Movies, Air Conditioning

Entertainment
Cable / Satellite TV
In Room Movies - Pay Per View
In Room Movies - Premium Cable
In Room Video Check-out
In Room Video Games Available

Refreshment / Kitchen
Coffee Maker
Mini Refrigerator

Data Services
High-speed Internet Access
Wireless Data Connection

Workspace / Desk
Work Desk w/ Lamp
Electrical Adapters Available
Spare Electrical Outlet at Desk

Phone / Fax
Phone with Voice Mail
Two-Line Phone

Bathroom / Personal Care
Bathtub
Hairdryer
Private Bathroom

Miscellaneous
Connecting Rooms
In Room Safe
Individually Controlled Air Conditioning
Iron / Ironing Board
Separate Hanging Closet

Hotel Price Includes:

  • Ocean View Accommodations - including State & City Taxes
  • Round Trip Shuttle Service to the Historic Strand for the largest Mardi Gras parade of the weekend
  • Shuttle Service to the Pier - Transportation to the Cruise Terminal Sunday Morning with luggage handling & tips included
  • Free parking during the cruise for those staying at least 1 night ! (Parking is $70.00/week at the pier)
  • Complimentary High Speed Internet

Hotel – 1 Night

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY – $99.00/person

SINGLE OCCUPANCY – $188.00/person

Hotel – 2 Nights

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY – $198.00/person

SINGLE OCCUPANCY – $376.00/person

For reservations call DanceFun at 1-866-326-2338 or 1-405-282-8989
Monday – Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Central Time.

 

Tentative Saturday Schedule for DanceFun Staff & Instructors
3:00 pm              Hotel Check-in 
About 5:00 pm*   Shuttle Service to Historical Strand for Mardi Gras Celebration & Parades
About 10 pm*     Return Shuttle Service from the Historic Strand District
*Shuttle Times are estimates only. Confirmed times with final documents.
The Holiday Inn also offers live entertainment in their lounge "B-Jiggers" on the weekend and has a medium size dance floor !
You may want to check it out after Mardi Gras Saturday Night.

Sunday (Tentative - get update at Saturday Dance)
9:00 am Luggage Pick up
10:30 am Board Shuttle for Pier

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TRANSFERS – SHUTTLE SERVICES – Bush (IAH) & Hobby (HOU)

DanceFun Shuttle Service (Airport Shuttle)

This shuttle service is a must if you are arriving a day or 2 early. 
Cruise Line Shuttle Service is ONLY for the day of Embarkation or Disembarkation and ONLY (see below)
If you are arriving a day early or a day late, we recommend our shuttle service provider. 
This will require advanced booking and your flight times.

Round Trip Transfer Includes:
(Shuttle Service available for Bush or Hobby International Airports)

  • Shuttle Service from Airport to Holiday Inn on the Beach
  • Shuttle Service from Cruise Terminal to Airport

One Way Transfer Includes:
(Shuttle Service available for Bush or Hobby International Airports)

  • Shuttle Service from Airport to Holiday Inn OR from Cruise Terminal to Airport

 

George Bush Intercontinental Airport - Houston (IAH) / DanceFun Shared Ride Shuttle Service

Travel time is approximately 90 minutes; 70 miles from Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

One way           Round Trip 
$45                   $90

  • In Bound Shuttle - Those wishing to see the Mardi Gras Parades we suggest your flight arrive by 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 5th*  Last shuttle departs at 5:00 pm Friday & Saturday.
  • Return Shuttle Sunday March 13 - your flight needs to depart after 1:30 pm form Bush (IAH)

Shuttle service from Bush Intercontinental Airport to operate from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm.  Plan your flight to arrive no later than 4:00 pm.  Our last shuttle departs at 5:00 pm.  DanceFun is not responsible for late arrivals, airline schedule changes, and delays.  DanceFun suggests your flight arrive no later than 4:00 pm to allow time to debark the plane, secure your luggage and then get to Terminal B to meet the shuttle.

NOTE: those arriving Saturday March 5 - DanceFun suggests your flight arrive no later than 2:00 pm to ensure time to catch our shuttle, transfer to the Holiday Inn (90 min), check-in and then catch the shuttle to the Strand. Those with flights arriving after 2:00 pm may have to find their own transporation to the Historic Strand District for the Mardi Gras Parades. Taxis from the Holiday Inn to the Historic Strand are about $15.00 one way.

Shuttle service will include a meet & greet service in baggage claim.  Our shuttle service representative will meet & greet guests at Terminal B baggage claim and direct them to the shuttle. Driver's tips are additional.  Those arriving at Terminals A or C may take free Airport Tram to Terminal B as follows: Exit Terminal A or C baggage claim and follow signs down one level to Airport Tram.  Take Airport Tram to Terminal B.  At Terminal B go up one level to Baggage Claim to meet our shuttle representative.

GEORGE BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT TERMINAL INFO

For those arriving earlier or later than these times, we may be able to extend the offer if there are 4 or more in a party. If not, private cars may be available at a higher fee - call for price and availability.  Driver will load at curb outside of Terminal B baggage claim

 

William P. Hobby Intercontinental Airport - Houston (HOU) / DanceFun Shared Ride Shuttle Service

Travel time is approximately 60 minutes; 42 miles from Houston Hobby International Airport

One way           Round Trip 
$35                   $70

  • In Bound Shuttle - Those wishing to see the Mardi Gras Parades we suggest your flight arrive by 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 5th*  Last shuttle departs at 5:00 pm Friday & Saturday.
  • Return Shuttle Sunday March 13 - your flight needs to depart after 1:00 pm form Hobby (HOU)

Shuttle service from Hobby Intercontinental Airport to operate from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm.  Plan your flight to arrive no later than 4:00 pm. Our last shuttle departs at 5:00 pm.  DanceFun is not responsible for late arrivals, airline schedule changes, and delays.  DanceFun suggests your flight arrive no later than 4:00 pm to allow time to debark the plane, secure your luggage and then meet the shuttle.

*NOTE: those arriving Saturday March 5 - DanceFun suggests your flight arrive no later than 2:00 pm to ensure time to catch our shuttle, transfer to the Holiday Inn (60 min), check-in and then catch the shuttle to the Strand. Those with flights arriving after 2:00 pm may have to find their own transporation to the Historic Strand District for the Mardi Gras Parades. Taxis from the Holiday Inn to the Historic Strand are about $15.00 one way.

Shuttle service will include a meet & greet service in baggage claim.  Our shuttle service representative will meet & greet guests in baggage claim and direct them to the shuttle.  Driver's tips are additional.  Driver will load at Curb Zone #12.

WILLIAM P HOBBY INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT TERMINAL INFO

For those arriving earlier or later than these times, we may be able to extend the offer if there are 4 or more in a party. If not, private cars may be available at a higher fee - call for price and availability.  Driver will load at Curb Zone #12.

 

 

Royal Caribbean Shuttle Service

Serving Bush Intercontinental Airport              (IAH)            70 mi / 90 min

This Shuttle Service is a good and reliable service, but ONLY for the day of Embarkation or Disembarkation and ONLY within certain flight times on those days.  IF you are arriving on the day of Embarkation before 12:00 pm, we recommend this service. Note: Transfer rates are subject to change and any unused services are non refundable.

  • Serves the Port of Galveston from Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
  • Service is $46.00 each way or $92.00 round trip per person
  • Available on days on embarkation & disembarkation only
  • Latest Flight Arrival by 12:00 Noon
  • Earliest Flight Departure 12 Noon
  • Between Houston Intercontinental (IAH) or Houston Hobby (HOU) Airports and the Port of Galveston:
    One Way: $46.00     Round Trip: $92.00


Serving Hobby Intercontinental Airport              (HOU)           42 mi / 60 min

This Shuttle Service is a good and reliable service, but ONLY for the day of Embarkation or Disembarkation and ONLY within certain flight times on those days.  IF you are arriving on the day of Embarkation before 1:00 pm, we recommend this service. Note: Transfer rates are subject to change and any unused services are non refundable.

  • Serves the Port of Galveston from Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
  • Service is $31.00 each way or $62.00 round trip per person
  • Available on days on embarkation & disembarkation only
  • Latest Flight Arrival by 1:00 pm
  • Earliest Flight Departure 1:00 pm
  • Between Houston Intercontinental (IAH) or Houston Hobby (HOU) Airports and the Port of Galveston:
    One Way: $31.00     Round Trip: $62.00

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TOUR OPTIONS IN GALVESTON

Arrive early and try a tour of the island - lots to see !

Dolphin Tours Baywatch Dolphin & Harbor Tours
21st & Harborside
Phone: (832) 859-4557
On the 45-minute narrated Baywatch tour, you'll see dolphin in their own natural habitat, the historic Galveston harbor, a World War II submarine and destroyer, the Tall Ship Elissa, as well as drilling rigs, ferry boats, and the mighty ship channel.
  Airboat Tours

Capt. Hal Newsom's Airboat Tours of Galveston Bay
14302 Stewart Rd.
Phone: (409) 632-0089

Experience a unique and thrilling airboat ride adventure.

Harbor Tours Galveston Harbor Tours
Pier 22
Phone: (409) 765-8687

Don't miss daily one-hour Historic Harbor Tour and Dolphin Watch excursions onboard Galveston Historical Foundation's 50-foot motor vessel, Seagull II. (Closed Tuesdays).
  Duck Tours Galveston Island Duck Tours
2500 Seawall Blvd.
Phone: (409) 621-4771

The Galveston Duck Tour is a unique way to see Galveston Island, taking you along Seawall Boulevard, across Offats Bayou, The Strand Historic District, and The Silk Stocking District.
Galveston Gal Galveston Island Gal
Tours throughout the Island
Phone: (409) 457-5704

Jan Johnson, a 5th generation "BOI," is a freelance writer and step-on tour guide with over 25 years experience.
  Island Tours Galveston Island Tours
502 20th St.
Phone: (409) 765-TOUR
Galveston Island Tours, LLC, is an affiliate of the Galveston Historical Foundation that provides comprehensive destination management services throughout the Galveston-Houston region.
Ghost Tours Ghost Tours of Galveston
25th & Strand
Tour Office: (832) 892-7419
"Ghost Tours of Galveston" is a walking tour of the historic Strand District in Galveston, including informative history, as well ghost stories of the area.
  Bicycle Company Island Bicycle Company
1808 Seawall Blvd.
Phone: (409) 762-BIKE
Whether you are looking to rent or buy, Island Bicycle Company has a fantastic selection of cruise, road, mountain, kids and comfort bikes to choose from.
Island Carriages Island Carriages
2528 Postoffice St.
Phone: (409) 765-6951
Experience a tour of Galveston's East End Historical District. A horse-drawn carriage will guide you along tree-lined streets providing you a vantage point to note architectural details of these era mansions.
  Postoffice St. Postoffice Street Arts & Entertainment District
2200 Postoffice St.
Venture onto Postoffice Street for an enchanting blend of art galleries, antique shops and chic eateries.
Historic Strand The Strand Historic District
2100 Strand
The downtown area offers an intriguing selection of shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums within a perfect radius for self-guided tours.
  Treasure Isle Treasure Isle Tour Train
2500 Seawall Blvd.
Phone: (409) 221-0282
Enjoy a 1 3/4 hour, 17 mile narrated tour around the Island City on the Treasure Isle Tour Train!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PARKING / PIER INFORMATION

Texas Cruise Ship Terminal on Galveston Island

Pier #25
2502 Harborside Drive
Galveston, Texas 77550

Travel Time:

  • 42 miles from Houston Hobby International Airport; travel time is approximately 60 minutes.
  • 70 miles from Houston Intercontinental Airport; travel time is approximately 90 minutes.

DIRECTIONS TO THE PORT: 

  • I-45 South
  • Take Exit 1C - Harborside Drive (Highway 275)
  • Turn left (East) onto Harborside Drive
  • Continue approximately 4.7 miles to Kempner/22nd Street
  • Turn left onto Kempner/22nd Street
  • Proceed to Cruise Terminal - Pier #25

PARKING: (Rates subject to change by Port Authority)

  • 4-day cruise: $45.00 Uncovered
  • 5-day cruise: $50.00 Uncovered
  • 7-day cruise: $70.00 Uncovered / $80.00 Covered

Port of Galveston Parking Lots A & B

  • Guarded and lighted; 24 hour surveillance and police patrol.
  • Accepted forms of payment: U.S dollars; VISA and MasterCard.
  • Pre-payments may be made by visiting www.portofgalveston.com.
  • No advance reservations required.
  • Handicap Parking available with proof of valid permit.
  • Vehicles occupying two or more spaces will be charged double the rate.

Embarkation:

  • Luggage must be unloaded at the cruise terminal curbside prior to parking; the shuttles do not handle luggage during embarkation.

Debarkation:

  • Return directly to Parking Lots A and B to retrieve car without luggage and then pick up the guests and luggage at the terminal curbside.
  • Depart the terminal on luggage-capable shuttles; there will be a short to moderate wait time.
    Note: This is only provided in parking lots where luggage drop-off is indicated on the parking lot sign.

For more parking info see: Port of Galveston Parking Info

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For Complete Travel Info, Dance Activities and Reservations: Call: 866-DANCEFUN (866-326-2338) or 405-282-8989