Cruises from Galveston, Texas

Table Of Content

• Complete Guide to Cruising From the Port of Galveston
• Cruise Ports in Florida: Everything You Need to Know (7 Ports)
• The Biggest Reason Cruisers Miss Their Cruise Ship in a Foreign Port
• How much do cruises from Galveston cost?
• Getting from Houston Airports to Port of Galveston
• Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Prima
• Best for Disney fans: Disney Magic

No matter your budget of what you’re looking for, Galveston has something to fit your needs relatively close to the port. We all know that waiting in line to check-in for a flight is mind-numbing. Once you are called for your turn, you’ll set up your onboard spending account, get your room keycard and then board the ship. To drop off passengers or pick up, head into the port entrance at the intersection of 22nd Street and Harborside Drive. From there, it’s as simple as following the signs to the correct area for passengers to get out.

Complete Guide to Cruising From the Port of Galveston

On February 7, 2024, Galveston Wharves and MSC finalized the operating agreement for the new terminal complex. Starting in November 2025, in Galveston MSC inaugurates homeporting operations with the ship MSC Seascape. In 2022, the Port's cruise business supported 3500 jobs, and generated US$568M in local business revenue plus US$73,5M in purchases by cruise tourists (passengers and crew). In 2017 the number grew to 950,000 (economic impact USD 2,3 billion) supporting local jobs. Generated jobs are 20,000 (paying over USD 1,1 billion in total income). Cruise ship vacation-related spending in Texas is accounted for 6,3% of the industry's direct expenditures, and 5,6% of the industry's nationwide overall spending.

Gwen Stefani headed to Galveston to christen Carnival Jubilee - Chron

Gwen Stefani headed to Galveston to christen Carnival Jubilee.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Cruise Ports in Florida: Everything You Need to Know (7 Ports)

With the addition of Terminal 3 — located about a mile from the original terminals –passengers also have official parking options at that port, instead of having to shuttle from Terminals 25 & 28. The ~USD 20 million project also included the restoration and extension of the roads in the Old Port Industrial and Wharf. A direct road connection to highway I-45 can divert most of the cruise-related vehicle traffic directly to the Port. Today, the Port of Galveston is one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States, with over 1.5 million passengers sailing from here each year. The port has continued to invest in infrastructure to keep up with the growing demand for cruises, including the addition of new terminals and parking facilities. Galveston Express offers affordable public shuttle service between Houston and Galveston, with pick-up and drop-off service from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Houston Hobby Airport.

The Biggest Reason Cruisers Miss Their Cruise Ship in a Foreign Port

The South and Pier 14 Lots are a bit further away but offer guests a free shuttle service to and from the terminal. Sitting about a mile east of Terminals 25 and 28, Terminal 10 has its own parking areas. The Port of Galveston has wheelchairs available for use during embarkation and disembarkation. If wheelchairs are required for the duration of the sailing, passengers are responsible for providing their own or contacting their cruise line to inquire about rentals.

How much do cruises from Galveston cost?

In 2017 were handled a total of 258 ship calls and ~1,9 million passengers. In 2017, the port reported a record monthly cruise shipping volume (113,488 embarking passengers) on a total of 33 departures in December. Galveston is a solid choice (and the only option) as a departure port for families looking to take a cruise within range of Texas. The closest other cruise port to Galveston is nearly 400 miles away in New Orleans. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are both commercial airports in Houston serving Galveston.

Please click on the links below for the most up to date cruise calendars. The Seawall is generally a seven-to-ten-minute drive from the Port of Galveston, so you will need to take a taxi or rideshare if you plan to visit this area. Otherwise, the shuttles provide an affordable and easy way to get to your ship. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at all of these important factors to help ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience before and after your cruise. Additionally, there are plenty of exciting activities, restaurants, and hotels near the port that you won’t want to miss. There are a limited number of chairs for waiting guests prior to security screening.

Galveston welcomes the new Carnival Jubilee - Travel Weekly

Galveston welcomes the new Carnival Jubilee.

Posted: Wed, 20 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Prima

A family-friendly destination, Stewart Beach offers a wide expanse of sandy shores, lifeguard stations, and amenities like volleyball courts and a pavilion. It’s an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. Housed in the historic Union Depot, the Galveston Railroad Museum showcases the island’s railroading history. Visitors can explore vintage train cars, locomotives, and interactive exhibits.

The port also has facilities to handle cargo ships (bulk freighters and container carriers) and dry dock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs. The port can handle all types of cargo - containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk, breakbulk, RO-RO (roll-on/roll-off) vessels. There is a terminal switching railroad to facilitate larger cargo movements by rail. Join our Princess fleet to sail on some of the best cruises from Galveston. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. The Strand Historical District is the town’s prime shopping spot, where 19th-century storefronts now house a quirky collection of locally owned gift shops and antique stores.

The USD 125 million (~EUR 107M) project was approved on December 11, 2019. This is a long-term (20-year initial) lease deal that could be extended (via 4 consecutive 10-year options) up to 60-year exclusive terminal concession rights. On November 30, 2016, the port completed a USD 13 million project that expanded the passenger area at "Cruise Terminal 2". Terminal's both buildings are now connected by an enclosed, air-conditioned walkway. The passenger area was increased from around 90,000 to 150,000 ft2 (8360 to m2).

Based seasonally in Galveston from December to April, Disney Magic offers the best cruises out of Galveston for the Disney fan. It is, for the record, the only Disney Cruise Line ship that sails from Galveston. Starting November 2025, MSC Cruises will call Galveston home when MSC Seascape begins year-round sailings to the Western Caribbean. Get ready to discover new horizons on one of our newest ships as you enjoy award-winning entertainment, world-class dining, and thrilling experiences like Robotron, the only robocoaster at sea. The project included adding two new gangways, a new ramp, two elevators, one escalator, new roofing, improvements of facilities (including Customs & Border Protection).

Near the cruise port are the lots of EZ Cruise Parking, Galveston Park N Cruise, Falstaff Cruise Parking, Discount Cruise Parking. The South Lot is at 1201 Royal Caribbean Way, and The Pier 14 Lot is at 1390 Royal Caribbean Way. The premium option at The North Lot is immediately next to the terminal, while the other parking lots offer guests a free shuttle service to and from the terminal.

Galveston is Texas State's only homeport and was accounted for 6,3% of the USA's cruise industry overall spending, 6,2% of the industry's total employment impact, 7,6% of its income impact. In 2018, the port's passenger+crew arrivals were ~1,4 million (estimated USD 115M in ashore spending/goods and services). Major contributors to the Port's current successful cruise business are Carnival Corporation and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group.

The cruise company also extended the family's standard onboard amenities with VIP services. In 2016, it generated US$58,4M in local passenger spending, plus US$19,1M in port-provided services. According to the Port's statistical data, Texas receives from cruise ship operations ~USD 1,42 billion per year (direct spending). Your most cost-effective public transport option is the Galveston Express, which offers an affordable public shuttle service from both airports to the Port of Galveston starting from $30 per person.

Cruises from Galveston are offered year-round and the most frequented ports of call are the Bahamas, Costa Maya or Cozumel in Mexico, Western Caribbean and Central America. One thing to note is that Galveston has moved to facial recognition, meaning you simply take a photo that’s verified instead of having to meet with an agent (if you have a passport). In some cases, we’ve debarked and barely had to stop before making our way out the terminal.

Today, Galveston stands as a testament to resilience, blending its historic charm with modern attractions. The Aquarium Pyramid showcases marine life from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond, with fascinating exhibits and touch tanks. For families, the Discovery Pyramid offers hands-on exhibits exploring science and technology. The Port of Galveston cruise facility is the only one located on port property.

This new terminal can accommodate the largest vessels from its Oasis Class to its new Icon Class. The cruise line currently has a fleet of three ships sailing from Galveston including Allure of the Seas. Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel.