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The Port of Galveston is located on the Gulf Coast in Texas and is one of the state's busiest ports. Otherwise, the shuttles provide an affordable and easy way to get to your ship. Service departs from the Houston Station and the drop-off in Galveston is the Moody Railroad Museum (on 25th and Strand). This would then require booking a taxi or rideshare service to get to the port. There is limited public transit options between Houston and Galveston. Amtrak has a bus available, but tickets can only be booked in conjunction with a train ticket for around $90 per person.
Princess Cruise Destinations out of Galveston
Explore exquisite boutiques offering duty-free shopping experiences. If you prefer historical charm and architectural wonders, consider embarking on an Eastern Caribbean adventure. Discover the colorful streets of Nassau in the Bahamas or immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of San Juan, Puerto Rico. With each port offering its own unique experiences, you'll never run out of things to see and do. One popular itinerary is the Western Caribbean cruise, where you can soak up the sun on pristine beaches in Cozumel and Grand Cayman.
Tips for Planning a Princess Cruise out of Galveston
As is the case with all Princess ships, it's more of a ship geared toward middle-aged and older travelers without kids, including lots of retirees. One thing to know is that a number of hotels in the area offer parking at their hotel while you cruise. So stay a night, and you can leave your car there for little or no cost. If you’re driving into the port and plan to stay the night, it’s hard to beat this deal.
Night Western Caribbean Cruise
After the hurricane of 1900, the entire island was built up, with a protective barrier along the island facing the Gulf of Mexico. Today the main boulevard on the island runs along the Seawall, and hotels next to it offer unfettered views of the water. As you approach the terminal, you’ll see lots of porters ready to assist you with your bags. If you wish to check any luggage, you can leave it with the porters, and it will be delivered to your stateroom later in the evening. 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
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, Texas, offers a relatively wide range of choices for cruise ships and itineraries. Five different cruise lines sail four- to 11-night voyages that visit such Western Caribbean ports as Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. 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. When you're planning a Princess Cruise out of Galveston, one important aspect to consider is cruise parking. Luckily, the Port of Galveston offers official cruise parking lots that are convenient and secure.
GALVESTONCRUISES.COM: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, & Disney Cruises from Galveston Texas
Carnival, Disney, MSC (soon), Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean. Currently, there are a total of 13 ships and then 14 when MSC Seascape moves to Galveston year-round. One of the most defining moments in Galveston’s history was the devastating Hurricane of 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. In response, the city constructed the Galveston Seawall and raised the island’s elevation, fortifying it against future storms. Nature enthusiasts will find solace at Galveston Island State Park, where the Texas Gulf Coast’s beauty takes center stage.
Then there is the time to get to the airport, going through security, etc. Leaving plenty of time before your flight will help you from feeling rushed to get to the airport. The ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but the line can be backed up during the busy summer months. If you’d like to ride, simply park in the lot next to the ferry and walk aboard instead of driving. The island has a wide variety of places to stay, from historic hotels like the Grand Galvez to modern-day hotel chains that are abundant on Galveston.
MSC Cruises and Galveston Port signed terminal agreement for homeporting Seascape ship
MSC was allocated a fixed cruise schedule while the Port retains the prerogative to receive at Pier 16 other cruise vessels, contingent upon availability. 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. RCI Galveston Terminal was initially scheduled for completion/inauguration on September 1, 2022, but was officially opened on November 9th. The new facility is co-owned (50-50) by RCG and Ceres Terminals Inc (provider of stevedore and terminal management services, part of Ceres Terminal Holdings LLC). Ceres currently provides for RCG similar services at Port Canaveral, Tampa, Port NOLA/New Orleans and Baltimore.
It's official: Another major cruise line is starting sailings from Galveston, Texas - The Points Guy
It's official: Another major cruise line is starting sailings from Galveston, Texas.
Posted: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruise passengers can secure a spot in advance through our online service. One thing we know is the EZ Cruise Parking offers a sharp discount of $15 off of a week’s cruise parking if you choose to park and walk to the cruise port. The Port of Galveston is the fourth busiest home port in the United States with departures from Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Lines. We’ve got suggestions no matter how much time you have before that ship sails. The port itself offers official parking, there are independent parking lots nearby, and some local hotels offer cruise parking. Regardless of which option you choose, we recommend that you book a spot early so that you can save money with advance-payment discounts.
Inside Allure of the Seas, you'll find all sorts of family attractions, including counselor-staffed play areas for kids, a teen club and an indoor ice skating rink. Galveston is a Texas tourist hotspot as it offers a lot to do and a completely different atmosphere than the rest of the state. The island isn’t that large (pop. ~50,000) and has a lot to do within just a few minutes of the cruise ship. The debarkation process actually starts the night before your cruise ends. At that time you will set any large bags you don’t want to carry with you off the ship in the hallway outside your cabin.
Whether you are traveling with family, a group of friends or your significant other, this laid-back island has something for everyone. Set sail from a historic jewel in the Gulf of Mexico on Carnival cruises out of Galveston, Texas. Perched on the Gulf Coast, Galveston was a major commercial port in the late 1800s and has the restored architecture and proud history to show for it.
If there are enough people to make splitting a rideshare service worth it (i.e., less than the cost of individual shuttle tickets), then that is your best bet. Bush-Intercontinental has a superior flight network but is further outside the city and is situated 70 miles (about 75 minutes) from the Port of Galveston. IAH is United Airlines’ second largest hub and offers nonstop travel to over 185 destinations across 28 airlines. Hobby serves as Southwest Airlines’ operating base, so almost all flight traffic out of HOU is operated by the Texan airline.
From its resort-style beaches to its historic neighborhood streets, Galveston has the added benefit of being a destination with or without its cruise facilities. Take the kids to enjoy Boardwalk-style rides and amusements at Pleasure Pier or stroll antique shops with a loved one admiring charming architecture along the way. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are both commercial airports in Houston serving Galveston. There is no direct airlift to the island of Galveston, so cruisers outside of driving distance must fly via Houston.
It also has a sushi restaurant and a version of Carnival's Caribbean-inspired watering hole, RedFrog Pub. Carnival Breeze also offers a water park with waterslides on its top decks, a miniature golf course, a sports court for basketball and volleyball, and multiple pools. I'm a big fan of this new Norwegian vessel's stylish design and upscale feel, and I love its luxurious Haven suite complex. It also offers a solid itinerary out of Galveston that visits several of my favorite ports in the Western Caribbean.
The ship was, notably, the first Carnival ship to feature a 4D "thrill theater" and one of the first Carnival ships with a ropes course, both attractions that appeal heavily to teens and tweens. Allure of the Seas sails out of Galveston every Sunday on seven-night voyages to the Western Caribbean. The ship stops at Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. For instance, we recently sailed from Galveston and foggy weather made us arrive late (9 a.m.) to the port.
Despite having a great time on the cruise, people are ready to get off the ship. The good news is that with only three terminals and ample parking facilities, it’s fairly simple to get your way around the Port of Galveston. However, many people — especially those flying in for their cruise who are unfamiliar with the area — may have questions about what to expect. As you sail away from Galveston's shores into crystal-clear waters, prepare yourself for breathtaking sunsets over turquoise seas and vibrant island cultures waiting to be explored. From snorkeling through colorful coral reefs to strolling along pristine-white sandy beaches, each day brings new possibilities for adventure and relaxation.
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