Thursday, April 11, 2024

Complete Guide to Cruising From the Port of Galveston

galveston cruise ships

Other restaurants and shops for purchasing last-minute toiletries and other items can also be found in the hotel district along the Galveston Seawall. This beachfront area is home to chain and independent restaurants, family attractions, grocery stores and convenience stores. Port of Galveston has parking available at all terminals with each facility marked with blue banners reading "Port of Galveston Cruise Parking." Most people taking cruises out of Galveston live within driving distance.

Hotels

There is no direct airlift to the island of Galveston, so cruisers outside of driving distance must fly via Houston. Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. Princess® returns to Galveston, sailing once again from this city tucked within a quaint Gulf Coast barrier island. Unwind along Galveston’s 32 miles of sun-drenched shoreline at one of the many county beach parks lining the Gulf of Mexico. Galveston Island State Park offers quiet seclusion and Stewart Beach is a great family-friendly option, while East Beach is a popular gathering space for livelier beach crowds.

Norwegian Cruise Line announces new cruise out of Galveston - KSAT San Antonio

Norwegian Cruise Line announces new cruise out of Galveston.

Posted: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Galveston cruise port

Both airports host rideshares and taxis that can take you to the Port of Galveston. These are available to book upon arrival to the airport, so you do not have to worry so much about timing. Prices start as low as $65 for a five-day cruise and $70 for a seven-day cruise. The fast-growing cruise port is in the perfect location for residents of Houston and the surrounding area for getaways along the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. The Port of Galveston offers free Wi-Fi within each of the terminals.

Book your OFFICIAL Port of Galveston Cruise Parking Now

There are economy parking lot options at the Galveston cruise terminal. Additionally, there’s a “park and walk” option in a covered parking garage closer to the ships. Both airports are home to cruise-specific shuttle services that provide round-trip services from Houston to the Port of Galveston. These shuttles leave on a set schedule, with many providers offering several daily departure times seven days a week. If you’re planning a cruise from Galveston, it’s important to know all about the port’s terminals and parking options, as well as the nearest airports and transportation options.

galveston cruise ships

However, construction roadblocks delayed the project with roughly a year. The expansion also included longer docking pier with extra bollards (short, vertical posts used for mooring). The expanded Terminal 2 now has capacity to handle up to 5,000 passengers at a time.

galveston cruise ships

Designed specifically to appeal to families, the world's fifth-largest cruise vessel is chock-full of more family-friendly activity zones than just about any other cruise ship at sea. Royal Caribbean's new Cruise Terminal 3's parking lots (, South, and Pier 14) are priced US$22/day (North Lot) and US$20 per day (at South Lot and Pier 14 Lot). Annually, Galveston's 4th cruise terminal is projected to support 925 new jobs and ~US$177 million in local business revenues (passenger fees and sales tax from parking). In 2023, the cruise port recorded 362 booked berthings (354 ship calls received) and ~42% increase in passengers (~2,98 million) over 2022. When completed, the newest/4th MSC Cruise Terminal is expected to generate an additional 925 jobs, ~US$177M in revenues, ~US$21M in local purchases. In 2018, the Port's cruise shipping grew by 13%, resulting in USD 1,5 billion in direct expenditures and supported Texas jobs (with total wages USD 1,75 billion).

CCL christens its newest cruise ship Carnival Jubilee at Port Galveston Texas

Additionally, Disney Magic sails four- to seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Texas. Cruise lovers within reach of the Lone Star State have a lot to celebrate. The following guide will brief you on everything you need to know about getting to and sailing from the very special Port of Galveston. We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing. On a cruise from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, explore the beauty of unspoiled coral reefs and underwater caves as well as visit the ancient Mayan ruins throughout the region. Oasis Class flavors, thrills and beats go full-throttle on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail from Texas — Harmony of the Seas®.

Port of Galveston Terminal Information: Cruise Line by Cruise Line

Look no further than the sailings out of the city on Princess Cruises' Regal Princess. Alas, Norwegian Prima only is based in Galveston seasonally for the winter, from December to March. It offers seven-night sailings to the Western Caribbean with calls in Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize. If it's swanky digs you're after (and you have the money to spend), you'll find plenty of options on this ship.

If you’re about to cruise from Galveston, we have this guide to answer everything you would want to know about sailing from the port. Galveston cruises often range from 6-9 nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options. That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style, as there are cruises from Galveston that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees. Interior venues on Carnival Breeze include a comedy club, piano bar, casino and showroom for big production shows. The dining options are similar to what you'll find on many Carnival ships, including an extra-charge steakhouse and Italian eatery, Cucina Del Capitano, as well as no-extra-charge main restaurants.

Cruise ships out of Galveston, Texas - KHOU.com

Cruise ships out of Galveston, Texas.

Posted: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Driving to the PortOne of the reasons that Galveston is such a popular cruise port is that millions live within a few hours’ drive of the port. That makes it convenient to get to the cruise port and not having to deal with airports or flying. As well, having your car means you can get to the port when you want, leave as soon as you get off the ship, and not have to meet anyone else’s schedule. While ports in Florida may as well be cities they are so large, Galveston in comparison is much smaller and easier to navigate.

While these don’t offer the views or atmosphere of staying in Galveston, they can be affordable and convenient as they are on the way from Houston. 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.

Assuming everything checks out, you’ll then head to the check-in station. One good thing about driving to Galveston is that there is ample parking right near the port that’s affordable. We have all the details on the major modes of transportation on our port transportation page.

The previous home of Royal Caribbean, it now hosts both Disney and Norwegian Cruise Lines. It is a slightly farther walk from parking options than Terminal 25 is, but is still convenient to get to (especially if you are taking a taxi or shuttle). In the 1960s, the port began to see the potential for growth in the cruise industry and started to invest in infrastructure to accommodate cruise ships.

If you're taking a cab to the Port of Galveston on the day of your sailing, your driver will need to follow signs for your ship's specific terminal. Specific drop-off locations are designated at each terminal, and each terminal has its own designated taxi area. Travelers arriving by car should allow at least 90 minutes to get to the cruise terminal from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). If arriving from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), allow at least 60 minutes of driving time. From there, renting a car or utilizing shuttle services are convenient choices. Additionally, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is another option, situated about 70 miles from Galveston.

This article will help you to learn more about the Galveston Cruise Port and Terminals plus a handy guide to Galveston to help you make the most of your cruise experience. Located in the heart of Galveston, Texas, the Galveston Cruise Ship Terminal (also called Galveston Cruise Port) on Galveston Island is the gateway to exciting Caribbean cruises and beyond. Galveston to Bolivar FerryWhile there is only one main road on/off Galveston (Interstate 45), there is a free ferry that runs back and forth between the Bolivar Peninsula and the island. It’s a fun thing to do as the ride takes only about 15 minutes and gives great views of the bay. Starting at just $287, choose the perfect cruise from Galveston that fits your traveling desires. Most commonly, cruises from Galveston go to exciting destinations such as Transatlantic, Bahamas, Caribbean - All, Caribbean - Southern, and Caribbean - Western.

It also offers a solid itinerary out of Galveston that visits several of my favorite ports in the Western Caribbean. The 20-year terminal concession deal between Galveston Wharves and MSC is inclusive of 4 optional 5-year extensions. MSC was allocated a fixed cruise schedule while the Port retains the prerogative to receive at Pier 16 other cruise vessels, contingent upon availability.

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