Galveston Cruise Port: Essential Guide for Your Cruise

Table Of Content

• Night Western Caribbean & Perfect DayDetails
• Solo Cabin Booking Options on European Cruises: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Vacation
• Carnival Jubilee, Mexico & Honduras from Galveston, March 15, 2025
• Official Port of Galveston Parking
• What to Know About Cruises from Galveston
• Night Western Caribbean CruiseDetails
• Port of Galveston Location

Experience all this and cruise out of Galveston with Travel Weekly’s Best Cruise Line Overall 19 years running. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. It is currently the only cruise line to have three ships offering cruises from there all year round.

Night Western Caribbean & Perfect DayDetails

There is no obligation to buy but they do make great souvenirs of your cruise. At the check-in desk, you will need to present your passport and ticket info, along with any visa/ESTA required. You will also be asked to provide a credit card for the settlement of your account during or at the end of your cruise. Solo travelers looking to book European cruises have a range of options when it comes to cabin accommodations. Culinary-focused cruises have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among foodies who want to... No trip to the Lone Star State is complete without trying some authentic Texas barbecue.

Solo Cabin Booking Options on European Cruises: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Vacation

In July 2021, after cruises had been halted for 15 months due to the Covid pandemic, the first ship to resume sailing out of Galveston was Carnival Vista, on July 3rd. Carnival President, Christine Duffy, marked the historic occasion with a “Back to Fun” ribbon-cutting ceremony in Galveston. Carnival Breeze set sail from Port Galveston two weeks later, on July 14, 2021. Cruise itineraries change from season to season, but currently, these are the cruise itineraries offered out of Galveston cruise port. If you’re cruising out of Galveston Cruise Port, you’ll find the island has some amazing attractions and unique things to do.

Carnival Jubilee, Mexico & Honduras from Galveston, March 15, 2025

Schlitterbahn Waterpark offers a splashing good time for families seeking aquatic adventures. This expansive waterpark features an array of water attractions, including thrilling water slides, lazy rivers for a leisurely float, and wave pools for added excitement. You can also reserve and pre-pay for your parking space at the on-site parking lot and structure. This is probably an excellent idea, especially as more of the really big ships move into Galveston. We suggest people don’t schedule a flight before noon if flying from Houston Hobby and 1 p.m. Cruise ships arrive early (around 6-7 a.m.), but it can take 2-3 hours for everyone to get off the ship.

Official Port of Galveston Parking

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]

This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall. In recent years, Texas cruise ports have faced some challenges due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the ports have adapted to the changing circumstances and have implemented measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Fast-Growing Texas Cruise Port Aims to Smooth Traffic Flow - Cruise Hive

Fast-Growing Texas Cruise Port Aims to Smooth Traffic Flow.

Posted: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

What to Know About Cruises from Galveston

Galveston’s cruises take you to a world where every port has a story to tell. The rich cultures of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and the Bahamas await, alongside the rhythmic pulse of Jamaica and the luxurious touch of the Cayman Islands. We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing. Please click on the links below for the most up to date cruise calendars. Housed in the historic Union Depot, the Galveston Railroad Museum showcases the island’s railroading history.

Night Western Caribbean CruiseDetails

While temperatures in Texas rarely fall below freezing — especially not in coastal Galveston — you never know when a scattered shower will pass. Likewise, make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water during Texas' long summer, which can begin setting in as early as April and can linger until October or November. Sparkling skylines, dreamy deserts, balmy beaches — everything's bigger in Texas.

After immigration, there is one last spot to visit that’s unique to Galveston. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) collects fees for the alcohol and tobacco that you bring back into the country. If bringing these items, you’ll need to stop and pay the duty to TABC to legally bring your items back home. If traveling with a larger group, then these options can be cheaper as they charge by the car while shuttles charge per person. Enjoy this handy guide on the best local restaurants in Galveston when seeking the top places to eat on your visit to this Texas beach town.

The ultimate guide to Galveston Cruise Port, covering all aspects of cruising from the Port of Galveston for a cruise vacation. Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.

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. Port Galveston (locode USGLS) is located on mainland Texas' upper coast and on the island's eastern end. The port is at approx 9 mi (15 km) from the open sea (Gulf of Mexico).

Terminal 2's expansion works started in 2014, financed by Royal Caribbean. 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. 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.

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. If you think people are excited to get on the cruise ship, then wait until the ship gets back home. Despite having a great time on the cruise, people are ready to get off the ship.

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. 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 park’s fishing areas and kayak launches invite outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. While entry fees apply per vehicle, the experiences offered, including ranger-led programs, make it a worthwhile investment for a day of outdoor enjoyment.

The port itself sits on the northern side of the island, protected from the Gulf of Mexico. Its location makes it a convenient spot to set sail as it only takes minutes for the ships to get out to the open water. 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. 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).

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. 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).

Visitors can explore vintage train cars, locomotives, and interactive exhibits. Today, Galveston stands as a testament to resilience, blending its historic charm with modern attractions. 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.