Table Of Content
Unwind along Galveston’s 50 kilometres 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. Galveston cruises often range from 6-9 nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options. 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.
Card Type
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. 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. Passengers sailing from Galveston usually don’t have far to go to get to the cruise port and head out on vacation. The Houston area — home to about 8 million people — is just about an hour away. Meanwhile, other large Texas cities including San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin are only a few hours’ drive.
Galveston Cruise Weather Guide
In the competition for business, these hotels look to provide guests with perks to attract those about to take a cruise. Cruise Terminal 28 (Formerly Terminal 2)Cruise Terminal 28 was the home to Royal Caribbean ships before they moved to the new terminal. If you’re walking to the terminal, it’s a bit farther than Terminal 25, but if you are taking a shuttle, they will drop you off right at the entrance. That proximity to so many people makes it easy to see why Galveston has blossomed into the largest cruise port outside of Florida.
Book your OFFICIAL Port of Galveston Cruise Parking Now
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. There aren’t a ton of hotels right at the port (but there are a few).
A shuttle will transport you back and forth from your car and the ship for free. The cheapest rates run about $100 for a 7-day cruise and $70 for a 5-day cruise if you book ahead of time. There are also more expensive lots that are covered and/or closer to the terminal. 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 parking lots are conveniently located near the cruise terminals, making it a breeze to get from your car to the ship. Economy (uncovered) lots offer a convenient shuttle to take passengers directly to the cruise terminals.
Regal Princess is based in Galveston on a seasonal basis from November to March. It operates some of the longest sailings from the Texas port, including 10- and 11-night trips to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Honduras, Belize and Mexico. They're the sort of sailings that generally appeal to a retired crowd because these trips require a long time away from home. For would-be Galveston cruisers, Carnival Breeze serves as a sort of "test the port" ship. Its short sailings and low pricing mean you're not out a lot in time or money if you don't love the experience.
Royal Caribbean, Grand Cayman, Honduras & Mexico from Galveston, March 10, 2025
The George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is about 70 miles (roughly 1.5 hours) from Galveston. Hobby Airport (HOU) is closer at about 40 miles (45 minutes to an hour), but there are generally fewer flight options to and from Hobby.
Best for budget travelers: Carnival Breeze
Sailing from Galveston offers a convenient range of cruise-friendly hotels, some of which provide parking or shuttle services to the cruise port. Whether you opt for complimentary shuttles or those with a nominal fee, these accommodations ensure a hassle-free transition to your cruise adventure. While in Galveston, explore attractions like the historic Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens, or relax on our scenic beaches. Don't miss the chance to visit The Bryan Museum for a dose of Texan history, making your Galveston stay an enjoyable prelude to your cruise getaway. Official Port ParkingThe Port of Galveston operates ample parking that’s near the cruise terminals.
Cruises to Galveston
Disney Cruises bring every child’s imagination to life and provide an opportunity for the entire family to reconnect and unplug from the chaos of everyday life. Highlights include kids’ pools, Broadway-caliber musicals, a Marvel Superhero Academy, and a range of eating options. The following cruise lines offer departures from the Port of Galveston. Galveston Island is a gem for Texas tourism – and it’s easy to see why. Fascinating history, well-preserved 18th century architecture, gorgeous beaches and thrilling outdoor adventures.
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. 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. From there, you enter the terminal and check your boarding documents with the cruise staff. Once they ensure you’re in the right spot, you’ll head through security.
It caters heavily to first-time cruisers, as well as Texas locals and Southerners who can book on short notice and drive to the port for a quickie escape. 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. 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. Parking is available at the cruise terminal and will run about $10 a day.
ABC13 sweepstakes: Enter for a chance to win a cruise for 4 from Galveston, Texas - KTRK-TV
ABC13 sweepstakes: Enter for a chance to win a cruise for 4 from Galveston, Texas.
Posted: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The shortest sailings that the 10-year-old Princess Cruises ship operates out of Galveston are seven nights in length. Looking for a cruise out of Galveston that isn't jammed full of families with children? Look no further than the sailings out of the city on Princess Cruises' Regal Princess.
These mini cruises are ideal for a short but sweet escape, offering a taste of the vibrant life and culture of the Western Caribbean. Galveston, Texas, is a remarkable starting point for your cruise adventures. Its proximity to Houston, the cultural hub of Texas, makes it a convenient choice for travelers. Galveston experiences diverse weather conditions throughout the year, making it essential for cruisers to plan accordingly. Let’s explore the weather in Galveston by season and delve into the monthly weather conditions for Western Caribbean destinations, helping you make informed decisions for your cruise. Whether you’re a sunseeker or a fan of cooler climes, this guide will assist you in understanding the best time to embark on your Western Caribbean cruise adventure.
For cruisers flying in, shuttles pick up and drop off at both airports. These longer itineraries expand your horizons to include the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, as well as the captivating Panama Canal. From brief getaways to extended adventures, our cruise options cater to diverse tastes.
These lots typically offer cheaper rates than the official port parking, while sometimes being even closer than the port’s parking. One of the best things about cruising from Galveston is that parking is easy, (relatively) cheap, and convenient. The area around the port offers ample parking, with official Port of Galveston parking lots competing alongside independent lots. Cruise Terminal 10With the size and growth of the Port of Galveston, it was only a matter of time until another terminal was built to accommodate more ships and passengers. Cruise Terminal 10 (complete guide here) is the new home to Royal Caribbean and has the ability to handle its largest Oasis-class ships. The terminal sits east of the current facilities, costing more than $130 million to build.
As one of the oldest ports on the Gulf Coast, Galveston stands out with its rich history and convenient location. The city, situated on the picturesque Galveston Island, serves as the lone homeport in Texas for major cruise lines, making it a central point for embarkation on your next sea adventure. Home to some of the most well-known cruise lines, the Port of Galveston offers a range of choices for travelers. 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. Large wall signs with area maps have also been hung around the facade of the terminal building; codes on the maps are able to be scanned with cell phone applications for easy navigation of the city.
No comments:
Post a Comment