THE 25 BEST Cruises from Galveston, TX 2024 with Prices on Cruise Critic

Table Of Content

• Parking at the Port of Galveston
• Port of Galveston Location
• Galveston Cruise Terminal 10 Sailing Guide (Location, Parking, Photos, & More)
• Restaurants near the Cruise Port
• Port of Galveston Cruise Port: Parking, Address & Amenity Info
• NCL Makes History With First Seasonal Sailing From Galveston, Texas
• Port of Galveston Cruise Guide: Everything You Need to Know Pre-Cruise

There are also miles of beaches to enjoy, along with water sports and other outdoor activities. For those looking for something a bit more laid-back, there are plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. No matter what your interests may be, Galveston has something for everyone. Otherwise, the shuttles provide an affordable and easy way to get to your ship. There is limited public transit options between Houston and Galveston.

Parking at the Port of Galveston

There are also hotels on the mainland, just minutes from the island. 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. Once off the ship, you’ll make your way through the terminal and pick up any luggage you set outside your cabin. You’ll then go through customs and immigration to legally enter back into the United States.

Port of Galveston Location

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. The shortest sailings that the 10-year-old Princess Cruises ship operates out of Galveston are seven nights in length. Notably, the 3,600-passenger Regal Princess lacks nearly all the gee-whiz attractions for families found on the other ships that sail out of Galveston.

Galveston Cruise Terminal 10 Sailing Guide (Location, Parking, Photos, & More)

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]

As the embodiment of the city’s island time spirit, the stainless steel and lost-wax bronze sculpture is the perfect backdrop for the start of vacationers’ getaways. 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.

Restaurants near the Cruise Port

In other words, if you’ve sailed other Carnival ships than the Excel class, the vibe and atmosphere is still the same, but the experience will be something completely different. In a major win for Texas cruising, Carnival will sail Jubilee from Galveston until at least 2026. And while cruising from the island has grown by leaps and bounds in the past two decades, this is surprisingly the first time a new ship from any cruise line has called Galveston home.

Port of Galveston Cruise Port: Parking, Address & Amenity Info

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. Official Port ParkingThe Port of Galveston operates ample parking that’s near the cruise terminals. 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.

Porters will be available at each terminal to assist with baggage on embarkation day. Established in 1825, the Port of Galveston has been a thriving maritime commercial center for nearly 200 years. What started as a humble Mexican trading post has since become a Texan-sized center of commerce. There is no luggage storage or locker service within the Port of Galveston. Service departs from the Houston station and the drop-off point in Galveston is the Moody Railroad Museum (25th and Strand). If you’ve sailed from Galveston before but not Cruise Terminal 10, then prepared to be wowed.

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. The other area is on the east side of the terminal where larger shuttle buses park to shuttle passengers, but there are also lanes for picking up similar to what you see at an airport. There is also a second spot to drop passengers and luggage if you simply follow Royal Caribbean Way around the right side of the terminal. There you’ll find a loop that allows you to drop off and then head back toward the exit of the terminal area.

Port of Galveston Cruise Guide: Everything You Need to Know Pre-Cruise

The agreement required improvements to be made to Cruise Terminal 2 (Terminal 28) to accommodate larger vessels and more tourists. Terminal 2's size was increased to 150,000 ft2 / 13,940 m2 (passenger capacity up to 1000) at the cost of USD 10M. 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). The Port Authority company (Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves) is city-owned, self-sustaining and doesn't receive city property taxes.

SchlitterbahnThe famous Texas waterpark with several locations around the state has a park in Galveston. Here you can relax on a lazy river, get extreme on tons of different slides, and even surf a standing wave. There are also a number of options for all ages so whether you have a toddler or a teenager, they will find a lot to do at Schlitterbahn Galveston. There aren’t a ton of hotels right at the port (but there are a few). Galveston isn’t that large, so in reality every hotel is just a few minutes away.

However, if you are traveling with a larger group (whose luggage fits in a standard car!), this option might work out to be more cost-effective than a shuttle. The closest major city to the Port of Galveston is Houston, which is about 50 miles northwest of the port, so if you must fly to Texas to board your trip, set your sights on a Houston-based airport. For Terminal 25 and Terminal 28, Lot A (160 33rd Street) and Lot B (224 33rd Street) offer free shuttle bus service for cruisers both to and from the terminal. An Express Lot (2702 Harborside Dr.) is within walking distance of Terminal 25 and Terminal 28. In this case, you’ll enter the terminal area at the intersection of Harborside and 14th Street/Royal Caribbean Way. Then, you can follow Royal Caribbean Way to Royal Caribbean Circle (and just follow the signage to the terminal).

As we’ve mentioned, sailing from Galveston is easy and convenient if you live in the area. If you have to fly in for your cruise, then you’re looking at another 45 to 75-minute ride to get to the cruise port. Cruise Terminal 25 (Formerly Terminal 1)Cruise Terminal 25 is the eastern terminal when facing the port. It’s right across the street from a number of parking options, making it extremely convenient to get to and from the ship on cruise day. Even though many of Galveston’s hotels offer free parking for cruise passengers, not all offer shuttle service.

The city's land area is approx 208 mi2 (539 km2), with population around 50,000. The city is within the "Greater Houston" metro area (Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land) with total population over 6,5 million. 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. 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.

Before getting on a cruise from Galveston, start your vacation with a visit to the city’s museums, historic neighborhoods, and cultural icons. Take a walk along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, home to family-friendly rides, games, and other attractions. Then relax on one of Galveston’s many iconic beaches and enjoy the 32-miles of coastline. Whether you are traveling with family, a group of friends or your significant other, this laid-back island has something for everyone.

However, the most convenient option will be parking at the on-site lots at the terminal that are operated by the Port of Galveston. Galveston is known for having a number of parking options — including lots of independent lots that can help save you money. The port's cruise parking rate is US$11.25 per day (subject to change). Payment options are cash, VISA / MasterCard or to pay in advance on the port's website. Four-day cruise parking costs US$45, 5-day - US$ 46.25, and 1-week/7-day – US$78.75.