Complete Guide to Cruising From the Port of Galveston
Table Of Content
The driving distance between Galveston and Houston is approx 50 mi (80 km), or ~1-hour drive southeast. If you have never taken a Caribbean cruise from the Port of Galveston, it may be time for a grand Gulf adventure. Here are a few logistical tips to get you out on the water with peace of mind. A family-friendly destination, Stewart Beach offers a wide expanse of sandy shores, lifeguard stations, and amenities like volleyball courts and a pavilion. It’s an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. Today, Galveston stands as a testament to resilience, blending its historic charm with modern attractions.
Dropping Off/ Picking Up Passengers
Southwest provides nonstop flights to over 60 destinations, including a smattering of international airports. Houston has two main airports, William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), both of which host domestic and international flights. Houston Hobby is generally more conveniently positioned, only 45 miles (about 50 minutes) from the port.
What to Know About Cruises from Galveston
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. 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. Here, you place your bags on an x-ray machine and you will walk through a metal detector.
Where to Stay
Cruising from Galveston Island - Galveston, TX - Galveston.com
Cruising from Galveston Island - Galveston, TX.
Posted: Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Pleasure PierJutting out into the water at the site of the old Flagship Hotel, the Pleasure Pier is a 1,000 foot long amusement park. On the pier you’ll find food, shops, rides, and even a roller coaster. Tickets cost about $30 for an all-day pass ($23 for those under 48 inches tall).
Port of Galveston Parking
Both are currently ranked the world's largest passenger shipping companies and both homeport here large-capacity liners for year-round roundtrip departures. Today, Port Galveston is one of the most successful Caribbean USA homeports. If you have time either before or after your cruise, add a couple of days to explore Galveston’s family-friendly attractions.
The construction works on "Terminal 3" were planned to start in April 2020, with scheduled completion in November 2021. However, due to the COVID crisis, in early-March RCG requested a 1-year extension for the construction's start (rescheduled for April 1, 2021). The initial plans included in 2021 here to be homeported Allure OTS (starting November 10th), but the ship's homeporting was rescheduled for Nov 2022. Flight tourists boarding in Galveston fly into one of Houston's two airports - George Bush/Intercontinental (IAH) or the smaller William Hobby (HOU/served mainly by Southwest Airlines). (Western Caribbean) From Galveston are also offered Mexico-only roundtrips that visit Cozumel (4-days) and Cozumel with Progreso (5-days).
What’s the cheapest way to get to the Port of Galveston from the airport?
From recognizable chain hotel brands to boutique properties like 19th-century bed-and-breakfast George Manor, Galveston has a stay available for every taste. The good news is that with only 41.2 square miles of land mass in Galveston (it’s only 3 miles wide), there is nowhere on the island that is super far from the cruise port. The 2023 cruise season out of Galveston cruise port is its busiest on record, with an estimated 362 cruise ship departures — nearly one for every day. Unwind along Galveston’s 50 kilometres of sun-drenched shoreline at one of the many county beach parks lining the Gulf of Mexico.
Experience Life
According to the Port's statistical data, Texas receives from cruise ship operations ~USD 1,42 billion per year (direct spending). A variety of hotels across the Island offer convenient cruise shuttle services for customers that book pre-cruise stays. Even though many of Galveston’s hotels offer free parking for cruise passengers, not all offer shuttle service. 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.
Wonder of the Seas Cruise Ship Review
These lots typically offer cheaper rates than the official port parking, while sometimes being even closer than the port’s parking. Galveston Island offers the ideal opportunity to extend your cruise vacation with a variety of amenities and attractions just minutes from the harbor. Most cruise departures typically occur between 4 PM and 5 PM, allowing you to make the most of your time by enjoying the city's captivating offerings before setting sail. Today, the Port of Galveston is one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States, with over 1.5 million passengers sailing from here each year.
If arriving by air, the closest major airport is William P. Hobby Airport in Houston (HOU), approximately 42 miles away. 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.
Visit exotic, sun-soaked destinations such as Mexico, Belize, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, the Bahamas, and the Honduran island of Roatan. Here, adventure reaches new heights with a rock-climbing wall 40 feet above deck. And big thrills are always on the forecast with the Perfect Storm℠ — the boldest waterslides at sea. Apart from its activity-packed shores, one of Galveston’s marquee attractions is Moody Gardens, with a 10-story tall pyramid housing an aquarium as well as a collection of 1,700 plants and animals. Moody Mansion pays homage to the one of the wealthiest families to call Galveston home.
Taxis are also available from both Houston airports, but the prices are significantly higher (~twice) than the rideshare service. On December 9, 2018, Port Galveston welcomed its 10 millionth cruise tourist since 2000, when its cruising operations started. The lucky man was Yingtao Liu, who arrived from Norman Oklahoma together with his parents, wife and 3 kids. Upon checking before boarding Carnival Vista, the family (all first-time cruisers) was greeted by Rodger Rees (port's CEO) and Pavol Drimaj (ship's Hotel Director).
The port serves several different cruise lines with modern facilities like cruise parking garages and pre-boarding lounges. The port authorities have made significant investments over recent years into infrastructure improvements such as new mooring dolphins which enable larger ships to dock safely at their berths. Families can take a walking tour of the city’s historic downtown area, The Strand, which is home to beautiful Victorian architecture, museums, and unique shops. The Strand is also the center of Galveston’s seasonal celebrations, including Mardis Gras and the annual ‘Dickens on the Strand’ festival. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a valuable way to spend time before embarking on your cruise. Galveston is also home to the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, a 19th century ship that was designated a historical landmark in 1990.
Even if you are cruising to a destination that is cool during the summertime, you should still plan to wear lightweight clothing and sunscreen on the day of your departure. You could be spending time outside at the port before you leave and you don’t want to start your vacation off with a sunburn! The early summer months are particularly popular at the Port of Galveston as many families take advantage of school vacations.
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the biggest, boldest adventure has arrived in Galveston. Royal Caribbean International’s new $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, opened its doors and welcomed the Lone Star State’s largest cruise ship. Royal Caribbean christened its new, $125 million Galveston cruise terminal called Pier 10 in November 2022. This new terminal can accommodate the largest vessels from its Oasis Class to its new Icon Class.
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