The best cruises from Galveston for every type of traveler

Table Of Content

• Galveston Cruise Terminals
• Things to Do Near the Port
• Port of Galveston Cruise Lines & Schedules
• Regal Princess, Mexico & Honduras cruise from Galveston, March 9, 2025
• GALVESTONCRUISES.COM: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, & Disney Cruises from Galveston Texas
• The 5 best cruises from Galveston for every type of traveler

We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Oasis Class flavors, thrills and beats go full-throttle on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail from Texas — Harmony of the Seas®. Don't leave behind any necessary travel documents such as passports or identification cards. It's also wise to bring copies of these documents just in case anything gets lost or misplaced during your journey.

Galveston Cruise Terminals

Here, you place your bags on an x-ray machine and you will walk through a metal detector. Assuming everything checks out, you’ll then head to the check-in station. To drop off passengers or pick up, head into the port entrance at the intersection of 22nd Street and Harborside Drive. From there, it’s as simple as following the signs to the correct area for passengers to get out. If traveling with a larger group, then these options can be cheaper as they charge by the car while shuttles charge per person. For the most part, the top decks of Regal Princess only offer pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for Princess ships.

Things to Do Near the Port

MSC Cruises Confirms Galveston Home Port as Texas Continues Cruise Growth - The Maritime Executive

MSC Cruises Confirms Galveston Home Port as Texas Continues Cruise Growth.

Posted: Fri, 12 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

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. The Port of Galveston Official Cruise Parking offers both covered and uncovered parking options for all cruise line passengers. Covered parking shelters your vehicle from the elements, protecting it from sun, rain or hail. Uncovered parking is available at a lower cost, providing budget-friendly alternatives for travelers. Choosing the right parking option can save you time and ensure peace of mind during your trip.

Port of Galveston Cruise Lines & Schedules

Galveston Wharves cruise garage parking is within walking distance to all terminals. The Port of Galveston, located about 51 miles southeast of Houston, is a crucial gateway for Western Caribbean cruises. Its proximity to Houston, a major city with a significant international airport, makes it an easily accessible starting point for many travelers. The journey from Houston to Galveston takes approximately 56 minutes by car, offering a convenient connection for those flying into Houston before embarking on their cruise adventure. This accessibility, combined with the diverse range of cruises offered from Galveston, contributes to the port’s status as a premier departure point for Caribbean voyages.

Royal Caribbean, Honduras & Mexico from Galveston, March 2, 2025

One thing to know is that it can get busy on cruise day, with lots of pedestrians. If you want to avoid this, you can plan to drop off a couple of blocks from the port. Here it is much calmer and still only a short walk to the cruise terminals. With the addition of Terminal 3 — located about a mile from the original terminals –passengers also have official parking options at that port, instead of having to shuttle from Terminals 25 & 28. Cruise ShuttlesGiven the distance between Houston and Galveston, an industry of shuttles have popped up that provide rides from the airport to the cruise port. Typically these shuttles offer shared rides at affordable rates and leave at set times from both locations.

Travelers can immerse themselves in the rich cultures of Mexico with visits to Cozumel, Yucatán (Progreso), and Costa Maya, where ancient history and pristine beaches await. The natural beauty of Belize and Honduras unfolds in destinations like Belize City, Harvest Caye, Roatan, and Mahogany Bay, offering lush landscapes and vibrant underwater worlds. Additionally, the George Town on the Grand Cayman adds a touch of luxury and natural splendor, making each stop a unique blend of cultural immersion, relaxation, and water activities. Based in Galveston year-round, the 11-year-old vessel operates short four- and five-night voyages to the Western Caribbean that are often on sale for under $500 per person or less. For off-peak travel, we sometimes see five-night sailings for sale for around $300 per person — or just $60 a night. This is a third of the cost of similar five-night sailings on Disney Magic.

That results in fewer and smaller attractions than the latter vessels. Like all Disney ships, Disney Magic boasts many cabins with split bathrooms — a boon for families. That's not something you'll find on any of the other Galveston-based cruise vessels. It's hard to go wrong with a sailing on Royal Caribbean's giant Allure of the Seas. That said, a seven-night Norwegian Prima sailing out of Galveston isn't necessarily the best Galveston cruise for you.

Unveiled in 2022, Norwegian Prima is the first of a new class of Norwegian vessel that the line has designed to be "elevated," in its words, as compared to earlier Norwegian ships. Discover a world of relaxation and exhilaration as you sail toward new adventures on a stylish retreat with Princess Cruises. 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. International visitors will find it easy to access cash at numerous ATM machines. Exchange bureaus so common in Europe are not in the U.S., but major banks also provide exchange services.

The 5 best cruises from Galveston for every type of traveler

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. The Strand Historical District is the town’s prime shopping spot, where 19th-century storefronts now house a quirky collection of locally owned gift shops and antique stores. Here you can pick up beachwear, whimsical gifts, model ships, used books, Southwestern turquoise jewelry, and Texas-inspired home décor. Unwind along Galveston’s 32 miles of sun-drenched shoreline at one of the many county beach parks lining the Gulf of Mexico. For those seeking a more intimate cruising experience, Princess Cruises' Regal Princess sets sail from Galveston on select dates.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure at sea! So get ready to set sail towards turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and tropical bliss. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, the Port of Galveston offers an enjoyable start to your Bahama cruise journey. 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.

Having hosted pirates and explorers before the island was officially settled in the 1830s, the region has a storied past you can revisit while touring local museums and historic districts. Then soak up some relaxation, sunshine and warm sands during a well-deserved beach day or splash the afternoon away on a paddle boarding or kayaking tour. Starting November 2025, MSC Cruises will call Galveston home when MSC Seascape begins year-round sailings to the Western Caribbean.

Disney Magic sails a mix of four- to six-night voyages from Galveston to Mexico. Shorter voyages typically visit Progreso, Mexico, while longer sailings add a stop in Cozumel. Allure of the Seas sails out of Galveston every Sunday on seven-night voyages to the Western Caribbean.

Experience all this and cruise out of Galveston with Travel Weekly’s Best Cruise Line Overall 19 years running. Cruise lines typically offer motorcoach services between the airport and Galveston; these are generally available both as part of air/sea packages and a la carte. Although Galveston is small and its people polite, be aware of your surroundings, don't wear flashy jewelry, and leave unnecessary valuables (including excessive amounts of cash) in your cabin safe. If arriving by car and touring for the day, don't leave luggage in plain view.

The Port of Galveston Cruise Parking is an excellent choice for those embarking on a cruise to the Bahamas. With its close proximity to the cruise terminals, it provides easy access to begin your vacation without any hassle. Compared to airports, checking-in and security on a cruise ship is a dream. 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.