Table Of Content
With continued investment in infrastructure and a commitment to customer service, the Port of Galveston has established itself as a premier destination for cruise travel in the United States. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Galveston is sure to provide the stating point of an amazing cruise experience. From exploring the city’s rich history to soaking up the sun on the beaches, Galveston offers something for everyone. To save money (but miss out on beachfront views), there are also mainland hotels between Houston and Galveston that are only a short drive from the island. These might be a good option for travelers coming from Houston, as they are affordable and dotted along the route to the island. If you’re itching for an educational twist on your pre-cruise recreation, Galveston has plenty of historical offerings.
Complete Guide to Cruising From the Port of Galveston
From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. The cheapest way to get to the port depends on how many people you are traveling with. If there are enough people to make splitting a rideshare service worth it (i.e., less than the cost of individual shuttle tickets), then that is your best bet.
Galveston’s Exotic Destinations
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. Assuming everything checks out, you’ll then head to the check-in station. As you approach the terminal, you’ll see lots of porters ready to assist you with your bags. If you wish to check any luggage, you can leave it with the porters, and it will be delivered to your stateroom later in the evening. Galveston Island sits as a barrier island just off of Texas, attached to the mainland by Interstate 45.
SIGN UP FOR DEALS ON TEXAS CRUISES
If you want a hotel close to the beach on Galveston Island, here are more ideas – 15 Galveston Hotels on Seawall Blvd for Cruise Passengers. There are several other cruise parking companies that operate off-site and include free shuttle transport between the port and the parking area. Expect to pay around $50 for 7 days cruise parking with Discount Cruise Parking or $69.55 plus tax with Cruise Park.
And though it may feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to reach this tropical hotspot on a cruise from Texas. It’s full of vibrant culture, captivating ancient sites, amazing food, and beautiful natural wonders. One of the most popular destinations in Mexico is Cozumel, a stunning island just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. If you’re more about lazing the day away on a sunbaked beach, it doesn’t get better than the white-sand shores at Dzul-Ha and Playa Bonita. Grand Cayman encompasses everything that comes to mind when you think of a stunning Caribbean paradise.
Galveston cruise port has had a long association with Carnival Cruises. In fact, Carnival was the original cruise line that recognized the potential of Galveston as a home port. Terminal 1 is located at 2502 Harborside Drive, Galveston and east of Terminal 2. It currently serves Carnival and Disney Cruise Lines with parking right across the street. Keep paperwork, passports, medication and other items of value with you in your hand luggage as you board.
Taxes and Additional Costs
We all know that waiting in line to check-in for a flight is mind-numbing. Once you are called for your turn, you’ll set up your onboard spending account, get your room keycard and then board the ship. From there, you enter the terminal and check your boarding documents with the cruise staff.
Port of Galveston Posts Highest Profits in Its History - Cruise Hive
Port of Galveston Posts Highest Profits in Its History.
Posted: Tue, 30 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruise ship terminal directions and parking
The Port of Galveston, a focal point of the vibrant resort town on a barrier island off the Texas Gulf Coast, stands as the busiest cruise port in the Lone Star State. Its strategic location, just two miles from the mainland, positions it as an ideal launchpad for numerous cruise adventures. Galveston’s port has seen a significant transformation over the years, evolving into a world-class departure point that attracts hundreds of thousands of passengers annually. Its continued development has made it increasingly popular among vacationers, particularly those residing within a few hours’ drive.
Cruise itineraries from Galveston Texas
Texas Cruise Port Reviews Projects, Looks Ahead to 2024 - Cruise Hive
Texas Cruise Port Reviews Projects, Looks Ahead to 2024.
Posted: Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Continue all the way southwestward and camp in Big Bend National Park, the finest exemplar of desert majesty Texas has to offer. Turn right onto Harborside Drive, then continue to Kempner (22nd Street) - some 20 city blocks. Turn right onto Kempner (22nd Street) and follow the signs to the terminal (Pier 25 or 27). 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).
If you need to debark ahead of your designated time, you must see the Customer Service desk and arrange a new debarking time/group. If you try to disembark ahead of your group, you will be turned away by security. Even if you do reach the terminal, your luggage will not be offloaded until your group is called. Place your hand luggage on the conveyor belt for scanning and then walk through a security scanner/checkpoint. After that, you may have to wait in the lounge area until boarding begins. There are usually drinks available (complimentary champagne and canapes for elite, VIP and guests with top loyalty points).
The main mooring was upgraded with 200-ton bollards (metal posts for the mooring lines). The port is currently in the conceptual stage (designs) for building a new (3rd) cruise terminal as the demand for large vessels leaving from Galveston on the weekends is constantly growing. 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). The project included adding two new gangways, a new ramp, two elevators, one escalator, new roofing, improvements of facilities (including Customs & Border Protection). The deal also included building a new/shared cruise terminal with capacity to handle a vessel similarly sized or bigger than Disney's Magic-Wonder boats.
One good thing about driving to Galveston is that there is ample parking right near the port that’s affordable. This charmingly fascinating Texas beachside town is teeming with history and tons of interesting facts. The Galveston Historic District is a busy port city that is bursting with history and excitement. Here's how to plan the ultimate Galveston day trip, whether or not it is before or after a cruise out of Texas.
The Port Authority company (Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves) is city-owned, self-sustaining and doesn't receive city property taxes. Most commonly, cruises from Texas go to exciting destinations such as Transatlantic, Bahamas, Caribbean - All, Caribbean - Southern, and Caribbean - Western. Galveston cruise port is the fourth busiest in the USA, after Miami, Port Everglades and Port Canaveral in Florida. Currently, Galveston is the home port to RCL Adventure of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, both offering Western Caribbean cruises. With so much going on around Galveston cruise port, you might want to seriously consider Galveston for your next cruise.
Before boarding, passengers can explore the terminal areas, which often host local entertainment and showcase regional art, providing a taste of Texan hospitality and culture. And while the cruise port in Galveston may not be the biggest (that title goes to Miami), cruising from the island seems to get bigger every season. Now with three cruise terminals, more than a million passengers sail from Galveston in a year. There are several hotels near the cruise ports in Texas, making it easy to find accommodations that suit your needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment