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

Table Of Content

• Where is Galveston Cruise Port?
• Hotels near the Cruise Port
• Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America
• Royal Caribbean, Mini cruise to Mexico from Galveston, February 3, 2025
• Texas Vacation Cathedral Architecture
• Travel Preparations for Texas Cruises
• Book your OFFICIAL Port of Galveston Cruise Parking Now

Galveston cruise terminals currently serve 2.2 million cruise passengers annually. Ambitious plans are already underway to create a third terminal at the port. This is expected to double the number of cruisers departing from the port from late 2022. When planning a Texas cruise vacation, it's important to consider the driving distance to the cruise port. Galveston, the most popular cruise departure port in Texas, is approximately 50 miles southeast of Houston. If you're flying into the area, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport are both within driving distance of the port.

Where is Galveston Cruise Port?

It seems to me as if each year there are more and more cruise ships that cruise from Texas cruise ports. Royal Caribbean is one of the largest and most popular cruise lines operating out of Texas. They offer a range of itineraries, from short weekend getaways to longer trips to the Caribbean and beyond.

Hotels near the Cruise Port

If you’re coming from the Houston area, you’ll approach over a short causeway that will bring you just a few miles from the port. Those coming from the east normally take the free ferry between Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Royal Caribbean offers plenty of great itineraries to choose from if you’re looking for an unforgettable cruise from Texas. It’s time to reset adventure to a whole new level on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail from Texas — Harmony of the Seas®. And when the sun goes down, the night heats up with AquaTheater spectaculars and the Broadway hit Grease.

Texas Port Completes Deal to Build New Terminal for MSC Cruises - Cruise Hive

Texas Port Completes Deal to Build New Terminal for MSC Cruises.

Posted: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America

The Houston Cruise Port is located just a short drive from downtown Houston and offers easy access to a variety of attractions and amenities. Less than 200 miles south of vibrant Miami, Key West invites visitors to move a little slower, loosen up, and go with the flow. And if you’re looking for good food and drinks, hit scenic Mallory Square or buzzing Duval Street, where finding a slice of great key lime pie and the perfect piña colada is a given. 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.

Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

While ports in Florida may as well be cities they are so large, Galveston in comparison is much smaller and easier to navigate. With the addition of a new terminal that is home to Royal Caribbean, there are now three cruise terminals on the island. 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. Royal Caribbean is heavily invested in the Galveston cruise port with the development of the new third terminal to accommodate the larger Oasis-class cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean, Mini cruise to Mexico from Galveston, February 3, 2025

Some of the top things to do in Galveston include visiting the Moody Gardens complex, exploring the Strand Historic District, and relaxing on the beach. Featuring an indoor rainforest, an aquarium, and educational exhibits, Moody Gardens dots the skyline of Galveston with its towering pyramids. Moody Gardens is less than 20 from the cruise port and is certainly worth the drive for families with children. One of Galveston’s top attractions, Moody Gardens even has a small water park, freshwater lagoons, ziplines, and a golf course. Hobby serves as Southwest Airlines’ operating base, so almost all flight traffic out of HOU is operated by the Texan airline.

Texas Vacation Cathedral Architecture

Uncover the most beautiful cathedral architecture in Texas as you plan a vacation getaway before your cruise out of Galveston. From the historical Galveston Ghost Tours and the Taste of the Strand Tours to bird-watching at the Bolivar Flats and visiting the historical Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion. Here are Galvestons top rated attractions and tours you dont want to miss. If you do happen to plan your Texas vacation during the "winter" (a term that's relative around these parts) months of January and February, just pack a jacket — and an umbrella.

8 Incredible Things To Do Near Galveston Cruise Port - TravelAwaits

8 Incredible Things To Do Near Galveston Cruise Port.

Posted: Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

One of my favorite ships, Allure Of The Seas currently cruises out of Galveston. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. However, it’s important to note that availability for these cheaper options can be limited, so it’s best to book in advance or arrive early to secure a spot. Additionally, there are plenty of exciting activities, restaurants, and hotels near the port that you won’t want to miss.

Galveston cruise port is approx 40 mi / 70 km from Hobby Airport (~60 min drive distance) and approx 70 mi / 110 km from Houston Airport (~90 min drive distance). For fly-cruisers is recommended to use rideshare (larger group travel) services. Lyft is Galveston terminal's exclusive rideshare company (pricing per vehicle /not per person) so Uber is not an option.

Another low-cost option is the Port of Galveston’s satellite parking lot, located off-site at 3212 Harborside Drive. This lot offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the cruise terminals and charges a daily rate of $7 per vehicle. 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.

The closest airports to Galveston cruise port are both in Houston, TX. They are the Bush-Intercontinental (IAH) Airport, 75 miles north of Galveston Island, and William P. Hobby (HOU) Airport, 41 miles northwest of the cruise port. Galveston Port covers 840 acres with an enviable infrastructure serving commercial, cargo and cruise terminals. The Port of Galveston, Texas sits on the north side of Galveston Island. It is located at the extreme northeastern tip of this 27-mile-long barrier island. The cruise port is in sheltered waters at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the start of the Houston Ship Channel.

Some of their most popular ships include the Liberty of the Seas and the Adventure of the Seas, both of which offer a wide range of onboard activities and amenities. Another popular destination you can sail to on a Caribbean cruise from Texas is Falmouth, Jamaica. You’ll have your pick of beaches — like the world-famous Chukka Beach and its quieter, more secluded counterpart, Burwood Beach. If you’re craving a bit of outdoor adventure, set out on an excursion to Ocho Rios — home to the iconic Dunn’s River Falls. Roatan is known around the world for its unparalleled dive sites, but this gorgeous chain of islands off Central America’s northern coast offers plenty in addition to great undersea adventures. If you love a good hike, you’ll find lots of rugged trails through lush rainforests and jungles, plus mangrove forests you can kayak around.

Sprinkle in a few museums, amusement parks, attractive beaches and tasty seafood restaurants, and you’ve got a great start to your cruise from Galveston. Both airports are home to cruise-specific shuttle services that provide round-trip services from Houston to the Port of Galveston. These shuttles leave on a set schedule, with many providers offering several daily departure times seven days a week. If you’re planning a cruise from Galveston, it’s important to know all about the port’s terminals and parking options, as well as the nearest airports and transportation options. The Port of Galveston is a popular cruise destination, with over 2 million passengers boarding cruises each year. The port of Galveston offers a variety of itineraries, including cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas.

Texas is home to the Johnson Space Center, which is the headquarters for NASA's human spaceflight program. Visitors can take a tour of the center and see firsthand how astronauts train for space missions. The tour includes a visit to the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, where visitors can see full-size replicas of the International Space Station and other spacecraft. When it comes to taking a cruise, the per person pricing can vary greatly depending on the cruise line, the length of the cruise, and the type of stateroom chosen.