The Best Cruises From Galveston
Donna Heiderstadt
The beachy port of Galveston sits on the Gulf of Mexico, about an hour from Houston. While its not as large as Miami in terms of ship choice, there are a few cruises out of Galveston, especially during the winter months. Youll find lots of Caribbean options well as the Bahamas. Plus, the fares are also reasonable , which can offset having to add airfare to your vacation budget if you live farther afield. Here are the five best cruises that sail out of Galveston, Texas.
Carnival Breeze Cruise out of GalvestonThe 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze offers multiple Western Caribbean sailings departing from Galveston. Families will find a lot to love about the ship, which has casual poolside restaurants BlueIguana Cantina and Guys Burger Joint, an onboard water park, and special Seuss at Sea activities. Those not traveling with kids in tow can head to the ships adults-only retreat, Serenity, or one of the 13 bars and lounges on board.
Liberty of the Seas Cruise out of Galveston
Royal Caribbeans Liberty of the Seas underwent a full refurbishment in 2016, adding new restaurants including Sabor and Giovannis Table, where youll find amazing Italian eats. Youll also find the active pursuits the line has become known for rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, surfing simulator plus an extensive aqua park and the Perfect Storm waterslide. The ship departs from Galveston and is currently offering two seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries in 2021.
Royal Caribbeans Transatlantic Cruise From Galveston
Royal Caribbeans Voyager of the Seas sails a transatlantic eastbound cruise in the spring from Galveston. The 14-night cruise, which disembarks in Barcelona, Spain, visits Nassau in the Bahamas, before crossing the cool Atlantic Ocean.
Before arriving in Barcelona, the cruise visits Ponta Delgado in Portugals Azores, and sunny Malaga and the walled-town of Cartagena in Spain. Barcelona is one of the globes most heralded destinations, due in part to its art and architecture as well as its easy lifestyle.
As of March 2010, rates for the cruise, which officially starts the Voyagers Mediterranean season, start at $799.
Royal Caribbean International
Carnival Cruise Lines From Galveston Texas
On a Carnival cruises out of Galveston, its not hard to take it easy. Whether youre a family of performers, a calm-loving couple, or a bunch of water lovers, on a Carnival cruise youve already arrived at your perfect destination. In fact, the toughest part is choosing whether to lie back in a hammock, spread out on a deck chair, or curl up in one of our many pods with a loved one and a cocktail or two. Carnival Cruise Lines brings you outstanding value for the money in addition to an extraordinary experience where its Fun for All, All for Fun. Adults, kids, grandparents, theres always something for everyone onboard Carnival Cruise Lines.
Carnivals ships are known for their Las Vegas-style decor and entertainment. A Fun Ship cruise features means day and nighttime entertainment from traditional napkin-folding classes, Vegas-style revues and kitchen tours to belly-flop pool contests, stage shows, musical performances, casinos as well as water slide races. All of Carnival ships also offer size-appropriate spa and fitness facilities and have multiple pool areas. Most of all, Carnival Cruise Lines will put a smile on your face and leave you with countless memories.
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Norwegian Prima Will Have Largest Racetrack On The Ocean
GALVESTON, Texas A new Norwegian Cruise ship with the largest racetrack on the ocean is going to be sailing from Galveston in late 2023.
The Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in the Norwegian Cruise Lines Prima Class and its set to embark on its maiden voyage next summer.
The massive boat is 965 feet long and can accommodate 3,215 guests at double occupancy, according to a press release.
In addition to the ships three-level racetrack, there will also be a 10-story, freefall dry slide called The Drop where guests will reach the highest G-forces of any cruise line, NCL officials said.
Two escape rooms, a Topgolf Swing Suite, mini-golf course, aqua park with Tidal Wave waterslide and infinity hot tubs will also be featured on the Norwegian Prima.
NCL officials report that the Norwegian Prima will be the only vessel offering 7-day voyages to the Western Caribbean out of Galveston during the winter 2023-2024 season.
Ports of call for the Galveston voyages include Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, Harvest Caye in Belize and Roatan in the Bay Islands.
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Disney Wonder Restart Announced
Disney Cruise Line has announced the restart date for Disney Wonder and an update to its protocols. The ship will start operations on October 1 on an itinerary that will feature three-night sailings from San Diego with a stop at Ensenada, Mexico, and a day at sea, while 4-night sailings will feature two days at sea and a stop at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Disney Cruise Line has returned to the U.S. with Disney Dreams 3- and 4-night itineraries out of Florida. Disney Fantasy will resume on September 11. The cruise line will only be visiting Castaway Cay for the time being with both ships.
However, the recent policy changes from the Bahamian government mean that the cruise line had to require all guests to be vaccinated on cruises to the Bahamas, just like other cruise lines. Its also due to updated guidelines issued on August 27, 2021, from the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention .
For cruises departing from San Diego in October, Disney Cruise Line now requires all guests of 12 years and older to be fully vaccinated 14 days before boarding. Guests 11 years old and younger do not have to be vaccinated but should provide proof of a negative test. On November 5, Disney Wonder will depart for a 14-day voyage that will take guests through the Panama Canal to Galveston from San Diego. Disney has made some significant changes for this voyage, requiring all guests of all ages to be fully vaccinated.
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Cruises Leaving From Galveston Texas In December
Cruises Leaving From Galveston, Texas, in December
Galveston’s cruise port is about 50 miles southeast of Houston, Texas. A total of four cruise lines call Galveston home: Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Disney Cruise Line. December cruises departing from Galveston sail mainly to the eastern and western regions of the Caribbean, visiting such destinations as South America, the Bahamas and Mexico.
Royal Caribbean Announces Fall Cruises And New Galveston Terminal
Steven DevadanamAllure of the SeasRendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
A state-of-the-art terminal is coming to Galveston in time for a return to serious cruising. Royal Caribbean International recently broke ground on a new, $125 million cruise terminal to serve as homeport for its award-winning Oasis Class ship, Allure of the Seas.
The techy new terminal is set to open by fall 2022, the company notes.
Those familiar with the cruise line will recognize Allure as one of the brands largest ships. The first of its kind to sail from Galveston, Allure will sail seven-night western Caribbean itineraries starting November 2022, per an announcement.
Royal Caribbean hopes to lure Allure guests with myriad entertainment options, including a zip line that flies across the ship 10 decks high, a pair of FlowRider surf simulators, dedicated spaces for kids and teens, entertainment across four stages air, ice, water and stage and the open-air AquaTheater.
Meanwhile, Houston and Texas cruise travelers concerned about the COVID uptick can take comfort. A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirms to CultureMap that Galveston cruises are still on four-day western Caribbean itineraries sailing in September 2021 can be found here.
Currently, Galveston, the sole cruise port in Texas, houses Royal Caribbeans Independence and Liberty of the Seas, which are the largest cruise ships homeported in the area.
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How Many Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Are Sailing
At the start of this month, parent company Royal Caribbean Group announced its intention to have at least 80% of its fleet operational by the end of the year. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is well underway to achieve this goal. So far, no less than 12 ships have resumed operations. These ships include the following:
Besides four Royal Caribbean cruise ships starting this weekend, and Oasis of the Seas are also restarting their operations in the coming weeks. will sail from Port Canaveral, and Oasis of the Seaswill make her long-awaited start on the U.S. East Coast from New Jersey.
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Group Cruises Leaving From Galveston Texas
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Group Cruises Leaving from Galveston Texas
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Cruise From Galveston Texas
The Galveston, Texas cruise port is home to both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines. Both lines offer year-round cruise options from Galveston. Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer a range of 6 to 9-night Caribbean cruise vacations. For travelers in need of a shorter vacation, Carnival Cruise Line provides anywhere from 4 to 10-night Caribbean cruise options.
Set Sail From Galveston
Although there are technically no sails to set to catch the wind, its still a nice phrase for beginning your cruise vacation! And, if you are traveling from Galveston, you can board 1) the Carnival Freedom for seven nights in the Western Caribbean or the Bahamas, 2) the Carnival Valor for four- or five-day Caribbean destinations, 3) the Carnival Breeze for seven days in the Eastern Caribbean, 4) the Disney Wonder for seven nights in the Bahamas, or 4) the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas for seven nights all over the region.
Just remember deployments are always changing so for a complete schedule of these cruise calls, have a look at the official Port of Galveston calendar.
On a final note, if you are returning to Port of Galveston to disembark from your cruise and you have purchased duty-free alcohol or cigarettes, you will have to pay a tax as you come through U.S. Customs.
It is based on the amount of each . Only cigarettes are mentioned, so its unclear if those other tobacco products are subject to the Texas code.
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And if you like, feel free to cast your vote in the 2021 Cruise Ship Awards covering a range of categories, including best cruise ship and best cruise line.
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Learn About The Cozumel Cruise Port
There are three cruise ship piers and one passenger ferry pier on Cozumel Island. The Punta Langosta Pier is located in the center of San Miguels downtown area, and is a short walk to the towns restaurants, bars and shops. The TMM International Pier is about 5 miles south of San Miguels downtown area. The Puerta Maya Pier is just south of the International Pier.
Liberty Of The Seas Health Protocols
Royal Caribbean did make some changes to its health protocols in recent weeks, although largely they stay virtually the same as in September. All guests aboard Liberty of the Seas, age 12 and over, must be fully vaccinated 14 days before the cruises start.
Children aged between 2- and 11 must bring a PCR or Antigen test stating they have been tested negative for COVID-19 taken no more than three days before boarding.
Guests who have been fully vaccinated will also need proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than two days before boarding day. This test can either be done through a licensed testing facility or by using home test kits.
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Carnival Glory Cruise Cancelled
With Hurricane Ida having a huge impact on New Orleans, Carnival Cruise Line has canceled Carnival Glorys September 5th departure. The main reason was at the time, the city was still under emergency management and the channel leading towards the cruise terminal remained closed.
Carnival Glorys first return cruise from New Orleans was scheduled to depart on September 5 on a seven-day voyage, including calls at Bimini, Freeport, and Nassau, all in the Bahamas. The ship will now restart from the Port of New Orleans on Sunday, September 12.
Carnival is allowing impacted guests to transfer to the Carnival Vista sailing departing the Port of Galveston in Texas on Saturday, September 4, 2021. Guests will have to be fully vaccinated to be allowed to transfer. Unfortunately, those under the vaccine exemption wont be allowed to transfer their booking to the Carnival Vista but are being asked to contact Carnival about their options.
Since the cancellation was first announced, the Carnival Glory has already returned to the port and is currently making preparations for its restart on September 12. That cruise will be a seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary with stops at Mahogany Bay, Belize, and Cozumel, along with three sea days. The Conquest-class vessel will become the ninth ship in the fleet to resume operations and the first out of New Orleans since suspensions first began in March 2020.
Port Of Galveston History & Faqs
The Port of Galveston is located adjacent to the city of Galveston, Texas, on the upper Texas Gulf Coast. The Port holds the distinction of being the oldest Gulf of Mexico shipping port west of New Orleans. The port is located on the eastern end of Galveston Island, 9.3 miles from the open ocean, generally about 30 minutes of sailing time.
Continuously upgraded over its history, The Port of Galveston can accommodate all types of cargo including containers, dry and liquid bulk, break bulk, Roll On/Roll Off, refrigerated, and project cargoes. The Galveston Railroads terminal switching facilities then move cargo inland by rail.
Of course, one of the Ports most visible and profitable uses is as a hub for multiple cruise lines.
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Galveston Is A Gateway To The Western & Southern Caribbean
That year, cruise lines sailing from Galveston attracted more than 1 million passengers, generated 26,900 jobs and totaled $1.6 billion in cruise industry direct expenditures statewide.
Rees says the ports cruise business represents about 65 percent of annual revenues. He estimates the COVID cruise suspensions have cost the port about $44 million in lost revenue.
Galveston will host two of the first three Carnival Cruise Line ships to return to service. Carnival Breeze and Carnival Vista will sail from the Texas port, while Carnival Horizon is scheduled to operate out of Miami.
Carnival Cruise Line is expected to announce required test sailings soon, though unlike Royal Caribbean, the line has not sought out volunteers. In a statement sent to Cruise Radio, Carnival stated: Although we are still finalizing our plans for test cruises, we do not expect to need volunteers at this time.
Liberty Of The Seas Sets Sail From Galveston Texas
Good news for those living in or near Galveston as their choice of cruise ships just increased once again. With several Carnival Cruise ships and Independence of the Seas already operating from the port, there is a good variety of cruise ships to sail on.
Liberty of the Seas set sail on October 3, 2021, on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise calling in such ports as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Roatan in Honduras. Guests will also have the chance to enjoy several days at sea and explore the ship at their leisure.
There is plenty to explore on the 2007-built former largest cruise ship in the world. With an Ice-skating ring, Royal Caribbeans Flowrider, the Perfect Storm waterslides, and Splashaway Bay waterpark there is more than enough to keep a maximum of 3798 passengers occupied.
Liberty of the Seas is the first of three Royal Caribbean cruise ships to set sail this October. The 155,889 gross tons vessels itinerary did change somewhat from the originally scheduled cruises.
Royal Caribbean had scheduled the vessel to sail to Falmouth in Jamaica and Georgetown in the Cayman Islands. While Jamaica is slowly but surely opening for cruise ship tourism, Falmouth is not open yet.
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Second Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Restarts Sailings From Texas
Liberty of the Seas becomes the second Royal Caribbean cruise ship to restart operations from the Port of Galveston, Texas.
Royal Caribbean continues the successful restart operations of its fleet this October with three different vessels. The first of those three set sail this weekend from Galveston, Texas. Liberty of the Seas sailed on Sunday on a 7-Night Western Caribbean cruise.
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