Monday, March 25, 2024

What Cruise Lines Depart From Houston

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Galveston And Houston Cruising

MSC Magnifica cruise ship 1st depart from Southampton UK 2021 4K UHD

Whether youre an experienced cruiser or a first-timer, there is still plenty to learn about cruising from the Port of Galveston or the Bayport Terminal.

Located on the Texas Gulf Coast, approximately 50 miles from downtown Houston, cruising from Galveston is a convenient way to unwind, relax, and see the world without the hassles of air travel.

Galvestons proximity to Houston means more than six million potential passengers live within an hours drive. But when you combine the populations of Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio as well, more than 30 million people live within a 5-hour drive of Galveston. That makes the port an ever-growing option for individuals, couples, and families looking for an easy getaway. In fact, an estimated 1.1 million passengers pass through the Port of Galveston every year.

Cruise To Oranjestad Aruba

The beautiful town of Oranjestad features brightly colored Dutch colonial buildings you can witness first-hand on your cruise to Aruba. Youll find pristine beaches with white sand and cobalt blue waters. If you have your dive certification, book the Wreck of Antilla dive. This one-tank dive takes you to one of the largest shipwrecks in The Caribbean. The Antilla is 400 feet long, but its only 50 feet deep. Large holes in the hull provide safe and easy access to the ships interior. If you arent a certified diver, you can still snorkel the Antilla Wreck as well.

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Royal Caribbean Shuttle From Houston Hobby To Galveston

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Last Minute Cruises Can Sometimes Be The Cheapest Cruise Deal

Sometimes, but not always, the cheapest cruise deal is a Last Minute Cruise. You won’t get a wide selection of stateroom categories or a chance to select your stateroom location but if your schedule is flexible you just might find a cheap cruise price on a last minute cruise. Last minute cruises are cruises leaving in the next 90 days. The cruise line really wants to fill those last few staterooms and sometimes will offer them at a discount cruise price in exchange for you giving up your right to a full selection of cabin categories or deck locations. CruiseExperts.com makes it easy for you to poke around and see what’s available in last minute cruise deals. View our Last Minute Cruise Deals by clicking here and give it a try. This is one of our most popular website features.

Cruise From Galveston Texas

Houston Lands Cruise Ships

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.

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Cruise Lines Serving Galveston And Houston

And that figure is likely to rise as more cruise ships depart from Galveston. Currently, four major cruise lines call the Port of Galveston home Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, and Princess.

Even better, in 2008 Houston completed the Bayport Cruise Terminal. The $108 million terminal has contracted with two lines Princess and Norwegian Cruise Line to offer even more sailings from the Texas Gulf Coast.

Because of the number of cruise lines, passengers can find a departure date year-round. However, the most options are during the winter and spring, when all four lines sail from Galveston. During the summer months, many of the ships stop sailing from Galveston, limiting service. Passengers will find year-round service from Carnival. The other lines all have limited schedules that dont include summer sailings . To learn more about the cruises that sail from Galveston, visit this link.

The Bayport Cruise Terminal will commence sailings in late 2013 and add more departures in 2014. While the scheduling is not definite yet, the sailings will likely be seasonal adding more options for those looking for a getaway during the colder months. To learn more about the sailings from Houston , visit this link.

Port Of Departure Galveston Texas

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Best Cruises From Galveston Texas

On the Gulf Coast of Texas in the USA sits the historic port city of Galveston.

Galveston Port was once a commercial port but now caters mainly to cruises.

From some of the top cruises in the world to more affordable cruises, Galveston has something to offer all lovers of the sea.

Here is our list of the best cruises departing from Galveston, Texas.

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Costs Of Sailing From Galveston And Houston

Carnival Cruise Ships Liberty & Freedom Departing Galveston – Aerial Drone 4K UHD

Galveston and Houston cruise costs cover a wide range, suitable for every taste. Short three or four day itineraries to the Caribbean can cost as little as $300. Meanwhile, month-long transatlantic sailings in a top-of-the-line suite can run more than $10,000. On average, however, youll find one-week Caribbean sailings staring at $500 per person for a basic interior room. That cost climbs to roughly $1,500 per person for a suite on the same ship. For more on cruises and their costs, dont miss our Galveston cruises page or our Houston cruises page.

That said, keep in mind these costs are just for your room and board. Cruises offer many extras and charge accordingly. Alcohol is almost always an extra cost. Shore excursions are as well. Also, some restaurants on the ship may cost extra .

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Cruise Destinations From Galveston And Houston

When it comes to destinations, the most popular cruising area by far is the Caribbean. Currently, all the lines offer Caribbean trips. Specific ports include Falmouth Georgetown Roatan Belize City Cozumel , and Progreso . Cruises to the Bahamas are also served by several of the lines.

While the vast majority of passengers sailing out of Galveston and Houston will visit the Caribbean or Bahamas, there is a little-known secret for those interested in going a little farther from home. During the spring, many ships that serve the Galveston and Bayport terminals are relocated to Europe. The result? An opportunity to cruise to many European destinations including England, Spain, Portugal, and the Azores with the convenience of a Texas departure.

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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Helpful Cruise Line Information

If you’ve cruised before you probably have a favorite cruise line. Here at CruiseExperts.com we make it easy for you to sort through the cruise line of your choice for the best cruises at the best discounts on your favorite cruise line. Choose from the best cruise lines in the world including Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America, Celebrity, Crystal, Azamara, Oceania, Viking, Avalon, and Disney. You can be confident that you’ll get the cheapest cruise price possible with concierge like service from our cruise experts here at CruiseExperts.com. View information on your favorite cruise line.

Cruise Line Transfer Shuttles

Carnival bans passengers from bringing bottled drinks ...

Some cruise passengers prefer to let the cruise line take care of transportation. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney will all pick you up at the airport and take you to the cruise ship .

The benefit is that you are in no danger of missing the ship. If there is traffic or a breakdown, the cruise ship wont leave without the passengers taking its cruise transfer service. Still, its rare that the issue ever comes up, and in our opinion isnt worth taking a cruise line transfer to the port.

Transfers provided by the cruise line are restrictive and expensive. For one, they only leave at certain times. You may have to wait on the bus at the airport until its ready to depart. As well, its a direct ride to the cruise port. If you need to stop off on the way to the ship to get some last-minute items, thats not possible.

In addition, rides are available only on the day of your cruise. If you fly in a day early for your cruise, then youll need to find other transportation.

Finally, there is the cost. For example, Carnival charges $37/$47each way between Hobby/Intercontinental. Other cruise lines charge similar rates. A family of four traveling back and forth between Intercontinental and the Galveston cruise port will spend $376 just getting to and from their cruise.

For that reason, we suggest other modes of transportation from to Galveston, unless you are traveling in a small group.

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How To Travel From Houston To Galveston Cruise Port

Everything to know about traveling from Houston to Galveston cruise port for a vacation. Covering nearby airports, road routes and shuttles.

Galveston Island is rapidly becoming one of the most popular cruise ports in the United States. It has grown exponentially since it was originally built, and soon plans to add on a third terminal to accommodate larger vessels and many more passengers.

One of the benefits Galveston provides its visitors is a rich culture steeped in history, especially since Galveston was a popular port for immigrants fleeing to the U.S. in the 1800s. In fact, Galveston was dubbed as the Ellis Island of the south.

However, the downside to using the Galveston cruise port is that getting there can be difficult. The Galveston TX airport doesnt host commercial flights, so if youre flying in your only options are either the Hobby airport or George Bush Intercontinental, both of which are in Houston and at least an hour away.

As a result, transportation between Houston and Galveston can get pricey and difficult to obtain.

However, all is not lost. Aside from renting a car or driving yourself you can take a cab or book an Uber or Lyft. There are also plenty of shuttle services that have propped up over the years to provide travelers with much more affordable options.

Unfortunately, although there is an Amtrak train station in Galveston, we were unable to check on any rates . Additionally, there is no Greyhound going into Galveston from Houston.

Pier 10 Royal Caribbean Terminal 3

On December 5, 2018, the port authority company signed with RCG-Royal Caribbean Group an MoU agreement for the development and concession of a new cruise terminal. The project was approved on December 11, 2019. This is a long-term lease deal that could be extended up to 60-year exclusive terminal concession rights.

The new Royal Caribbean terminal is sized 14990 m2 and built on 10 acres of land at Pier 10 .

The new passenger terminal has capacity to berth even Oasis-class liners . Cruise Terminal 3 features dedicated bus parking, taxi ranks, large car parking , facial recognition technology.

The construction works on the USD 125 million Terminal 3 were planned to start in April 2020, with scheduled completion in November 2021. However, due to the Coronavirus crisis, in early-March RCG requested a 1-year extension for starting construction works . RCG’s proposal was approved on April 28, 2020. The initial plans included in 2021 to be homeported Allure OTS , but the ship’s homeporting was rescheduled for Nov 2022.

Works on Pier 10’s “Cruise Terminal 3” officially started on August 14, 2021. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Rodger Rees , Joshua Carroll , Craig Mygatt , Craig Brown .

RCI Galveston Terminal is currently scheduled for completion/inauguration on September 1, 2022. The new facility is co-owned by RCG and Ceres Terminals Inc . Ceres currently provides for RCG similar services at Port Canaveral, Tampa, Port NOLA and Baltimore.

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Cruises From Houston Or Galveston: Which Should You Choose

Editor’s note: As of April 2016, Houston is no longer an active cruise port.

When deciding whether you want to cruise from Houston or Galveston, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each port city. How easy is each one to get to? How many cruise lines offer sailings from each port? What’s difficult about sailing from each city? If you’re trying to decide between cruising from Galveston or cruising from Houston, read on for the key differentiators.

Cruise Itineraries From Galveston Texas

Houston Couple Stuck on Cruise Ship Arrives in Miami, Heading Home Tomorrow

Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Galveston:

  • Most departures from Galveston are operated by ships from the fleets of the cruise lines Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney.
  • 7-day to Honduras and Mexico .
  • 7-day to Jamaica , Grand Cayman and Mexico . Another port of call could be Belize City.
  • 7-day to Florida and Bahamas . Also can be visited the Bahamian private islands Half Moon Cay , Castaway Cay and CocoCay .

From Galveston are also offered Mexico-only roundtrips that visit Cozumel and Cozumel with Progreso .

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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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Cruising From Houston Or Galveston: Bottom Line

When selecting whether you want to cruise out of Galveston or Houston, you’ll need to decide what is most important to you.

For the most cruise line and itinerary choices, both in terms of destination and cruise length, choose Galveston.

If you’re flying in, want to get on your cruise ship as soon as possible upon arrival and don’t mind waiting for some of the ship’s venues to open, you’ll want to sail from Houston. If, instead, you really want all the ship’s services to open up as near to sailaway as possible and don’t mind two hours of transport to the ship, choose Galveston.

Also note that both Galveston and Houston are subject to fog, which can severely affect the start or end times of a cruise sailing — sometimes by as much as a day. In a typical year, a handful of cruises will be affected by heavy fog resulting in some people getting back later from their cruise or ending up with a shorter cruise than anticipated. The ports are equally impacted, so weather is not a reason to choose one port over the other.

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Carnival Norwegian Cruise Lines Announce Plans To Sail From Galveston

Cruise lines announce sail dates from Galveston

FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has more on when two cruise lines will depart from Galveston.

HOUSTONCarnival Cruise Lines hopes to launch what could be the first cruise from the U.S. since the pandemic started in Galveston on July 3rd. And Norwegian Cruise Lines will start sailing from Galveston next year.

Many vacationers and workers are rejoicing that some cruises and jobs are coming back to the Port of Galveston.

The Port of Galveston confirms Norwegian Cruise Lines will sail from Galveston for the first time ever, in the Fall of 2022, as it debuts its new ship Prima in several major ports.

“Norwegian is coming out with what they’re calling the Leonardo Class ship,” said Port of Galveston CEO Rodger Rees.

Rees says the 3200-passenger Prima will set sail on a 3-day cruise from Galveston on October 27th, and a 4-day cruise from the port on October 31. And Galveston may see more of Norwegian after that.

“We are talking. They are looking to come in here in 2023 with a new ship, I can tell you that. That will be the second Leonardo Class to be delivered,” said Rees.

Meantime, Carnival Cruise Lines confirms to FOX26 that it hopes its ship Carnival Vista will launch from Galveston on July 3rd, and Carnival Breeze will sail from Galveston on July 15th.

And he expects more cruise lines to return soon.

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