Are Masks Required On Board Norwegian Cruise Line
At no point aboard the ship are passengers required to wear masks. The vaccination and testing requirement combined means guests can enjoy all parts of the ship without social distancing or wearing a mask.
However, when visiting ports of call, passengers will need to follow local health guidelines, including mask mandates where applicable.
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Norwegian Cruise Line To Bring Its Prima Ship To Galveston
Amanda Cochran, Specialty Senior Content Editor
GALVESTON, Texas Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing its newest ship to Galveston with cruises starting in 2022.
The ship called the Norwegian Prima will begin with two roundtrip western Caribbean voyages from Galveston: a three-day cruise on Oct. 27, 2022, and a four-day cruise on Oct. 31, 2022 — part of the new ships inaugural year sailing bucket-list itineraries, Houston Business Journal reported, citing Norwegian.
Starting in the winter season 2023 and 2024, the ship will homeport out of Galveston, offering seven-day voyages to the western Caribbean out of Galveston. The ship will call to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico Harvest Caye, a private island in Belize and Roatan Island, Honduras.
The ship is 965 feet long, more than 142,000 gross tons and able to accommodate 3,215 guests at double occupancy, according to the cruise line.
The company touted its entertainment options onboard in a news release about the ship, including a three-level go-kart racetrack called Prima Speedway.
The ship will sail on its maiden voyage on Aug. 17, 2022, on an itinerary from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to Reykjavik, Iceland, with stops in Zeebrugge, Bergen, and Geiranger in Norway, and Akureyri and Isafjordur in Iceland, according to Cruise Hive.
Take a look at the ship through these promotional photos from the cruise line.
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The 8 Best Carnival Cruise Ships Of 2021
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Runner-Up, Best Overall: Carnival Vista
âHas a large amount of repeat Carnival cruisers and offers nonstop action onboard.â
Best New Ship: Carnival Sunrise
âEvery cabin on Sunrise is remodeled with fresh new furnishings, and dining and beverage additions.â
Best Accommodations: Carnival Horizon
âAccommodations include the Family Harbor, dedicated family staterooms with their own lounge and concierge, and the Cloud 9 spa staterooms.â
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Texas Will Ban Cruise Lines From Asking For Proof Of A Covid
Texas looks like it will sign a similar law to Floridas that prohibits the ability for private companies to ask their customers for proof of vaccination against Covid-19.
In response to cruise ships wanting to provide proof of a vaccine, Texas Governor Greg Abbott says he signed a new law that bans the ability for any business in Texas from asking for vaccine information.
The new law follows up on an executive order he signed in April 2021 that banned state agencies or organizations that received public funds from doing the same thing.
Governor Abbott specifically addressed the issue of cruise ships, which may look to ensure a certain percentage of their passengers are vaccinated, and does not want them to be able to ask passengers for that information.
Governor Abbott tweeted his response after someone asked about cruise ships sailing out of Galveston instead of Florida ports to get around the vaccine ban there, Im signing a law today that prohibits any business operating in Texas from requiring vaccine passports or any vaccine information.
Texas is open 100% without any restrictions or limitations or requirements.
This new law now includes private companies.
Im signing a law today that prohibits any business operating in Texas from requiring vaccine passports or any vaccine information.Texas is open 100% without any restrictions or limitations or requirements.
Greg Abbott
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Carnival Cruise Line Updates Protocols For Sailings Through January 2022
Carnival Cruise Line updated its protocols on December 17 and sent notifications to guests detailing some changes due to the Omicron variant. It comes as two other major cruise lines have also tightened measures to make sure guests and crew remain safe.Carnival Cruise Line Protocol UpdatesThe cruise line has informed booked guests of updated protocols that are in effect on sailings from December
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Pre And Post Cruise Options In Galveston
Galveston is an island that is 32 miles long on the upper coast of Texas on the Gulf of Mexico and one of Texas most popular tourist destinations. There are miles and miles of beaches, great lodging, wonderful seafood restaurants, and incredible shopping to enjoy in a semi-tropical climate. The many family friendly attractions in the area make it a perfect add on to a cruise that departs from Galveston.
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum: Visitors enjoy experiencing the offshore industry first-hand on an actual retired jack-up drilling rig. The museum features three floors of models and interactive displays illustrating the exciting story of offshore oil and gas from seismic technology and exploration and production to pipelining and marine transportation.
Schlitterbahn Water Park: This water park is consistently rated tops by the Travel Channel due to the fact that it offers an extensive variety of activities and rides. There are also many different age appropriate rides and pools so that even young children can enjoy themselves with no safety concerns.
Johnson Space Center: Located in nearby Houston, the center offers unparalleled exhibits, attractions, special presentations and hands-on activities tell the story of NASAs manned space flight program. Its the only place in the world where visitors can see astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock, land a shuttle, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA.
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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An Adventure Of Texas
Book now and discover larger-than-life thrills.
Vaccination, Testing and Travel Document Requirements
Travel requirements and health protocols are constantly evolving and vary by port of departure. We will continue to publish more protocols as they are developed. Booked guests will be advised of their specific requirements before setting sail. See more details by ship and homeport.
CHASE BIGGER THRILLS
Fun-filled Galveston is the starting point for your next unforgettable Caribbean getaway. Dig into Texass world-famous BBQ then wander along the picturesque Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier before sailing to stunning sun-soaked isles onboard Liberty of the Seas®.
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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 theyre 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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Carnival Breeze To Sail 4 And 5
Carnival Breeze will become the newest and largest ship to operate a short cruise itinerary from Galveston when it kicks off year-round four- and five-day cruises from that port May 5, 2021. The program includes: Four-day long weekend cruises departing Thursdays and featuring a day-long visit to Cozumel. Five-day voyages departing Mondays and Saturdays with stops at Cozumel and either Progreso or Costa Maya.
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Royal Caribbean Cruises In October : What To Expect
Fall is in the air, but Royal Caribbean cruises in October are still taking you to places that are plenty warm.
There are many Royal Caribbean cruise ships in operation in October, with one ship returning to service and a couple resuming service in a new market.
This post will share important information what you should know before going on a cruise in October. This month we see the end of cruising in Alaska for the season, but there is still time to see Europe before that season comes to an end. Meanwhile, Caribbean sailings will start to increase with ships returning to start winter itineraries.
Just like September, October is also one of the best times to get a great price on a cruise. The combination of school in session and the peak of hurricane season makes for some really low rates. In fact, last minute cruise prices are pretty good if you can take advantage of certain October sailings.
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Carnival Radiance To Galveston
Carnival Radiance will launch a new schedule of five- to 14-day voyages from the Port of Galveston beginning on May 14, 2021. On this route: Five-day cruises depart Sundays and feature the seaside Mexican ports of Cozumel and Progreso or Costa Maya. Three different nine-day options departing Fridays will be offered one calling at Cozumel, Limon , and a partial Panama Canal transit or a visit to Colon , another featuring Key West, Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay and Nassau, and a third stopping at Grand Cayman, Mahogany Bay , Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Two eight-port, 14-day Carnival Journeys cruises visiting top destinations throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America and the Panama Canal will also be offered departing Oct. 24, 2021, and Jan. 16, 2022.
Carnival Radiance will undergo an extensive bow-to-stern $200 million renovation next year that will add all of the lines food, beverage, and entertainment innovations, bringing an exciting new option to the Galveston market.
The extensive 38-day renovation of the ship will add a host of new food and beverage outlets including Guys Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse created by Food Network star Guy Fieri, Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, Bonsai Sushi, and Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub, and the first Big Chicken restaurant created by Carnivals Chief Fun Officer, Shaquille ONeal.
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Cruise Ship Terminal Directions And Parking
From East take Highway 87. Board a Port Bolivar vehicle ferry. Exit the ferry onto Ferry Road . Turn right onto Harborside Drive, then continue to Kempner some 20 city blocks. Turn right onto Kempner and follow the signs to the terminal .
From North or West take Interstate 45 South, then Exit 1C, Follow the feeder road to Harborside Drive , then turn left onto Harborside Drive and for ~5 mi / 8 km to Kempner . Turn left onto Kempner and follow the signs to the terminal .
Cruise Parking Rates USD 45 , USD 50 , USD 70 . Parking is guarded, lighted, with 24-hour surveillance and police patrol. Phone number 409 766-6100.
Debarkation: go directly to the Parking Lot to retrieve your car . Then pick up passengers and luggage at the terminal curbside. Depart the terminal via shuttles. The service is provided only in parking lots with luggage drop-off signs.
If you plan to fly to Galveston, you will arrive at either Hobby Airport, HOU, or George Bush International Airport, IAH, you have to rent a car or take a cruise line shuttle. There is no public transportation to Galveston from the airports in Huston. Galveston Limousine offers service to Galveston cruise ship terminal for USD 30. Taxi fares are USD 100 from George Bush Intercontinental and USD 75 from Hobby Airport.
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Royal Caribbean Previews New Cruise Terminal In Galveston
Royal Caribbean is building a new cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, and shared a look at what it will look like inside and out.
Terminal 3 cruise terminal will be big enough to handle Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ships, and signifies a major investment in the Galveston cruise market by committing to invest millions of dollars to upgrade the facilities.
The new $125 million cruise terminal will open in Fall 2022, and Royal Caribbean shared new concept art for what it will look like.
New cruise terminals are more than just a place to check-in and board your cruise. With the new building comes a smoother process, as well as enhancements in the embarkation and disembarkation procedures.
The entryway
Allure of the Seas will be the first ship to call Galveston home when the new terminal opens in fall 2022.
In total, the building is 161,300 square feet and Royal Caribbean says it will be a state-of-the-art building.
It will also be a LEED-certified terminal , which means it will be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently.
Construction of the terminal was delayed due to the global health crisis, but work began in April 2021 on the 10 acre parcel of land.
The new terminal is located at Pier 10 for exclusive use by Royal Caribbean.
Boarding area
The facility will feature state-of-the-art technology, including mobile check-in and facial recognition to expedite guest arrival.
When Is Norwegian Cruise Line Sailing Again
Now! Norwegian Cruise Line first returned to sailing in the Greek Isles this summer, while their first cruise from a U.S. port in over 500 days started in Seattle in August 2021 to relaunch the Alaska cruise season. The first sailings to relaunch from Los Angeles will take place in October 2021 aboard the Norwegian Bliss.
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Heavy Investments In Health And Safety Upgrades
Cruise ships are not alone in making upgrades to accommodate the CDCs demands on the various factors that make a cruise a success. As such, the Port of Galveston has invested more than $100,000 in health and safety measures. It is also reviewing the necessary changes required to port terminals, parking areas, and other operations.
As with the cruise lines, the various ports in the United States are waiting for updates from the CDC on what is expected of them, something that is taking far longer than anyone in the industry expected, Rodger Rees:
To date, weve voluntarily invested $100,000 in health and safety upgrades in our cruise terminals. We continuously monitor updates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop the guidelines that ports will follow for cruise terminal, parking and other operations.
Perhaps against better judgement, the Port aims to have everything ready for a return of cruising by July. However, Rees clarifies that the current expectation is cruising to resume by the end of the summer or early fall of this year. Something that is hurting the local economy, as it has done in Florida and Alaska.
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.
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See How Royal Caribbean Ships Stack Up By Size
With so many Royal Caribbean cruise ships in the fleet, it can be confusing to figure out how big each ship is by size.Ship size isn’t everything when it comes to picking the right ship for you, but how big a ship is remains one of the key metrics a lot of people pay attention to when it comes to comparing vessels.So whether you have a passing interest in knowing how big each ship is in Royal
Royal Caribbean Temporarily Tightens Mask Policy
After months of positive news and relaxation of measures, several cruise lines have decided to go back to stricter implementation of health and safety measures on board their ships.Guests onboard Royal Caribbean ships are now required to wear masks at all times when inside the ships. The requirement is in place until January 5, at least.Royal Caribbean Tightens Mask ProtocolsWith Omicron
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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.
Feel free to discuss this topic and all things cruise at our new boards. A place where readers can ask questions, help their fellow cruisers and general cruise discussions on cruise lines and ports.