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.
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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Royal Caribbean’s Transatlantic Cruise From Galveston
Royal Caribbean’s 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 Portugal’s Azores, and sunny Malaga and the walled-town of Cartagena in Spain. Barcelona is one of the globe’s 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 Voyager’s Mediterranean season, start at $799.
Royal Caribbean International
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Cruise Ship Terminals 1 And 2
- Terminal 1 address – “2502 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550”
- Terminal 2 address – “2702 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550”
- Terminal 1 is for docking of Princess and Carnival ships.
- Terminal 2 is for docking of Disney and Royal Caribbean ships.
- location – some 40 mi / 70 km from Houston Hobby International Airport , some 70 mi / 110 km from Houston Intercontinental Airport
- GPS coordinates – pending
- Embarkation: luggage must be unloaded at the terminal curbside prior to parking. Shuttles don’t handle luggage during embarkation.
On November 30, 2016, the port completed a USD 13 million project that expanded the passenger area at “Cruise Terminal 2”. Terminal’s both buildings are now connected by an enclosed, air-conditioned walkway. The passenger area was increased from around 90,000 to 150,000 ft2 . Seating was increased from 500 to 2000 seats, baggage holding-, customs- and waiting areas were expanded, and 16 more check-in booths were installed.
Terminal 2’s expansion works started in 2014, financed by Royal Caribbean. However, construction roadblocks delayed the project with roughly a year. The expansion also included longer docking pier with extra bollards . The dock project cost around USD 3,5 million and was completed in 2017. The expanded Terminal 2 now has capacity to handle up to 5,000 passengers at a time.
Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean Cruises
The popular Voyager of the Seas, which upon its launch in 1999 was the largest cruise ship in the world, sails seven-night cruises to the Caribbean in the spring and winter from Galveston. The ship’s itinerary varies, so check website information carefully. As of March 2010, spring cruises featured Georgetown, Grand Cayman Montego Bay, Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico.
Winter cruises include visits to Roatan, Honduras Belize City, Belize, which, with its wildlife and natural beauty, is a newer hot spot and Cozumel, from which travelers can visit the majestic ancient ruins of Tulum.
As of March 2010, rates for the seven-night cruises start at $599 per person/double occupancy for an inside room, $699 for an outside room, $899 for a balcony cabin and $1,299 for a suite. Voyager, which carries 3,114 guests, was a pioneer of Royal Caribbean’s now-trademark features, including the 200-foot-tall rock-climbing wall, ice skating rink, mini golf course and full-size basketball court.
Royal Caribbean International
royalcaribbean.com/
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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.
Which Cruise Lines Sail From Galveston
| Carnival Vista 7 day cruise departing Aug 29, 2020 | $279 |
| Royal Liberty 7 day cruise departing Sep 27, 2020 | $458 |
| Disney Wonder 7 day cruise departing Nov 20, 2020 |
Cruise Ship
- Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Breeze. Carnival Dream. Carnival Freedom. Carnival Radiance. Carnival Vista.
- Disney Cruise Line Disney Wonder.
- Royal Caribbean International Adventure of the Seas. Allure of the Seas. Enchantment of the Seas. Jewel of the Seas. Liberty of the Seas.
Likewise, what cruise lines sail out of Houston? Cruise choices out of Houston are limited. Just two cruise lines — Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises — sail from the port, with both sailing only seasonally. Itineraries are limited strictly to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Also Know, what is the best cruise line out of Galveston?
Here are the five best cruises from Galveston to consider.
- Carnival Breeze. The 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze offers multiple Western Caribbean sailings departing from Galveston.
- Liberty of the Seas. $599+ | Save $750.
- Disney Wonder.
- Carnival Freedom.
Does Norwegian Cruise Lines leave from Galveston?
As the only cruise port in Texas, Galveston cruising has grown sharply during the past fifteen years. It is now the biggest departure port in the United States outside of Florida. Norwegian Cruise Lines , which had previously sailed from the Bayport Cruise Terminal near Houston, has yet to homeport in Galveston.
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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.
Royal Caribbean Breaks Ground On New Cruise Terminal Announces Fall 2022 Sail Dates Out Of Galveston
Royal Caribbean recently broke ground on a new cruise terminal slated to debut next fall in Galveston.
The opening of the new, $125 million cruise terminal comes just in time for the new fall 2022 sail dates out of the Texas port announced by the cruise line.
According to CultureMap, the terminal will serve as the homeport for Royal Caribbeans Allure of the Seas, which will sail seven-night western Caribbean itineraries starting November 2022.
Currently, Galveston, the sole cruise port in Texas, houses Royal Caribbeans Independence and Liberty of the Seas.
This new cruise terminal is a game-changer, said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, according to CultureMap. This much-anticipated project will bring 800 new jobs, $1.4 billion in local business services revenue, $5.6 million in state and local taxes, and incredible business development opportunities.
According to CultureMap, the new cruise terminal will boast modern technological features such as mobile check-in and facial recognition.
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Two P& O Cruise Ships To Sail The Caribbean
P& O Cruises plans to have two ships sailing the Caribbean before the end of the year. The cruise line has experienced a hugely successful summer return with the launch of its newest flagship Iona and its popular summer seacations onboard Britannia. The cruise line is ready to expand its cruises and has chosen to do this in the Caribbean with Britannia and Azura.
Britannia will set off on her transatlantic voyage from Southampton in southern England on October 22. The vessel will take 14 days to sail to the Southern Caribbean island of Barbados before she starts the first of a series of 14-day cruises in the Caribbean.
Azura will be the second ship sailing the Caribbean for the UK-based cruise line. Starting December 10, the cruise ship will also be sailing from Barbados on 14-day itineraries that include ports of call such as Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Dominica, and Martinique.
P& O Cruises are not yet sailing with the entire fleet and will not do so this year. Aurora is currently scheduled to return in February of next year and Arcadia is scheduled to return to sailing in March of next year.
Plenty to look forward to and this will be the first chance British cruisers will be able to enjoy a cruise in the Caribbean since the suspension started in 2020.
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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Port Of Galveston Will Be Ready If Cruises Resume By July
The Port of Galveston, Texas will be ready if cruises resume by July and preparations are underway to welcome back guests safely.
No one knows precisely when cruise ships will sail again from the Port of Galveston however, Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director, and chief executive officer released an update on the state of the Port and reiterated the Port would be ready to sail as soon as there is permission from the CDC.
Although the Port is often overlooked as an essential homeport for ships, Galveston is the fourth largest cruise port in the United States. As such, it plays a vital role in the resumption of cruises.
Galveston Tours Shore Excursions Hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
During you stay, Galveston can offer plenty of activities for any age. You can enjoy tropical rainforest adventure or rest at the sunny beach. If you prefer, you can visit amusement places near the Galveston cruise port terminal like:
- Texas Seaport Museum
- the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
- the Moody Gardens
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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.
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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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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Port Of Galveston Location
Galveston Island sits as a barrier island just off of Texas, attached to the mainland by Interstate 45. If youre coming from the Houston area, youll 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.
The port itself sits on the northern side of the island, protected from the Gulf of Mexico. Its location makes it a convenient spot to set sail as it only takes 30-45 minutes for the ships to get out to the open water.
Whats not convenient is that the port sits at least 45 minutes from the nearest major airport . In other words, if you are flying in for your cruise, then you will need to figure out transportation to the ship
Given the location, many people choose to drive in for their cruise. If driving into the port, the address is:
2502 Harborside Dr.Galveston, TX 77550
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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 . RCGâs proposal was approved on April 28, 2020. The initial plans included in 2021 to be homeported Allure OTS , but the shipâs homeporting was rescheduled for Nov 2022.
Works on Pier 10âs âCruise Terminal 3â 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.