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Where Is The Cruise Port In Galveston Texas

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Dropping Off/ Picking Up Passengers

[4K] Galveston Cruise Ship Port – Where You Go When Cruising From Galveston, Texas

Are you dropping off or picking up family or friends? The good news is that its fairly simple to drop people off in Galveston. Meanwhile, providing a ride to the port saves a lot of money in paying for a shuttle or having to park during the cruise.

To drop off passengers or pick up, head into the port entrance at the intersection of 22nd Street and Harborside Drive. From there, its as simple as following the signs to the correct area for passengers to get out.

When its time to pick up people at the end of the cruise, you follow the same route for picking up. One thing to know is that it can get busy on cruise day, with lots of pedestrians. If you want to avoid this, you can plan to drop off a couple of blocks from the port. Here it is much calmer and still only a short walk to the cruise terminals.

Royal Caribbean Port Of Galveston Move Forward With $100m Cruise Ship Terminal In Texas

After being delayed nearly a year by the pandemic, construction of Royal Caribbean’s new terminal at the Port of Galveston is set to begin in April and to be complete in fall 2022.

GALVESTON, TEXAS A public-private partnership between Royal Caribbean International and the Port of Galveston, located in Southeast Texas, is moving forward with development of a new $100 million cruise ship terminal.

The partnership will develop the two-story property within an eastern section of the port known as Pier 10 and will harbor one of the Miami-based cruise lines largest ships, the Allure of the Seas. Construction of the facility, which will span approximately 170,000 square feet and 10 acres, is set to begin in April for completion in fall 2022.

The project was originally announced in December 2019. At that time, construction was expected to begin in April 2020 and wrap up in fall 2021. Those plans were significantly delayed by the outbreak of COVID-19, which hurt the cruise industry as part of the larger hospitality sector.

The facility will feature state-of-the-art technology, including mobile check-in and facial recognition platforms to expedite guests arrival. The plans also include a staging and loading area bus and taxi staging areas and substantial parking space. The terminal is designed to meet LEED certification standards.

Taylor Williams

About Saint Marys Cathedral In Galveston:

Named the mother church of the Galveston-Houston Diocese by Pope Pius IX in 1847, Saint Marys is perhaps the most famous church in the city. At that time the Diocese encompassed the entire state of Texas.

During Hurricane Ike in 2009, Saint Marys Cathedral was extensively damaged and closed for a period of over four years. It finally re-opened to services beginning with the Easter Mass of the Resurrection in April 2014, but on a limited basis.

Another of the historical churches here is Saint Josephs Church, the oldest German Catholic Church in Texas and the oldest wooden church building in Galveston.

The entire city of Galveston consists of one parish, Holy Family Parish, with services held at 6 different churches throughout the city. Depending upon the day and the time, you will need to find which church is have Mass that day. for the Mass schedule of Holy Family Parish in Galveston/Bolivar.

None of the cruise lines currently sailing from Galveston normally have a priest on board .

If traveling around Christmas time , Galveston hasDickens on the Strand and prior to Lent, the Mardi-Gras is a favorite as well. There is a variety of hotels and restaurants, which make it a great way to start your cruise experience.

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New Terminal Will Be Suitable For Oasis Class Ships

The new terminal has seen delays for more than a year since it was first supposed to be built. Although the start of building is there now, it will be many months before anything resembling a building will start to arise.

The new terminal, which will cost the Port of Galveston and Royal Caribbean $110 million to build at the pier 10 location, will need a lot of ground to be broken up. Before upward construction of the terminal can begin, crews need to rip up acre upon acre of concrete at the pier. Work removing the old concrete marks a milestone for the terminal that once seemed likely to become a casualty of the coronavirus pandemic.

Albert Shannon, the chairman of the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees:

Its finally started. After all the preparation, all the negotiation and the pandemic and everything else, theyve finally started.

The next few weeks will see significant disturbance for residents as trucks haul away demolition debris. Eventually, trucks will be hauling tons of dirt towards the building site to lay the groundwork for the building, measuring 150,000 square feet. The entire facility will measure more than 10 acres.

The end design for the new terminal will include a large, blue rotunda featuring a covered passenger drop-off area . A new paid parking area will also be built near the terminal building.

Also Read: Galveston Cruise Terminal 9 Things You Need to Know

Port Of Galveston Location

Galveston Cruise Port

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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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.

Galveston Texas Port Reviews Cruises

Huge shoutout to the folks at Port Galveston! Its the little changes/upgrades that have happened that make the process so much easier and smoother. I can not express how much time the facial recognition software has saved onboarding but especially debarking through customs. Great Work to all who had a hand in getting that up and running.

Getting onboard gets easier and easier in Galveston. While the port terminal is older than dirt, Carnival keeps making it easier and easier for the boarding process

Be patient. No matter how efficient the process is, when you deal with thousands of people there will be delays.

Visited: Apr 15, 2017

We live 34 miles from here, so cruising out of Galveston is a breeze

Visited: Mar 25, 2017

Our favorite home port Were native Texans and hope that Carnival will branch out to more destinations from the port of Galveston Cuba, Dominican, etc.

Galveston is a very nice port. We left from there on our first few cruises, and found it was very easy to get in and out of, and seem to be very well run. The staff was always extremely courteous and helpful.Growing up in the Houston area, Galveston Island itself has always been one of my favorite places.I highly recommend the cruise port, and a trip to Galveston Island as well.

I always find everyone at the Port of Galveston to be very friendly. Maybe it’s a Texas thing? I’m from Dallas so I’m partial to Texas hospitality

Visited: Mar 03, 2019

Visited: Jul 15, 2018

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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.

The Official Cruise Parking Galveston

Port of Galveston Cruise Parking- Galveston, Texas

Port of Galveston cruise parking offers the most convenient and secure parkingfacilities for the cruise ship passengers.It is the only parking facility located on Port property.

The official Port of Galveston parking offers all cruise passengers the convenience of reserving a parking spot in advance when sailingfrom the Galveston cruise port. With our real-time, prepaid parking reservations system, the Port is offering reserved parking spots in the Port of Galveston’s official parking lots and parking garage.

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Port Of Departure Galveston Texas

Galveston, The Oleander CityGalveston Cruise Ship TerminalsCruise Terminal 1Cruise Terminal 2Cruises From GalvestonThings To Do Near Galveston Cruise PortOcean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and MuseumTexas Seaport MuseumBishop’s PalaceStewart BeachMoody GardensGetting To The Cruise PortFrom George Bush International Airport or Hobby Airport Cruise Port MapCruise Port LocationGalveston Cruise PortPort AuthorityCurrent Marine TrafficGalveston Marine TrafficCurrency

The Cruise Port Of Galveston Tx

The port of Galveston has two terminals and is used by several cruise lines including Carnival, Disney, Princess, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Interstate 10, Highway 146, and Interstate 45 link Galveston to mainland Texas and there is ample parking at the port with a guaranteed place for every cruise passenger who requires it.

The Port of Galveston is 45-minutes from Houston Hobby Airport and 75-minutes from Houston Intercontinental Airport.

Related to Port of Galveston in Texas

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Driving Directions To The Port

I-45 SouthTake Exit 1C Harborside Drive Turn left onto Harborside DriveContinue approximately 4.7 miles to Kempner/22nd StreetTurn left onto Kempner/22nd StreetProceed to Cruise Terminal Pier #25

Luggage must be unloaded at the cruise terminal curbside prior to parking the shuttles do not handle luggage during embarkation. After debarkation return directly to Parking Lots A and B to retrieve car without luggage and then pick up the guests and luggage at the terminal curbside.

The Official Port Of Galveston Parking And Shuttle Service

port

The Port of Galveston Parking Service is the only parking operation affiliated with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Lines.

The Port is not affiliated in any way with any private parking lot operators. The Port is not responsible for the security of any vehicles parked at an unofficial lot or the transportation of persons or property between the cruise ship terminals and any unofficial lot, nor is it liable for any claims relating thereto. Any complaint or claim relating to vehicles parked at an unofficial lot or the services provided by that operator should be directed to the operator of the lot and not to the Port of Galveston.

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Houston Tours Shore Excursions Hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

  • Bayou Place: megaplex for entertainment. It is in the heart of the Downtown Theater District in Houston. The 130,000 square foot area comprises bars, theaters, restaurants and lounges. Here is the largest and most popular rock& roll nightclub in Houston ROCBAR.
  • Galleria Mall: the largest mall in Texas. It is located on Westheimer Rd.
  • Johnson Space Center: located in the south-east part of Houston. It is the NASA astronaut corps home. There are 100 facilities span on 1,620 acres. Try the zero-gravity environment or a virtual launch of a rocket.
  • Houston Zoo: placed 7th in the Americas most visited zoos. See over 4,500 animals in the amazing landscaped grounds. You can chose a guided tour from shadowing a veterinarian for a day to a lion cub feeding.
  • Museum District: discover collections of galleries, cultural centers and museums including the Museum of Fine Arts, the John P. McGovern Health Museum, the Lawndale Art Center, Holocaust Museum and Houston Center for Photography.
  • Splashtown: water park, great options for all the family. It is situated in the north part of Houston. There are attractions like a lazy river, several slides and a wild wave pool. The kids will enjoy the Crocodile Isle.
  • Two CCL-Carnival Cruise Line’s ships returned to Port Galveston Texas on Sunday, May 2.After more than a year away, the liners’ return is a glimmer…

    May 3, 2021

Wuh Port Of Galveston Cruise Terminal 2 Expansion Tx

Galveston, US

  • M

    Budget

Modify and expand the two-story terminal at Port of Galveston Cruise, the 4th busiest cruise port in the U.S.

The port worked closely with Royal Caribbean to identify upgrades needed to improve operations at Cruise Terminal No. 2 for both Voyager class vessels and any larger vessels in the future.

Our brand Webber was awarded the contract to modify and expand the two-story terminal. Work features 150,000 square feet of space and terminal seating capacity of over 2,000 passengers . The westward expansion and modification of the Cruise Terminal 2 structure includes: converting the passenger check-in area to a baggage lay-down area and modifying the east end of the building to facilitate passenger and baggage screening activities with the ultimate goal of designing and building the expansion so that it will be incorporated into a new Terminal 3 at a later date.

The port of Galveston, Texas Star Cruise port serves as the primary point of embarkation for cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas and each year handles over 1 million cruise passengers, making it the 4th busiest cruise port in the U.S.

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Cruise Itineraries From Galveston Texas

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 .

History Of Hosting Cruise Ships At The Port

New Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal in Galveston, Texas – April 2021 Update

In the 1970s, ocean cruises enjoyed a surge of popularity with American vacationers. The Love Boat, a silly, romantic television sitcom that aired from 1977 to 1986, undoubtedly fueled travelers newfound interest in cruising. In 1974, the Port of Galveston began hosting its first cruise ship year-round, and in 2001 a second Carnival ship began docking there permanently. The Ports 100,000th passenger sailed from the Port that same year.

The Port of Galveston is proud to be the year-round homeport to two Carnival Cruise Line vessels and one Royal Caribbean Cruise Line vessel. In 2003, Princess Cruises announced it would begin seven-day sailings from the Port of Galveston with the maiden voyage of the Grand Princess the following year. The Port also hosted Celebrity Cruise Lines for a time.

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Find A Galveston Texas Cruise

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What Hotel Offer A Free Shuttle & Cruise Parking

1. Scottish Inns Galveston

The classical facade places this two-story budget friendly hotel amongst the most elegant properties in Galveston. Inside, there are beautiful tiled floors, modern art paintings and a lounge with bright, contemporary decor. Each of the forty-five rooms is tastefully presented and features round windows on either side of the front door.

Outside, theres a patio and pool. Theres free parking during your cruise vacation and on the weekends the hotel provides a complimentary one-way shuttle transfer.

Shuttle & Parking

1. Inn at the Waterpark

If your cruise vacation involves the kids, then this is the perfect place to stay as the Inn at the Waterpark is located right next to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Families can also enjoy a round or two of the hotels mini-golf.

Take advantage of the Inn at the Waterparks free long-term parking. If you are a guest of the hotel you may leave your vehicle parked at the property for the duration of your cruise. Just confirm vehicle parking with the Front Desk. On the day of embarkation, taxi and ride share are available for transportation to and from the cruise terminal.

  • Free Cruise Parking

2. Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center

With delightful tropical surroundings, the Moody Gardens Hotel is right next door to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Guests can choose from several on-site dining options or simply relax in the outdoor pools or spa.

3. Four Points by Sheraton Galveston

  • Free parking

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