More On Cruising From Galveston
Getting to the Port of Galveston Need transportation options from airports and the Galveston area to the cruise port? Heres everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.
Galveston Cruise Guide Sailing from the island for the first time? Read this guide to familiarize yourself with everything from location to transportation, hotels, cruise lines and more.
Galveston Hotels with Cruise Shuttle Need a ride to the port? Weve rounded up the options for places to stay near the port that also have shuttle service on cruise day.
Safe Secure & Convenient
No need to worry about your car while on vacation. We provide secured parking with cameras and an attendant every day of the week. Convenient fuel pumps and Exxon store on site. The property is elevated with good drainage. Get affordable full service cruise parking for Galveston cruise passengers sailing on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise lines!
Cheap Cruises From Galveston Texas
At any time of the year, you can access cheap cruises from Galveston TX that will take you to the beautiful locations of the Bahamas or the Caribbean. Travel can range anywhere between 4 to 9 nights or more, with the option of a roundtrip cruise, allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy your vacation without having to worry about developing your own itinerary. But your trip doesn’t need to stop there. If you’re looking for a way to travel to Spain in style, our cheap cruises from Galveston TX may be right up your alley.
Wherever you wish to travel, cheap cruises from Galveston TX give you the opportunity to fully relax and embrace your vacation. A cruise doesn’t need to break the bank or fall far out of your budget. There are quality cruises available to you at affordable prices.
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Norwegian Sky Embarkation In Miami
We have previously posted about the embarkation process for Royal Caribbean in Galveston and for Carnival in Puerto Rico. Today, I want to describe the process of embarking on the Norwegian Sky in Miami. I will talk about some of the key things you want to be sure to do within your first few hours on board. Over the next several days, please follow us for more details on the excellent ship and trip. In summary, though, Norwegian Sky embarkation in Miami is really easy. Lets talk about boarding time, lunch the first day, and business to take care of as soon as you board.
I selected an arrival time of 10-10:30. I dont have any kind of elite status on Norwegian, and I was not staying in a suite. Not wanting to get caught in long line, and wanting to board ASAP, I selected the first time available. It turns out I didnt need to do that. I caught an Uber from the Hilton to the port, and I quickly found a luggage porter. I then went to a dude checking that I was at the right terminal, a security check, and immediately to a check-in counter all without slowing down.
When I reached the top of the escalator, I was given a boarding card:
As far as I could tell, the group numbers were assigned randomly. They later called suite guests first, so I am sure they were able to ask for a higher priority card. However, if that applies to you then you should definitely ask. When I had that, I began the rather long process of sitting.
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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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Where Is Galveston Cruise Port
The Port of Galveston, Texas sits on the north side of Galveston Island. It is located at the extreme northeastern tip of this 27-mile-long barrier island. The cruise port is in sheltered waters at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the start of the Houston Ship Channel. It is just a short 30-45 minute sail to reach the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Galveston cruise terminals are within walking distance of the historic downtown attractions and hotels on The Strand. Its also less than a mile from the pier and sandy beaches lining Galveston Seawall which runs along the Gulf-facing side of the narrow island.
Norwegian Prima Homeports In Galveston Texas
After Norwegian Prima concludes her inaugural year sailing bucket-list itineraries as the industry’s newest ship, she will be the only vessel during the winter 2023 and 2024 season offering seven-day voyages to the Western Caribbean out of Galveston, Texas, providing the most extensive port experiences in the region with every itinerary visiting four ports. Norwegian Prima will call to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico Harvest Caye, the Caribbean’s premier island destination in Belize and exclusive to guests of NCL and Roatan Island, Honduras, with all visits featuring between eight and nine in-port hours.With voyages beginning in summer 2022, Norwegian Prima will be 965 feet long, more than 142,000 gross tons and able to accommodate 3,215 guests at double occupancy.For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE or visit www.ncl.com.
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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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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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Which Cruise Lines Sail From Galveston
Currently Galveston cruise port is the home port for several ships within Royal Caribbean International , Disney and Carnival with Norwegian operating from the new terminal from late 2022.
The latest ship to be based at Galveston cruise port is RCI Adventure of the Seas. It began its inaugural cruise season on Nov 8, 2021, embarking on a 5-day Western Caribbean cruise itinerary. It made history as the first Voyager-class ship to home port in Texas.
The port anticipates an average of 3,100 passengers per cruise once it reaches full operating capacity from the new third terminal. This will be able to accommodate the larger Oasis-class ships carrying over 5,000 passengers per sailing.
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.
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Tips For Cruising Out Of Galveston
Galveston is a unique and historical port in the Gulf of Mexico that offers both Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise itineraries. It currently hosts Carnival Breeze, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Valor, and Liberty of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas is set the join the party in November. Disney Wonder also sails from Galveston during the winter months.
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1. Fly in the day before.
Its a common complaint that Galveston is so far from both Houston airports: 46 miles from William P. Hobby Airport and 72 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Thats why if you have to fly in for your cruise youll want to do so the day before. If your flight is delayed and youre still an hour and a half drive away from the pier upon arrival, you could miss your cruise completely.
2. Look for deals on your stay.
3. Plan ahead for traffic delays.
4. Reserve parking beforehand.
5. Select the earliest check-in time.
6. Do self-assist at debarkation.
7. Use a passport.
8. Youll pay tax on alcohol & cigarettes.
9. Winters are foggy.
10. Spend time on the island.
Do you have any tips for sailing out of Galveston?
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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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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Will Norwegian Cruise Lines Require A Covid Vaccine
Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line is sailing with a 100% vaccination requirement for crew and guests, no exceptions. While that means younger kids who dont yet qualify for vaccination arent able to sail quite yet, it does mean guests are assured that all fellow passengers are completely vaccinated.
Ships have also been fitted with medical-grade air filtration systems and are constantly cleaned and sanitized. A dedicated Public Health Officer oversees each sailing to ensure no suspicious sniffle goes undiagnosed.
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Royal Caribbean Test Cruise Leaves Galveston
GALVESTON, Texas Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas departed Galveston on Sunday. The ship is heading to Cozumel.
It’s a test cruise, so there were a few hundred unpaid invited guests, cruising VIPs and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials on board.
The test run is happening about two weeks ahead of the ship’s first real cruise since March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed the cruise industry.
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Carnival Cruise Line is requiring 95% of its passengers to be vaccinated against COVID as well as 100% of its crew. Royal Caribbean is allowing more unvaccinated passengers since there are a lot of families with children who are not able to get the vaccine yet.
Window On The Waterfront
The excellent Window on the Waterfront has a collection of attractions close to Galveston cruise port. It has many unusual maritime attractions and museums that may interest cruise visitors including:
The Elissa
The Elissa is a 141-foot long sailing ship built in 1877. It is now permanently docked at Pier 21 as a maritime museum attraction. Tour the decks and imagine life as a sailor 150 years ago.
Built by Henry Fowler-Watt, the Elissa was named after a Phoenician princess. After many years transporting cargo, she was brought to Galveston to be restored. This fully-functional antique vessel makes for a popular and interesting attraction.
Pier 21 Theater
If you want to escape the heat or chilly wind, there are several theaters and art galleries including Pier 21 Theater. It shows three movies about Galveston Island history. These include The Great Storm about the hurricane that hit Galveston in 1900.
Another movie tells the story of The Pirate Island of Jean Lafitte and finally, Galveston Gateway on the Gulf, a movie about the immigrants who arrived in Galveston to start a new life.
Texas Seaport Museum
Ocean Star Drilling Rig Museum
Few of us can visit a drilling rig, so the Ocean Star Drilling Rig Museum is a great opportunity to learn about offshore drilling and exploration, seismology and much more.
With so much going on around Galveston cruise port, you might want to seriously consider Galveston for your next cruise.
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About The Galveston Cruise Port
The Port of Galveston is located on the upper Texas coast at the mouth of beautiful Galveston Bay, just 30 minutes steaming time from the open sea. The two closest airports to the Port of Galveston are Houston Hobby International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental .
The nearest airport to Port of Galveston is Houston Hobby International Airport .The distance between them is 42 miles and the trip takes about 30 minutes. A taxi will cost approximately $85 a carload and the shared shuttle about $45 per person.
An alternative airport is George Bush Intercontinental, located on the north side of Houston, but its about 70 miles from the port and the ride can take about 1 ½ hours. Taking a taxi will cost approximately $135 a carload and the shared shuttle $55.
If youre driving to the port the parking lots available to passengers are located 1/2 mile from the cruise ship Terminal. The parking lots are safe and secure. Gates will be locked upon vessel departure and no entry will be available on non-cruise days. Lots are to be monitored by Port police every two hours.
Drop off passengers and luggage at the cruise terminal before heading to the parking lot. Porters will assist you with your baggage and Police Officers will direct the driver to the appropriate parking lot for that day. There are shuttles running continuously to take passengers from the lot to the terminal for check-in.