Galveston Cruise Ship Terminal Port Guide
Table Of Content
In 2021, three major cruise lines have ships using Port of Galveston as their home port. More ships are likely to be based there once the third cruise terminal is fully operational. Currently, Galveston is home port to Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean (RCL) and Disney cruise ships. Galveston cruise terminals are within walking distance of the historic downtown attractions and hotels on The Strand.
Pleasure Pier
With plenty of parking options and nearby access to several hotels, restaurants and local attractions, the port is a great takeoff spot for a wide array of local and international ... One thing to know is that a number of hotels in the area offer parking at their hotel while you cruise. So stay a night, and you can leave your car there for little or no cost. If you’re driving into the port and plan to stay the night, it’s hard to beat this deal. Click here to see our list of Galveston hotels with cruise parking. As we’ve mentioned, sailing from Galveston is easy and convenient if you live in the area.
Navigation Options
The Express Lot and SMP Lot are a short walk from the cruise terminals while Lots A, B and C are Park and Ride. If you need a ride to the cruise port, then we suggest Uber/Lyft or an independent shuttle for most people (not the shuttles operated by the cruise line). Cruise shuttles offer roundtrip rides between the airports and the cruise terminal for as little as $50 per person.
Current local time in Galveston, United States
Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Prices for parking at Galveston cruise port start at around $85 for 7 nights if you book ahead. It is in a secure covered parking lot a short walk from the ship. Galveston cruise port has many benefits for those living in Texas, Louisiana and the central and northern states.
One feature of the high-tech new Terminal 3 will be facial recognition technology. This will make security checks much quicker and easier than before. There will also be mobile check-in, making the check-in process even faster. A photographer will take an informal photo of you and your group, the first of many! There is no obligation to buy but they do make great souvenirs of your cruise.
What to Do Near the Galveston Cruise Terminals
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.
CCL christens its newest cruise ship Carnival Jubilee at Port Galveston Texas
This airport is located 41 miles northwest of the cruise port, where you can rent a car. Once there, it's a 42-mile drive along Highway 45 to get to the port. However, driving your own vehicle to get inside Galveston cruise terminal will be less expensive and more convenient than taking a plane. There are two cruise terminals beside each other – Terminals 25 and 28 (formerly Terminals 1 & 2), with parking across the street and nearby (with free shuttle service). Galveston's cruise terminal offers a convenient departure point for cruises to the Caribbean and beyond. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this vibrant coastal city provides opportunities for pre or post-cruise exploration, including historic sites, charming beaches, and delicious seafood.
Once inside the new cruise terminal, you are greeted with a cavernous lobby. The Pleasure Pier is an amusement park that sits 1000 feet long. While visiting the pier, you experience various foods, souvenir shops, rides, and roller coasters.
Highlights of the Royal Caribbean Terminal
Taxi fares are USD 100 from George Bush Intercontinental and USD 75 from Hobby Airport. Galveston cruise port is approx 40 mi / 70 km from Hobby Airport (~60 min drive distance) and approx 70 mi / 110 km from Houston Airport (~90 min drive distance). For fly-cruisers is recommended to use rideshare (larger group travel) services.
If you have the means, you can drive to the cruise port and park for when you return. This gives you peace of mind, knowing you have transportation back after your expeditions. If you live in the area, it is even easier as you can simply drive and park your car at the port. If you will be flying in for your cruise experience, you may need to allocate around 1,5 hours for a ride to the cruise port.
Galveston is having a cruise growth spurt - Travel Weekly
Galveston is having a cruise growth spurt.
Posted: Mon, 31 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Big annual events include Galveston Restaurant Week in January, Mardi Gras in February, and Dickens on The Strand in November/December. In general, you’ll find the summers are long, hot, and very humid while the winters are short, cool, and windy. The best times to visit Galveston for warm-weather outdoor activities are from late March to mid-May and from mid-October to mid-November. For more information about operating hours and a map of the route click here. To go a little further, perhaps to explore the Seawall, you can grab an Uber, Lyft, or a taxi. There will typically be taxis waiting at the terminal, especially during peak embarkation and disembarkation times but if not you can give one of our recommendations a call.
Galveston’s increase in popularity has led to ambitious plans for development of a third state-of-the-art cruise terminal. With so much to offer, cruisers should definitely consider the benefits of sailing out of Galveston cruise terminal on their next voyage. Depart from the coastal gem of Galveston, Texas, and experience a blend of Texas charm and beachside relaxation. Delight in the city's historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and lively entertainment district before setting sail to exciting destinations aboard your cruise ship. The island has a wide variety of places to stay, from historic hotels like the Grand Galvez to modern-day hotel chains that are abundant on Galveston. There are also a few resorts with large pools, restaurants and more.
You can browse the Galveston Immigration Database for any ancestors, if you wish. The project has an estimated cost of $125 million and will provide a state-of-the-art cruise terminal in Galveston. It will be the home port for Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, which will sail on 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries starting November 2022. Terminal 2 was expanded in 2016 to accommodate Royal Caribbean’s larger Freedom-class ships. Ft. facility can accommodate up to 5,000 passengers and allows for simultaneous handling of passengers embarking and disembarking.
If you want a hotel close to the beach on Galveston Island, here are more ideas – 15 Galveston Hotels on Seawall Blvd for Cruise Passengers. If you’re cruising out of Galveston Cruise Port, you’ll find the island has some amazing attractions and unique things to do. Here are a few attractions to tempt you to stay a few nights and enjoy this top resort.
So, if you are traveling with a passport, you are able to go into a separate line and walk up to the facial recognition machines. After a quick scan of your face, you should be cleared to leave. It’s a very simple process that gets you out of the ship and where you need to be as soon as possible. I decided not to receive luggage assistance on disembarkation day, so I was able to leave at my leisure.
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