Monday, April 1, 2024

Port of Galveston Cruise Guide: Everything You Need to Know Pre-Cruise

galveston cruise port royal caribbean

In 2022, the Port's cruise activities supported ~3500 jobs and generated US$568 million (local business revenue) and US$73,5 million (local purchases by cruise tourists/passengers and crew). Galveston is the perfect cruise port for those who live in the South. Though I live in the Midwest, I would select Galveston again as a port to cruise in and out of. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to cruise out of Galveston, but my decision would primarily be based on the cruise itinerary, ship, and price. The next day, I kept this in mind when we disembarked Voyager of the Seas. I requested a Lyft since this was supposedly my only rideshare option.

Carnival Jubilee Arrives in Galveston; First New Cruise Ship to Call Texas Home

galveston cruise port royal caribbean

However, it will certainly be delivered well before you need to dress for dinner. The above article also covers a good range of hotels offering Stay, Park and Cruise packages which can be the best priced options. They also allow cruisers the chance to relax before or after their cruise and enjoy sightseeing on Galveston Island. All these options allow you to sit back and enjoy the ride while the driver navigates right to the drop-off point ship-side. The closest airports to Galveston cruise port are both in Houston, TX. They are the Bush-Intercontinental (IAH) Airport, 75 miles north of Galveston Island, and William P. Hobby (HOU) Airport, 41 miles northwest of the cruise port.

(NEW) Pier 16 Cruise Terminal (4th)

Independent shuttle services are provided by companies like Galveston Express, Galveston Limousine, Island Breeze Shuttle. In 2023, the cruise port recorded 362 booked berthings (354 ship calls received) and ~42% increase in passengers (~2,98 million) over 2022. When completed, the newest/4th MSC Cruise Terminal is expected to generate an additional 925 jobs, ~US$177M in revenues, ~US$21M in local purchases.

I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like. - Royal Caribbean Blog

I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like..

Posted: Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Terminal 28

Terminal 2's size was increased to 150,000 ft2 / 13,940 m2 (passenger capacity up to 1000) at the cost of USD 10M. Port Galveston (locode USGLS) is located on mainland Texas' upper coast and on the island's eastern end. The port is at approx 9 mi (15 km) from the open sea (Gulf of Mexico). The Port Authority company (Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves) is city-owned, self-sustaining and doesn't receive city property taxes.

Book your OFFICIAL Port of Galveston Cruise Parking Now

However, there are some hotels closer to the port that can provide a unique pre-cruise experience. There are many ways to get to the Port of Galveston from both Houston-area airports, including cruise shuttles, rideshare services/taxis, and public transit. The previous home of Royal Caribbean, it now hosts both Disney and Norwegian Cruise Lines. It is a slightly farther walk from parking options than Terminal 25 is, but is still convenient to get to (especially if you are taking a taxi or shuttle). Annually, Galveston's 4th cruise terminal is projected to support 925 new jobs and ~US$177 million in local business revenues (passenger fees and sales tax from parking). Upon entering the new cruise terminal, you’ll immediately see how much work was put into making it an effective way to board your cruise.

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

Bishop’s Palace is an ornate 19th century home that sits six minutes from the port by car. Moody Mansion is another historic building in Galveston, located three minutes from the port by car (or a 15-minute walk). For $15 per person per house (children ages 5 and under can tour for free). If you’re not planning on spending the night at a nearby hotel, the most affordable parking option at the port is the port’s surface lot located at 33rd Street and Harborside Drive. Terminal 10 offers several parking options including the North Lot (1142 Royal Caribbean Way), the South Lot (1201 Royal Caribbean Way), and the Pier 14 Lot (1390 Royal Caribbean Way).

Royal Caribbean Cruises From Galveston

The city is within the "Greater Houston" metro area (Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land) with total population over 6,5 million. Royal Caribbean’s new terminal is beautiful and the check-in process was fast and efficient. After we went up the escalator, we checked in and then went through security. There is plenty of seating if your group hasn’t yet been called to sail.

Once your prepaid reservation is complete, you will have a reserved parking spot on the official parking lot or in the port garage. For those who prefer to drive, there are many affordable hotels and cruise parking options around Galveston cruise terminals. In addition to safety measures, these parking lots also offer a range of amenities and services for a smooth experience. You'll find friendly staff members who are ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Plus, shuttle services are available to transport you from the lot to the terminal without any hassle.

Our Port of Galveston cruise parking allows passengers to reserve a parking spot when sailing out of Port of Galveston cruise terminals. With the pre-paid parking program, the Port is offering parking rates for spots in the Port of Galveston's official parking lots. Cruise passengers can secure a spot in advance through our online service.

A national historic landmark, The Strand includes buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, peppered with eateries, bars and shops. In July 2021, after cruises had been halted for 15 months due to the Covid pandemic, the first ship to resume sailing out of Galveston was Carnival Vista, on July 3rd. Carnival President, Christine Duffy, marked the historic occasion with a “Back to Fun” ribbon-cutting ceremony in Galveston. Carnival Breeze set sail from Port Galveston two weeks later, on July 14, 2021. It is currently the only cruise line to have three ships offering cruises from there all year round. Galveston cruise port has had a long association with Carnival Cruises.

If you want, you can walk outside of the terminal area to catch an Uber. Step inside the main terminal doors and you’re greeted by a large open atrium. At the center is another Royal Caribbean logo, flanked on either side by two massive video boards showing videos to get you excited about the cruise. The entrance is at the intersection of Harborside Drive and Royal Caribbean Way (which is 14th Street south of Harborside).

The port recommends that drivers drop off passengers and luggage first before heading to the parking lot. Checking in for your cruise is much easier than checking in at an airport. While security remains a top priority, you’ll find cruise terminals are well staffed with knowledgeable and helpful personnel who will assist you at every step. Galveston cruise terminals currently serve 2.2 million cruise passengers annually. Ambitious plans are already underway to create a third terminal at the port. This is expected to double the number of cruisers departing from the port from late 2022.

This will help determine what type of accommodations you need both before and after your voyage. The Port of Galveston offers plenty of nearby hotels that cater specifically to cruisers, making it convenient for passengers looking to extend their vacation. Well, look no further than the Port of Galveston as your gateway to an unforgettable cruise experience. Located along the picturesque Gulf Coast of Texas, this bustling port city offers a convenient and exciting departure point for your next Royal Caribbean voyage.

It seemed as though most hotels were at least $50 or more a night in Galveston versus Houston. If you do arrive early in the day, I’d recommend going directly to Galveston to spend the night. It’s a beautiful island with lots of great hotels and restaurants.

Terminal 3 is currently under construction since an agreement was signed between the port and RCL in 2018. It will accommodate many more passengers and the larger Oasis-class cruise ships, bringing more revenue to the 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 minute sail to reach the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

galveston cruise port royal caribbean

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. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Disney Wonder is currently based in Galveston cruise port and offers a choice of cruise itineraries for families. In 2018, Disney signed a new option for two additional 5-year periods and was projected to double its sailings out of Galveston by 2028. It is mainly used by Royal Caribbean until Terminal 3 opens in late 2022.

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