To put it in perspective, Galveston cruise port welcomed more than 1 million guests back in 2019. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer roundtrip shuttle bus services (between Galveston and both airports in Houston) with prices per person / similar to Lyft's. Independent shuttle services are provided by companies like Galveston Express, Galveston Limousine, Island Breeze Shuttle. By annual cruise shipping traffic (~1 million embarking passengers), Port Galveston is currently ranked USA's 4th busiest cruise port - an increase of 126% since 2010, when the homeporting business started. Liberty of the Seas, which has sailed from Galveston for many years, will finish her time in Texas in October 2022.
Port of Galveston welcoming new ships, eyeing record-breaking growth in 2024 - Houston Chronicle
Port of Galveston welcoming new ships, eyeing record-breaking growth in 2024.
Posted: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Taxi service
Four-day cruise parking costs US$45, 5-day - US$ 46.25, and 1-week/7-day – US$78.75. In 2016, it generated US$58,4M in local passenger spending, plus US$19,1M in port-provided services. According to the Port's statistical data, Texas receives from cruise ship operations ~USD 1,42 billion per year (direct spending). Most of these parking lots will be about a 7-10 minute drive from the port (or a 30 minute walk). Because Royal Caribbean’s terminal is brand new, it’s best to call the parking companies to check whether or not they will provide shuttles from the lot to Cruise Terminal 3.
Visiting Texas Rancher’s History Firsthand
For $15 per person per house (children ages 5 and under can tour for free). Featuring an indoor rainforest, an aquarium, and educational exhibits, Moody Gardens dots the skyline of Galveston with its towering pyramids. Moody Gardens is less than 20 from the cruise port and is certainly worth the drive for families with children.
More Royal Caribbean
One of the most anticipated ships to sail out of Galveston is Carnival Jubilee. The brand new Excel-class cruise ship with a roller coaster will debut in December of 2023. Princess® returns to Galveston, sailing once again from this city tucked within a quaint Gulf Coast barrier island. It’s time to reset adventure to a whole new level on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail from Texas — Harmony of the Seas®.
Things to Do in Galveston with Kids Royal Caribbean Cruises
It's official: Another major cruise line is starting sailings from Galveston, Texas - The Points Guy
It's official: Another major cruise line is starting sailings from Galveston, Texas.
Posted: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
You won't find big waterslides, kiddie splash zones, zip lines or go-kart tracks on this ship. Looking for a cruise out of Galveston that isn't jammed full of families with children? Look no further than the sailings out of the city on Princess Cruises' Regal Princess. Carnival Breeze also offers a water park with waterslides on its top decks, a miniature golf course, a sports court for basketball and volleyball, and multiple pools.
Night Caribbean - Western CruiseDetails
Houston Hobby is located closer to the Port of Galveston, so we recommend searching for flights into this airport first. If prices are significantly higher or there are fewer direct options, however, flying into IAH would be the best option. Galveston cruises often range from 6-9 nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options. As you sail away from Galveston's shores into crystal-clear waters, prepare yourself for breathtaking sunsets over turquoise seas and vibrant island cultures waiting to be explored.
Where is the Port of Galveston?
This new terminal can accommodate the largest vessels from its Oasis Class to its new Icon Class. The cruise line currently has a fleet of three ships sailing from Galveston including Allure of the Seas. With more ships and cruise lines than ever before, Galveston will see a record number of cruise passengers flying and driving in to port.
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Here you can find mingle with locals as you admire distinct architecture and enjoy great eats. The Strand District is within walking distance of Terminals 25 and 28, but if you are at Terminal 10, you will want to take a rideshare or taxi to reach this area. Additionally, there are plenty of exciting activities, restaurants, and hotels near the port that you won’t want to miss. Regal Princess will be sailing out of Galveston starting in November of 2023 through March of 2024.
RELATED DESTINATIONS
Princess has returned to Galveston after years away, bringing Regal Princess and Ruby Princess for a variety of Caribbean itineraries as well as a special sailing through the Panama Canal. If you're sailing from the Lone Star State, our Complete Guide to Cruising out of Galveston has you covered. Turn right onto Harborside Drive, then continue to Kempner (22nd Street) - some 20 city blocks. Turn right onto Kempner (22nd Street) and follow the signs to the terminal (Pier 25 or 27).
Ports of call on some itineraries include Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, and Montego Bay. Both Carnival Jubilee and Norwegian Prima will start offering cruises out of Galveston starting in December of 2023. On a cruise from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, explore the beauty of unspoiled coral reefs and underwater caves as well as visit the ancient Mayan ruins throughout the region. Galveston Island is a gem for Texas tourism — and it’s easy to see why.
Today, the Port of Galveston is one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States, with over 1.5 million passengers sailing from here each year. The port has continued to invest in infrastructure to keep up with the growing demand for cruises, including the addition of new terminals and parking facilities. After more than 20 years as a cruise port, Galveston has added a third, state-of-the-art cruise terminal and new ships and cruise lines all within the span of a single year. In addition to its cruise offerings, the adjacent city of Galveston is well suited for vacationers of all ages, with a variety of accommodation offerings and plenty of activities to enjoy.
It can also be a nice option if you plan to explore more of the Galveston or Houston areas before or after your cruise. However, this is typically not going to be the most convenient nor cost effective option, especially if you’re unable to secure a one-way car rental and have to pay to park the car for a week. Some passengers may look into renting a car from the airport in Houston and driving to the Port of Galveston themselves. The 3rd and 4th passenger from HOU airport cost $60 and $30, respectively, and the 3rd and 4th passenger from IAH airport cost $85 and $50. Because the prices of taxis are higher, we recommend using a rideshare service first. Expect to pay between $50-60 one-way when traveling from Houston Hobby airport to the Port of Galveston and $ one-way when traveling from George Bush Intercontinental airport to the port.
In January 2014, the port signed a 5-year agreement with Royal Caribbean, generating USD 1,86+ million in annual revenues. The agreement required improvements to be made to Cruise Terminal 2 (Terminal 28) to accommodate larger vessels and more tourists. Terminal 2's size was increased to 150,000 ft2 / 13,940 m2 (passenger capacity up to 1000) at the cost of USD 10M. The port also has facilities to handle cargo ships (bulk freighters and container carriers) and dry dock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs. The port can handle all types of cargo - containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk, breakbulk, RO-RO (roll-on/roll-off) vessels.
That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style, as there are cruises from Galveston that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees. The shortest sailings that the 10-year-old Princess Cruises ship operates out of Galveston are seven nights in length. Notably, the 3,600-passenger Regal Princess lacks nearly all the gee-whiz attractions for families found on the other ships that sail out of Galveston.
While once an industrial port, Galveston, Texas has since become one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States, offering year-round sailings to the Caribbean. Book your next cruise with Princess Cruises out of Galveston today, and don’t forget to reserve your Galveston cruise parking at the same time! Discover tropical paradise on board the magnificent Regal Princess ship while exploring captivating destinations in style and comfort. Create memories that will last a lifetime as you embrace the beauty of both land and sea. For would-be Galveston cruisers, Carnival Breeze serves as a sort of "test the port" ship.
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