Cruises to Galveston

729 Reviews
Galveston (Photo:BJ Ray/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Galveston

Discover the enchanting cruise port of Galveston, a trendy resort town located on a barrier island just two miles off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. Galveston is famous for its stunning 32-mile-long beach shaped by wind and waves, as well as its charming Victorian architecture that adorns the downtown historic districts.

Despite its tumultuous past, including devastating hurricanes in 1900 and 2008, Galveston has shown resilience and regained its former glory. The city's 17-foot seawall, constructed after the 1900 storm, successfully withstood Hurricane Ike, ensuring its survival. Today, Galveston stands as a vibrant waterfront town.

Galveston offers a plethora of attractions for you to explore before or after your cruise. Immerse yourself in the visitor-friendly historic district, indulge in the exciting water park, or venture into an indoor rainforest boasting 1,000 species of exotic plants. One of the best things about Galveston is its walkability, with the downtown area conveniently located just steps away from the terminal buildings. Take a leisurely stroll through the National Register of Historic Places neighborhoods, like the Strand District with its charming Victorian iron-front buildings housing various shops and restaurants, or the East End District, where architectural gems like Bishop's Palace await.

Embark on an unforgettable cruise from the port of Galveston and immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning beaches, and Victorian charm that this remarkable destination has to offer. Book your cruise now for an experience you won't want to miss.

  • More about Galveston

  • Why Cruise to Galveston?

  • Galveston Cruise Port Facilities?

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Regal Princess
Regal Princess (Photo: Princess Cruises)

7 Night
Caribbean - Western Cruise

1,788 Reviews
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Regal Princess
Regal Princess (Photo: Princess Cruises)

12 Night
Caribbean - Southern Cruise

1,788 Reviews
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Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima (Image: Norwegian Cruise Line)

14 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

332 Reviews
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Harmony of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas

7 Night
Western Caribbean Cruise

2,076 Reviews
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7 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

332 Reviews
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15 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

332 Reviews
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10 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

2,043 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Western Caribbean Cruise

2,076 Reviews
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16 Night
Transatlantic Cruise

2,076 Reviews
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6 Night
Western Caribbean Cruise

2,076 Reviews
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11 Night
Caribbean - Western Cruise

1,788 Reviews
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4 Night
Western Caribbean Cruise

1,328 Reviews
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5 Night
Western Caribbean Cruise

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7 Night
Caribbean - Western Cruise

178 Reviews
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11 Night
Southern Caribbean Cruise

1,642 Reviews
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More about Galveston

Why Cruise to Galveston?

Pros:

Galveston is home to one of the best-preserved collections of Victorian architecture in the country

Cons:

Fog plagues the port often, leading to occasional cruise delays and difficulties

Bottom Line:

As the only active cruise port in Texas, Galveston is popular with folks who can drive there

Galveston Cruise Port Facilities?

A total of $65 million has been invested in expanding and improving the terminal, which includes a huge passenger waiting area (to accommodate passengers during fog delays), expanded check-in stations and VIP check-in. Large wall signs with area maps have also been hung around the facade of the terminal building; codes on the maps are able to be scanned with cell phone applications for easy navigation of the city. Another $12 million worth of improvements is in the works for things like adding terminal-wide Wi-Fi. Additional improvements currently being undertaken include construction to turn a nearby parking garage into an area for restaurants, complete with a bridge from the building straight into the cruise terminal; LED signage to direct arriving passengers to proper parking areas; and promotional materials that include bus wraps. The terminal is very close to the Strand and all the beaches and attractions. You'll find in town all the usual services, such as telephones, ATM's, etc.

Good to Know?

Although Galveston is small and its people polite, be aware of your surroundings, don't wear flashy jewelry, and leave unnecessary valuables (including excessive amounts of cash) in your cabin safe. If arriving by car and touring for the day, don't leave luggage in plain view.

Getting Around?

The George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is about 70 miles (roughly 1.5 hours) from Galveston. Hobby Airport (HOU) is closer at about 40 miles (45 minutes to an hour), but there are generally fewer flight options to and from Hobby.

At either airport you'll find all the major car rental agencies, such as Enterprise, National, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty and Hertz. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (about an hour and a half from Galveston), major car rental companies are located in one common area called the Consolidated Rental Car Facility. Look for the white-and-maroon shuttle buses. Editor's Note: There's an Enterprise car rental location near the cruise terminal, so it's possible to rent at the airport and return in Galveston.

Parking is available at the cruise terminal and will run about $10 a day. Free shuttle service from the parking facilities to the piers is available.

limousine companies include Karr Limousine and Action Limousines.

Taxi service from both airports is another option. The fare from Hobby is $95, and from George Bush Intercontinental, $160, plus tip. (The fare is not dependent on number of passengers; a family of four pays the same as a single.) There are a number of taxi companies in Galveston: Busy Bee (409-762-8429), Yellow Cab Company (409-763-3333), Jeff's Cabs and Shuttle Service (409-621-5222) and Tropical Taxi (409-621-4000).

Cruise lines typically offer motorcoach services between the airport and Galveston; these are generally available both as part of air/sea packages and a la carte.

Galveston is a walking paradise, but if you prefer to get around on wheels, consider Island Transit, the city's public transportation system. It operates daily, covering 27 square miles, and stops at designated bus stops and intersections. Fare is $1. Service along most routes runs from approximately 6:15 a.m. until about 7 p.m. (The Bayou Seawall Loop runs until about 11 p.m.) The Galveston Trolley was severely damaged during Hurricane Ike, and it is currently being repaired.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

As Galveston is part of the U.S., the currency is the U.S. dollar. International visitors will find it easy to access cash at numerous ATM machines. Exchange bureaus so common in Europe are not in the U.S., but major banks also provide exchange services. Most banks are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some are open on Saturday mornings.

Language?

English is the primary language spoken.

Where You're Docked?

Galveston Cruise Port Address:
Terminal 1: 2502 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550
Terminal 2: 2702 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550

You'll dock at the Port of Galveston on Harborside Drive. If you're sailing on a Carnival ship, you'll be embarking your ship at Terminal 1. If you're on a Royal Caribbean ship, head to Terminal 2. Editor's Note: On days when two ships are in port (usually Sundays), it's best to arrive between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to avoid the crowds.


Galveston Cruise Reviews
Galveston is great. The food -- from seafood to Italian to Thai -- is outstanding. (Interestingly, back in the 1930's, the Mafia had a big presence in Galveston. As a result, here are some excellent Italian restaRead More
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Texas Tom the cruiser
Galveston is a nice pre or post cruise stay with museums and great restaurants. The Tremont Hotel is near the port and convenient to the historic downtown. Interesting sights are Bishop's Palace and the Bryan Museum.Read More
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Spyder49
We have only ever cruised out of Galveston. Read More
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Cici Be Cruisin
Friends had already booked and asked us to go along and we enjoy cruising, so we did.Read More
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looney tunes123

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