Port of Galveston Wins Award for $53 Million Cruise Terminal Project

cruise ships galveston

Stepping onto Pleasure Pier feels like a journey back in time to the golden era of amusement parks. Admission prices vary, with combination tickets available for access to multiple attractions. We always suggest that you arrive at least one day before your cruise. This article will help you to learn more about the Galveston Cruise Port and Terminals plus a handy guide to Galveston to help you make the most of your cruise experience. Located in the heart of Galveston, Texas, the Galveston Cruise Ship Terminal (also called Galveston Cruise Port) on Galveston Island is the gateway to exciting Caribbean cruises and beyond. Apart from its activity-packed shores, one of Galveston’s marquee attractions is Moody Gardens, with a 10-story tall pyramid housing an aquarium as well as a collection of 1,700 plants and animals.

MSC Cruises finalizes agreement for Galveston terminal - Travel Weekly

MSC Cruises finalizes agreement for Galveston terminal.

Posted: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Conclusion: Is Galveston a good cruise port?

Please click on the links below for the most up to date cruise calendars. Terminal project partners included tenant Carnival Cruise Line, general contractor Hensel Phelps, architect Bermello Ajamil & Partners and Texas Gulf Construction Co. The port won in the publication’s Special Projects category which recognizes the best real estate projects in the greater Houston region, the port said in a statement. The annual ceremony was held in Houston on April 11, with over 500 attendees.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Prima

The waiting hall is fitted with comfortable sofas, restrooms, vending machines. On December 4, 2019, Port Galveston welcomed its 1-millionth cruiser - Mark Martin (from Mission Viejo CA). He and his wife (Laurie Steele) were booked on Enchantment Of The Seas for a 5-day Western Caribbean itinerary to Mexico (Costa Maya, Cozumel).

(NEW) "Pier 10" Royal Caribbean Terminal 3

Indulge in delectable dining options, catch a Broadway-style show at the theater, or simply unwind with a spa treatment - the choice is yours. In addition to convenience and security, another benefit of using the official port parking is competitive pricing. The rates are reasonable compared to other nearby alternatives, allowing you to save money without compromising on quality service. As you step on board, you'll be greeted by an elegant and spacious atrium, setting the tone for the rest of your journey.

CRUISES FROM GALVESTON

According to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, Galveston is the fourth most popular cruise port in North America, following the busy cruise ports of Florida. In 2023, the 5,374-passenger Carnival Jubilee will launch and make its debut setting sail from Galveston as its homeport. The addition of its new flagship will increase Carnival’s presence in the state from three to four ships. In 2024, Carnival will also introduce nine- and 12-night voyages from Galveston, which are unusually long cruises for the brand.

Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels

While entry fees apply per vehicle, the experiences offered, including ranger-led programs, make it a worthwhile investment for a day of outdoor enjoyment. From there, renting a car or utilizing shuttle services are convenient choices. Additionally, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is another option, situated about 70 miles from Galveston. Galveston is a solid choice (and the only option) as a departure port for families looking to take a cruise within range of Texas.

It offers seven-night sailings to the Western Caribbean with calls in Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize. Inside Allure of the Seas, you'll find all sorts of family attractions, including counselor-staffed play areas for kids, a teen club and an indoor ice skating rink. Designed specifically to appeal to families, the world's fifth-largest cruise vessel is chock-full of more family-friendly activity zones than just about any other cruise ship at sea.

Beaches

Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences taking a cruise from Galveston, TX. The requirement for a passport on a cruise is dictated by where your sailing begins and ends. If your cruise departs and arrives round trip from Galveston, that means it is considered a “closed loop” sailing within the U.S. Therefore, you would not need a passport; U.S. citizens just need a U.S. If you’re driving, the Port of Galveston can be reached from the north and west by taking Exit 1C off Interstate 45 South toward Galveston Island.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

The economy lots offer easy shuttle rides directly to the cruise terminal and the covered garage parking is within walking distance from the cruise terminal. As is the case with all Princess ships, it's more of a ship geared toward middle-aged and older travelers without kids, including lots of retirees. 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.

cruise ships galveston

If arriving by air, the closest major airport is William P. Hobby Airport in Houston (HOU), approximately 42 miles away. Cruises from Galveston are offered year-round and the most frequented ports of call are the Bahamas, Costa Maya or Cozumel in Mexico, Western Caribbean and Central America. Always consult with your cruise line on travel requirements for your entire party prior to booking or boarding. Take to the indoors with a museum visit or go fishing under the Texan sun along one of the Seawall’s many piers. Whatever the mood or the weather, Galveston shows up with plenty to see, do, and experience year-round. From its resort-style beaches to its historic neighborhood streets, Galveston has the added benefit of being a destination with or without its cruise facilities.

A welcome celebration was held Wednesday morning with hundreds of people arriving early to cheer on the arrival at the pier. One thing the port had yet to see, however, was a completely new ship homeporting from the island. From the moment you step aboard the luxurious Regal Princess ship, you'll be greeted with warm hospitality and exceptional service. The ship's amenities cater to every interest and taste, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Most Carnival Breeze sailings out of Galveston stop at Cozumel, with some adding a stop at Costa Maya, as well.

In 2017 the number grew to 950,000 (economic impact USD 2,3 billion) supporting local jobs. Generated jobs are 20,000 (paying over USD 1,1 billion in total income). Cruise ship vacation-related spending in Texas is accounted for 6,3% of the industry's direct expenditures, and 5,6% of the industry's nationwide overall spending.

Terminal 28 (formerly Cruise Terminal 2) is where Disney and Norwegian will dock, as well as the occasional Princess or Carnival ship, and it’s located at 2702 Harborside Drive. 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. Cruise lovers within reach of the Lone Star State have a lot to celebrate.

Not only is the parking rate super reasonable, but the Holiday Inn Resort Galveston also offers a free shuttle to the cruise port. 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). Physically closest to the cruise port is the Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21.

The shortest sailings that the 10-year-old Princess Cruises ship operates out of Galveston are seven nights in length. Interior venues on Carnival Breeze include a comedy club, piano bar, casino and showroom for big production shows. The dining options are similar to what you'll find on many Carnival ships, including an extra-charge steakhouse and Italian eatery, Cucina Del Capitano, as well as no-extra-charge main restaurants. It also has a sushi restaurant and a version of Carnival's Caribbean-inspired watering hole, RedFrog Pub. 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. One of three ships in the line's Dream class that date to the late 2000s and early 2010s, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze is no longer the newest or snazziest ship in the Carnival fleet.

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