1 day cruise galveston

Galveston Sunset Cruises

• 2 Hour Cruise

TWO HOUR SUNSET CRUISE

Join us for our two hour sunset tour of Galveston’s Harbor. Guests are welcome to bring snacks, beer, or wine (no glass) aboard to make the trip more enjoyable. Perfect for couples that want to sip champagne and watch the sunset or a group of friends just looking for something different to do, the trip will not disappoint. The tour is aboard Cruise-N-Time, our twin engine open-air tour boat.

Note: Hard liquor is not permitted. Beer and wine may be taken aboard. No children under the age of 18, as beer and wine will be present.

Galveston Sunset Cruise FAQs

Hours vary seasonally. Click here to check availability.   

Passengers must be at least 18 years old. The boat is wheelchair accessible.

Hard liquor is not permitted. Beer and wine may be taken aboard. No children under the age of 18, as beer and wine will be present.

Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a jacket, as it gets cool on the water after dark in the spring and fall.

Jet Boat Thrill Ride

Dolphin tours, private charters, we're hiring, email [email protected] for more info.

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• Sunset Cruises
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Cruises from Galveston

An island full of art, architecture, and boutiques.

Princess® returns to Galveston, sailing once again from this city tucked within a quaint Gulf Coast barrier island. Explore the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and grab some local cuisine, or visit Moody Gardens with attractions and entertainment ranging from a world-class aquarium and a living rainforest to the Discovery Museum and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, before you embark on a cruise to exciting destinations in the Western Caribbean and Mexico such as Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roatan.

Caribbean cruises

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. One moment you can be walking among the vast ruins of this mighty civilization and the next delving into the culture of the Yucatán Peninsula or simply unwinding on beaches that offer some of the best snorkeling in the world.

What to Know About Cruises from Galveston

Known for its history, beaches and outdoor adventures, Galveston is truly a gem in Texas. Here’s everything you need to know about your cruise from Galveston. 

Galveston at a glance

• Language:  English
• Currency:  U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone:  Central Time (CT)
• Docking:  Your cruise from Galveston docks at the Port of Galveston located in the city’s historic downtown district.
• Attire:  Galveston’s temperatures throughout the year typically range from 48 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it’s never too hot or too cold to spend the day at the beach.
• Transportation:  You can get around the island by Uber, Lyft, shuttle, limousine, or rental car. There are also unique transportation options such as surreys along the beachfront and horse-drawn carriages in the historic downtown district.

Things to do in Galveston

Before getting on a cruise from Galveston, start your vacation with a visit to the city’s museums, historic neighborhoods, and cultural icons. Take a walk along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, home to family-friendly rides, games, and other attractions. Then relax on one of Galveston’s many iconic beaches and enjoy the 32-miles of coastline. Whether you are traveling with family, a group of friends or your significant other, this laid-back island has something for everyone.

Cruise Ship Sailing from Galveston

Join our Princess fleet to sail on some of the best cruises from Galveston. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Learn more about: Regal Princess®

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Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

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We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling, and the representative’s services.

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Galveston Sunset Cruises

• Up To 6 Passengers

Galveston Fishing Charters » Sunset Cruises

About Galveston Sunset Cruises

Book a Galveston Sunset Cruise to experience the island in a totally different way, and leave the fishing gear at the marina. Set out on a private tour of Galveston for a sunset cruise or Galveston harbor tour for up to 6 people per boat. These trips are available any time of day and any day of the year.

Our sunset cruises are the most popular by far, no need to crowd your group onto a public boat with other groups. Relax and enjoy a boat ride to see some of our local dolphins while touring the scenic and historic Galveston harbor on the way to a gorgeous Texas sunset. As the sun sets on another great day on Galveston Island, it often gives way to an incredible display of colors across the entire sky. You’ll have a panoramic view of the show, along with plenty of opportunities for sunset photos too.

For the historic harbor tour, we will embark on a discovery of the Galveston harbor, some of the amazing history it has to offer and also the wildlife that call it home. More than likely, we will have some dolphins cruise by to say hello as we make our way through the port. Depending on the day, cruise ships, big ships, other boats, barges and more can also be seen. This is a unique experience to see galveston from a different perspective, while also enjoying the privacy of being with your own group rather than a crowded tour boat.

We depart and return from our slip at the Galveston Yacht Basin and Marina on the east end of Galveston Island for our 1 hour tour. While on the tour, please feel free to ask questions and learn more about Galveston as well.

Or use the calendar below to select your date

More Galveston B oat Trips

• Up to 6 Passengers

Birding TOURS

Explore the incredible birding opportunities on this private, guided birding boat tour in Galveston!

DOLPHIN TOURS

Join us for a dolphin tour of Galveston Harbor, taking in the sights and scenery in an up close and personal experience on the water.

• Deep Sea Fishing
• Red Snapper Fishing
• Bay & Jetty Trips
• Shark Fishing
• Sunset Cruises
• Dolphin Tours
• Birding Tours

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Always Want To Go

travel adventures after retirement

Galveston, Texas one-day cruise

Alwayswanttogo.

• 14 Comments on Galveston, Texas one-day cruise
• #boat , #cruise , #Galveston TX , #Pier 21 , #Seaport Museum , #Tall Ship Elissa

We are lucky that our home is on the water in a coastal canal community, with our boat in the backyard boathouse. We decided to take a Galveston, Texas one-day cruise; not the transatlantic one we had been planning, but we had a beautiful day on the water.

We visited many sights on the bayside of Galveston, without ever leaving our boat. There are so many attractions and experiences Galveston has available for its residents and tourists. We boated by just a few during our day on the water.

No pool deck, no buffet, no casino, no room service, and not one single shore excursion, but here is the story.

Table of Contents

Galveston Causeway Bridge

The ride from our house to the Galveston Causeway bridge takes about ten minutes, but we stopped about halfway to buy live shrimp for bait at Fatboy’s Bait shop, yes, that’s the name. We planned to incorporate a little bit of fishing into our cruise day.

For you fishermen in the area, live shrimp in April 2020 at Fatboy’s was $11 per pint. Fat Boys Bait and Tackle, 403 Jones Lake Rd, Galveston, TX 77554. Fatboy’s is accessible by land and water, and a boat launch is also available there. 

We traveled from our house through the nearby Tiki Island, also a canal home community, and entered the Intercoastal Waterway used by all commercial boat traffic in the area. We turned toward Galveston and traveled under the Causeway bridge.

The Galveston Causeway bridge is about 45 miles from Houston, and carries traffic from the Texas mainland over Galveston Bay and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and onto Galveston Island.

The original causeway was built in 1912 and was upgraded in 2003 – 2009, and became an 8,592-foot long bridge consisting of four traffic lanes and two shoulder lanes in each direction.

Galveston cruise terminal

Just a few minutes past the Causeway bridge, we arrived in Galveston and alongside the Galveston cruise terminals. On this particular day, only one cruise ship was docked at the pier. On a normal day, when all is right with the world, there is a Carnival cruise ship and a Royal Caribbean cruise ship docked here.

As we boated past the cruise terminals, we arrived at Pier 21, where there are outstanding seafood restaurants, a hotel, and three museums, including Pier 21 Theater, the Ocean Star Offshore Energy Center, and Texas Seaport Museum.

There is so much to see and do in the Galveston Port area, and hopefully, with summertime fast approaching, the city will be able to reopen soon. I recommend taking at least a day in the port area to take advantage of these attractions.

Pier 21 Theater

Pier 21 offers three documentary films, one that describes the catastrophic Storm of 1900, one that tells the story of Pirate Jean Lafitte in the Galveston area, and a film that explains immigration at the Port of Galveston during the time it was a port of entry for over a hundred thousand immigrants.

Texas Seaport Museum/1877 Tall Ship ELISSA

The Texas Seaport Museum provides hour-long harbor tours of Galveston Bay by boat and is a great and entertaining way to see comfortably get out on the water and observe the various bird and marine life, which very often includes dolphins.

Also, at the Texas Seaport Museum, you will find the Galveston Immigration Database , where visitors can search for information regarding ancestors that arrived in Texas by way of the Galveston Port. This database is also available online.

The majestically beautiful Elissa rests adjacent to the Texas Seaport Museum. She is beautiful to see with her sails up. There are only two other tall ships like the Elissa in the world that still actively sail.

In 1972 Elissa was purchased from a scrapyard in Greece and brought to Galveston by the Galveston Historical Society, who then embarked on a massive restoration of the ship. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark, with over 40,000 people visiting the ship on self-guided tours each year.

A few weeks each year, usually in April, the vessel offers individual spots for day sails, which always sell out quickly. See Galveston History’s website for information. 

Ocean Star Offshore Energy Center

2002 Wharf Road, Galveston, TX 77550 Open 10-5 daily Adults $10 / Seniors and Military $8 / Youth (7-18) $6 / Under 6 Free

The Ocean Star Offshore Energy Center is a retired jack-up drilling rig you can board and tour. This museum on the water consists of three floors of displays and illustrates the operation of a drilling rig in the offshore industry. Visitors can walk out on a skywalk to the drill floor of the rig.

Don’t these activities sound like a fun day on Galveston Bay? These attractions can be enjoyed all by yourself, as a couple, and most certainly as a family.

On a regular pre-coronavirus day, we might have stopped, tied the boat up, and walked into one of the restaurants for lunch or a cold drink along this Pier 21 area, but this was not one of those days, and we continued with our “cruise” on toward Seawolf Park.

Fisherman’s Wharf is our go-to restaurant when we’re out in the boat in this area or even when we drive into Galveston.

Seawolf Park

100 Seawolf Park Blvd., Galveston, TX (409) 797-5114 Vehicle Entry Fee $6 per car Fishing fees Adults (12-64) Island Residents: $6.00, Non-Residents: $9.00 Seniors (65+) Island Residents: $3.00, Non-Residents: $4.00 Children (5 -11) Island Residents: $3.00, Non-Residents: $4.00 Kids 4 and younger: Free Galveston Naval Museum $10 Adults (12 and older) / Seniors $5 / Military Discount w/ID $5 Kids (5-11): $5 / Kids under 5: Free

Seawolf Park is a widely popular tourist attraction on Pelican Island. This park includes a playground and picnic area and a frequently used fishing pier. Tours are also available at an old WWII submarine, the USS Cavalla, and the USS Stewart, a former destroyer escort.

The USS Cavalla, commissioned in 1944, was responsible for sinking a Japanese aircraft carrier during World War II. The USS Stewart is one of only two preserved destroyer escorts remaining in the United States.

The remains of the World War I tanker S.S. Selma, the largest concrete ship constructed, can be seen northwest of the park’s fishing pier.

S. S. Selma

The S.S. Selma, an old concrete shipwreck, is visible from Seawolf Park and has a bit of colorful history. Because of a steel shortage during World War I, the S.S. Selma was one of 12 experimental ships that were built using concrete.

The war ended before its completion so, the S.S. Selma became a civilian oil tanker. Sadly, less than a year after its commissioning, the ship ran aground while in Mexico, was damaged, and returned to Galveston for repair.

The repair turned out not to be cost-effective, so in 1922, the government dug a 1,500-foot long and 25-foot deep channel near Pelican Island’s eastern shoreline and abandoned Selma, intentionally leaving it to deteriorate. This ship has also been a popular fishing spot with boaters for many years.

I remember tying our boat off and boarding Selma to fish from it over thirty years ago. Getting that close to this ship today would be a very unsafe thing to do now, after all these years. It is in deplorable shape.

A. Pat Daniels, retired editor of the Galveston Daily News, purchased Selma in 1992. His efforts resulted in the S.S. Selma’s recognition by the Texas Historical Commission; it’s being designated a State Archeological Landmark by the Texas Antiquities Committee and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to an article I read at Atlas Obscura , this wrecked ship came in use once more, this time during Prohibition, when Federal agents confiscated bottles of contraband liquor from bootleg smugglers. The confiscated liquor was taken to the S.S. Selma and shattered against its concrete walls.

Before the end of Prohibition, nearly $1,000,000 worth of contraband booze was destroyed within the walls of this ship.

Sunset ride back home

We explored quite a lot and even stopped at the causeway bridge to do some fishing. On this particular day, I caught almost all of the fish, a very rare occurrence. We caught trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, and even two small stingrays! Only the trout went home with us – for supper.

I hope you will consider a day trip, or even a week-long trip to Galveston to go visit some of these attractions. There are many more fun things to do in Galveston than I have mentioned here. Do you have a Galveston story you’d like to share?

Read more about Galveston here.

• Are you cruising out of Galveston?
• Where to stop on your way to Galveston
• Day trip to Galveston
• Surprises in Galveston

14 thoughts on “ Galveston, Texas one-day cruise ”

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Love your stories! You are a natural travel guide….and story writer

Thank you, Karen. I appreciate your kind words and am glad you enjoy the stories.

You are the best and most interesting story teller! Your details are so descriptive makes me want to go and see what I didn’t know Galveston had! Thank you for all your info. I want to go but with you as guide! The water looks inviting (for a boat ride !)

Thank you so much for your kind words. There is so very much more to see and do in Galveston. I think you’d enjoy a boat trip to Galveston!

These are great sights to see and learn about

Thanks, I appreciate your feedback.

Are your cruises taking passengers? The shore excursions sound awesome! Great article, and neat pics.

I would love to be able to take passengers, right now today! I am glad you enjoyed the article. Maybe, perhaps, we can all get out there in the water together someday?

Great article! I live an hour from Galveston and had no idea some of those cool places were there. When all this virus stuff is gone, I need to go check them out.

Thanks, Dorothy. There is really so so much more to see too. Maybe we can meet up in Galveston one day and see some things?

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• Nearshore Fishing Charter
• Bay & Jetty Fishing Charter
• Deep Sea Fishing Charter
• Red Snapper Fishing Trip

Galveston Sunset Cruise

Galveston bay & dolphin cruise.

• Waterfowl Hunting
• Dove Hunting
• Deer Hunting
• Turkey Hunting

About Galveston Sunset Cruises

Galveston Bay offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets one can lay eyes on. The combination of our West facing bay and local micro-climate create truly unique colors and cloud formations. Grab a front row seat to the show on our Galveston Sunset Cruise as we take you to some of our favorite (and even secret) sunset viewing spots. There will be plenty of amazing photo opportunities and you’re sure to see a few dolphins while we’re out there too.

The Boat: 36' Contender

• Length: 36 ft
• Engine(s): 3 x 300hp Yamaha
• Max Speed: 40 knots

Your boat for this Galveston Sunset Cruise is our beloved 36′ Contender. It features a spacious deck with plenty of room for up to 6 people while three 300hp Yamaha outboard engines will have us cruising at over 30 knots to our favorite sunset destinations around Galveston Bay.

FAQs: Galveston Sunset Cruise

• Cooler with food and drinks
• Soft, white soled shoes
• Sea sickness meds (if needed)
• NO hard liquor
• NO dark soled shoes

Since Galveston’s coast faces Southeast, it can be difficult to find a good West facing spot to watch the sunset over the water. Thats why the best place to see the sunset in Galveston is from aboard our boat on a Galveston Sunset Cruise. We’ll take you to our secret spots to watch the sun sink behind the bay and throw breathtaking colors across the sky and water.

Absolutely! Our Sunset Cruise is a perfect family activity for your Galveston vacation. Everyone from the kids to the grandparents will have a blast exploring Galveston Bay and its unique sunsets.

All trips require a deposit at booking. Deposits are non refundable except in the event of inclement weather at the captain’s discretion. Read our full cancelation policy here.

• Up to 6 people
• Trip Time(s): 6:30PM

More Galveston Fishing Charters & Boat Cruises

Galveston Nearshore Fishing Charter

Galveston Deep Sea Fishing Charter

• 4 ppl (+ $50 per up to 6)

Galveston Bay & Jetty Fishing Charter

Galveston Red Snapper Fishing

Circle H Outfitters and Charters

• (281) 384-7909
• [email protected]
• 715 N. Holiday Dr SLIP A32, Galveston, Texas 77550

Galveston Fishing Charters:

• Nearshore Fishing
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Red Snapper Fishing
• Bay & Jetty Fishing
• Sunset Cruise
• Half-Day Bay Cruise
• Full-Day Bay Cruise

Texas Hunting Trips:

• Duck Hunting

© Copyright 2024 Circle H Charters LLC - Web Design by Toth Digital

GALVESTONCRUISES.COM: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, & Disney Cruises from Galveston Texas

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Find a great cruise from Galveston

What are the best cruises from galveston.

Several great cruises out of Galveston in 2024 are available, including Royal Caribbean International's , Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas , which travel throughout the Caribbean Sea. On these cruises, you can set sail while enjoying entertainment and Broadway musicals in addition to buffet meals, room service, and spa treatments with stunning views from the deck. Norwegian cruise lines are also quite rewarding, with luxury amenities and plenty of stops along the Mexican coast.

How can I find a cheap cruise out of Galveston?

When you search for budget Galveston cruises in 2024, you can sort your results by price to put the cheapest options at the top of the list. Discounts are already applied in the search prices and you will find attractive cruise deals. Most cheap cruises from Galveston reach ports in the northern Caribbean, such as the Bahamas.

What cruise lines operate from Galveston?

A variety of Galveston cruise lines depart from Galveston port including Carnival , Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian, Princess , Disney , and more. Couples, families or groups can all find options leaving from Galveston. You’ll find luxury, all-inclusive, last-minute or all types of cruises with the cruise lines that operate out of Galveston.

How can I find good cruise deals out of Galveston?

All deals on cruises departing from Galveston will be marked on your search results page with a green box right above the cruise price estimate. Within the green box, you'll see the upper limit of the discount available. Sorting by price is a great way to put these kinds of results at the top of the search page. Additionally, you'll want to consider the perks and amenities you can get for a discounted price, as that can be a great deal compared to a cheaper cruise without any of the extra features on deck.

What should I look out for when booking a cruise from Galveston in 2025?

To get the most out of your cruise out of Galveston, you'll need to find one that offers the kind of experience you'd enjoy most. Consider who you'll be traveling with, as a romantic cruise can be far different from a more family-friendly cruise. Additionally, consider what kind of amenities come with the price of a ticket and what is extra. Fortunately, you can always check the "What's included" section of any cruise to learn more. Since most cruises from Galveston go to the Caribbean or the Mexican coast, be sure to consider which destination is most appealing. Plus, winter travel from Galveston can still take you to warmer shores.

Where are the best places to go on cruises leaving from Galveston?

Several incredible destinations are within cruising distance, with cruises from Galveston to Mexico being particularly popular. Some ports in Mexico include Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun and Cozumel. You may also be interested in cruises to the Bahamas . These cruises traverse over 700 islands with plenty of white beaches and turquoise water to enjoy.

What are some good all-inclusive cruises from Galveston?

All-inclusive cruises from Galveston in 2025 come in many forms, but they all feature an inviting cabin, food, and entertainment such as what you'll find on Norwegian cruises or Princess cruises. Both of these cruise lines may already include quite a bit in the price of a ticket such as spa facilities and room service, check your cruise booking for details.

What are some great family cruises out of Galveston?

Family cruises from Galveston to exciting destinations like Jamaica and Cozumel offer fun for adults and kids alike, and Disney cruises tend to be among the best in that regard. You'll also find youth programs available with Royal Caribbean International and Princess cruises out of Galveston. Royal Caribbean has water slides and zip-lining. Princess cruises have onboard education programs for the kids. Of course, the captain makes sure that family cruises are smooth sailing as well for a relaxing experience.

What are some good adults-only cruises from Galveston?

Adults-only cruises out of Galveston to destinations like the Bahamas or Jamaica let you relax on your journey throughout the sea in 2024 without the noise of kids nearby, and you'll find some alluring options from Carnival cruises and Norwegian cruises. Plus, adults-only cruises often include drinks from the bar in the price of the ticket, which is something that would typically cost extra.

What are some good singles cruises from Galveston?

Singles cruises out of Galveston to destinations like Antigua and Mexico are specifically designed to let adults meet each other, and you'll find plenty of options from Royal Caribbean International along with Princess cruises. The activities and entertainment onboard are geared toward the solo traveler looking to find unforgettable experiences on the waves.

Are there any Christmas cruises from Galveston in 2024?

Yes, you can find Christmas cruises by searching using travel dates around Christmas. Going on a cruise is a popular winter vacation in Galveston for travelers looking to reach warmer shores, so just about every cruise line that's common to the port typically has something available. Most of the cruises visit the Western Caribbean with ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Belize.

What are some great gay cruise lines out of Galveston?

Princess cruises and Royal Caribbean International have several gay cruises from Galveston available offering a variety of experiences, with some being 5-day cruises from Galveston and others lasting nearly 2 weeks. The captains on these cruises can take you throughout the Caribbean, with some having multiple shore excursions in places like Jamaica, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands.

How do I book a cruise from Galveston on Expedia?

To book a cruise out of Galveston, all you have to do is browse our pre-selected deals or set Galveston as your departure destination to see more. You can narrow down the search quite a bit by picking an arrival destination and departure dates as well. Plus, you'll find filters for a variety of cruise aspects such as cabin conditions, cruise lines, cruise ships, and more.

How can I find last-minute cruise deals from Galveston?

To find last-minute cruise deals from Galveston, simply enter your planned departure date, even if it's sometime soon, and available deals will be marked with a green box above the price on the search results page describing how much of a discount you can get. Additionally, you may want to sort your results by departure date to see what's the closest cruise available and get out to sea as soon as possible.

Can I book weekend cruises out of Galveston?

Plenty Galveston weekend cruises are on offer, you just have to find the right one for you. Venturing out of the Galveston port for a weekend is easy when you take advantage of the available search filters. Activate the filter for 3-5 nights in the cruise length section then sort the results by length to find the shortest cruises available. Common weekend destinations from Galveston include the Mexican coast and more ports throughout the Western Caribbean.

Do I need a passport to cruise from Galveston?

Whether you need a passport on a cruise from Galveston depends on where the cruise will return. If it's departing from Galveston and returning at the same port, you won't need a passport even if you anchor in another country like Mexico during the cruise. This is called a closed-loop cruise, and it means that as long as the cruise begins and ends in a US port, you don't need a passport.

Can I cancel my cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel any cruise booking from your My Trips page or by contacting customer service. How much of a refund you get depends on the cruise line's specific policies and how far in advance of your departure you cancel, so make sure to cancel in advance to get the best deal.

Why should I book a cruise from Galveston with Expedia in 2024?

When you book a cruise out of Galveston, Texas, with Expedia, you can expect a wide variety of options available alongside search tools that make it easy to narrow down results and find the right ship for your cruise vacation.

Galveston Cruise Guide

Galveston, where beautiful shoreline beaches stretch along the Gulf of Mexico, is a port to many major cruise lines including Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean. Since it's a popular Island city to visit by cruisers, a lot of hotels offer hotel parking programs that allow guests complimentary parking and a free shuttle to the cruise port.

If you’re only in Galveston for the morning before embarking on your cruise, make sure to grab breakfast at one of the many local mom-and-pop shops, like Farley Girls Café or the Gumbo Diner. Then take a stroll through historic downtown Galveston for shops, restaurants, museums, and an interactive pirate museum, Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast. If you're around for longer, there’s a variety of live music events that happen all year round, like inside the Moody Mansion, which is one of the many historical buildings found in the city. For animal lovers, try out a dolphin tour, or stop by the Moody Gardens complex which features a botanical garden, a giant aquarium and a live rainforest replica. Lastly, no trip to Galveston would be complete without stopping by the Island Historic Pleasure Pier, the family-oriented amusement park that features 16 rides, games, and a variety of shops and food venues including Texas’ very first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Pre and Post Cruise Hotels in Galveston

Galveston Beach Hotel

Reviewed on May 31, 2024

Inn at The Waterpark

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

Gaido's Seaside Inn

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2024

Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston

Wingate by Wyndham Galveston East Beach

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Limited-Time Cruises from Texas

Chart a course from galveston, texas to the western caribbean, tropical sailings, 4- and 5-night western caribbean cruises.

Hit the waves with some watersports, explore ancient ruins or sample tasty local delicacies when you drop anchor in the sunny port of either Cozumel or Progreso—or both, depending on your itinerary.

6-Night Western Caribbean Cruises

Set your sights on an endless array of delightful onboard offerings while sailing to such sun-drenched locales as Cozumel and Grand Cayman—where white-sand beaches, balmy weather and adventurous activities await.

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES AWAIT

What’s included in the price of a disney cruise.

From the moment you step on board to your last wave goodbye, your vacation includes almost everything you and your family could hope for—and so much more.

Magic On Deck

Home to the high-speed AquaDunk waterslide, the Disney Magic is awash with dining, entertainment and recreation—including Rapunzel’s Royal Table restaurant and Tangled: The Musical .

Very Merrytime Cruises

Share in a holly-jolly fusion of holiday-themed décor and entertainment—including a towering Christmas tree, Santa Claus sightings and a festive celebration with Disney Characters in holiday attire.

MAGIC FOR EVERY MEMBER OF YOUR CREW

Fun for the entire family.

Delight in unique, family-friendly activities throughout the ship. View More

Just for Kids

Imaginatively themed youth clubs await children of all ages. View More

Just for Adults

Adults enjoy the best of both worlds—time with the kids and time alone. View More

• Extravagant, Broadway-quality live shows and entertainment throughout your cruise
• Unique deck parties starring some of your favorite Characters—including an unforgettable spectacular with fireworks at sea on most itineraries
• First-run movies and Disney classics in state-of-the-art theater venues or family favorites under the stars
• Themed pool areas that include a kids pool, a family pool, a splash zone and a waterslide
• Staterooms tailored especially for families, which include deluxe rooms with expanded space, convenient split bathrooms and premium amenities
• Kids can learn and play in children’s activity spaces fueled by Disney storytelling—including MARVEL’s Avengers Academy
• Tweens ages 11 through 14 are invited to spend time in a youth club all their own—featuring videogames, music, movies, arts and crafts, karaoke and scavenger hunts
• Teens can relax in a fun, parents-free venue with activities like karaoke, video game challenges, trivia showdowns, dance parties and tons more—under the supervision of helpful counselors
• Adult-exclusive dining at Palo , serving classic Northern Italian cooking in an elegant setting
• A tranquil pool and whirlpool spa overflowing with sweeping views and ocean breezes
• Themed nightclubs and lounges, home to exciting live music and dance parties
• A luxurious spa, featuring rejuvenating and beautifying treatments with sweeping sea views
• A fitness center sporting exercise classes, weight machines and cardiovascular equipment

Galveston cruise port: A guide to cruising from Texas

T he Port of Galveston is the fourth-most-popular cruise home port in the U.S., having hosted 1.49 million cruise passengers in 2023.

While that's still a small number compared to the Florida ports ( Miami , Port Canaveral near Orlando and Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades ), the Port of Galveston continues to grow. The ships are getting bigger, cruise lines are expanding the itineraries they offer from Galveston and, in 2025, MSC Cruises will begin homeporting in Galveston with the introduction of year-round sailings on MSC Seascape . The total number of ship calls on the port's 2024 calendar is 388.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Most cruises from Galveston visit the Western Caribbean destinations of Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize; Jamaica; and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. However, you can find other options; for example, Carnival Cruise Line offers longer sailings (up to 14 nights) that include Eastern and Southern Caribbean ports.

Galveston itself is a beach destination worth spending time in either pre- or post-cruise, with a variety of hotel choices ranging from economy to luxury to historic. Families can find plenty to enjoy, and adults can enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.

Galveston cruise port overview

Port of galveston cruise terminal information.

Terminals 25 and 28: 2502 Harborside Dr., Galveston, Texas 77550

Terminal 10: 1028 Harborside Dr., Galveston, Texas 77550

Terminal 16: 1401 Harborside Dr., Galveston, Texas 77550 (tentative address)

Number of terminals: Four (as of 2025)

Cruise lines sailing from the Port of Galveston

Terminal 10

Royal Caribbean bases three ships here, offering a mix of eight-night Bahamas cruises, which visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, and four- to eight-night cruises primarily in the Western Caribbean.

Terminal 16 (opening in November 2025)

MSC Cruises will base MSC Seascape year-round at a new terminal in Galveston. The ship will sail to the Western Caribbean, visiting Cozumel, Roatan and Mexico's Costa Maya.

Terminals 25 and 28

Multiple cruise lines share terminals 25 and 28. Carnival rotates a fleet of four ships year-round in Galveston, including the line's Texas flagship, Carnival Jubilee . The fleet offers four- to 14-night cruises throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Princess Cruises sails seasonally from Galveston, offering four- to 11-night cruises in the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Norwegian Cruise Line rotates a variety of ships seasonally through the Port of Galveston, offering seven- to 14-night sailings throughout the Caribbean, including visits to the line's private island, Harvest Caye, in Belize. Norwegian also sometimes offers one-way cruises from Galveston on point-to-point sailings to other destinations like Central and South America.

Disney Magic runs seasonally from Galveston, offering four- to six-night Western Caribbean itineraries.

You can find full calendars for the port on its website.

Closest airports to the Galveston cruise port

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is in north Houston, approximately 71 miles from the Port of Galveston. Airlines that fly to IAH include United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Delta fans can save with the airline's annual companion certificate via its American Express-branded credit cards.

IAH is a United hub, with airline-branded lounges in four of the five terminals, including a Polaris Lounge in Terminal E. Terminal D at IAH features an Amex Centurion Lounge with access for holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express .

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is a bit closer to the port (41 miles) but is served by fewer airlines. Look for flights on Southwest Airlines, Jet Blue, American and Delta. Southwest offers the opportunity to fly two-for-one with the Southwest Companion Pass .

Houston Hobby lacks luxury lounges, but does have a Gameway gaming lounge, with access available to Priority Pass members via a selection of credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

How to get to the Port of Galveston

Cruisers have multiple options for getting to the Port of Galveston, including:

The port of Galveston is on a coastal barrier island south of the city of Houston. The main highway into Galveston is Interstate Highway 45. It is possible to arrive from the east using the Port Bolivar car ferry, but the potential for ferry delays often outweighs the extra driving time it takes to go around the bay to reach the I-45 bridge.

Car rentals between IAH or HOU and Galveston

Currently, only Enterprise offers rental drop-offs in Galveston. With one-way fees and fuel, a midsize car or SUV could cost $200 for an overnight rental. This option gains value if your travel group has plans for exploring a bit pre- or post-cruise. You'll still need transportation from the Enterprise facility to the port, a distance of roughly 3 1/2 miles.

Cruise line airport transfers

You can travel from either Houston airport to the Port of Galveston on embarkation day via transfers prepurchased from the cruise lines. These are usually offered to passengers who buy air through the cruise line, but even those who book independently can call to make the purchase.

Carnival has instructions online for booking transfers from Houston airports, including flight timing restrictions. The cost is currently $58.99 per person from IAH and $41.99 per person from HOU. Return transfers would be similarly priced.

Related: Should I book my flight through my cruise line?

Independent airport shuttles from Houston airports to the cruise port

Local companies operate shuttle services between both Houston airports and Galveston, either to the cruise port or to a Galveston hotel. Galveston Express has shared van rides starting at $40 per person each way.

Independent van/car services

Multiple companies offer private car service from the airports to either the pier or a Galveston hotel. SuperShuttle offers private car service to the port starting at $80 per person. Blacklane offers chauffeured car service, averaging around $200 from either airport to the port, for up to three people and two bags. A larger Mercedes van for up to five passengers will cost around $250.

Hotel shuttles

Roughly half of the hotels located in Galveston offer free shuttles to the cruise pier. Hotels outside of Galveston rarely provide shuttles to the port.

Taxis and ride-hailing services

Getting from a Galveston hotel to the port via ride-hailing service, such as Uber or Lyft , is possible, but not always your best choice. Galveston is a relatively small island and when two or more ships are departing on the same day, extended wait times for pickups at your hotel can cause delays and surge pricing can make the trip more expensive than you anticipated.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are available at both Houston airports. Taxis are metered, with fares averaging $165 from IAH. For ride-hailing services, follow signs and use your apps for directions to pickup points. We checked a prebooked Uber from IAH and were shown a starting fare of $98.

Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you

Public transportation

Galveston does not offer public transportation to the cruise port. The Galveston Island Trolley has bus and rail lines that are ideal for traveling between pre- or post-cruise hotels and on-island attractions, but it stops short of the port.

Port of Galveston parking

Galveston cruise passengers often drive to the port, so parking options abound. These include both official Port of Galveston parking and private lots. For guests not staying in a Galveston hotel, private parking lots are the cheapest option. If your plan includes a hotel stay and your hotel offers a parking package, it is almost guaranteed to be at a lower price than the lots closer to the port. Reservations made well in advance are recommended for all parking options.

On-site parking

Parking for terminals 25 and 28 is a bit spread out. Some lots have shuttle service, others are walking access only. The walk can be as far as two blocks. You can choose from covered and uncovered options, with prices ranging from $22 to $26.

Parking at the newer Royal Caribbean Terminal 10 includes shuttle services for all lots. All parking at Terminal 10 is uncovered. The price per day is $22 to $25.

Private parking facilities

Private parking options near the terminals include indoor and covered parking, all with shuttles. Some service only terminals 25 and 28, while others will also service Terminal 10. If the reservation form doesn't list your cruise ship or sailing date, it means that lot doesn't serve the terminal you need.

Prices are competitive and usually lower than official port parking. For example, Lighthouse Parking beats the terminal's official parking lots, offering covered parking for around $20 per day, with shuttle service to all terminals.

Some, like Galveston Park N Cruise, offer discounts for prepaying. That lot only serves terminals 25 and 28 (Carnival and Princess) and does not provide a shuttle because it's across the street from the terminal. Prepaid rates for indoor parking are as low as $18.50 per day for a seven-night cruise.

Park-and-cruise

If you plan an overnight stay in Galveston, the cheapest parking option is a hotel with a parking package. Many Galveston hotels offer cruise parking to guests who stay either before or after a cruise. Some offer parking free of charge; most charge a fee for leaving your car behind. The best scenario is a hotel with both a parking option and a shuttle to the port.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Hotels near the Galveston cruise port

Hotels are abundant in Galveston, all of them 10 miles or less from the port. Because this is both a small port town and a vacation destination, rates and room availability fluctuate widely. Whether you need a one-night stay as close as possible to the port or are looking for a longer stay to fully explore this charming beach town, here are some of the many choices to consider.

Hilton hotels near the Port of Galveston

For a quick overnight before your cruise, the DoubleTree is a good choice (32,000 to 168,000 Hilton Honors points per night). It has a pool and free Wi-Fi and is across the street from the beach. It also offers parking package options.

For a more resort-style stay, consider the Hilton Galveston Island Resort (32,000 to 338,000 Hilton Honors points per night). It's within walking distance of the beach and offers parking and shuttle packages.

Related: Best Hilton credit cards

Marriott hotels near the Port of Galveston

For an affordable stay with beach access, check out the Courtyard Galveston Island (30,000 to 59,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). You can dine at its on-site restaurant or venture out — either by foot or via the island's trolley — to sample the island's renowned seafood. Wi-Fi is free for Bonvoy members.

The Grand Galvez, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is the city's signature hotel. First opened in 1911 as the Hotel Galvez, it is the only historic beachfront hotel on the entire Texas coast. A stay here (from 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) is a grand way to start a cruise vacation.

For a hotel even closer to the pier and the city's famed downtown strand, the Tremont House is a luxury option from the Tribute Portfolio (from 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). Its Blum & Co. bistro and wine bar is open all day and well into the evening for those arriving from late flights into Houston. The hotel has park-and-sail packages as well as transportation to the terminal.

Related: Best Marriott credit cards

Hyatt hotels near the Port of Galveston

The nearest Hyatt is the Hyatt Regency Baytown, a Category 3 hotel (from 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night). It's an hour's drive from the port, situated not far from Space Center Houston and the Kemah Boardwalk, if those are on your to-do list pre- or post-cruise.

Related: Why the World of Hyatt card is one of the best credit cards

Non-points hotels near the Port of Galveston

A stay at Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center is a whopper of a family-friendly choice. Besides the aquarium, rainforest and discovery museum on-site, the property boasts a beachy water park and lazy river, and a paddlewheel boat offering dinner cruises. The hotel offers cruise parking and a cruise shuttle for a fee.

Leaving the kids behind? The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center is family-friendly, but its lack of attractions for children (other than a pool) means fewer children will likely be on the property. That makes it ideal for a couples or singles escape. The resort has ocean-view rooms and suites, four restaurants and a luxury spa to kick off (or finish off) your cruise.

Restaurants near Galveston cruise port

The food scene in Galveston includes everything from baskets of fish and chips done Texas style (which means it's probably wrapped in bacon and served with jalapenos) to elegant chop houses and seafood establishments. Choices line Seawall Boulevard and extend to the Strand Historic District and the Pier 21 tourist area.

Seafood is the predominant option, but it's also possible to sample barbecue and Tex-Mex.

Related: The best credit cards for dining

Things to do in and around Galveston before or after your cruise

The beach is the No. 1 reason people visit Galveston. It stretches for 32 miles (more than 10 miles protected by a seawall and promenade) and is dotted with fishing piers, overwater souvenir shops and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier amusement park. The best part is that almost anything you need in Galveston is across the street from the beach, including most of the hotels and restaurants.

The bar scene along the seawall has plenty to offer, from rooftop outdoor seating at Pelican and the Shark at the 61st Street Fishing Pier to the famous Poop Deck facing the beach. The Strand has its own concentration of bars, from classy wine bars to genuine dive bars.

Beyond the beach, look for a Texas original water park — Schlitterbahn and Moody Gardens. Kids and adults both can delight in the three Moody Gardens pyramids. One's an aquarium featuring penguins, seals and a coral reef lab. Another is a rainforest, home to over 1,700 exotic plants and endangered animals, including free-roaming sloths and birds that fly between the trees as you walk the trails below the canopy. The third pyramid is a discovery museum with rotating exhibits. Expect animal encounters and hands-on "edutainment" at all three.

Shopping near the Port of Galveston

For last-minute cruise clothes, swing by the Tanger Outlets on I-45, approximately 20 miles north of Galveston in Texas City. As luck would have it, there's a Buc-ees right next door. Besides the clean bathrooms, you'll find Texas souvenirs, out-of-the-ordinary snacks, drinks and even decent barbecue packed into a supersize gas station and roadside palooza.

You won't have trouble finding Galveston's Walmart and Target if you're looking to purchase last-minute snacks, sundries, bottled water, soda or wine to carry on board ( where allowed ).

Hot spots for beachwear, hats, sunglasses and souvenirs specific to Galveston are Dolphin World and the Mermaid Pier.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Galveston cruise port: A guide to cruising from Texas

The Port of Galveston is the fourth-most-popular cruise home port in the U.S., having hosted 1.49 million cruise passengers in 2023.

While that's still a small number compared to the Florida ports ( Miami , Port Canaveral near Orlando and Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades ), the Port of Galveston continues to grow. The ships are getting bigger, cruise lines are expanding the itineraries they offer from Galveston and, in 2025, MSC Cruises will begin homeporting in Galveston with the introduction of year-round sailings on MSC Seascape . The total number of ship calls on the port's 2024 calendar is 388.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Most cruises from Galveston visit the Western Caribbean destinations of Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize; Jamaica; and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. However, you can find other options; for example, Carnival Cruise Line offers longer sailings (up to 14 nights) that include Eastern and Southern Caribbean ports.

Galveston itself is a beach destination worth spending time in either pre- or post-cruise, with a variety of hotel choices ranging from economy to luxury to historic. Families can find plenty to enjoy, and adults can enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.

Galveston cruise port overview

Port of Galveston cruise terminal information

Terminals 25 and 28: 2502 Harborside Dr., Galveston, Texas 77550

Terminal 10: 1028 Harborside Dr., Galveston, Texas 77550

Terminal 16: 1401 Harborside Dr., Galveston, Texas 77550 (tentative address)

Number of terminals: Four (as of 2025)

Cruise lines sailing from the Port of Galveston

Terminal 10

Royal Caribbean bases three ships here, offering a mix of eight-night Bahamas cruises, which visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, and four- to eight-night cruises primarily in the Western Caribbean.

Terminal 16 (opening in November 2025)

MSC Cruises will base MSC Seascape year-round at a new terminal in Galveston. The ship will sail to the Western Caribbean, visiting Cozumel, Roatan and Mexico's Costa Maya.

Terminals 25 and 28

Multiple cruise lines share terminals 25 and 28. Carnival rotates a fleet of four ships year-round in Galveston, including the line's Texas flagship, Carnival Jubilee . The fleet offers four- to 14-night cruises throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Princess Cruises sails seasonally from Galveston, offering four- to 11-night cruises in the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Norwegian Cruise Line rotates a variety of ships seasonally through the Port of Galveston, offering seven- to 14-night sailings throughout the Caribbean, including visits to the line's private island, Harvest Caye, in Belize. Norwegian also sometimes offers one-way cruises from Galveston on point-to-point sailings to other destinations like Central and South America.

Disney Magic runs seasonally from Galveston, offering four- to six-night Western Caribbean itineraries.

You can find full calendars for the port on its website.

Closest airports to the Galveston cruise port

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is in north Houston, approximately 71 miles from the Port of Galveston. Airlines that fly to IAH include United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Delta fans can save with the airline's annual companion certificate via its American Express-branded credit cards.

IAH is a United hub, with airline-branded lounges in four of the five terminals, including a Polaris Lounge in Terminal E. Terminal D at IAH features an Amex Centurion Lounge with access for holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express .

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is a bit closer to the port (41 miles) but is served by fewer airlines. Look for flights on Southwest Airlines, Jet Blue, American and Delta. Southwest offers the opportunity to fly two-for-one with the Southwest Companion Pass .

Houston Hobby lacks luxury lounges, but does have a Gameway gaming lounge, with access available to Priority Pass members via a selection of credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

How to get to the Port of Galveston

Cruisers have multiple options for getting to the Port of Galveston, including:

The port of Galveston is on a coastal barrier island south of the city of Houston. The main highway into Galveston is Interstate Highway 45. It is possible to arrive from the east using the Port Bolivar car ferry, but the potential for ferry delays often outweighs the extra driving time it takes to go around the bay to reach the I-45 bridge.

Car rentals between IAH or HOU and Galveston

Currently, only Enterprise offers rental drop-offs in Galveston. With one-way fees and fuel, a midsize car or SUV could cost $200 for an overnight rental. This option gains value if your travel group has plans for exploring a bit pre- or post-cruise. You'll still need transportation from the Enterprise facility to the port, a distance of roughly 3 1/2 miles.

Cruise line airport transfers

You can travel from either Houston airport to the Port of Galveston on embarkation day via transfers prepurchased from the cruise lines. These are usually offered to passengers who buy air through the cruise line, but even those who book independently can call to make the purchase.

Carnival has instructions online for booking transfers from Houston airports, including flight timing restrictions. The cost is currently $58.99 per person from IAH and $41.99 per person from HOU. Return transfers would be similarly priced.

Related: Should I book my flight through my cruise line?

Independent airport shuttles from Houston airports to the cruise port

Local companies operate shuttle services between both Houston airports and Galveston, either to the cruise port or to a Galveston hotel. Galveston Express has shared van rides starting at $40 per person each way.

Independent van/car services

Multiple companies offer private car service from the airports to either the pier or a Galveston hotel. SuperShuttle offers private car service to the port starting at $80 per person. Blacklane offers chauffeured car service, averaging around $200 from either airport to the port, for up to three people and two bags. A larger Mercedes van for up to five passengers will cost around $250.

Hotel shuttles

Roughly half of the hotels located in Galveston offer free shuttles to the cruise pier. Hotels outside of Galveston rarely provide shuttles to the port.

Taxis and ride-hailing services

Getting from a Galveston hotel to the port via ride-hailing service, such as Uber or Lyft , is possible, but not always your best choice. Galveston is a relatively small island and when two or more ships are departing on the same day, extended wait times for pickups at your hotel can cause delays and surge pricing can make the trip more expensive than you anticipated.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are available at both Houston airports. Taxis are metered, with fares averaging $165 from IAH. For ride-hailing services, follow signs and use your apps for directions to pickup points. We checked a prebooked Uber from IAH and were shown a starting fare of $98.

Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you

Public transportation

Galveston does not offer public transportation to the cruise port. The Galveston Island Trolley has bus and rail lines that are ideal for traveling between pre- or post-cruise hotels and on-island attractions, but it stops short of the port.

Port of Galveston parking

Galveston cruise passengers often drive to the port, so parking options abound. These include both official Port of Galveston parking and private lots. For guests not staying in a Galveston hotel, private parking lots are the cheapest option. If your plan includes a hotel stay and your hotel offers a parking package, it is almost guaranteed to be at a lower price than the lots closer to the port. Reservations made well in advance are recommended for all parking options.

On-site parking

Parking for terminals 25 and 28 is a bit spread out. Some lots have shuttle service, others are walking access only. The walk can be as far as two blocks. You can choose from covered and uncovered options, with prices ranging from $22 to $26.

Parking at the newer Royal Caribbean Terminal 10 includes shuttle services for all lots. All parking at Terminal 10 is uncovered. The price per day is $22 to $25.

Private parking facilities

Private parking options near the terminals include indoor and covered parking, all with shuttles. Some service only terminals 25 and 28, while others will also service Terminal 10. If the reservation form doesn't list your cruise ship or sailing date, it means that lot doesn't serve the terminal you need.

Prices are competitive and usually lower than official port parking. For example, Lighthouse Parking beats the terminal's official parking lots, offering covered parking for around $20 per day, with shuttle service to all terminals.

Some, like Galveston Park N Cruise, offer discounts for prepaying. That lot only serves terminals 25 and 28 (Carnival and Princess) and does not provide a shuttle because it's across the street from the terminal. Prepaid rates for indoor parking are as low as $18.50 per day for a seven-night cruise.

Park-and-cruise

If you plan an overnight stay in Galveston, the cheapest parking option is a hotel with a parking package. Many Galveston hotels offer cruise parking to guests who stay either before or after a cruise. Some offer parking free of charge; most charge a fee for leaving your car behind. The best scenario is a hotel with both a parking option and a shuttle to the port.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Hotels near the Galveston cruise port

Hotels are abundant in Galveston, all of them 10 miles or less from the port. Because this is both a small port town and a vacation destination, rates and room availability fluctuate widely. Whether you need a one-night stay as close as possible to the port or are looking for a longer stay to fully explore this charming beach town, here are some of the many choices to consider.

Hilton hotels near the Port of Galveston

For a quick overnight before your cruise, the DoubleTree is a good choice (32,000 to 168,000 Hilton Honors points per night). It has a pool and free Wi-Fi and is across the street from the beach. It also offers parking package options.

For a more resort-style stay, consider the Hilton Galveston Island Resort (32,000 to 338,000 Hilton Honors points per night). It's within walking distance of the beach and offers parking and shuttle packages.

Related: Best Hilton credit cards

Marriott hotels near the Port of Galveston

For an affordable stay with beach access, check out the Courtyard Galveston Island (30,000 to 59,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). You can dine at its on-site restaurant or venture out — either by foot or via the island's trolley — to sample the island's renowned seafood. Wi-Fi is free for Bonvoy members.

The Grand Galvez, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is the city's signature hotel. First opened in 1911 as the Hotel Galvez, it is the only historic beachfront hotel on the entire Texas coast. A stay here (from 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) is a grand way to start a cruise vacation.

For a hotel even closer to the pier and the city's famed downtown strand, the Tremont House is a luxury option from the Tribute Portfolio (from 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). Its Blum & Co. bistro and wine bar is open all day and well into the evening for those arriving from late flights into Houston. The hotel has park-and-sail packages as well as transportation to the terminal.

Related: Best Marriott credit cards

Hyatt hotels near the Port of Galveston

The nearest Hyatt is the Hyatt Regency Baytown, a Category 3 hotel (from 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night). It's an hour's drive from the port, situated not far from Space Center Houston and the Kemah Boardwalk, if those are on your to-do list pre- or post-cruise.

Related: Why the World of Hyatt card is one of the best credit cards

Non-points hotels near the Port of Galveston

A stay at Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center is a whopper of a family-friendly choice. Besides the aquarium, rainforest and discovery museum on-site, the property boasts a beachy water park and lazy river, and a paddlewheel boat offering dinner cruises. The hotel offers cruise parking and a cruise shuttle for a fee.

Leaving the kids behind? The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center is family-friendly, but its lack of attractions for children (other than a pool) means fewer children will likely be on the property. That makes it ideal for a couples or singles escape. The resort has ocean-view rooms and suites, four restaurants and a luxury spa to kick off (or finish off) your cruise.

Restaurants near Galveston cruise port

The food scene in Galveston includes everything from baskets of fish and chips done Texas style (which means it's probably wrapped in bacon and served with jalapenos) to elegant chop houses and seafood establishments. Choices line Seawall Boulevard and extend to the Strand Historic District and the Pier 21 tourist area.

Seafood is the predominant option, but it's also possible to sample barbecue and Tex-Mex.

Related: The best credit cards for dining

Things to do in and around Galveston before or after your cruise

The beach is the No. 1 reason people visit Galveston. It stretches for 32 miles (more than 10 miles protected by a seawall and promenade) and is dotted with fishing piers, overwater souvenir shops and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier amusement park. The best part is that almost anything you need in Galveston is across the street from the beach, including most of the hotels and restaurants.

The bar scene along the seawall has plenty to offer, from rooftop outdoor seating at Pelican and the Shark at the 61st Street Fishing Pier to the famous Poop Deck facing the beach. The Strand has its own concentration of bars, from classy wine bars to genuine dive bars.

Beyond the beach, look for a Texas original water park — Schlitterbahn and Moody Gardens. Kids and adults both can delight in the three Moody Gardens pyramids. One's an aquarium featuring penguins, seals and a coral reef lab. Another is a rainforest, home to over 1,700 exotic plants and endangered animals, including free-roaming sloths and birds that fly between the trees as you walk the trails below the canopy. The third pyramid is a discovery museum with rotating exhibits. Expect animal encounters and hands-on "edutainment" at all three.

Shopping near the Port of Galveston

For last-minute cruise clothes, swing by the Tanger Outlets on I-45, approximately 20 miles north of Galveston in Texas City. As luck would have it, there's a Buc-ees right next door. Besides the clean bathrooms, you'll find Texas souvenirs, out-of-the-ordinary snacks, drinks and even decent barbecue packed into a supersize gas station and roadside palooza.

You won't have trouble finding Galveston's Walmart and Target if you're looking to purchase last-minute snacks, sundries, bottled water, soda or wine to carry on board ( where allowed ).

Hot spots for beachwear, hats, sunglasses and souvenirs specific to Galveston are Dolphin World and the Mermaid Pier.

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One-Day Cruises in Texas

Thanks to its characteristic desert landscapes and wide-open ranges, Texas is not usually the first place one thinks of for cruising. However, the Lone Star State offers many options for anyone seeking a single-day voyage across the water. Choices not only vary by city, but also by length, style and amenities offered.

The resort town of Kemah lies within the greater Houston metropolitan area and plays home to the 60-acre Kemah Boardwalk entertainment complex. Several one-day cruises depart from the town every day to explore Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. The Boardwalk FantaSea is a two-story charter yacht that offers coastal sightseeing trips, themed dinner cruises and weekend party voyages complete with booze and a DJ. The interior boasts hand-crafted cabinetry, 42-inch plasma TVs and room for 140 guests. Another operator, Star Fleet, maintains four different cruisers for a variety of occasions and can host anywhere from 12 to 150 people. They offer a murder mystery dinner cruise where guests are treated to a theatrical performance while they enjoy gourmet cuisine, as well as an intimate "water limo" that pub crawls to local seaside bars and venues.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island, just outside Brownsville, offers an array of one-day seafaring adventures. Murphy's Law, from Isla Tours, is a 67-foot double-decker offering 90-minute eco-tours during the day; guests can glimpse bottle-nosed dolphins as they cruise the water. Weekend nights between Memorial Day and Labor Day are reserved for fireworks cruises while party music plays. For the active sportsperson, full- and half-day fishing charters in the Gulf of Mexico are available on the 49-foot Hard Bottom Too; all bait and tackle is provided. As another alternative, Osprey Cruises has a fleet of six boats for various adventures, from deep-sea fishing to speedboating to sea life safari trips. One vessel, the Black Dragon, resembles a 17th-century pirate ship and is perfect for a day out with the kids.

The coastal community of Galveston provides several cruise choices. Those seeking a historical experience will enjoy the Colonel, a stately three-level paddle wheeler with a 650-person capacity. The boat takes hour-long jaunts around Offatts Bayou. Everything from the decor to the uniformed staff is meant to evoke America in the late 18th century. Daytime cruises are open to all guests, while the more extensive evening dinner cruises require reservations. For a more modern experience, the family owned and operated BayWatch Dolphin Tours takes out a jet-drive boat with no propellers that can get riders within earshot of dolphins. The boat can hold 36 passengers; infants and pets ride free.

Austin is known for its cruising options on Lady Bird Lake. The Lone Star Riverboat offers scenic sightseeing trips each weekend afternoon, accompanied by a detailed commentary from the boat's captain. One-hour bat-watching tours at dusk and nighttime moonlight cruises are also available March through October. Holiday-themed cruises are held on New Year's Day, Valentine's Day and the Fourth of July. Another operator, Capital Cruises, is the largest all-electric fleet in the area, hosting lunch and dinner cruises, weddings and other corporate events. They also rent water sports equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards. In addition, the Meadow Center at Texas State University, just south of Austin in San Marcos, offers 30-minute glass-bottom boat tours across the ecologically diverse Spring Lake.

• Boardwalk FantaSea: Public Cruises
• Isla Tours South Padre
• Galveston.com: The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat
• Lone Star Riverboat: Our Tours
• Star Fleet: Our Fleet
• Osprey Cruises
• Capital Cruises
• Dolphin Baywatch Tours: Home
• Texas State Universities: Glass-Bottom Boats

About the Author

Mark Heidelberger has been writing for more than 22 years, from articles and short stories to novels and screenplays. He is a consummate foodie, loves to travel and has run several businesses, all of which influence his work. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from UCLA.

7 - Day Western Caribbean from Galveston, TX

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Day 1: Galveston

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea

Day 3: cozumel, day 4: costa maya, day 5: mahogany bay.

Day 6 & 7: Fun Day at Sea

Day 8: galveston.

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Dinner Cruise aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat

Moody Gardens | 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX ( Directions ) Phone: (409)744-4673 | Buy Tickets

Enjoy beautiful views of Offats Bayou, plus a dinner buffet and cash bar with dinner cruises aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. This cruise features an Asian Sunset menu with fried coconut shrimp with spicy mango drizzle, egg and vegetable fried rice, teriyaki salmon grilled pineapple relish, spicy honey garlic chicken with charred scallions, Mongolian beef with mushrooms and peppers, sautéed seasonal vegetables and mango cheesecake.

Moody Gardens

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What and when is Juneteenth? A beginner's guide to the holiday

Two-minute read.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

In 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Ac t  establishing Juneteenth as the 11th holiday recognized by the federal government.

Juneteenth was widely popular among southern states such as Texas and has been celebrated for over 150 years.

When is Juneteenth 2024?

In New Jersey, Juneteenth is observed as a state holiday on the third Friday in June. This year, that is June 21.

However, the federal holiday is observed on June 19.

What is Juneteenth?

The history of the holiday dates back to June 19, 1865 — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation became official in 1863 — when  Major General Gordon Granger  of the Union army traveled to Galveston Texas after the Civil War was won with  General Order Number 3 , which informed enslaved African Americans that they were finally free.

Juneteenth became an official state holiday  in Texas on January 1, 1980 , led by African American state legislator Al Edwards.

New Jersey  made Juneteenth an official state holiday on June 25, 2020.

Juneteenth is now a federal holiday also known as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day and Emancipation Day.

Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?

Juneteenth signifies African American freedom, celebrates Black American achievement and encourages continuous self-development, education and civility for all cultures. According to Juneteeth.com, as it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, "the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing."

In his proclamation, President Biden said it is important for America to confront its past as it builds to the future.

"The emancipation of enslaved Black Americans was not the end of our nation’s work to deliver on the promise of equality — it was only the beginning," Biden wrote. "On Juneteenth, we recommit to our shared work to ensure racial justice, equity and equality in America. We commemorate the centuries of struggle and progress led by abolitionists, educators, civil rights advocates, lawyers, activists, trade unionists, religious leaders, public officials and everyday Americans who have brought our nation closer to fulfilling its promise."

Why is it called Juneteenth?

The celebration of June 19th was coined “Juneteenth” by combining "June" and "nineteenth" and grew with more participation from descendants. The Juneteenth celebration was a time for reassuring each other, for praying and for reuniting remaining family members. In its early years, the tradition was highly revered in Texas, with many former slaves and descendants gathering together to celebrate in Galveston.

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