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These shuttles almost always charge a higher cost for the first passenger, but a much smaller fee for each additional person. 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. If it's swanky digs you're after (and you have the money to spend), you'll find plenty of options on this ship. That said, Carnival Breeze still has a huge amount to offer for all sorts of travelers, from couples to families with kids.
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Where to stay the night before your cruise
Finally, there are a number of private car services that can provide a ride. Prices can range from $150 to several hundred dollars, depending on which you go with and what sort of car you'd like to pick you up. You can buy a ticket when you book your cruise and don't have to get a ride from a third party.
Entertainment and Activities
For would-be Galveston cruisers, Carnival Breeze serves as a sort of "test the port" ship. Its short sailings and low pricing mean you're not out a lot in time or money if you don't love the experience. It caters heavily to first-time cruisers, as well as Texas locals and Southerners who can book on short notice and drive to the port for a quickie escape. Based in Galveston year-round, the 11-year-old vessel operates short four- and five-night voyages to the Western Caribbean that are often on sale for under $500 per person or less.
Best Things to Do on Your Galveston Day Trip
More and more cruisers are looking at Galveston for their next cruise embarkation port, but understanding the ins and outs of this port can be a bit tricky. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about planning a cruise from Galveston, from booking flights and hotels to arriving at the port. People that cruise from Florida all the time are used to picking a late morning flight home, but flying out of Houston is a different ball game. Tito's Handmade Vodka has been available on all Royal Caribbean ships for a while, but it's proudly served on Allure of the Seas since it is produced in Austin, Texas. Cruises sailing from Galveston serve Dr. Pepper, in addition to the Coke products the line always carries. Just like how Newark International Airport is closer to Cape Liberty than LaGuardia or John F. Kennedy International Airports in New York, Hobby could save you a lot of time.
We asked one of the employees about where to go and they pointed us in the right direction. Not long after getting in the Lyft, both my dad and I got a notification on our phones that we could start the mandatory safety briefing. I highly recommend you watch the safety briefing video as soon as it is available to you so you don’t have to do it once onboard. If you have the choice between these two airports, try to fly into William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) because it will be quicker and cheaper to get to the Galveston port. This is unless you are able to find a flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) that is significantly cheaper.
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Other ports of call visited by Disney Magic will include Progreso, Cozumel, and San Juan. Prices start at $646 per person (without taxes and fees) and there are 26 sailing dates to choose from. Some passengers may look into renting a car from the airport in Houston and driving to the Port of Galveston themselves.
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. 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. At around 130,000 tons, it's about 29% smaller than Carnival's newer Excel-class ships and has fewer venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces.
The ship was, notably, the first Carnival ship to feature a 4D "thrill theater" and one of the first Carnival ships with a ropes course, both attractions that appeal heavily to teens and tweens. Like all Disney ships, Disney Magic boasts many cabins with split bathrooms — a boon for families. That's not something you'll find on any of the other Galveston-based cruise vessels.
Adventure of the Seas
Immerse yourself in the history of The Alamo or experience the culture of downtown San Antonio River Walk before exploring a whole different side of history with a walking tour of the most haunted places in Austin. Once inside the new cruise terminal, you are greeted with a cavernous lobby. Similar to the other new cruise terminals that Royal Caribbean has built recently, the new Galveston terminal is bright with lots of large signage. Oasis Class flavors, thrills and beats go full-throttle on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail from Texas — Harmony of the Seas®. And when the sun goes down, head to the AquaTheater or experience the Broadway hit Grease.
Hobby is just 40 miles from the port, whereas Intercontinental is on the north side of Houston, and that means dealing with downtown Houston traffic on your way south. Equally important is the disembarkation process, which now includes facial recognition. The 161,334-square-foot terminal is designed to make getting on the ship super easy, so you can get your vacation started sooner.
The Strand Historical District is the town’s prime shopping spot, where 19th-century storefronts now house a quirky collection of locally owned gift shops and antique stores. Here you can pick up beachwear, whimsical gifts, model ships, used books, Southwestern turquoise jewelry, and Texas-inspired home décor. Here, adventure reaches new heights with a rock-climbing wall 40 feet above deck. Tastes buds go globetrotting with mouthwatering dishes from Italy to Japan. And big thrills are always on the forecast with the Perfect Storm℠ — the boldest waterslides at sea. Galveston Island is a gem for Texas tourism — and it’s easy to see why.
Start your day trip before or after your cruise gazing up at sparkling skyscrapers, and end it with sunset cocktails on the beach. Have an urban adventure exploring food trucks and art museums, then head out to a cattle ranch and trade your baseball cap for a cowboy hat. From meaty Texas BBQ and steaks to sumptuous Tex-Mex favorites, the only thing bigger than the Lone Star State itself is the appetite you'll need to savor all its flavors. Cruises out of Texas set sail from Galveston to discover the western Caribbean, from Mexico's famed Riviera Maya to Central American treasure troves like Belize and Honduras. I was invited to sail on Allure of the Seas for a 4-night preview event, where we could walk through and experience the new cruise terminal. On this ship you can take a 7-day cruise out of Galveston and visit ports of call at Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan, and Cozumel.
For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Sail to the Southern Caribbean and explore the unique landscapes and cultures of Aruba and Curacao. These Dutch Caribbean gems offer a blend of European charm and Caribbean flair, making them ideal destinations for a diverse and enriching cruise experience.
