THE 25 BEST Family Cruises from Galveston with Prices on Cruise Critic
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While ports in Florida may as well be cities they are so large, Galveston in comparison is much smaller and easier to navigate. With the addition of a new terminal that is home to Royal Caribbean, there are now three cruise terminals on the island. The port itself sits on the northern side of the island, protected from the Gulf of Mexico.
Navigation Options
From luxurious vessels to family-friendly adventures, I’ll guide you through the top picks that’ll make your vacation dreams a reality. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time cruiser, there’s a perfect voyage waiting for you. Many cruise ships are decorated with festive decorations, and there are often special events and activities planned to celebrate the season. Keep in mind that these holiday cruises tend to be popular, so booking well in advance is advisable.
Galveston: The Perfect Starting Point for Your 2024 Cruise Adventure
Norwegian's over-the-top new liner launches Caribbean cruises from Galveston - CultureMap Houston
Norwegian's over-the-top new liner launches Caribbean cruises from Galveston.
Posted: Fri, 15 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
With world-class dining, spacious suites, and personalized services, these high-end cruises promise an unparalleled experience. And while the cruise port in Galveston may not be the biggest (that title goes to Miami), cruising from the island seems to get bigger every season. Now with three cruise terminals, more than a million passengers sail from Galveston in a year. In addition to the onboard experiences, luxury cruises from Galveston offer itineraries to some of the most coveted destinations. Imagine sipping a fine wine on your private balcony as you sail to exotic locations in the Caribbean or the untouched landscapes of Central America. With everything taken care of, all that’s left for you is to indulge in the opulence and ease that only a luxury cruise can offer.
Do you need a passport to sail from Galveston?
The crew will pick the bags and they will be transported to the terminal for you to pick up after debarking the ship. Compared to airports, checking-in and security on a cruise ship is a dream. One popular perk is free parking for the length of your cruise in return for a one-night stay. Some offer cruise parking as part of a package, others just let you leave your car while you cruise. With the addition of Terminal 3 — located about a mile from the original terminals –passengers also have official parking options at that port, instead of having to shuttle from Terminals 25 & 28.
Dropping Off/ Picking Up Passengers
This exclusive retreat offers activities such as family snorkeling adventures and private cabana rentals. Additionally, Disney’s cruises often include stops at tropical havens like Nassau, where families can enjoy interactive dolphin encounters or a day at the famous Atlantis Resort. Given its rich offerings and well-appointed facilities, it’s easy to see why Galveston is becoming a favorite launching point for various cruise lines in 2024. With new expansions and ever-improving passenger experiences, the port is not just a starting point—it’s part of the adventure. So whether you’re thinking about a luxury escape or a family getaway, remember that your journey would be leaving from a port that is an adventure in its own right. Galveston serves as a homeport for several prominent cruise lines, each offering unique itineraries and onboard experiences.
The only areas that ever felt crowded were the pools at the Aquatic Club and Gym and Tonic, which is pretty typical of any cruise ship, especially on sea days. But besides feeling like we had the ship to ourselves, there was the feeling of inclusion aboard Valiant Lady. The rooftop lounge in the forward ship was dotted with shaded loungers and multiple hot tubs with a private bar, panoramic views, and nightly happy hour.
Princess Cruises
In some cases, we’ve debarked and barely had to stop before making our way out the terminal. As you approach the terminal, you’ll see lots of porters ready to assist you with your bags. If you wish to check any luggage, you can leave it with the porters, and it will be delivered to your stateroom later in the evening. To drop off passengers or pick up, head into the port entrance at the intersection of 22nd Street and Harborside Drive. From there, it’s as simple as following the signs to the correct area for passengers to get out.
The best cruises out of Galveston to book now - Chron
The best cruises out of Galveston to book now.
Posted: Tue, 23 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
We spent every afternoon lounging on the rooftop between excursions and watched the sunset during happy hour with an intimate group of cruisers we befriended. On our sea day, when the pool was most packed, the lounge remained an empty reprieve, and we certainly felt like RockStars with our whims catered to at every turn. When my best friend suggested we needed some one-on-one girl time, we knew we wanted to spend a week in the Caribbean sun and escape winter’s wrath.
It operates some of the longest sailings from the Texas port, including 10- and 11-night trips to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Honduras, Belize and Mexico. They're the sort of sailings that generally appeal to a retired crowd because these trips require a long time away from home. Alas, Norwegian Prima only is based in Galveston seasonally for the winter, from December to March.
Take a stroll through the historic Strand District, a charming area lined with restored Victorian buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the intriguing museums, such as the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Naval Museum. SchlitterbahnThe famous Texas waterpark with several locations around the state has a park in Galveston. Here you can relax on a lazy river, get extreme on tons of different slides, and even surf a standing wave.
Hands down, the 3,215-passenger ship offers the best Galveston cruises for luxury lovers. 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. It dates to 1998 and is the oldest cruise ship regularly sailing out of Galveston.
By contrast, adrenaline junkies might prefer to see the onboard aerial acrobat shows—these daring performances are sure to take your breath away. For families, the Adventure of the Seas by Royal Caribbean is a floating paradise. With its on-deck water park, climbers both young and old can test their skills on a rock-climbing wall, while the ship’s ice-skating rink provides a cool respite from the warm ocean air. Meanwhile, Disney Magic takes family entertainment to the next level with Broadway-caliber shows and opportunities to meet favorite Disney characters. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas is a standout for its adrenaline-pumping amenities. Families seeking thrill and adventure will find the ship’s rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and water slides perfect for active travelers.
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