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They also offer private car service if you prefer a more personalized experience. The Galveston Cruise Port has constructed a third terminal – Terminal 10. This new terminal was completed in 2022 and is able to accommodate larger ships than either of the existing terminals. It’s part of an ongoing effort by the port to attract more cruise lines and increase tourism in Galveston. Another advantage of this terminal is that it caters to more cruise lines than Terminal 1 does – providing customers with greater flexibility when choosing their preferred company. Disney Wonder is currently based in Galveston cruise port and offers a choice of cruise itineraries for families.
How To Get Inside Galveston Cruise Terminals
Carnival Breeze set sail from Port Galveston two weeks later, on July 14, 2021. Currently, Galveston is the home port to RCL Adventure of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, both offering Western Caribbean cruises. It has many hotels and resorts to choose from if you want to extend your cruise with a few nights at the beach.
Attractions
Every 2 years is conducted ship channel/waterfront dredging to maintain the port's required water depth of 45 ft (14 m). The shipping channel is also regularly deepened to maintain a 150-ft (46-m) wide waterfront marine zone that allows access to piers 10 and 41. In August 2017 (25-27), the port was closed due to Hurricane Harvey's significant rains during the weekend. This affected the schedules of 4 liners (Carnival Breeze, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Valor, Liberty of the Seas). The port was shut down to all shipping traffic (cargo and passenger).
Getting There by Car:
Families can take a walking tour of the city’s historic downtown area, The Strand, which is home to beautiful Victorian architecture, museums, and unique shops. The Strand is also the center of Galveston’s seasonal celebrations, including Mardis Gras and the annual ‘Dickens on the Strand’ festival. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a valuable way to spend time before embarking on your cruise. If you’re itching for an educational twist on your pre-cruise recreation, Galveston has plenty of historical offerings. Bishop’s Palace is an ornate 19th century home that sits six minutes from the port by car. Moody Mansion is another historic building in Galveston, located three minutes from the port by car (or a 15-minute walk).
Galveston and MSC Cruises Finalize Agreement on 4th Cruise Terminal - Cruise Industry News
Galveston and MSC Cruises Finalize Agreement on 4th Cruise Terminal.
Posted: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Port of Galveston cruise facility is the only one located on port property. 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. It’s a fun thing to do as the ride takes only about 15 minutes and gives great views of the bay. One thing to note is that Galveston has moved to facial recognition, meaning you simply take a photo that’s verified instead of having to meet with an agent (if you have a passport).
This fully-functional antique vessel makes for a popular and interesting attraction. If you’re cruising out of Galveston Cruise Port, you’ll find the island has some amazing attractions and unique things to do. Here are a few attractions to tempt you to stay a few nights and enjoy this top resort. Or maybe you just want to unload those heavy suitcases before you park. On either side of the entrance is a stairway and escalators to the check-in area.
The waiting hall is fitted with comfortable sofas, restrooms, vending machines. The new passenger terminal has a modern building (height 68 ft/ 21 m) and docking capacity to accommodate even Oasis-class liners (the world's largest). Port Galveston has 3 passenger terminals, all featuring modern and most efficient customer facilities. The port consists of Pelican Island's southern side, Galveston Island's northern side and Galveston Bay's entrance.
If you need to stop off on the way to the ship to get some last-minute items, that’s not possible. For most people, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft makes the most sense on getting to Galveston. You can request a car when you arrive at the airport, and it’s a fast, easy way to make your way to the island. It’s also one of your cheapest options, unless you are traveling solo.
The port itself sits on the northern side of the island, protected from the Gulf of Mexico. Its location makes it a convenient spot to set sail as it only takes minutes for the ships to get out to the open water. Passengers sailing from Galveston usually don’t have far to go to get to the cruise port and head out on vacation. The Houston area — home to about 8 million people — is just about an hour away. Meanwhile, other large Texas cities including San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin are only a few hours’ drive. For Terminal 25 and Terminal 28, Lot A (160 33rd Street) and Lot B (224 33rd Street) offer free shuttle bus service for cruisers both to and from the terminal.
Several pedestrians debarking cruise ship hospitalized after driver crashes through gate at Port of Galveston - KPRC Click2Houston
Several pedestrians debarking cruise ship hospitalized after driver crashes through gate at Port of Galveston.
Posted: Sat, 02 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Another popular option is the Enchantment of the Seas which offers shorter four- or five-night sailings to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula or Key West & Bahamas. Galveston cruise port is the fourth busiest in the USA, after Miami, Port Everglades and Port Canaveral in Florida. In July 2021, after cruises had been halted for 15 months due to the Covid pandemic, the first ship to resume sailing out of Galveston was Carnival Vista, on July 3rd. Carnival President, Christine Duffy, marked the historic occasion with a “Back to Fun” ribbon-cutting ceremony in Galveston.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Galveston is sure to provide the stating point of an amazing cruise experience. Galveston, Texas is a vibrant coastal city that offers a variety of fun and interesting activities to enjoy before setting sail on a cruise. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history by visiting museums, historic sites, and beautiful Victorian architecture. The cheapest way to get to the port depends on how many people you are traveling with. If there are enough people to make splitting a rideshare service worth it (i.e., less than the cost of individual shuttle tickets), then that is your best bet. However, if you are traveling with a larger group (whose luggage fits in a standard car!), this option might work out to be more cost-effective than a shuttle.
In total, the security and check-in process shouldn’t take more than about minutes. One good thing about driving to Galveston is that there is ample parking right near the port that’s affordable. The Port of Galveston offers free Wi-Fi within each of the terminals. Port of Galveston has parking available at all terminals with each facility marked with blue banners reading "Port of Galveston Cruise Parking." Plan to spend at least $100 round-trip, depending on how large your group is and which airport you fly into.
A third terminal is currently under construction, due for completion Fall 2022. Galveston Wharves, the governing body of the port, has invested heavily in recent years to improve the facilities and infrastructure of the cruise terminals. As a result, passengers can enjoy modern amenities such as air-conditioned waiting areas, restrooms, and vending machines while waiting for their ships to arrive or depart. You can choose from onsite parking at both terminals or offsite parking with shuttle services. One thing we know is the EZ Cruise Parking offers a sharp discount of $15 off of a week’s cruise parking if you choose to park and walk to the cruise port.
However, many people — especially those flying in for their cruise who are unfamiliar with the area — may have questions about what to expect. If you're taking a cab to the Port of Galveston on the day of your sailing, your driver will need to follow signs for your ship's specific terminal. Specific drop-off locations are designated at each terminal, and each terminal has its own designated taxi area.
Freedom and Valor were relocated to New Orleans, Breeze remained docked overnight in Cozumel, Liberty OTS was diverted to Miami. Port Galveston (locode USGLS) is located on mainland Texas' upper coast and on the island's eastern end. The port is at approx 9 mi (15 km) from the open sea (Gulf of Mexico). The Port Authority company (Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves) is city-owned, self-sustaining and doesn't receive city property taxes. Comfort Suites Galveston offers spacious suites equipped with kitchenettes and separate living areas. On the other hand, Quality Inn & Suites Beachfront provides direct beach access along with free breakfast and parking.
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