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Cruise travelers needed a location to park their vehicles while on a cruise, and parking became a natural expansion. You can also pay additional to have your car enter the cruise terminal area for pick-up or drop-offs. Today, the Port of Galveston is one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States, with over 1.5 million passengers sailing from here each year.
The History Of The Galveston Cruise Port
It is located at the extreme northeastern tip of this 27-mile-long barrier island. The cruise port is in sheltered waters at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the start of the Houston Ship Channel. It is just a short minute sail to reach the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Galveston is a Texas tourist hotspot as it offers a lot to do and a completely different atmosphere than the rest of the state. The island isn’t that large (pop. ~50,000) and has a lot to do within just a few minutes of the cruise ship. We have full details of all your parking options with complete prices here.
Discover Galveston Island – A Coastal Gem
I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like. - Royal Caribbean Blog
I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like..
Posted: Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
These parking services are tailored to accommodate the needs of cruise passengers, from short-term to long-term stays. The official Port of Galveston parking offers all cruise passengers the convenience of reserving a parking spot in advance when sailingfrom the Galveston cruise port. With our real-time, prepaid parking reservations system, the Port is offering reserved parking spots in the Port of Galveston's official parking lots and parking garage. 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. The port itself offers official parking, there are independent parking lots nearby, and some local hotels offer cruise parking. Regardless of which option you choose, we recommend that you book a spot early so that you can save money with advance-payment discounts.
Bathrooms at Port of Galveston
While security remains a top priority, you’ll find cruise terminals are well staffed with knowledgeable and helpful personnel who will assist you at every step. Galveston cruise terminals currently serve 2.2 million cruise passengers annually. Ambitious plans are already underway to create a third terminal at the port. This is expected to double the number of cruisers departing from the port from late 2022.
The above article also covers a good range of hotels offering Stay, Park and Cruise packages which can be the best priced options. They also allow cruisers the chance to relax before or after their cruise and enjoy sightseeing on Galveston Island. On either side of the entrance is a stairway and escalators to the check-in area. Head up and you’ll reach the second floor of the terminal that leads to boarding the ship. All this is to say that Cruise Terminal 10 is without a doubt a major addition to Galveston cruising.
You can also reserve and pre-pay for your parking space at the on-site parking lot and structure. This is probably an excellent idea, especially as more of the really big ships move into Galveston. To reach the Galveston Cruise Terminal, one can utilize several transportation options. If arriving by air, the closest major airport is William P. Hobby Airport in Houston (HOU), approximately 42 miles away. The project included adding two new gangways, a new ramp, two elevators, one escalator, new roofing, improvements of facilities (including Customs & Border Protection).
It paid off in 2000 when the ship Celebration from Carnival Cruise Lines began docking there. At that time, many of the cruise ships in the port were older and small. Investments to improve the port to make it more accommodating for cruise lines began.
Five Family-Fun Things to Do Near Port Canaveral
The premium option at The North Lot is immediately next to the terminal, while the other parking lots offer guests a free shuttle service to and from the terminal. If you plan to fly to Galveston, you will arrive at either Hobby Airport, HOU, or George Bush International Airport, IAH, you have to rent a car or take a cruise line shuttle. There is no public transportation to Galveston from the airports in Huston. Galveston Limousine offers service to Galveston cruise ship terminal for USD 30. Taxi fares are USD 100 from George Bush Intercontinental and USD 75 from Hobby Airport. Galveston cruise port is approx 40 mi / 70 km from Hobby Airport (~60 min drive distance) and approx 70 mi / 110 km from Houston Airport (~90 min drive distance).
Inorder to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departuretimes just follow the ship’s link. Regardless of where you choose to park, drivers should drop off passengers and luggage before heading to the parking lot to reduce difficulty when boarding your ship. Cruise Terminal 25 is the largest of the three terminals and is used by a variety of cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line. It is the main cruise terminal in Galveston and handles the majority of cruise traffic.
There are also a number of options for all ages so whether you have a toddler or a teenager, they will find a lot to do at Schlitterbahn Galveston. After the hurricane of 1900, the entire island was built up, with a protective barrier along the island facing the Gulf of Mexico. Today the main boulevard on the island runs along the Seawall, and hotels next to it offer unfettered views of the water. Once off the ship, you’ll make your way through the terminal and pick up any luggage you set outside your cabin. You’ll then go through customs and immigration to legally enter back into the United States.
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. The previous home of Royal Caribbean, it now hosts both Disney and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
If there is a certain lot that you want to park, it’s a good idea to reserve online ahead of time through the Port of Galveston to ensure that you get a space. Through a $125 million partnership between the port and Royal Caribbean, the state of the art terminal opened in late 2022 to much fanfare. On its own the terminal is open, airy, and beautifully designed. But compare Cruise Terminal 10 to the other two terminals in Galveston, and the difference is even more impressive. We suggest people don’t schedule a flight before noon if flying from Houston Hobby and 1 p.m. Cruise ships arrive early (around 6-7 a.m.), but it can take 2-3 hours for everyone to get off the ship.
It’s an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. There are a limited number of chairs for waiting guests prior to security screening. After check-in and security, there's a large waiting room as well as smaller lounge areas for VIP/elite passengers. The waiting area is spacious, and it has an ATM and vending machines. The Port of Galveston offers free Wi-Fi within each of the terminals.
MSC Cruises Confirms Galveston Home Port as Texas Continues Cruise Growth - The Maritime Executive
MSC Cruises Confirms Galveston Home Port as Texas Continues Cruise Growth.
Posted: Fri, 12 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Galveston also has several private parking garages near the terminal. In addition, several Galveston hotels offer Park and Cruise/Fly packages that allow you to leave your car for the duration of your cruise. 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. An Express Lot (2702 Harborside Dr.) is within walking distance of Terminal 25 and Terminal 28.
Housed in the historic Union Depot, the Galveston Railroad Museum showcases the island’s railroading history. Visitors can explore vintage train cars, locomotives, and interactive exhibits. Today, Galveston stands as a testament to resilience, blending its historic charm with modern attractions. With areas designed for various age groups, from toddlers to teens, Schlitterbahn ensures a day filled with family fun.
Add to that the fact that with the new dedicated Royal Caribbean terminal the cruise line placed its largest class of ships on the island. The Oasis-class vessels aren’t just larger (holding upwards of 6,000 passengers at double occupancy). They offer an experience that’s unrivaled in the amount of things you can see, do, and experience onboard. Whether you want to zipline across a cruise ship or just take a quiet stroll in a lush, green park, it’s possible on these ships. One of the best things about cruising from Galveston is that parking is easy, (relatively) cheap, and convenient.
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