Galveston Cruise Ship Terminal Port Guide

Table Of Content

• Night Carnival Journeys - Exotic Eastern CaribDetails
• Cruise Line Transfer Shuttles
• Official Port of Galveston Parking
• RCI-Royal Caribbean unveils 2025-2026 Caribbean and Bahamas cruise itineraries
• Getting from Houston Airports to Port of Galveston
• Parking Near Galveston Cruise Port Port of Galveston, TX

This is a long-term (20-year initial) lease deal that could be extended (via 4 consecutive 10-year options) up to 60-year exclusive terminal concession rights. On November 30, 2016, the port completed a USD 13 million project that expanded the passenger area at "Cruise Terminal 2". Terminal's both buildings are now connected by an enclosed, air-conditioned walkway. The passenger area was increased from around 90,000 to 150,000 ft2 (8360 to m2). Seating was increased from 500 to 2000 seats, baggage holding-, customs- and waiting areas were expanded, and 16 more check-in booths were installed.

Night Carnival Journeys - Exotic Eastern CaribDetails

With the addition of a new terminal that is home to Royal Caribbean, there are now three cruise terminals on the island. Port Galveston cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Galveston, Texas. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Cruise Line Transfer Shuttles

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. We have all the details on the major modes of transportation on our port transportation page. Below we hit the highlights of the major ways to get to the ships. It was also announced that the port and MSC are negotiating an agreement related to the Pier 16 Terminal. RCI Galveston Terminal was initially scheduled for completion/inauguration on September 1, 2022, but was officially opened on November 9th.

Official Port of Galveston Parking

It is the main cruise terminal in Galveston and handles the majority of cruise traffic. The terminal is equipped with a variety of amenities, including check-in desks, baggage handling, and security screening. It also has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a number of bars and lounges. Terminal 25 is located at 2502 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550. In this case you can park at an independent lot, which can then shuttle you to the cruise port. However, the most convenient option will be parking at the on-site lots at the terminal that are operated by the Port of Galveston.

Read on for our breakdown of the Port of Galveston, including address information, cruise line terminals, directions, services and more. The Port of Galveston is located on the island of Galveston on Galveston Bay and has three terminals dedicated to cruise ships. The island's Seawall, which is where the beaches are, is on the opposite end of the island. The Port of Galveston is also conveniently located as it's in close proximity to the charming Strand Historic District. If you can find a decent rate, it’s possible to rent the car for the entire length of your cruise and just pay to park during your trip (parking costs around $100 per week). For most people, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft makes the most sense on getting to Galveston.

Most hotels in Galveston are along the Seawall, about seven minutes from the port, offering affordable stays with beautiful views of the ocean. However, there are some hotels closer to the port that can provide a unique pre-cruise experience. Most of the people boarding cruises at the Port of Galveston drive themselves there, as Galveston is only a short drive from many of Texas’ major cities.

MSC Cruises' $142 million terminal planned for Galveston - Chron

MSC Cruises' $142 million terminal planned for Galveston.

Posted: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Turn right onto Harborside Drive, then continue to Kempner (22nd Street) - some 20 city blocks. Turn right onto Kempner (22nd Street) and follow the signs to the terminal (Pier 25 or 27). Terminal 3 has an area dedicated to Suite-booked passengers, accessed via an exclusive entrance. The waiting hall is fitted with comfortable sofas, restrooms, vending machines. Works on Pier 10's Terminal 3 officially started on August 14, 2021.

Getting from Houston Airports to Port of Galveston

For instance, we recently sailed from Galveston and foggy weather made us arrive late (9 a.m.) to the port. Then it took another hour before people started to get off the ship. Many people instead choose to carry all their luggage with them as they get off the ship. The advantage is that those carrying all their bags are allowed to debark first.

Compared to airports, checking-in and security on a cruise ship is a dream. For cruisers flying in, shuttles pick up and drop off at both airports. Cruise Terminal 28 (Formerly Terminal 2)Cruise Terminal 28 was the home to Royal Caribbean ships before they moved to the new terminal. If you’re walking to the terminal, it’s a bit farther than Terminal 25, but if you are taking a shuttle, they will drop you off right at the entrance. While ports in Florida may as well be cities they are so large, Galveston in comparison is much smaller and easier to navigate.

You will also be asked to provide a credit card for the settlement of your account during or at the end of your cruise. Place your hand luggage on the conveyor belt for scanning and then walk through a security scanner/checkpoint. After that, you may have to wait in the lounge area until boarding begins.

The official Port of Galveston parking lots offer both covered and uncovered options, giving you flexibility based on your preferences and budget. Covered parking provides protection from the elements, ensuring that your vehicle stays safe from any unexpected weather conditions during your trip. One of the best things about cruising from Galveston is that parking is easy, (relatively) cheap, and convenient. The area around the port offers ample parking, with official Port of Galveston parking lots competing alongside independent lots. Cruise Terminal 25 (Formerly Terminal 1)Cruise Terminal 25 is the eastern terminal when facing the port. It’s right across the street from a number of parking options, making it extremely convenient to get to and from the ship on cruise day.

Galveston port wins award for terminal project - American Journal of Transportation

Galveston port wins award for terminal project.

Posted: Mon, 15 Apr 2024 16:39:00 GMT [source]

They also allow cruisers the chance to relax before or after their cruise and enjoy sightseeing on Galveston Island. The closest airports to Galveston cruise port are both in Houston, TX. They are the Bush-Intercontinental (IAH) Airport, 75 miles north of Galveston Island, and William P. Hobby (HOU) Airport, 41 miles northwest of the cruise port. Galveston cruise port is the fourth busiest in the USA after Miami, Port Canaveral and Port Everglades, Florida. It is well positioned for cruises with an estimated 30 million people living within a 300-mile radius.

These include comfortable waiting areas, efficient check-in counters, and various retail and dining options. Before boarding, passengers can explore the terminal areas, which often host local entertainment and showcase regional art, providing a taste of Texan hospitality and culture. When you're planning a Princess Cruise out of Galveston, one important aspect to consider is cruise parking. Luckily, the Port of Galveston offers official cruise parking lots that are convenient and secure. When it’s time to pick up people at the end of the cruise, you follow the same route for picking up.

Sprinkle in a few museums, amusement parks, attractive beaches and tasty seafood restaurants, and you’ve got a great start to your cruise from Galveston. 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. The port's cruise parking rate is US$11.25 per day (subject to change). Payment options are cash, VISA / MasterCard or to pay in advance on the port's website.