Galveston Texas cruise port schedule

Table Of Content

• Port of Galveston to construct 4th cruise terminal for MSC
• Wheelchair and Accessibility at Port of Galveston
• MSC Seascape ship to be homeported in Galveston Texas starting Nov 2025
• MSC to Construct New Hospital Ship for People in Africa
• CCL christens its newest cruise ship Carnival Jubilee at Port Galveston Texas

On December 9, 2018, Port Galveston welcomed its 10 millionth cruise tourist since 2000, when its cruising operations started. The lucky man was Yingtao Liu, who arrived from Norman Oklahoma together with his parents, wife and 3 kids. Upon checking before boarding Carnival Vista, the family (all first-time cruisers) was greeted by Rodger Rees (port's CEO) and Pavol Drimaj (ship's Hotel Director). All family members received gifts, including a 3-night hotel package for Island Bay Resort, a basket with gourmet treats, a CVB-logoed gift bag and a Carnival-logoed beach bag with travel essentials. The cruise company also extended the family's standard onboard amenities with VIP services. The Port of Galveston is the nation's largest cruise and cargo port, with an area of 840 acres.

Port of Galveston to construct 4th cruise terminal for MSC

In 2022, the Port's cruise business supported 3500 jobs, and generated US$568M in local business revenue plus US$73,5M in purchases by cruise tourists (passengers and crew). In 2018, the Port's cruise shipping grew by 13%, resulting in USD 1,5 billion in direct expenditures and supported Texas jobs (with total wages USD 1,75 billion). Galveston is Texas State's only homeport and was accounted for 6,3% of the USA's cruise industry overall spending, 6,2% of the industry's total employment impact, 7,6% of its income impact. In 2018, the port's passenger+crew arrivals were ~1,4 million (estimated USD 115M in ashore spending/goods and services). The deal also included building a new/shared cruise terminal with capacity to handle a vessel similarly sized or bigger than Disney's Magic-Wonder boats.

Wheelchair and Accessibility at Port of Galveston

MSC will add Galveston cruises in 2025, expanding US footprint - USA TODAY

MSC will add Galveston cruises in 2025, expanding US footprint.

Posted: Thu, 11 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.

MSC Seascape ship to be homeported in Galveston Texas starting Nov 2025

Galveston Cruise Terminals 1 and 2 are located on Harborside Drive. If you are driving to Galveston cruise port from the north, take I-10 east from Houston to Baytown. Continue 4.7 miles to Kempner/22nd St and follow signs into the cruise port.

Checking in for your cruise is much easier than checking in at an airport. 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 Port covers 840 acres with an enviable infrastructure serving commercial, cargo and cruise terminals.

MSC to Construct New Hospital Ship for People in Africa

On December 4, 2019, Port Galveston welcomed its 1-millionth cruiser - Mark Martin (from Mission Viejo CA). He and his wife (Laurie Steele) were booked on Enchantment Of The Seas for a 5-day Western Caribbean itinerary to Mexico (Costa Maya, Cozumel). There are a limited number of chairs for waiting guests prior to security screening.

(NEW) MSC Cruise Terminal (Galveston Pier

Cruise ship vacation-related spending in Texas is accounted for 6,3% of the industry's direct expenditures, and 5,6% of the industry's nationwide overall spending. The driving distance between Galveston and Houston is approx 50 mi (80 km), or ~1-hour drive southeast. Cruisers departing from Port of Galveston can fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport or Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport.

A national historic landmark, The Strand includes buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, peppered with eateries, bars and shops. Port of Galveston has parking available at all terminals with each facility marked with blue banners reading "Port of Galveston Cruise Parking." If you're coming from either airport with a taxi or rideshare, you'll want to assess your arrival and departure options ahead of time, as the most economical options require advance planning. Most people taking cruises out of Galveston live within driving distance. Once you have identified and collected your luggage, you will need to produce your passport at immigration to re-enter the USA.

(NEW) "Pier 10" Royal Caribbean Terminal 3

It is in a secure covered parking lot a short walk from the ship. If you are driving from the east, take SR87 west to Galveston Island. Hop on the free Port Bolivar Ferry (allow for waiting times and possible delays). Exit onto Hwy 87, turn right into Harborside Drive and follow the signs into the cruise port.

To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. Taxis from George Bush Intercontinental Airport or from Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport are readily available. However, taxi service from the cruise terminals is less frequent and it is recommended to book ahead when planning disembarkation. The port recommends that drivers drop off passengers and luggage first before heading to the parking lot. The North Lot (1152 Royal Caribbean Way) is onsite and within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Travelers arriving by car should allow at least 90 minutes to get to the cruise terminal from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

If you want a hotel close to the beach on Galveston Island, here are more ideas – 15 Galveston Hotels on Seawall Blvd for Cruise Passengers. Once the staff have processed your information, they will take your photo and issue you with a stateroom pass. This not only acts as your room key, it is also your means of paying for everything while onboard. Gift shopping, drinks (and tips), specialty dining and tours can all be charged to your stateroom. Your daily recommended tips will also be charged to your account. The project created ~400 construction jobs and ~400 permanent jobs.

The expansion also included longer docking pier with extra bollards (short, vertical posts used for mooring). The expanded Terminal 2 now has capacity to handle up to 5,000 passengers at a time. In 2017 were handled a total of 258 ship calls and ~1,9 million passengers. In 2017, the port reported a record monthly cruise shipping volume (113,488 embarking passengers) on a total of 33 departures in December. Major contributors to the Port's current successful cruise business are Carnival Corporation and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group.

In 2023, the cruise port recorded 362 booked berthings (354 ship calls received) and ~42% increase in passengers (~2,98 million) over 2022. When completed, the newest/4th MSC Cruise Terminal is expected to generate an additional 925 jobs, ~US$177M in revenues, ~US$21M in local purchases. In 2016, it generated US$58,4M in local passenger spending, plus US$19,1M in port-provided services.

Don’t worry if it hasn’t arrived as you sail away; staff have to transport thousands of suitcases around the ship and it may take time. However, it will certainly be delivered well before you need to dress for dinner. There are several other cruise parking companies that operate off-site and include free shuttle transport between the port and the parking area.