Galveston Cruise Port: Getting There, Piers, and M...

Texas’s Galveston Cruise Port is a handy departure level for cruises crusing alongside the Gulf Coast and all through the Caribbean so far as the Bahamas.

Because the fourth busiest cruise port in North America, it serves extra than simply the locals of Houston. If you’re planning on becoming a member of the over 1.5 million cruise passengers who go by Port Galveston annually, this information will assist you to take pleasure in a stress-free embarkation day.

Galveston Cruise Port Location and Tackle

Galveston Cruise Port, also referred to as Port of Galveston, is located on Galveston Island alongside the Gulf Coast, roughly 51 miles south of downtown Houston.

The proximity to Houston signifies that it’s positioned inside a 300-mile radius of roughly 30 million individuals, so it’s no shock that it’s now the fourth-busiest cruise port in North America.

The port itself sits on the japanese finish of Galveston Island, simply off Harborside Drive. Its tackle is:

Port of Galveston
123 Rosenberg Avenue
Galveston, TX 77550

From downtown Houston, the port is a straight shot down I-45 South. Because the mainland is related to the island by the Galveston Causeway, which is taken into account a part of the I-45, there is no such thing as a must take a ferry. 

When you arrive on Galveston Island, clear signage guides you proper into the guts of the cruise terminals.

Galveston Cruise Port Piers and Terminals

The port spans roughly 840 acres and is operated by over 14,000 staff in direct and oblique roles. Whereas Port Galveston options industrial transport services, the cruise port is split into three principal cruise terminals: Terminal 25, Terminal 28, and the newly constructed Terminal 10. 

(Terminal 3, also referred to as Pier 21 Harbor House Marina, is used for docking smaller passenger ships and personal charters.)

For these touring by cruise ship, right here’s a fast breakdown of the three cruise terminals:

Terminal 25 (Beforehand Terminal 1)

Situated at 2502 Harborside Drive, Terminal 25, also referred to as the South Lot Cruise Terminal, is the most important of the three terminals. It may well accommodate as much as three massive or mid-size vessels at its three piers: Piers 23, 25, and 25.

It primarily serves Carnival Cruises, but in addition hosts choose ships from Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises. The terminal constructing itself underwent renovation within the years following Hurricane Ike. Consequently, it’s outfitted with snug seating areas, trendy restroom services, and affords free Wi-Fi to ready passengers.

There’s additionally a VIP lounge, which might be accessed by suite passengers. Though baggage storage providers should not obtainable, the terminal affords ATMs, merchandising machines, and a small comfort retailer.

Terminal 28 (Beforehand Terminal 2)

Terminal 28, also referred to as the North Lot Terminal, is located simply west of Terminal 25 at 2702 Harborside Drive. It options two cruise ship berths: one at Pier 27, and the opposite at Pier 28.

It has expanded baggage services, which might accommodate early pre-cruise check-ins. There are additionally two devoted ready areas for bigger teams. Some cruise traces additionally permit suite friends to realize entry to those unique non-public ready areas.

Facilities embrace lined outside ready areas, porters, and an enhanced shuttle providers hub, which is positioned simply exterior the terminal doorways. With accessible restroom services and the identical complimentary Wi-Fi discovered within the different terminals, it’s a handy departure level.

Terminal 10

Terminal 10 is the most recent addition, positioned at Pier 10, 1402 Harborside Drive. Internet hosting Royal Caribbean Ships, together with Oasis-class vessels, it has a large berthing space large enough to accommodate the world’s largest mega-ships, and is the world’s first net-zero terminal.

It’s a state-of-the-art facility, outfitted with trendy ready services, superior safety measures, and outfitted with energy-efficient infrastructure all through. 

Whereas it’s solely utilized by Royal Caribbean, there are plans for it to accommodate ships from MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Terminal 16 (Coming Quickly)

There are additionally plans to assemble a fourth devoted cruise terminal, which shall be generally known as Terminal 16. This $156 million project is slated to open in late 2025.

Cruise Strains That Use Galveston Cruise Port

The next cruise traces all supply departures from Galveston Cruise Port:

• Carnival Cruise Line (Terminal 25)
• Royal Caribbean (Terminal 10 and generally Terminal 28 through the busy season)
• Disney Cruise Line (Terminal 25)
• MSC Cruises (Terminal 28 with MSC Seascape utilizing it as a homeport from November 2025. There are additionally plans for MSC to make use of Terminal 10 sooner or later.)
• Princess Cruise Line (Terminal 25)
• Norwegian Cruise Line (Terminal 25 and Terminal 28, with plans to additionally sail from Terminal 10 sooner or later)

Whereas I’ve personally solely visited Galveston Cruise Port as soon as whereas touring on Royal Caribbean’s Concord of the Seas, the services at Terminal 1 (now Terminal 25) had been glorious. Your entire embarkation course of was clean and environment friendly.

I’m excited to guide with MSC Seascape as soon as it begins docking at Terminal 10 and check out the ship’s brand-new ROBOTRON, the one RoboCoaster on any cruise ship on this planet!

Parking at Galveston Cruise Port

The Port of Galveston has numerous on-site parking lots, every serving the port’s terminals.

For Terminals 25 and 28, you possibly can select the Categorical Lot, which has 680 areas. It’s uncovered and there’s no shuttle, so that you’ll must stroll to your terminal.

There’s additionally the six-level SMP Storage, which has 400 areas. For these hoping to economize, there are additionally two Financial system Tons (Lot A with 850 areas and Lot B with 1,250 areas). Each are additionally uncovered, however served by a free shuttle bus, which operates constantly from 7:00 am till 7:00 pm every day. 

Terminal 10 friends can park simply steps away within the lined North Premium Lot, which has automobile charging stations powered by photo voltaic. There’s additionally the North Lot with 550 uncovered areas and the South Lot with one other 660 areas and a free shuttle.

All tons are patrolled 24/7, supply ADA-accessible areas on a first-come foundation, and areas might be booked on-line by the port’s reservation platform. I like to recommend reserving forward of time, as cruise parking can refill through the busy season.

Touring from Close by Airports

Whereas its strategic location alongside the Gulf Coast is the first motive for Galveston Cruise Port’s thriving standing, one other issue contributing to its rising reputation is its accessibility to a number of main airports. If it’s important to fly into Texas on your cruise like I do, right here’s a fast breakdown of your choices:

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Situated about 70 miles northeast of the port, it’s going to take you roughly 60 to 80 minutes to succeed in Galveston Cruise Port from IAH. Uber and taxis are each available and price wherever from $60 to $100. Another choice is to lease a automobile and drive your self.

Right here’s how you can get to the port from George Bush Intercontinental Airport:

• Take the I-69 South for 4 miles till you see indicators for the I-45
• Take the exit for I-45 South and proceed for 58 miles
• The I-45 will take you throughout to Galveston Island by way of the Galveston Causeway
• Exit onto Harborside Dr and search for indicators pointing to the Port of Galveston

William P. Interest Airport (HOU)

Whereas it’s the smallest of the three principal choices, Houston Hobby Airport can also be the closest. Situated roughly 42 miles from the port terminals, it’s going to solely take about 50 minutes to reach by taxi, Uber, or rental car. Plus, a taxi will solely price about $50.

If you happen to plan on driving your self, right here’s how:

• Get on I-45 South from Airport Blvd and proceed for 3 miles
• Observe the I-45 for about 34 miles till you attain Broadway Avenue on Galveston Island by way of the Galveston Causeway
• Take Exit 1C to Harborside Dr and arrive at your vacation spot

Austin-Bergstrom Worldwide Airport (AUS)

Whereas it’s positioned 210 miles from the port in Austin, Texas, some worldwide and out-of-state vacationers will select to fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

With over 500 every day flights arriving from cities all through North America and Europe, many cruise passengers departing from Galveston will fly into Austin.

It is best to anticipate a 3-hour commute to the port, however in the event you do plan on driving from Austin, right here’s how to take action:

• Observe State Hwy 71 E to the I-10 East
• After 80 miles, merge onto the I-45 South, which can take you throughout to the island by way of the Galveston Causeway
• Proceed to Broadway Avenue in Galveston
• Take Exit 1C to Harborside Dr and arrive at your vacation spot

The right way to Get to Galveston Cruise Port

Attending to and from the Galveston Cruise Port is each handy and simple. Right here’s a fast breakdown of your choices:

Taxi and Rideshare Providers

I discovered taxis had been plentiful, with cabs lining Harborside Drive all through the day. With reasonably priced charges from just about wherever in Galveston, particularly from the lodges, it couldn’t be simpler to get to the port.

Each Uber and Lyft additionally function in Galveston and from the airports talked about above. Charges differ, however the port’s three principal cruise terminals have designated drop-off zones for taxis and rideshare automobiles, so it’s tremendous simple.

Shuttle Providers

Whereas it’s not a assure, a few of the lodges supply shuttle providers to and from the port. The off-site parking tons additionally supply the identical service, whereas some non-public providers, corresponding to Galveston & Houston Shuttle, present non-public group transportation at charges ranging from $50 to $90 per individual.

If you happen to’re flying into one of many surrounding airports, you can too look into taking a cruise port shuttle. For instance, Golden Adventures, LLC affords airport transfers from all three airports, together with Austin-Bergstrom Worldwide Airport.

With flat charges, whatever the variety of passengers, it may be a handy means for teams to get to the cruise port from any of the airports.

If you’re taking the non-public shuttle route, I extremely suggest reserving forward of time and permitting additional time to reach previous to embarkation.

Public Transportation

If you happen to’re hoping to avoid wasting a couple of dollars, the Island Transit Metro Bus runs between downtown Galveston and all three cruise port terminals. It’s solely $1 for one-way transit.

Personally, I’d go for a cab or Uber, particularly on embarkation day. They’re reasonably priced and may take you proper to the place it is advisable to be from wherever inside or exterior of Galveston. Belief me, the very last thing you need is to be late on your cruise.

With that stated, in case you have a while to kill in Galveston earlier than departure, check out the historic trolley route that takes you thru downtown and alongside the seawall.

Because the metropolis operates it, the payment for adults is barely $1 (youngsters are free), and taking the loop is an effective way to see town in a singular means. Simply ensure you have the correct amount of money readily available.

Eating Close to Galveston Cruise Port

Galveston Island is dwelling to an unlimited array of eating places and outside eateries, so I extremely suggest permitting your self a while to seize a chew earlier than or after your cruise. Listed below are just some of my high suggestions:

Brewchachos Tacos & Cantina Galveston

Situated lower than a mile from the port, Brewchachos Tacos & Cantina is an incredible spot to cease for contemporary tacos. This stylish cantina affords loads of outside eating, a various choice of genuine and unconventional tacos, and an unlimited drinks menu that includes over 40 native and worldwide craft beers.

With stay music each weekend and free trivia on the patio, it’s actually enjoyable and ended up being one of many highlights of my day in Galveston. Oh, ensure you attempt certainly one of their margaritas; they’re scrumptious!

Fish Tales

If you happen to’re prepared to journey just a little farther, Fish Tales is positioned 1.4 miles from the port alongside the Galveston Seawall. With a menu that’s filled with domestically caught seafood, in addition to pastas, steaks, and far more, it’s an excellent choice for indecisive teams that may’t resolve what they need to eat.

The beachfront balcony on the higher degree affords wonderful views of the Seawall, and the restaurant’s vigorous environment makes for a enjoyable and memorable eating expertise.

Plus, they’ve menu gadgets to go, so you possibly can munch on the seashore after you end your meal. Do your self a favor and get a few of their cookies to go!

Hubcap Restaurant and Grill

At simply 0.4 miles from the port, The Hubcap Grill is certainly one of your closest choices for a sit-down restaurant. If you happen to’re hungry, this basic Texas-style eatery is thought for enormous parts.

Their “Texas-sized” burgers steal the present, and with extra toppings than any burger restaurant I’ve ever been to, even simply looking the menu is enjoyable. Whereas it might appear to be a gimmicky restaurant, Hubcap Grill really got here in at quantity 5 of the highest 50 burgers in all of Texas, so you understand they’re bringing the products to the desk.

Procuring Close to Galveston Cruise Port

Whereas the terminals themselves lack the seller stalls and shops you generally see within the bigger Caribbean cruise ports, a fast stroll will take you to a couple prime buying locations.

The closest could be The Strand, which is a avenue that runs parallel to the cruise port terminals. Lower than a five-minute stroll from the port, this pedestrian-friendly avenue runs 5 blocks and is lined with outlets.

As certainly one of Galveston’s most historic areas, the outlets are additionally constructed into Victorian-era buildings, so it isn’t only a great spot to buy souvenirs; it’s an attractive vacationer attraction in itself.

Highlights alongside The Strand embrace Salt Water Soul, Admiralty on the Strand Home Goods, and Belle Lee’s Boutique. As a bonus, The Strand can also be dwelling to the Galveston Railroad Museum, the Grand 1894 Opera Home, and lots of different historic buildings.

On weekends, it could get crowded and is often lined with avenue performers, so it may be loads in the event you’re not within the temper to cope with the crowds.

If you happen to’re prepared to journey to the far aspect of the island, Seawall Boulevard is one other scenic buying district. This historic seawall runs for 10 miles alongside the seashore. House to a variety of historic hotels, loads of engaging eating places, and plenty of outlets, it’s an excellent place to go to in case you have the time.

Greatest Time to Go to Galveston

A part of the explanation Galveston Cruise Port is so common is that Southern Texas affords heat climate year-round. With that stated, summers might be fairly scorching and humid, so maintain that in thoughts in the event you plan any prolonged walks. Common daytime temperatures through the summer time months sit round 90°F.

The port and town itself are usually at their busiest through the interval that runs from November to April. Not solely is that this peak cruise season for the Gulf Coast and Western Caribbean, however temperatures additionally have a tendency to chill down, sitting between the excessive 70s°F and mid-60s°F, making it a extra nice time for non-cruise vacationers to discover town.

To get probably the most out of your go to, I extremely suggest planning your cruise round Galveston’s Mardi Gras parade, which takes place yearly between February 21 and March 4.

As a beach-lined vacationer vacation spot, each the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends are additionally huge celebrations, with public fireworks shows and avenue get together occasions. Site visitors close to the port is heavier throughout spring break and holidays, so plan accordingly.

Galveston Cruise Port: Getting There, Piers, and More

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