Galveston Cruise Port Terminal Parking, Shuttles, Maps 2024

Table Of Content

• First look at Royal Caribbean's new Galveston cruise terminal that opens today
• Galveston Cruise Parking (Where to Park): Prices, Profiles, & Map
• Galveston Cruise Port – Terminal Information
• How to get from the airport to the Port of Galveston
• Galveston Cruise Terminal 10 Sailing Guide (Location, Parking, Photos, & More)

The port’s official parking lots accept all major credit cards (including American Express) but do not accept cash. Then there is also a covered parking garage across the street from Harborside and a short walk to both terminals. The garage charges lots are priced at $200 for a 7-day cruise and $144 for a 5-day cruise. A port rich in heritage and history, the Galveston cruise terminal boasts a variety of sights, venues, and activities. The facility is designed to accommodate the largest cruise ships in Texas while also offering a variety of benefits for all cruisers. Other cruise parking options include private companies which have off-site parking with complimentary cruise shuttle service.

First look at Royal Caribbean's new Galveston cruise terminal that opens today

The advantage is that those carrying all their bags are allowed to debark first. Unfortunately, so many people choose this option that it can cause long lines and still take considerable time to exit. Galveston Island sits as a barrier island just off of Texas, attached to the mainland by Interstate 45. If you’re coming from the Houston area, you’ll approach over a short causeway that will bring you just a few miles from the port. Those coming from the east normally take the free ferry between Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. The new terminal will be opened in just eight months by the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ship, Allure of the Seas, from its new island home.

Galveston Cruise Parking (Where to Park): Prices, Profiles, & Map

Galveston, MSC and Norwegian negotiating fourth cruise terminal - Cruise and Ferry

Galveston, MSC and Norwegian negotiating fourth cruise terminal.

Posted: Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Allure of the Seas will begin sailing from Galveston in November 2022, and she will be the first Oasis Class cruise ship to ever sail from the port. We always recommend arriving at the cruise port the day before your cruise begins. Unexpected delays and airline cancellations are all too common, so planning to arrive a day ahead of time gives you more wiggle room in case of any mishaps. It can’t hurt to check pricing and availability, though, especially if you’re traveling with a large family and would prefer having a private vehicle. It can also be a nice option if you plan to explore more of the Galveston or Houston areas before or after your cruise. Because the prices of taxis are higher, we recommend using a rideshare service first.

Galveston Cruise Port – Terminal Information

In December 2018, Royal Caribbean signed an agreement with Port of Galveston to build a third cruise terminal on Galveston Island. This will enable them to accommodate many more passengers and cruise ships, which will also bring the port more revenue. The first thing that you should know — especially if you’ve sailed from Galveston before — is that the terminal is not located right next to the older cruise terminals. So if you’ve sailed on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the old terminal, you’ll need to go to a different spot. 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. Neighboring Terminal 25, Terminal 28 was formerly Terminal 2.

How to get from the airport to the Port of Galveston

It is among the closet independent lots to the port (Terminals 25/28), located just across Harborside Drive. Most parking is outdoors, but there is also indoor parking for an additional fee. Prices runs $160 for a 7-day cruise with shuttle, after taxes/fees. Five-day cruises see prices of $114 with taxes if you take the shuttle or $98 with no shuttle.

Hotels Near the Port of Galveston

The most convenient way to reach the Port of Galveston from a Houston airport is through a rideshare service like Lyft. In addition to the brand-new Royal Caribbean terminal, there are two additional existing cruise terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) on Harborside Drive. It’s not necessary to rent a car unless you have vacation plans beyond your cruise. While I took a ride share, there are also shuttles that can take you directly to the port. 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.

Check-in

If you are flying into the Houston area, the nearest airports are either Hobby or George Bush. Houston’s Hobby Airport is about minutes away, while Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport is about an hour and a half away from the Galveston cruise terminal. If you’re planning to take a cruise and are looking for official Galveston cruise parking, this is the perfect place to reserve your space. With us, you’ll travel with the comfort of knowing that your vehicle is safe while on the terminal’s premises. 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.

Galveston Cruise Terminal 10 Sailing Guide (Location, Parking, Photos, & More)

Arrangements should be made with your cruise line in advance if you require wheelchair assistance to board the ship. The Amtrak bus can also only be booked with a train ticket. Service departs from the Houston station and the drop-off point in Galveston is the Moody Railroad Museum (25th and Strand). However, some sailings with Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream use Terminal 2. First there is the area right in front of the terminal entrance. This spot has numbered stations that should help you identify where you will be picked up.

More and more cruisers are looking at Galveston for their next cruise embarkation port, but understanding the ins and outs of this port can be a bit tricky. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about planning a cruise from Galveston, from booking flights and hotels to arriving at the port. Located near the Galveston Ship Channel, Seawolf Park Beach provides scenic views of passing ships and access to fishing piers.

With so much to offer, cruisers should definitely consider the benefits of sailing out of Galveston cruise terminal on their next voyage. The Galveston Cruise Terminals are a popular departure point for cruises, and there are many reasons why. It’s easy to reach from major cities including Houston, Austin and Dallas as well as most southern states.

Cruise ShuttlesGiven the distance between Houston and Galveston, an industry of shuttles have popped up that provide rides from the airport to the cruise port. Typically these shuttles offer shared rides at affordable rates and leave at set times from both locations. There are also private car options available that can give you a ride for a bit more money, but offer direct service and can even make any stops you’d like. In addition, the parking lot offers a free shuttle that picks up and drops off at the cruise terminals every 15 minutes.

Galveston's cruise industry has returned stronger than ever after the pandemic - Houston Chronicle

Galveston's cruise industry has returned stronger than ever after the pandemic.

Posted: Sun, 16 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The port will convert an existing cargo warehouse into the 165,000-square-foot cruise terminal. Built specifically to cater to tourists and cruise passengers visiting Galveston, the Window on the Waterfront has a collection of attractions close to the cruise port. Be sure to keep in mind that not every cruise company allows early check-in, so pay attention to the details of your trip. If you’re traveling via Carnival, they use a staggered check-in method and will give you a specific 30-minute window for checking in and boarding the ship. Galveston cruise terminal is at the east end of the 27-mile long barrier island which is connected to the mainland via the I-45 and the San Luis Pass toll bridge.

Click here to see our list of Galveston hotels with cruise parking. When it’s time to pick up people at the end of the cruise, you follow the same route for picking up. One thing to know is that it can get busy on cruise day, with lots of pedestrians. If you want to avoid this, you can plan to drop off a couple of blocks from the port.

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. Yes, with so much competition, there are a number of lots that have coupons that give you further discounts.

With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a valuable way to spend time before embarking on your cruise. Galveston is also home to the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, a 19th century ship that was designated a historical landmark in 1990. Elissa is featured as a part of the Galveston Historic Seaport, which is a three-minute drive from the cruise port. Service departs from the Houston Station and the drop-off in Galveston is the Moody Railroad Museum (on 25th and Strand). This would then require booking a taxi or rideshare service to get to the port. Both airports host rideshares and taxis that can take you to the Port of Galveston.

If wheelchairs are required for the duration of the sailing, passengers are responsible for providing their own or contacting their cruise line to inquire about rentals. Port of Galveston has parking available at all terminals with each facility marked with blue banners reading "Port of Galveston Cruise Parking." The Elissa is a 141-foot long sailing ship built in 1877 and now docked at Pier 21 as a maritime museum attraction. You can tour her decks and imagine life as a sailor in the 19th century. You should know that Lyft is allowed to pick up at the terminal, but Uber is not.