galveston cruise ships leaving today

Galveston cruise port

Bahamas - caribbean - bermuda.

• Coordinates 29.316, -94.779
• LOCODE USGLS
• Local Time 2024-05-18 20:20

Galveston cruise ship schedule

• Temperature

• Track A Ship
• View Ship Traffic In A Port
• World Map Of Port Locations

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

• Guest Register If you are reading this it means you have not yet registered. Please take a second to REGISTER (it's FREE). You will then be able to enjoy all the features of Cruising Earth .
• Ship Tracking
• Port Traffic
• United States Cruise Region

Port of Galveston, Texas Live Ship Traffic / Marine Traffic - Cruising Earth

Port of galveston, texas live ship / marine traffic.

View Live Ship Traffic In The Port of Galveston, Texas

Live ship traffic in the Port of Galveston, Texas is now centered in the port tracker below.

View Another Port

If you know another port you want to see ship traffic in, enter the port city, state, country, or cruise region below. Then select the port from the available search results.

Track Cruise Ships , Cruise Ferries , Research Ships , Military Ships and Famous Ships right here live on Cruising Earth !

• Cruise / Passenger
• Military / Special
• Navigation Aids

Ships That Homeport In The Port of Galveston, Texas

• Carnival Breeze | Carnival Cruise Lines
• Carnival Dream | Carnival Cruise Lines
• Carnival Jubilee | Carnival Cruise Lines
• Carnival Vista | Carnival Cruise Lines
• CGC Alligator | United States Coast Guard
• CGC Coho | United States Coast Guard
• CGC Daniel Tarr | United States Coast Guard
• CGC Diamondback | United States Coast Guard
• CGC Edgar Culbertson | United States Coast Guard
• CGC Harold Miller | United States Coast Guard
• CGC Reef Shark | United States Coast Guard
• CGC Sea Dog | United States Coast Guard
• CGC Sea Fox | United States Coast Guard
• CGC Sturgeon | United States Coast Guard
• CGC Tiger Shark | United States Coast Guard
• Deimos | SpaceX
• Harmony of the Seas | Royal Caribbean International
• Phobos | SpaceX
• Regal Princess | Princess Cruises
• Voyager of the Seas | Royal Caribbean International

Get the latest current and forecast weather information that may affect your cruise vacation travel plans.

It looks like you may be utilizing ad blocking software or another ad filtering technology while visiting Cruising Earth. Certain areas of this site may not work properly because of this, particularly live updates of ship trackers and webcams.

We work hard to strike a balance between content and ads and as a free site we greatly appreciate your support in permitting ads to render. Ads help us cover our server and maintenance costs, which helps us continue to keep this site free to use. You also don't want to miss out on any specials or discounts posted from the Cruise & Travel Industry! For the best site experience please disable your ad blockers for cruisingearth.com, then click the button below. Thank you.

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Cruises from Galveston

An island full of art, architecture, and boutiques.

Princess® returns to Galveston, sailing once again from this city tucked within a quaint Gulf Coast barrier island. Explore the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and grab some local cuisine, or visit Moody Gardens with attractions and entertainment ranging from a world-class aquarium and a living rainforest to the Discovery Museum and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, before you embark on a cruise to exciting destinations in the Western Caribbean and Mexico such as Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roatan.

Caribbean cruises

On a cruise from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, explore the beauty of unspoiled coral reefs and underwater caves as well as visit the ancient Mayan ruins throughout the region. One moment you can be walking among the vast ruins of this mighty civilization and the next delving into the culture of the Yucatán Peninsula or simply unwinding on beaches that offer some of the best snorkeling in the world.

What to Know About Cruises from Galveston

Known for its history, beaches and outdoor adventures, Galveston is truly a gem in Texas. Here’s everything you need to know about your cruise from Galveston. 

Galveston at a glance

• Language:  English
• Currency:  U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone:  Central Time (CT)
• Docking:  Your cruise from Galveston docks at the Port of Galveston located in the city’s historic downtown district.
• Attire:  Galveston’s temperatures throughout the year typically range from 48 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it’s never too hot or too cold to spend the day at the beach.
• Transportation:  You can get around the island by Uber, Lyft, shuttle, limousine, or rental car. There are also unique transportation options such as surreys along the beachfront and horse-drawn carriages in the historic downtown district.

Things to do in Galveston

Before getting on a cruise from Galveston, start your vacation with a visit to the city’s museums, historic neighborhoods, and cultural icons. Take a walk along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, home to family-friendly rides, games, and other attractions. Then relax on one of Galveston’s many iconic beaches and enjoy the 32-miles of coastline. Whether you are traveling with family, a group of friends or your significant other, this laid-back island has something for everyone.

Cruise Ship Sailing from Galveston

Join our Princess fleet to sail on some of the best cruises from Galveston. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Learn more about: Regal Princess®

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

You May Also Like

Medallionclass® on all ships.

Next-level technology. More time for you. Your vacation – simplified, personalized.

New To Cruising

First time cruising? Have questions? We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing.

Food & Dining

Award-winning and made from scratch

Important note: for the migration of FleetMon products into MarineTraffic platform, we are discontinuing all account logins here by 25.02.2024 . Please ensure, that you have saved or migrated all data from FleetMon platform and that your MarineTraffic account is ready for your future use.

If you are interested in general access please check here and for Global AIS data & intelligence to power your projects please go here .

Weather 24 hours forecast

The Port of Galveston is a large port in United States. See the live map of ship positions in Galveston , schedules for vessels arriving, a port call history, the list of ships currently in port, a company register and the local weather forecast. The LOCODE of Galveston is USGLS .

Areas and Terminals in Galveston

To see all terminals and areas in this port, please sign in.

• Vessels in Port
• Planned Arrivals
• Port Call History
• Companies in Port

Deadweight:

• Download Sample Datasheet File

Sign In to access the Port Call History

The Port Calls Log shows a list of ships that have been detected by AIS and other sources. All ships are listed with actual time of arrival and actual time of departure. The list reaches back several months and can be easily searched by date, type of ship and name of the vessel.

• Pricing & Plans
• Vessel Database
• Chartering Position List
• Vessel Photos
• Vessel Fleets
• Port Database
• Port Coverage
• Business Register
• Live Tracking

Tracking & Monitoring

• Fleet Management
• Event Alerting
• CO2 Emission
• Vessel Schedules
• Port Calls Log
• Vessel Events
• SAP Freigth Monitor
• FleetMon Explorer
• Zone Monitoring
• GPS Satellite Trackers
• Historical Tracks
• Route & ETA by FleetMon

API & Developers

• FleetMon API

Business Intelligence

• Maritime News

Be Part of FleetMon

• Community Dashboard
• AIS Partner

Help & Support

More fleetmon.

• Research & Development
• Press & Media
• Jobs & Careers

Share Port Galveston

Vessels see all 0 vessels, top visited vessels.

Dear valued user,

As you are aware of our migration project of FleetMon into MarineTraffic, we have almost finalized all necessary steps. The discontinuation of all FleetMon product offerings is imminent.

Therefore, we are terminating our product offering here and a login is no more possible.

If you have not yet accepted our offering for an assisted migration and you need help to set up your account on MarineTraffic, please reach out to us:

• either via this request form
• or by email

If you need any last-minute transfer of your MyFleet or MyAreas please contact us, and we will assist you in a smooth transfer and minimise any disruptions for you.

We are excited to inform you about the merger between FleetMon and MarineTraffic, which will give you more services and tools in your online account. To make sure you have a seamless and effortless transition, our FleetMon Support Team will be taking care of the process for you.

We will create a new MarineTraffic account using the information from your FleetMon account. This includes your username, name, email address, address, telephone and mobile number, as well as your company name and affiliation (if applicable). After you log in to your new MarineTraffic account, we kindly ask you to reset your password for added security. Of course, you will continue to be able to use your FleetMon account for the time being (we will let you know the next steps about this at a later date).

Rest assured, all your subscriptions, whether monthly or yearly, will be matched accordingly. Your My Fleets and Tags, along with your Credit Points, will also be transferred to your new MarineTraffic account. Additionally, we will assist you in smoothly transferring your My Zones.

With your new MarineTraffic account, you will have access to all its features and services during the remaining duration of your FleetMon subscription. If your contract with FleetMon has already expired, there's no need to worry. We are offering a free trial period of two months, allowing you to experience and explore all the fantastic features MarineTraffic has to offer before deciding on a suitable subscription plan. If you encounter any issues or have any questions, contact our support team directly. They will be more than happy to assist you with your new MarineTraffic account.

We would also like to express our appreciation to the photo community for the incredible photos you have contributed over the past few years. Your contributions are invaluable, and we want to ensure that your efforts are preserved. Therefore, we kindly ask you not to transfer the photos manually. Rest assured, we are actively working on a technical solution that will automatically match and include your uploaded photos in your new MarineTraffic account.

We understand that this merger may bring some changes to the online services you are accustomed to. However, we are confident that once you start using your new MarineTraffic account, you will be delighted with the enhanced services and capabilities it provides, making it a seamless continuation of your previous experience.

For additional information, we recommend reviewing the Terms of Service , User Agreement and Photo Copyrights provided by MarineTraffic to familiarize yourself with the details of the new services.

Your browser is out of date!

It is great that you want to track the seven seas! Unfortunatly your browser is out of date. To view our website correctly you need an up to date browser. It is a security risk for you to use an old browser by the way. Update your Browser now

Galveston, Texas

Galveston Cruise Ship Schedule

This website uses cookies to enhance user experience on our website. More Details Accept

Navigation Options

• Arts & Culture
• History & Heritage
• Outdoor Activities
• Getting Around
• Restaurants
• Breweries & Distilleries
• Hotels & Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Campgrounds & RV Parks
• Annual Events
• Upcoming Events
• Community Events
• Submit An Event
• Cruise Lines
• Parking Lots
• Cruise-Friendly Lodging
• Itineraries
• Airport Transportation
• Visitor Guide Request
• Getting Here & Transportation
• Maps & Neighborhoods
• Newsletter Signup
• Visitor Information Center
• Special Offers
• Galveston Island Pass
• Babe's Beach Webcam
• Seawall Beach Webcam
• Stewart Beach Webcam
• East Beach Webcam
• Downtown Galveston Webcam
• Galveston Harbor Webcam
• North Galveston Webcam
• South Galveston Webcam
• Pyramid Webcam
• Penguin Webcam
• Aquarium Webcam
• Rainforest Webcam
• Meetings & Groups

Cruise Lines From Galveston, TX

The following cruise lines offer departures from the Port of Galveston.

Just offshore from Galveston, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea becomes your playground. Visit exotic, sun-soaked destinations such as Mexico, Belize, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, the Bahamas, and the Honduran island of Roatan.

• Royal Caribbean

MSC Cruises

Cruising from galveston.

The following cruise lines offer departures from the Port of Galveston:

• Carnival Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean International

Disney cruise line.

• Princess Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Lines

CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL PORT OF GALVESTON CRUISE CALENDAR

Carnival Cruise Line

Set sail from a historic jewel along the Gulf of Mexico on Carnival cruises out of Galveston, Texas. Carnival Cruise Line is “The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line©” with several ships operating voyages to the Caribbean and beyond!

Sails To: Western Caribbean Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 2 - 5 Days

Image courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Sails To: Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, Panama Canal Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 6 - 9 Days, 10+ Days

Sails To: Western Caribbean, Transatlantic to Galveston (One-Way) Sails From: Galveston, TX; London (Southampton), England Duration: 6 - 9 Days, 10+ Days

Sails To: Western Caribbean Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 4 - 8 Days

Sails To: Western Caribbean Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 4 - 13 Days

Come ready and raring for Texas-sized Gulf Coast adventure with cruises to Mexico and the Western Caribbean with a Royal Caribbean cruise from Galveston Island.

Sails To: Western Caribbean, Mexico Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 6 - 8 Days Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Sails To: Western Caribbean Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 9 - 10 Days

Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Sails To: Western Caribbean, Mexico Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 4 - 7 Days

Sails To: Western Caribbean, Mexico Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 4 - 6 Days

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the biggest, boldest adventure has arrived in Galveston. Royal Caribbean International’s new $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, opened its doors and welcomed the Lone Star State’s largest cruise ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is back to commence cruises from Galveston, Texas! NCL Cruises in Galveston will travel to beautiful ports such as Costa Maya, Roatán, Cozumel and more!

Sails To: Western Caribbean Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 7 Days

Sails To: Western Caribbean & Beyond Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 7 & 14 Days

Sails To: Western Caribbean & Beyond Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 7 Days

Princess Cruises

Discover a world of relaxation and exhilaration as you sail toward new adventures on a stylish retreat with Princess Cruises.

Sails To: Western Caribbean Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 5 - 16 Days

Disney Cruises bring every child’s imagination to life and provide an opportunity for the entire family to reconnect and unplug from the chaos of everyday life. Highlights include kids’ pools, Broadway-caliber musicals, a Marvel Superhero Academy, and a range of eating options.

Sails To: Western Caribbean Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 4 - 7 Days

Texas-sized discoveries await. Starting November 2025, MSC Cruises will call Galveston home when MSC Seascape begins year-round sailings to the Western Caribbean. Get ready to discover new horizons on one of our newest ships as you enjoy award-winning entertainment, world-class dining, and thrilling experiences like Robotron, the only robocoaster at sea.

Sails To: Caribbean & Bahamas Sails From: Galveston, TX Duration: 7 Nights

Visitor Guide

Request your Official Galveston Visitor's Guide Today

Subscribe to our newsletter

Please take a minute to subscribe and we will keep you posted on all the exciting news and events taking place in our area!

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Required Travel Documents
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

• Cruise From

Galveston, TX

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Miracle

* Coming Soon

Set sail from a historic jewel in the Gulf of Mexico on Carnival cruises out of Galveston, Texas. Perched on the Gulf Coast, Galveston was a major commercial port in the late 1800s and has the restored architecture and proud history to show for it. Galveston’s long seawall stretches from beach to beach and offers gulf views the whole way. 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.

• Shop for antiques in the historic Strand District, near where Carnival cruises from Galveston dock.
• Hear the sounds of a Central American rainforest at the gardens.
• Treat yourself to spa day at a historical hotel.
• Bike the length of the mural-adorned Seawall.

See it all from Galveston.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Location of Cruise Ships

Where are the cruise ships now.

The following list is showing the scheduled location of all cruise ships. Please click on the ship name to see the current ships position in a map and additional information.

Sign up for the best deals!

Sign up and we'll send you the best deals to your inbox - 100% FREE.

Latest price updates

11 Reason To Sail on Cruises From Galveston

I n no uncertain terms, a cruise port makes all the difference regarding your entire vacation. After all, the location of your departure sets the tone for your trip moving forward, determining which destinations you’ll reach once you’re on the high seas.

While specific destinations like Miami or Canaveral boast unique strengths, something might also be said for the Port of Galveston, Texas. A smaller port overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston may not be the largest or busiest destination from which to depart. Yet, there are plenty of amicable reasons to look into this idyllic Texan island for your next cruise-going experience.

1. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Offer Cruises From Galveston

Looking at it plainly, Galveston has three cruise terminals making up its port. In contrast, far larger alternatives, like the Port of Miami, have eleven terminals. Because of this, Galveston unfortunately cannot house many of the industry’s prestigious cruise lines. However, the port’s terminals support several large-scale cruise corporations, with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, MSC, and Disney Cruises departing from Galveston regularly.

2. The Nearby Cruise Destinations Are Well Worth It

Admittedly, inevitable drawbacks are attached to cruises from Galveston. Considering how much farther west it is than ports in Florida or along the East Coast, most cruise lines out of Galveston cannot travel to their company’s private islands as many are in the Eastern Caribbean. However, Galveston’s location along the Gulf of Mexico has its distinct perks, including ready access to the Western Caribbean and parts of South and Central America. Though some guests might regret losing a chance at CocoCay, it’s hard to be upset when trekking along the shores of Mexico, Honduras, or Belize.

3. It’s Easier To Navigate Than Larger Ports

There’s no simple answer when it comes to determining the total cost of cruises from Galveston over any other port in the U.S. Like most ports, the final cost of the cruise depends on numerous factors, including the time of year you’re sailing, the location of your cabin, and the cruise line you plan on traveling with. However, the convenience of navigating the port itself makes Galveston a perfect option for anyone new to cruise vacations. Avoiding the large-scale crowds and tedious boarding lines as other major ports, Galveston remains a hassle-free destination for most novice travelers out there.

Baby, It's Cold Outside! 12 Warm Destinations to Escape to This Winter

4. galveston is conveniently located in the central u.s..

Given Galveston’s distinct location in eastern Texas , it’s one of the most readily accessible ports for travelers across the U.S. Located in the heart of America, travelers from the Western U.S. will have just as easy time reaching it as vacationers from the Midwest or East Coast. After all, who wants to sit on a lengthy plane ride to reach their port of call? Also, Galveston lacks the same high value of traffic as Miami or other popular ports, making it relatively hassle-free to reach.

5. The Port Terminal Is Reasonably Close to the Airport

Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport is the closest airport to Galveston. Roughly 41 miles northwest of the port, travelers can easily navigate from the airport to their cruise terminal in under an hour. Galveston is also close to several major cities, making it an option, albeit a farther one, for anyone flying into Austin or Dallas. However, given Houston’s short driving distance to Galveston, William P. Hobby Airport is your best bet for air travel.

6. The Boarding Process Is Quick and Seamless

As mentioned above, Galveston doesn’t have the same volume of passengers flooding through its port as Miami, Canaveral, or Port Everglades. As a result, boarding a ship is comparatively tamer—especially since the port opened up its third and latest terminal in 2022. Having been constructed in the past two decades and carefully refurbished, these terminals are in fantastic shape, making the onboarding process much more efficient for vacationers. The terminals also come equipped with innovative new features, with Terminal 3 offering mobile check-in and state-of-the-art facial recognition devices.

7. There Are Plenty of Hotels Nearby

Another notable feature of Galveston is the number of hotels near the port. (Because let’s face it: what’s more accessible than simply waking up, hopping in your car, and practically walking onto the ship without worrying about losing track of time?) What’s more, many of the hotels in the Galveston area have special offers for anyone traveling onboard a cruise ship. These offers include free or discounted parking rates and a helpful shuttle that ferry passengers back and forth from the hotel to the ship. While several hotels in Galveston have these amenities, some of the best include the Hilton Galveston Island Resort and the San Luis Resort .

8. Parking Is Easy

Don’t let Galveston’s size fool you—the port itself has plenty of options when it comes to parking. As previously suggested, anyone staying at a nearby hotel might want to consider leaving their car parked there and taking a shuttle, taxi, or Uber over to their terminal. Additionally, travelers can reserve a space in the port’s parking lot ahead of their trip. These parking spaces are safe and secure, and port employees will assist with any luggage brought aboard on cruises from Galveston.

9. Galveston Itself Is a Beautiful Place To Visit

The main reason we believe you should depart from Galveston on your next cruise is the opportunity you’ll have to see what it has to offer. Like most major cities, there’s plenty to do and see around town, with every prospective sight catering to travelers’ interests. For those interested in shopping, the Strand Historical District has plenty of independently owned stores that feature everything from odd tchotchkes to essential beach items. Galveston’s famous Moody Gardens is an educational park built around natural wonders such as exotic sea life, immaculate flowers, roaming monkeys, and sloths.

10. You’re Bound To Find Some Great Last-Minute Deals

As previously mentioned, Galveston is a more scaled-down port than Miami or Port Canaveral, but its three terminals still receive cruise ships constantly. Because of this constantly moving schedule, most travelers will find it incredibly easy to find last-minute deals on select cruises from Galveston—often days before the ship is booked to leave. Sure, it may not be practical for those traveling from longer distances to book something last-minute. Yet these last-minute deals are well worth it for anyone within a short distance of Galveston.

11. Galveston Is Steeped in Rich Maritime History

Galveston is a city rich in history, having first been settled by Indigenous Natives of the Akokisa and Karankawa tribes before the Europeans arrived in the 1600s. Over the next several centuries, Galveston became a hub for maritime trade, eventually attracting such notable figures as French buccaneer Jean Lafitte. All that being said, history buffs will delight at the chance to visit Galveston, taking in some of the numerous historical sights around town—like Lafitte’s personal hideaway at Maison Rouge or the Michael B. Menard House, named after one of Galveston’s original American settlers. Even those who don’t care for history will find these areas fascinating.

More from Wealth of Geeks

• Your Guide to Legoland Florida and the Peppa Pig Theme Park
• Theme Parks with the Most Thrilling Rides Across the Globe

Strap on the Skis—the Best Things To Do in Lake Tahoe This Winter

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Barge Strikes Bridge in Galveston, Causing Oil Spill

No injuries were reported when the barge struck a bridge that connects Galveston, Texas, to a small island along the Gulf of Mexico, causing a partial collapse.

By Remy Tumin

A barge struck a causeway connecting Galveston, Texas, to a small island on Wednesday morning, sending debris and oil into the bay, officials said.

The Pelican Island Bridge was hit around 10 a.m., the city of Galveston said in a statement , and the causeway was closed to car traffic until further notice, shutting off the only road to the island. There were no reported injuries. The bridge connects the north side of Galveston Island with the south side of Pelican Island, which is home to a Texas A&M University campus and two museums.

The barge has a capacity of 30,000 gallons, but it was not clear how much oil had spilled into Galveston Bay, the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management said on social media .

Vessel traffic in the channel was temporarily halted, county officials said, and the structural damage to the bridge was being assessed by the Texas Transportation Department. The cause of the accident was not immediately known. Power was temporarily interrupted on Pelican Island but had been restored by Wednesday afternoon.

Richard Freed, vice president of the marine division of Martin Midstream Partners, said the barge is owned and was being operated by one of its subsidiaries, Martin Operating Partnership. The accident occurred, he said, when the barge broke loose from its tow and “drifted” into the bridge.

The spill, which he described as “limited,” had been contained by Wednesday afternoon, he said.

“We have personnel on site assessing the damage,” Mr. Freed said in an emailed statement. “The company has already engaged a salvage company to assist with the removal of the barge from the bridge area.”

The accident occurred on the same day that a senior U.S. Coast Guard official told a congressional committee that states and other bridge operators should be evaluating the types of vessels traveling near bridges, particularly older ones.

The official, Vice Adm. Peter Gautier, was testifying before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which is examining the federal response to the cargo ship crash on March 26 that knocked down the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, killing six people and deepening anxieties about the state of the country’s infrastructure.

The city of Galveston said in its statement that emergency management officials from the city, state and university responded to the crash on Wednesday, adding that the U.S. Coast Guard was assessing the extent of the spill and would “initiate the containment and cleanup processes.”

Texas A&M University at Galveston said on social media that power had been restored to the campus, which is home to the school’s marine and maritime program.

Aerial footage from KHOU-TV , a CBS affiliate, showed a collapsed portion of what appeared to be an abandoned railroad bridge that ran alongside the causeway. A large chunk of concrete and metal lay across the bow of the barge as a long vein of oil leaked from it into Galveston Bay. Emergency responders gathered on the road surface, and live footage showed pickup trucks arriving on the bridge.

The Pelican Island bridge is just west of the Port of Galveston, a deepwater shipping channel that is among the busiest cruise ports in North America. More than 900 cruise and cargo ships and other vessels pass through the port every year, according to its website .

The bridge to Pelican Island was built in 1959 and carries an average of about 9,100 cars a day, most of which are heading to and from the campus, according to The Houston Chronicle . Most of the island is undeveloped, with only a single major road running across it.

In March, The Galveston County Daily News reported that the Port of Houston Authority had approved an agreement with Galveston County to provide land for a new $100 million vehicular bridge and $300 million for a rail bridge to the island.

Remy Tumin is a reporter for The Times covering breaking news and other topics. More about Remy Tumin

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Barge hits bridge connecting Galveston and Pelican Island, causing partial collapse and oil spill

A barge hit a bridge in Galveston, Texas, spilling oil into surrounding waters and closing the only road to a small island. Officials did not have any immediate information on damage to the bridge or if there were any injuries.

Workers survey the site where a barge crashed into the Pelican Island Bridge, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

• Copy Link copied

Oil spills into the surrounding waters after a barge hit a bridge in Galveston, Texas, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. A bridge that leads to Pelican Island, located just north of Galveston, was hit by a barge around 9:30 a.m., said Ronnie Varela, with the Galveston’s Office of Emergency Management.(KTRK via AP)

Officials respond after the Pelican Island Bridge was closed when a passing barge struck one of its supports, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. A barge slammed into a bridge pillar on Wednesday, spilling oil into surrounding waters and closing the only road to a smaller and separate island that is home to a university, officials said. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via AP)

Officials respond after the Pelican Island Bridge was closed when a passing barge struck one of its supports, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. The accident caused oil to spill into surrounding waters and closing the only road connecting the city to Pelican Island. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via AP)

A tugboat works to maneuver a barge away from the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston, Texas, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, after the barge crashed into the bridge spilling oil into surrounding waters and shutting down the only road access to and from the island. (Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP)

Two workers stand on the barge that struck the Pelican Island Bridge on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. The accident caused oil to spill into surrounding waters and closing the only road to a smaller and separate island that is home to a university, officials said. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via AP)

Officials respond after the Pelican Island Bridge was closed when a passing barge struck one of its supports, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. The accident caused oil to spill into surrounding waters and closing the only road to a smaller and separate island that is home to a university, officials said. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via AP)

A section of railroad track hangs down from Pelican Island Bridge after a barge crashed into the bridge, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

An spill boom is moved into position to contain a leak from a barge that crashed into the Pelican Island Bridge, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Officials patrol the waters at the site where a bardge crashed into the Pelican Island Bridge Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) — A barge slammed into a bridge pillar in Galveston, Texas, on Wednesday, spilling oil into waters near busy shipping channels and closing the only road to a small neighboring island. No injuries were reported.

The impact sent pieces of the bridge, which connects Galveston to Pelican Island, tumbling on top of the barge and shut down a stretch of waterway so crews could clean up the spill. The accident knocked one man off the vessel and into the water, but he was quickly recovered and was not injured, said Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Ray Nolen.

Ports along the Texas coast are hubs of international trade, but experts said the collision was unlikely to result in serious economic disruptions since it occurred in a lesser-used waterway. The island is on the opposite side of Galveston Island’s beaches that draw millions of tourists each year.

The accident happened shortly before 10 a.m. after a tugboat operator pushing two barges lost control of them, said David Flores, a bridge superintendent with the Galveston County Navigation District.

“The current was very bad, and the tide was high,” Flores said. “He lost it.”

Pelican Island is only a few miles wide and is home to Texas A&M University at Galveston, a large shipyard and industrial facilities. Fewer than 200 people were on the campus when the collision happened, and all were eventually allowed to drive on the bridge to leave. The marine and maritime research institute said it plans to remain closed until at least Friday. Students who live on campus were allowed to remain there, but university officials warned those who live on campus and leave “should be prepared to remain off campus for an unknown period of time.”

The accident came weeks after a cargo ship crashed into a support column of the Francis Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, killing six construction workers.

The tugboat in Texas was pushing bunker barges, which are fuel barges for ships, Flores said. The barge, which is owned by Martin Petroleum, has a 30,000-gallon capacity, but it’s not clear how much leaked into the bay, said Galveston County spokesperson Spencer Lewis. He said about 6.5 miles (10.5 kilometers) of the waterway were shut down because of the spill.

The affected area is miles away from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, which sees frequent barge traffic, and the Houston Ship Channel, a large shipping channel for ocean-going vessels. Aside from the environmental impact of the spill, the region is unlikely to see large economic disruption as a result of the accident, said Marcia Burns, a maritime transportation expert at the University of Houston

“Because Pelican Island is a smaller location, which is not in the heart of commercial events, then the impact is not as devastating,” Burns said. “It’s a relatively smaller impact.”

A barge is grounded next to the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston, Texas on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, after it collided with the old rail bridge that runs alongside it. The collision shut down the only road access to and from Pelican Island. (Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP)

At the bridge, a large piece of broken concrete and debris from the railroad hung over the side and on top of the barge that rammed into the passageway. Flores said the rail line only serves as protection for the structure and has never been used.

Opened in 1960, the Pelican Island Causeway Bridge was rated as “Poor” according to the Federal Highway Administration’s 2023 National Bridge Inventory released last June.

The overall rating of a bridge is based on whether the condition of any of its individual components — the deck, superstructure, substructure or culvert, if present — is rated poor or below.

In the case of the Pelican Island Causeway Bridge, inspectors rated the deck in “Satisfactory Condition,” the substructure in “Fair Condition” and the superstructure — or the component that absorbs the live traffic load — in “Poor Condition.”

The Texas Department of Transportation had been scheduled in the summer of 2025 to begin construction on a project to replace the bridge with a new one. The project was estimated to cost $194 million. In documents provided during a virtual public meeting last year, the department said the bridge has “reached the end of its design lifespan, and needs to be replaced.” The agency said it has spent over $12 million performing maintenance and repairs on the bridge in the past decade.

The bridge has one main steel span that measures 164 feet (50 meters), and federal data shows it was last inspected in December 2021. It’s unclear from the data if a state inspection took place after the Federal Highway Administration compiled the data.

The bridge had an average daily traffic figure of about 9,100 cars and trucks, according to a 2011 estimate.

Lozano reported from Houston. Associated Press reporters Christopher L. Keller in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Valerie Gonzalez in McAllen, Texas; Acacia Coronado in Austin, Texas; and Ken Miller in Oklahoma City contributed to this report.

• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 19 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 20 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 23 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 25 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 25 May 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 26 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 26 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 27 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 30 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 02 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 03 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 06 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 08 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 08 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 09 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 09 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 10 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 13 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 15 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 15 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 15 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 16 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 17 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 20 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 22 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 22 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 23 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 23 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 24 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 27 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 29 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 29 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 29 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 30 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 01 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 04 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 06 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 06 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 07 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 07 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 11 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 14 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 15 Jul 2024 - 08:00

Texas A&M Galveston to close for days after barge slams into bridge to island

A barge slammed into a bridge in Galveston, Texas, on Wednesday, spilling oil into the bay, forcing a shutdown of the span and prompting the university on the other side of the bridge to close its campus through the weekend, officials said.

Texas A&M University at Galveston said Wednesday evening that the campus on Pelican Island would be closed Thursday through Sunday , citing an " extended outage of the bridge through the weekend," according to the university announcement.

Aerial images showed that a section of a rail line alongside the bridge appeared to have collapsed, with slabs of concrete piled on the barge.

No injuries were immediately reported at the Pelican Island Causeway after the incident, which unfolded shortly before 10 a.m. CT, the city of Galveston said in a statement .

Two operators were on the barge at the time of the impact, said Spencer Lewis, a spokesperson for the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management.

Lewis said that one of the operators fell into the water but was immediately rescued and that the other remained on the barge and was eventually rescued, as well. The Texas A&M marine unit rescued the operators.

The bridge, which was closed earlier Wednesday, had been reopened as of 7 p.m. CT to slow vehicular traffic, and a large line of cars was trying to exit Pelican Island, Lewis said.

The bridge is open only for outbound traffic, he said.

About 200 people were on the island at the time of the incident, and “substantially more than half” have been evacuated, Lewis said.

About 450 people — most of them students — live full time on Pelican Island. Faculty members and other workers make up the rest of the residents, he said.

Texas A&M University at Galveston is offering accommodations to students and faculty members who live on Pelican Island — which is also home to a fishing pier, a naval museum and other industries — but it also encouraged those who stay on campus to prepare to leave if necessary.

The university, which held its graduation ceremony last week, briefly lost power on campus earlier Wednesday, but it was restored quickly, the school said.

Classes scheduled for Thursday and Friday will either be canceled or held remotely, the school said in its evening update, and it encouraged employees to work at alternative locations. Dining services will remain open until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The barge that hit the bridge was “carrying a base petroleum product,” the Coast Guard said in a statement .

The city said: “The collision has resulted in an oil spill in the bay. The U.S. Coast Guard is responding and will determine the extent of the spill, as well as initiate the containment and cleanup processes.”

The accident is the latest to plague American bridges and highways.

A container ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 6, killing six people .

The Fort Madison Toll Bridge , which turns 97 in July and connects Fort Madison, Iowa, with Niota, Illinois, over the Mississippi River, was struck by a barge Thursday .

Two weeks ago, Interstate 95 in Connecticut was closed after a tanker truck filled with gasoline burst into flames and forced the closure of the one of the Eastern Seaboard's most important thoroughfares.

In late March, a family out fishing on the Arkansas River captured video of a barge hitting a bridge near Sallisaw, Oklahoma. And in April, more than two dozen barges broke loose from moorings and floated down the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, striking the Sewickley Bridge .

Galveston fire spokesperson Marissa Barnett said barges go under the bridge multiple times a day.

She pushed back against any comparisons between the Baltimore bridge collapse and Wednesday's incident.

“People have asked if this is like the Baltimore bridge. This is not that,” she said.

CORRECTION (May 15, 2024, 9:24 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the last name of the spokesperson for the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management. He is Spencer Lewis, not Jones.

David K. Li is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

• Art Galleries
• Festivals & Events
• Thrills & Chills
• Guided Tours
• Self-Guided Tours
• Hotels & Condos
• Vacation Rentals
• RV Parks & Camping
• Best Hotel Pools
• Selecting a Hotel? Think Location
• Where to Eat
• Find a Restaurant
• Restaurant Week
• Seven Delicious Seafood Dishes
• Where to Drink
• Bucket List Events
• Events Calendar
• Winter Texans
• Year At-A-Glance
• Submit an Event
• Island Living
• Business Directory
• Real Estate
• Places to Worship
• Best of the Island Awards
• Galveston.com TV
• Visitor Information Center
• Budget Travel
• Geographic Areas
• Transportation
• Request a Guide
• BLOGS & NEWS
• Meeting Planners
• Press & Media
• Advertisers

Cruise Video Cam

Live from the harbor house on pier 21.

2100 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX ( Directions )

The Cruise Cam is located on the Harbor House at Pier 21 .  The hotel’s stellar location at Pier 21 – just steps from the Strand Historic District – makes it easy to explore countless shops, seafood restaurants, and popular attractions.

Webcam views include the Texas Seaport Museum , Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum , Willie G's , and the marina where dolphin and harbor tours depart.  The cam provides excellent views of cruise ships arriving and departing the cruise terminal.

Take a Self-guided Tour

Luxury Vacation Rentals Available

• Babes Beach Cam 2
• Cruise Cam 3
• Emerald Cam 2
• Marina Cam 1
• Murdochs Cam 6
• Seawall Cam 0
• Strand Cam 2

Experience a Fishing Adventure!

Nearby places of interest.

1895 Moody Mansion

Birding Piers 19 to 21

Shrimp ‘N Stuff Downtown

Dash Beardsley's Ghost Tours of Galveston

Related articles.

Old Photos in the Mail

Beach Cleanup Stirs Old Memories

Rosenberg Treasure: Valentine’s Day Gifts

Bolivar Roads: The Doorway to Galveston Bay

This is a custom widget.