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See inside carnival jubilee, the new ship that sets sail from galveston later this year, it’s got a coaster, y’all.

Briana Zamora-Nipper , Community Producer

GALVESTON, Texas – Carnival Cruise Line’s new Carnival Jubilee first sails from Galveston in December.

It will operate from Galveston year-round with Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream and offer week-long Western Caribbean cruises.

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Beginning Dec. 23, Carnival Jubilee will offer seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, as well as Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan), Honduras.

The cruise line’s third Excel-class ship, Carnival Jubilee will share features from her sister ships, Mardi Gras, sailing from Port Canaveral since mid-2021, and Carnival Celebration, based in Miami since 2022. Highlights onboard include a roller coaster, expanded dining options, and a three-deck atrium on the starboard side of the ship that overlooks the ocean and converts to an entertainment venue at night.

The ship will have six entertainment zones, two of which will be brand-new concepts. Here’s what we know about the immersive ocean-themed experiences dubbed Currents and The Shores:

Currents, encompassing two decks is described in a press release as “an awe-inspiring, immersive and transformative space that takes guests below the waves with a playful vibe featuring innovative technology, new and exciting bar and dining venues and live music.”

“When guests step into Currents, they will be transported to mesmerizing underwater worlds, both realistic and fantastical, in a beautiful space that changes from day to night and throughout the cruise,” a release reads. “The portals to the sea comprise six huge LED windows which, along with a massive wave-shaped LED ceiling, theatrical show lighting and captivating sound design will create a variety of immersive environments for guests to enjoy as they try new, unique cocktails and flavorful dishes.”

Venues within Currents include (descriptions provided by Carnival):

• Inks, Ph.D – Eight octopus arms will adorn this fun bar, inspired by the cleverest of sea creatures. Unique ocean-themed drinks such as color-changing cocktails, jellyfish and layered shots and playful items featuring sea foam, boba pearls and unique garnishes will be served here. Dr.Inks’ fun and quirky personality is at the center of this experience and comes to life through her musings on the menu and her favorite books, journals and fountain pens on display.
• The Golden Mermaid – This lounge is home to a mysterious golden mermaid who swims to the depths of the oceans to find long-lost treasures of ancient civilizations and uncovers secret cocktail recipes. Cocktails inspired by precious gemstones and metals are made with edible glitter, as well as drinks presented in pretty glassware and adorned with graceful garnishes for an elevated experience.
• Emeril’s Bistro 717 – The line’s chief culinary officer, chef and restauranteur Emeril Lagasse, brings creole cuisine, an expansive seafood selection and expanded raw bar created in his unique style. Named after Carnival Jubilee’s hull number at Meyer Werft in Germany, Emeril’s Bistro 717 will serve a breakfast with dishes such as shrimp and grits, poached eggs and fixings and sweet beignets. Guests will also enjoy lunch and dinner with seafood creations such as creole boiled shrimp, fresh oysters, stone crab (seasonally) and lobster, as well as authentic Louisiana cuisine featuring Emeril’s signature jambalaya, New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp and duck and sausage gumbo.

The other brand-new concept, The Shores, takes its inspiration from piers, boardwalks and beaches. In this zone, guests will stroll along the boardwalk alongside colorful designs, including a Ferris wheel-inspired ceiling feature, and casual seating areas, both inside and outside. Guests can enjoy a fresh hot pizza at Coastal Slice or try a tasty sandwich or hot dog at Beach Buns. Additional venues in The Shores include Marina Bar, Rudi’s Seagrill and Cucina del Capitano.

Carnival Jubilee’s other four entertainment zones are like her sisters. They include:

• Grand Central – This area of the ship spans Deck 6, 7 and 8. During the day, it’s a space for guests to enjoy a drink from the JavaBlue Café, or one of the area’s bars as they take in breathtaking ocean views. At night, the zone transforms as movable LED screens and a stage create an entertainment space. Grand Central offerings also include Piano Bar 88, The Punchliner Comedy Club, Cloud 9 Fitness Center, Cherry on Top, Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki, a variety of shopping venues, as well as a casino and theater.
• The Ultimate Playground – BOLT, dubbed “the Ultimate Sea Coaster,” is the centerpiece of the ship’s top deck and features all-electric, motorcycle-like vehicles that race along an 800-foot-long track, 187 feet above the sea achieving speeds of up to 40 mph. BOLT will soar above other popular attractions, including WaterWorks aqua park and SportSquare featuring a mini-golf course, full-court basketball and a ropes course.
• Summer Landing – This area is home to Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, which offers smoked-cuisine developed by celebrity chef and restaurateur Guy Fieri and an assortment of Carnival’s ParchedPig craft beers from the onboard brewery. Other venues in this zone include the Heroes Tribute Lounge, honoring military personnel, and The Patio – which features a pool and whirlpools – and The Watering Hole poolside bar.
• Lido – The poolside zone is home to the Carnival Seaside Theater, two-story RedFrog Tiki Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and Guy’s Burger Joint. Guests will also fin Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant, Seafood Shack, Street Eats, Lido Marketplace, Circle C, Club 02 and The Warehouse Arcade on this level.

In 2024, Carnival will increase its deployment in Galveston to four ships when Carnival Miracle begins operating a new series of longer cruises from the port.

For more details about Carnival Jubilee, go to www.carnival.com/MeetCarnivalJubilee .

🚢 These family-friendly cruises sailing from Galveston feature fireworks, splashpads, a race track and more

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About the Author

Briana zamora-nipper.

Briana Zamora-Nipper joined the KPRC 2 digital team in 2019. When she’s not hard at work in the KPRC 2 newsroom, you can find Bri drinking away her hard earned wages at JuiceLand, running around Hermann Park, listening to crime podcasts or ransacking the magazine stand at Barnes & Noble.

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New royal caribbean terminal opens, welcoming largest cruise ship and the best family vacations in texas.

GALVESTON, TEXAS, Nov. 9, 2022 – Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the biggest, boldest adventure has arrived. Today, 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, Allure of the Seas . The cruise line held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Port of Galveston to mark the state-of-the-art facility’s opening and the Texas debut of its revolutionary Oasis Class.

Royal Caribbean executives, government and port officials and partners celebrated the milestone achievement, including U.S. representative Randy Weber, Federal Commissioner Louis Sola, Mayor Craig Brown, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley and Port Director Rodger Rees. The city of Galveston also marked the day with a proclamation, recognizing the cruise line’s commitment to the city and the successful partnership started more than 20 years ago when Royal Caribbean first set sail from Galveston. With the introduction of the Oasis Class, the world’s largest cruise ships, it’s estimated the new terminal will welcome as many as 630,000 vacationers each year.

“We are thrilled to take family vacations to a whole new level in Texas. Our new, 161,334-square-foot terminal opens up a world of vacation possibilities for families in the Southwest,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Now our unmatched Oasis Class ships, known as the best family vacations in the industry, can set sail from Galveston. Allure of the Seas is just the beginning, and we thank the Port of Galveston, Ceres and all the teams involved for making this bold vision a reality.”

Royal Caribbean’s Galveston facility is as bold in its sustainable design as the bold adventures that vacationers have in store. The terminal will break even more new ground as the first LEED Zero Energy facility in the world , generating 100% of the energy it needs through onsite solar panels. From the start, the design strategies used to develop the terminal were aligned with parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s wholistic environmental goals, its focus to advance the development of sustainable infrastructure as well as its decarbonization strategy – Destination Net Zero.

“This new cruise terminal is a gamechanger for the port and the region,” said Rodger Rees, Port Director, Port of Galveston. “This $125 million investment, in collaboration with Royal Caribbean, the port and Ceres, is expected to bring 800 new jobs, $1.4 billion in local business services revenue, $5.6 million in state and local taxes, and incredible business development opportunities. And, of course, Allure of the Seas means more cruising adventures for our Texas cruise guests.”

Welcoming vacationers in the terminal as they make their way to Allure is a new, dynamic art sculpture named the Galveston Beach Trio by Texas-based artists Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin of Brad Oldham Sculpture. The cruise line selected the husband-and-wife team for their one-of-a-kind concept that’s inspired by Galveston’s rich musical heritage, which includes the likes of Galveston-native and Grammy Award-winning, bass-baritone singer and songwriter Barry White. As the embodiment of the city’s island time spirit, the stainless steel and lost-wax bronze sculpture is the perfect backdrop for the start of vacationers’ getaways.

Allure will set sail from the new homeport on its first cruise on Sunday, Nov. 13   . The Oasis Class ship has in store a lineup of thrills, ways to chill, restaurants, nightlife, entertainment and more across seven signature neighborhoods, including the open-air Central Park with thousands of real plants and the Boardwalk neighborhood filled with ways to play and the one-of-a-kind AquaTheater entertainment venue that comes alive with high divers, acrobats, aerialists and more. From a nine-story-high zip line and two FlowRider surf simulators to rock climbing, ice skating, and original productions that span four stages – air, ice, water and theater – there’s adventure from end to end.

When it comes to refueling in between the action, the 30-plus restaurants, bars and lounges on board serve up a range of flavors like family-style Italian classics at Giovanni’s Table, American steakhouse favorites at Chops Grille and fresh sushi and sizzling hibachi at Izumi. New concepts and dishes are coming to Allure as well, including Wipeout Cafe featuring El Loco Fresh . Fitting for the ship’s new home in Texas, the venue will serve up El Loco Fresh’s popular, grab-and-go Mexican delights like made-to-order quesadillas, tacos, nachos and more. Plus, joining the staples guests know and love at Giovanni’s Table will be menu items such as crispy calamari, eggplant parmigiana and caprese salad. Every member of the family can make memories together and on their own adventures any day of the week on Allure .

Vacationers can enjoy all that Allure has to offer on the new 7-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston and visit sun-soaked destinations, such as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico ; and Roatan, Honduras , for the winter 2022-2023 season.

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International , owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel that features the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay , the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 19 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com . For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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Largest Princess Cruise Ship Ever Homeported at the Port of Galveston Debuts for Inaugural Season of Western Caribbean Voyages

3,560-guest regal princess offers 21 voyages for winter 2023 through spring 2024.

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GALVESTON, Texas (November 5, 2023) – Regal Princess arrived in Galveston today, marking the start of a milestone cruise season as the largest Princess cruise ship ever based in Texas. Carrying 3,560 guests, Regal Princess offers roundtrip voyages to the Western Caribbean through March 24 with an anticipated 75,000 cruisers sailing aboard this Love Boat from this convenient, scenic Texas homeport.

To celebrate the occasion, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer Terry Thornton, Regal Princess Captain Aldo Traverso and Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan hosted a traditional maritime plaque exchange with Galveston Wharves Board Vice Chairman Jeff Patterson. A festive performance by Galveston’s local Ball High School Drill Team Tornettes and school mascot Tuffy kicked off the event.

"We first started sailing out of Galveston nearly 20 years ago. Princess loves Texas and we know Texans enjoy the convenience of having the Love Boat so close by offering a hassle-free drive or convenient fly option to enjoy the beautiful destinations in the Western Caribbean," said Thornton. "As we celebrate the arrival of Regal Princess, we extend our deep appreciation to the Port of Galveston for their ongoing partnership, and we’re excited to welcome aboard the only premium cruise experience from Galveston."

Regal Princess begins a series of 21 voyages from Galveston, ranging in length from seven- to 12-days, visiting popular destinations in the Western Caribbean and Mexico like Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan. Cruisers can also choose special holiday sailings over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. There is even a "Love and Romance Celebration" themed cruise with Love Ambassador and bridal fashion icon Randy Fenoli, departing Dec. 3. He will host special events, share his personal success story, offer tips on how to choose the right wedding dress and even debut the "Randy" cocktail.

"Princess Cruises is an iconic cruise line and we’re delighted to welcome guests from Regal Princess, the largest Love Boat to ever sail from Galveston," said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. "Regal Princess will visit beautiful ports throughout the western Caribbean while expanding the array of attractive and enticing cruise vacation choices from Galveston, America’s fourth most popular homeport."

The 142,229-ton Regal Princess boasts 19 decks and features ocean views from more than 1,400 stateroom balconies. Guests can stroll on the SeaWalk, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship, take an inviting dip in top-deck pools and hot tubs and relax in the Sanctuary retreat reserved for adults. From the cruise line’s delicious array of dining options, mesmerizing entertainment and welcoming MedallionClass service, Regal Princess offers something for everyone.

To mark the 20th anniversary of when Princess first started sailing out of Galveston and the 10th anniversary of the debut of Regal Princess, the ship will return for another series of Western Caribbean cruises for the 2024-2025 season. Cruises are on sale now.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

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About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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Galveston, TX

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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.

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The Biggest Cruise Ship Ever to Sail From Texas Arrives in Galveston

They say everything is bigger in Texas, but until now that hasn’t always meant the cruise ships. Starting today, that’s all changed.

Now, Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas arrived in Galveston , marking the first time ever that an Oasis-class cruise ship — the largest class of cruise ships on the planet — has docked in Texas.

Coming in at more than 225,000 gross tons, Allure measures a staggering 1,187 feet long and can carry nearly 7,000 passengers at full capacity. The ship also features 18 total decks, more than 2,700 cabins, and 16 different places to eat for guests.

Its arrival marks a major milestone for the Port of Galveston and Texas cruising. In just over 20 years (less than the life of a cruise ship) the port has gone from being a sleepy departure point to the largest cruise port outside of Florida and the fourth-busiest in the nation.

As another sign of that growth, Royal Caribbean has brought its largest class of ships to a brand-new cruise terminal on the island. Allure of the Seas is docked at the Port of Galveston’s new Cruise Terminal 10, which is dedicated to Royal Caribbean.

This brand new facility marks the first dedicated Royal Caribbean terminal at the Port of Galveston, complete with 161,000 square feet of space and nearly 2,000 parking spaces. It’s also the world’s first cruise terminal to generate 100% of its energy through on-site solar panels. All told, the cost of the new terminal measures a $125 million investment into Galveston cruising.

Allure of the Seas will sail 7-night cruises to the Western Caribbean throughout 2023. The ship will have a special invitation-only cruise departing November 9, before sailing regularly with the public starting November 13.

More than 1 Million Passengers and 360+ Cruises from Galveston in 2023

While the arrival of Allure of the Seas is a major milestone, it’s really just one more step in the steady growth of Galveston cruising.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line called on the Port of Galveston for the first time in October with its newest ship — Norwegian Prima — sailing two trips from the port. Prima will return in 2023 to homeport on the island.

Also in 2023, Carnival will bring its newest ship, Carnival Jubilee, to the Port of Galveston. It will be the port’s first cruise ship powered by LNG. And later this year, Princess will also begin sailing seasonally from Galveston.

The port says it expects more than 1 million cruise passengers in 2023 , which would break the previous record from 2019. Those passengers will come from 362 sailings during the year, or roughly an average of one cruise ship a day.

With the largest ship ever to sail from Texas, a new cruise terminal, and more lines soon to be sailing from the island, Galveston is cementing its place as the top cruise port outside of Florida.

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New Royal Caribbean Terminal in Galveston Welcomes Oasis Class Ships

Royal Caribbean opens a brand-new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, welcoming the largest cruise ship and the best family vacations in Texas.

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the biggest, boldest adventure has arrived. 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, Harmony of the Seas .

New Royal Caribbean Terminal Virtual Tour

World's first zero-energy cruise terminal.

Royal Caribbean’s Galveston facility is as bold in its sustainable design as the bold adventures that vacationers have in store. The terminal will break even more new ground as the first LEED Zero Energy facility in the world , generating 100% of the energy it needs through onsite solar panels. From the start, the design strategies used to develop the terminal were aligned with parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s wholistic environmental goals, its focus to advance the development of sustainable infrastructure as well as its decarbonization strategy – Destination Net Zero.

This new cruise terminal is a game-changer for the port and the region. This $125 million investment, in collaboration with Royal Caribbean, the port and Ceres, is expected to bring 800 new jobs, $1.4 billion in local business services revenue, $5.6 million in state and local taxes, and incredible business development opportunities. And, of course, Allure of the Seas means more cruising adventures for our [Galveston], Texas cruise guests. Rodger Rees, Port Director, Port of Galveston

Welcoming vacationers in the terminal as they make their way to Allure is a new, dynamic art sculpture named the Galveston Beach Trio by Texas-based artists Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin of Brad Oldham Sculpture.

The cruise line selected the husband-and-wife team for their one-of-a-kind concept that’s inspired by Galveston’s rich musical heritage, which includes the likes of Galveston-native and Grammy Award-winning, bass-baritone singer and songwriter Barry White. As the embodiment of the city’s "island time" spirit, the stainless steel and lost-wax bronze sculpture is the perfect backdrop for the start of vacationers’ getaways.

It’s one of the world’s largest cruise ships, and it’s filled with family-friendly adventures to match. What do you get when you combine one of the biggest ships in the world with some of the boldest thrills at sea? A gravity defying, status-quo denying, electrifying expedition onboard Harmony of the Seas® that will set a new standard for family vacations. From first-at-sea feats to the favorites you know and love, you’ll find so many ways to make memories onboard — like the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠, deck-defying stunts at the AquaTheater, and the robot-helmed Bionic Bar. Not to mention dazzling Broadway performances and globetrotting gastronomic experiences that go from Asia to the Mediterranean, and beyond.

Dining Onboard Harmony of The Seas

Pile your plate high with flavors as exciting as all the action onboard. We’re talking exotic Asian-inspired eats and sushi at Izumi. Tuscan favorites served family-style at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. And dishes so far out of the box they’ll have you questioning reality at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine.

Things to Do on Harmony of The Seas

Vacationers can enjoy all that Harmony has to offer on the Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston and visit sun-soaked destinations, such as The Bahamas; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel , Mexico ; and more!

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GOOD TIMES IN GALVESTON 

Galveston Island is a gem for Texas tourism — and it’s easy to see why. Fascinating history, well-preserved 18th century architecture, gorgeous beaches and thrilling outdoor adventures. Experience all this and cruise out of Galveston with Travel Weekly’s Best Cruise Line Overall 19 years running.

Go Bold From Galveston

Unlock the shores of the western Caribbean on some fan favorites from our award-winning fleet. Wander through ancient Mayan ruins in Puerto Costa Maya, snorkel in Cozumel’s dramatic tropical reefs and zipline across lush rainforests in Roatán. Choose from a 7-night adventure onboard Harmony of the Seas®. Or go long on thrills with a quick getaway on Mariner of the Seas®. Or go long on thrills with a quick getaway on Voyager of the Seas®

ADVENTURE JUST GOT BIGGER IN TEXAS

Oasis Class flavors, thrills and beats go full-throttle on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail from Texas — Harmony of the Seas®. Twist, shout and let it all out down the tallest slide at sea. Over 20 dining venues take you from Italy to Wonderland. And when the sun goes down, head to the AquaTheater or experience the Broadway hit Grease. All while maxing out memories onshore in Mexico and Roatán .

EXPLORE HARMONY OF THE SEAS

TROPIC HOPS FROM TEXAS

Get ready for memory-maxing onboard Voyager of the Seas ® . Here, adventure reaches new heights with a rock-climbing wall 40 feet above deck. Tastes buds go globetrotting with mouthwatering dishes from Italy to Japan. And big thrills are always on the forecast with the Perfect Storm ℠   — the boldest waterslides at sea.

EXPLORE VOYAGER OF THE SEAS

Galveston Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in galveston.

SALTWATER STALWARTS

Gulf Beach, Galveston, Texas

Unwind along Galveston’s 32 miles of sun-drenched shoreline at one of the many county beach parks lining the Gulf of Mexico. Galveston Island State Park offers quiet seclusion and Stewart Beach is a great family-friendly option, while East Beach is a popular gathering space for livelier beach crowds.

HEAD TO THE PIER

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas

Say hello to the thrills and excitement of the massive amusement park at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Galveston cruises give the opportunity to experience all that the pier has to offer. Enjoy the rides before playing all of the classic carnival games — there's even a roller coaster on Pleasure Pier!

BUILDING BLOCKS

Stroll past well-preserved Victorian-era buildings in the old Strand District during your Galveston cruise. Once called the “Wall Street of the South”, this charming commercial hub, along with the neighboring East End Historic District, is home to mansions-turned-museums, the Grand 1894 Opera House, plus loads of unique shops and cozy cafés.

LOCAL CUISINE

Seafood is king on Galveston Island— Gulf shrimp, blue crabs, snapper and grouper come fresh off the boat. But the signature Tex-Mex cuisine equally impresses with sizzling fajitas and tequila-laced margaritas. Old Strand Emporium scoops out ice-cream parlor charm, while La King’s Confectionary is where local candy makers craft saltwater taffy in-house. Don’t miss a drive-through daiquiri stand for a frozen cocktail on-the-go.

The Strand Historical District is the town’s prime shopping spot, where 19th-century storefronts now house a quirky collection of locally owned gift shops and antique stores. Here you can pick up beachwear, whimsical gifts, model ships, used books, Southwestern turquoise jewelry, and Texas-inspired home décor.

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MSC Cruises' Latest Sale Has Voyages Starting at $179 — When to Book

The sale is running until April 18.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is offering monumental savings on sailings to warm weather destinations starting at less than $200 per person.

The sale, which was extended and must be booked by April 18, offers cruises starting at just $179 per person, according to MSC. The sale rate is based on double occupancy and does not include the taxes, fees, or port expenses.

Travelers who take advantage of this deeply-discounted rate can sail on three and four night journeys from Miami for just $179, or from Orlando starting at just $189, MSC shared with Travel + Leisure .

“It’s a great opportunity, whether you’re curious about cruising for the first time or you’re an avid cruiser looking to book your next sailing,” Koreen McNutt, the senior vice president and commercial sales officer for MSC Cruises USA, told T+L. “These quick getaways let guests discover everything we have to offer from world-class onboard entertainment and outstanding family programming to a variety of delicious dining venues and wonderful amenities. Plus, these short cruises all visit our private island in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with beautiful white-sand beaches and pristine water brimming with vibrant marine life.” 

The sale also includes MSC’s cruises from Galveston , which the company plans to introduce as its newest homeport in the United States in 2025. The cruise line expects to sail 7-night trips to Mexico and Central America on the MSC Seascape out of Galveston, which start at just $459 per person during the sale.

In addition, MSC is offering savings on its newest ship, the MSC World America , which the company plans to launch next year complete with a thrilling over-water swing ride, 13 different restaurants, an 11-deck-high dry slide, and more. Cruises on this ship start at just $649 per person as part of the sale.

“Cruising offers an unbeatable value proposition for vacations and we’re offering more itinerary options from a larger selection of embarkation ports than ever before, which makes it even easier for more people to discover what MSC Cruises is all about,” McNutt added.

Beyond the cruise fare, MSC is offering the option for travelers to add a drink package and Wi-FI to their booking starting at just $329.

Port of Galveston Wins Award for $53 Million Cruise Terminal Project

• April 16, 2024

The Houston Business Journal (HBJ) honored the Galveston Wharves with the 2024 Landmark Award for its $53 million Cruise Terminal 25 renovation and expansion project.

The port won in the publication’s Special Projects category which recognizes the best real estate projects in the greater Houston region, the port said in a statement. The annual ceremony was held in Houston on April 11, with over 500 attendees.

The project, completed in 2023, included berth and mooring updates, the addition of a second boarding bridge, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility that meets new federal standards and an interior redesign.

  Terminal project partners included tenant Carnival Cruise Line, general contractor Hensel Phelps, architect Bermello Ajamil & Partners and Texas Gulf Construction Co.

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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.

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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.

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