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These ports offer a variety of itineraries, ranging from short weekend getaways to longer voyages to the Caribbean and beyond. In this section, we will take a closer look at Texas cruise ports and what they have to offer. Corpus Christi is a vibrant coastal city that offers a range of attractions for travelers.
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The city's land area is approx 208 mi2 (539 km2), with population around 50,000. The city is within the "Greater Houston" metro area (Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land) with total population over 6,5 million. The Texas coastline isn’t laden with lavish waterside resorts with sugar-sand beaches and the foo-foo fashions found in other coastal states. About halfway, the Mansfield Cut provides deepwater access between the Gulf and the ICW at Port Mansfield, a small fishing hub with slips, fuel, and restaurants. Sweet Gregory P’s Smokehouse Grill serves breakfast before dawn, barbecue until it runs out, and homemade pies or cobbler to indulge a sweet tooth. Across Aransas Bay on the far northern end of Mustang Island is the town of Port Aransas, one of the Gulf’s most popular tourist destinations.
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Norwegian Cruise Line is another popular option for those departing from Texas. They offer a variety of itineraries, including trips to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Some of their most popular ships include the Norwegian Joy and the Norwegian Breakaway, both of which offer a wide range of dining and entertainment options. Royal Caribbean's new Cruise Terminal 3's parking lots (, South, and Pier 14) are priced US$22/day (North Lot) and US$20 per day (at South Lot and Pier 14 Lot). Terminal 2's expansion works started in 2014, financed by Royal Caribbean.
Beaches
South Texas is never short on wind; it blows more than 300 days a year from the southeast off the Gulf. If it’s coming from any other direction, experienced sailors advise staying inside. Galveston, TX, serves as the cruise port for Houston and is located 50 miles southeast of Houston. Roatan is known around the world for its unparalleled dive sites, but this gorgeous chain of islands off Central America’s northern coast offers plenty in addition to great undersea adventures.
To fully enjoy Corpus Christi, a visit to the Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington Museum, and a beach relaxation are highly recommended. Galveston's fourth/newest cruise terminal project was unanimously voted at the Board's October 31st meeting and was included in the Port's "20-Year Strategic Master Plan" (2019-adopted). It was also announced that the port and MSC are negotiating an agreement related to the Pier 16 Terminal.
Today, Port Galveston is one of the most successful Caribbean USA homeports. By annual cruise shipping traffic (~1 million embarking passengers), Port Galveston is currently ranked USA's 4th busiest cruise port - an increase of 126% since 2010, when the homeporting business started. With renowned cruise lines like Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruises, Princess Cruises, and NCL docking at Galveston’s port, you’re spoilt for choice. Each cruise offers a unique experience, making Galveston the perfect starting point for both short escapes and extended voyages. Located on the southeastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula, this beautiful destination is home to great beach clubs, vibrant nightlife and wild natural beauty. And though it may feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to reach this tropical hotspot on a cruise from Texas.
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Cruise lines typically offer motor coach services between the airport and Galveston cruise terminal; these are generally available both as part of air/sea packages and a la carte. Houston cruise port terminal (Bayport) was finished in 2008 but officially opened in November 2013. Roundtrip Western Caribbean itineraries from Houston included as call ports Cozumel (Mexico), Roatan Island (Honduras) and Belize City. Galveston, Texas is a vibrant coastal city that offers a variety of fun and interesting activities to enjoy before setting sail on a cruise.
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These might be a good option for travelers coming from Houston, as they are affordable and dotted along the route to the island. Families can take a walking tour of the city’s historic downtown area, The Strand, which is home to beautiful Victorian architecture, museums, and unique shops. The Strand is also the center of Galveston’s seasonal celebrations, including Mardis Gras and the annual ‘Dickens on the Strand’ festival. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a valuable way to spend time before embarking on your cruise. Galveston Island’s Historic Pleasure Pier is a 1,000-foot-long amusement park that sits over the sea about a six-minute drive from the Port of Galveston. For $30 per person, you can get all-access all-day to this recently renovated nexus of fun, offering food, shops, carnival games, and 15 rides (including a roller coaster!).
The previous home of Royal Caribbean, it now hosts both Disney and Norwegian Cruise Lines. It is a slightly farther walk from parking options than Terminal 25 is, but is still convenient to get to (especially if you are taking a taxi or shuttle). Cruise itineraries change from season to season, but currently, these are the cruise itineraries offered out of Galveston cruise port.
Most of the people boarding cruises at the Port of Galveston drive themselves there, as Galveston is only a short drive from many of Texas’ major cities. If you can drive yourself, this is a great option because parking at the port is easy and affordable. It hosts both Carnival and Princess Cruise Lines and is the easternmost terminal. There are a number of parking options directly across the street, making it convenient to get to on the day of your cruise’s arrival and departure. Terminal 3 is currently under construction since an agreement was signed between the port and RCL in 2018. It will accommodate many more passengers and the larger Oasis-class cruise ships, bringing more revenue to the port.
The Strand District is within walking distance of Terminals 25 and 28, but if you are at Terminal 10, you will want to take a rideshare or taxi to reach this area. Otherwise, the shuttles provide an affordable and easy way to get to your ship. 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. However, if you are traveling with a larger group (whose luggage fits in a standard car!), this option might work out to be more cost-effective than a shuttle. Porters will be available at each terminal to assist with baggage on embarkation day.
Fresh culinary treats and unique coastal treasures fill Port A’s restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. Cove Harbor Yacht Club & Boathouse Resort is a full-service marina with more than 180 slips, gas, and diesel. Local favorite Sunflower Bakery & Cafe serves brunch daily until 5PM (closed on Tuesdays). Head to Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar for soul-warming comfort food, burgers, and po’ boys. For a Texas-inspired, button-popping experience, order the Ultimate Naughty Nacho (waffle chips, four scoops, four toppings, whipped cream, cherries, and nuts) at Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream. The Grand 1894 Opera House, survivor of multiple hurricanes and two pandemics, is a historic venue beloved by its performers.
The Port of Galveston currently has two cruise terminals with a third one scheduled to open in Fall 2022. Currently, Carnival cruises and Disney use mainly Terminal 1 (Piers 23-26) and occasionally Terminal 2. It will be developed in line with the global Leadership in Energy and Environmental (LEED) health, efficiency and eco-sustainable standards. It will encourage the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel for all cruise ships and other vessels calling on the port which is less harmful to the environment. It is mainly used by Royal Caribbean until Terminal 3 opens in late 2022.
One of three ships in the line's Dream class that date to the late 2000s and early 2010s, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze is no longer the newest or snazziest ship in the Carnival fleet. At around 130,000 tons, it's about 29% smaller than Carnival's newer Excel-class ships and has fewer venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces. Disney Magic sails a mix of four- to six-night voyages from Galveston to Mexico. Shorter voyages typically visit Progreso, Mexico, while longer sailings add a stop in Cozumel. Like all Disney ships, Disney Magic boasts many cabins with split bathrooms — a boon for families.
Texas Port Completes Deal to Build New Terminal for MSC Cruises - Cruise Hive
Texas Port Completes Deal to Build New Terminal for MSC Cruises.
Posted: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Once you have identified and collected your luggage, you will need to produce your passport at immigration to re-enter the USA. If you are importing alcohol and tobacco, dues will be collected by the TABC (Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission) as you pass through the terminal. If you need to debark ahead of your designated time, you must see the Customer Service desk and arrange a new debarking time/group. If you try to disembark ahead of your group, you will be turned away by security. Even if you do reach the terminal, your luggage will not be offloaded until your group is called.
Carnival debuts new ship Jubilee with Caribbean cruises from Texas - USA TODAY
Carnival debuts new ship Jubilee with Caribbean cruises from Texas.
Posted: Fri, 22 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
That results in fewer and smaller attractions than the latter vessels. I'm a big fan of this new Norwegian vessel's stylish design and upscale feel, and I love its luxurious Haven suite complex. It also offers a solid itinerary out of Galveston that visits several of my favorite ports in the Western Caribbean.
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