Where Do Cruise Ships Depart From in Galveston?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a cruise from Galveston, Texas, you may be wondering where exactly the ships depart from. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll take a look at the different ports and terminals in Galveston that cruise ships depart from.

Port of Galveston

The Port of Galveston is the primary port for cruises departing from Galveston. It is located on Harborside Drive and is easily accessible by car or taxi. The port has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is the older of the two terminals and is located on Pier 21. It was renovated in 2016 and now features modern amenities such as a new parking garage, improved check-in areas, and expanded waiting areas. Terminal 1 currently serves Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is located on Harborside Drive and opened in November 2020. It features state-of-the-art technology and amenities including facial recognition technology for check-in, an outdoor lounge area with views of the ocean, and a rooftop parking lot with direct access to the terminal. Terminal 2 currently serves Carnival Cruise Line.

Other Ports

While the Port of Galveston is the main port for cruises departing from Galveston, there are other ports in nearby cities that also offer cruises.

Houston Bayport Cruise Terminal

The Houston Bayport Cruise Terminal is located about an hour’s drive from Galveston in Pasadena, Texas. It offers limited cruise options through Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Houston Cruise Terminal

The Houston Cruise Terminal is located in downtown Houston and is about an hour and a half’s drive from Galveston. It offers limited cruise options through Princess Cruises.

  • Tip: If you’re flying into Houston for your cruise, you may want to consider staying in Galveston the night before your cruise departs to avoid rushing to the port on the day of.

Conclusion

In summary, the Port of Galveston is the primary port for cruises departing from Galveston with two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. While there are other ports in nearby cities that offer limited cruise options, they are not as convenient or accessible as the Port of Galveston. Now that you know where the ships depart from in Galveston, it’s time to start packing for your next adventure on the high seas!