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The new Galveston cruise terminal will be developed in line with the global Leadership in Energy and Environmental (LEED) health, efficiency and eco-sustainable standards. It proposes the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel for all cruise ships and other vessels calling on the port. LNG is much more eco-friendly than diesel and is less harmful to the environment. Cruise ships Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream and Disney Wonder operate out of both Terminals 1 and 2. Galveston cruise terminals are well-positioned for offering 4/5 night and 7-night cruises in both the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
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In this case, you’ll enter the terminal area at the intersection of Harborside and 14th Street/Royal Caribbean Way. Then, you can follow Royal Caribbean Way to Royal Caribbean Circle (and just follow the signage to the terminal). This will lead you right to the front of the terminal where you will see the large area for luggage drop-off. Once on the check-in level, you’ll be guided to an agent that will confirm your details, check any required documents and get your ready to board. From there, it’s a quick pass through security, and then you’re on your way to the ship.
What to Do Near the Galveston Cruise Terminals
It’s right across the street from a number of parking options, making it extremely convenient to get to and from the ship on cruise day. The closest airport to Galveston Island is William P. Hobby Airport (HOU ). This airport is located 41 miles northwest of the cruise port, where you can rent a car. Once there, it's a 42-mile drive along Highway 45 to get to the port. However, driving your own vehicle to get inside Galveston cruise terminal will be less expensive and more convenient than taking a plane.
More About Galveston Cruise Terminals
It is mainly used by Royal Caribbean although this will change in late 2022 when the new RCL Terminal 3 opens. It is within walking distance of the terminal and parking and there is a shuttle service. Terminal 1 is located at 2502 Harborside Drive, Galveston and is located east of Terminal 2. It primarily serves Carnival Cruise Lines with parking right across the street. This Galveston cruise terminal was expanded and improved in 2010.
By Car
This can make taxi cabs cheaper than some shuttles on a per-person basis. As well, you have the flexibility to make stops on the way to the port to pick up any last-minute items you might have forgot. You also don’t have to wait for a shuttle to fill up or share your ride with anyone else. Many hotels in Galveston offer free or discounted parking as a perk for your stay. Click here to read our article with a full list of Galveston hotels with parking deals. As well, you can park at several hotels in Galveston that offer free parking during your cruise in exchange for one night’s stay.
In 2018, the Port's cruise shipping grew by 13%, resulting in USD 1,5 billion in direct expenditures and supported Texas jobs (with total wages USD 1,75 billion). In 2018, the port's passenger+crew arrivals were ~1,4 million (estimated USD 115M in ashore spending/goods and services). The port also has facilities to handle cargo ships (bulk freighters and container carriers) and dry dock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs.
After that, you may have to wait in the lounge area until boarding begins. There are usually drinks available (complimentary champagne and canapes for elite, VIP and guests with top loyalty points). It’s a fun thing to do as the ride takes only about 15 minutes and gives great views of the bay. In total, the security and check-in process shouldn’t take more than about minutes. If you’re about to cruise from Galveston, we have this guide to answer everything you would want to know about sailing from the port.
Galveston port trustees OK deal for $100 million fourth cruise terminal - Galveston County Daily News
Galveston port trustees OK deal for $100 million fourth cruise terminal.
Posted: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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Port of Galveston's to have $142 million cruise terminal complex to develop in early 2024 - KTRK-TV
Port of Galveston's to have $142 million cruise terminal complex to develop in early 2024.
Posted: Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
There is no viable public option to get from the airports to the cruise ships and vice versa. You’ll need to use a service like those listed above to get to your cruise. Seeing a need in the market, a number of shuttle services have popped up that provide rides to and from the Houston airports and the Galveston cruise port. While other options are cheaper for most parties, if you are traveling with a larger group then the shuttles can be a deal. In addition, the parking lot offers a free shuttle that picks up and drops off at the cruise terminals every 15 minutes.
Cruise Parking Galveston
Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer roundtrip shuttle bus services (between Galveston and both airports in Houston) with prices per person / similar to Lyft's. Independent shuttle services are provided by companies like Galveston Express, Galveston Limousine, Island Breeze Shuttle. On December 9, 2018, Port Galveston welcomed its 10 millionth cruise tourist since 2000, when its cruising operations started. The lucky man was Yingtao Liu, who arrived from Norman Oklahoma together with his parents, wife and 3 kids. Upon checking before boarding Carnival Vista, the family (all first-time cruisers) was greeted by Rodger Rees (port's CEO) and Pavol Drimaj (ship's Hotel Director). The cruise company also extended the family's standard onboard amenities with VIP services.
Public transit options between Houston and Galveston are limited. Amtrak has a bus available, but tickets can only be booked in conjunction with a train ticket. Spots are available for those with disabled parking permits. It’s obviously a little more expensive to get to Galveston from Intercontinental compared to Hobby given the greater distance. Estimated fares from Hobby are in the $50 range, each way. If you are flying into Bush Intercontinental on the north side of Houston, the estimated fare is $75 each way.
After check-in and security, there's a large waiting room as well as smaller lounge areas for VIP/elite passengers. The waiting area is spacious, and it has an ATM and vending machines. Arrangements should be made with your cruise line in advance if you require wheelchair assistance to board the ship. The Port of Galveston has wheelchairs available for use during embarkation and disembarkation.
If you’re using a GPS program, input 22nd Street and Harborside Drive to get the most accurate directions to the cruise terminals. However, if you plan to park at the port, input 33rd Street and Harborside Drive in your GPS. Taxis from George Bush Intercontinental Airport or from Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport are readily available. However, taxi service from the cruise terminals is less frequent and it is recommended to book ahead when planning disembarkation.
The new Galveston cruise terminal has a special area for suite guests. Once inside the new cruise terminal, you are greeted with a cavernous lobby. Once you drop off your luggage, the entrance is towards the front of the terminal. Unlike the Strand, the East End is a little more crowded, with more activities, including restaurants and historical sites. While many Victorian mansions date back to the 1800s, it also has modern business buildings. The streets are quite easy to navigate and give you a good view of the city’s extravagance and charm.
On November 30, 2016, the port completed a USD 13 million project that expanded the passenger area at "Cruise Terminal 2". Terminal's both buildings are now connected by an enclosed, air-conditioned walkway. The passenger area was increased from around 90,000 to 150,000 ft2 (8360 to m2). Seating was increased from 500 to 2000 seats, baggage holding-, customs- and waiting areas were expanded, and 16 more check-in booths were installed. The port consists of Pelican Island's southern side, Galveston Island's northern side and Galveston Bay's entrance. The Galveston Ship Channel's authorized min depth is 45 ft (14 m).
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