I’ve taken more than 20 cruises from Florida, but recently I tried sailing from Galveston, Texas, and it completely won me over. While Florida ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale are busy and huge, Galveston feels calmer and more relaxed—yet it’s growing fast, with over 1.75 million passengers expected in 2025.
Getting There
Galveston is about an hour from Houston, with two main airport options: William P. Hobby (HOU), which is closer, and George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), which has more flights, including international ones. It’s best to fly in a day early. For transport, you can book shuttles, private cars, Uber, or Lyft. Parking at the port is also available if you’re driving.
Stay & Explore
Galveston is more than just a cruise port—it’s a fun vacation spot. You’ll find hotels, beach resorts, vacation rentals, and even RV parks. I stayed at the Grand Galvez, a historic beachfront hotel with a touch of old-world charm.
The city offers something for everyone: beaches, museums, and a charming historic downtown with Victorian-style buildings. Families will love Moody Gardens, the Aquarium Pyramid, and the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The Pleasure Pier brings boardwalk vibes, and yes—Galveston even has the only Rainforest Café with a ride! Don’t miss local Tex-Mex food—Salsas Mexican Restaurant was a highlight for me.
At the Port
Unlike Florida’s crowded ports, Galveston usually has just a few ships at a time. That makes boarding smoother and faster. On my Disney Magic cruise, check-in took less than 10 minutes. The terminals are modern, wheelchair-friendly, and offer Wi-Fi and comfy seating.
At Sea
Cruising from Galveston is a little different from Florida. Since the port sits on the Gulf of Mexico, the water is calmer at first, though you’ll cross more sea days to reach Mexico and the Caribbean. The weather can vary—summers are hot, winters are mild. My February trip was cool but pleasant.
Overall, Galveston may be underrated, but it’s a great choice for cruisers who want a smoother, more laid-back start to their vacation.
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