galveston cruise carnival cruise

• Cruise From

Galveston, TX

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Miracle

* Coming Soon

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.

Cruises from Galveston, Texas: Gateway to Caribbean Adventures

Discover the best times to cruise from Galveston in 2024 with our month-by-month weather guide. Plan your ideal Western Caribbean voyage with ease.

Category: Carnival Breeze

Carnival breeze: embark on a vibrant journey from galveston with carnival cruise line.

Essential Information about the Carnival Breeze

Carnival breeze: an overview.

The Carnival Breeze is a symbol of Carnival Cruise Line’s dedication to fun and quality cruising. Boasting an impressive size and a capacity for thousands of guests, the ship offers a lively and spacious environment for a perfect vacation. With its innovative design, panoramic ocean views, and a plethora of onboard activities, the Carnival Breeze caters to all ages and preferences, ensuring a delightful journey for every guest.

Accommodation Types

The Carnival Breeze offers a wide range of accommodation options, each designed for comfort and style:

• Luxurious Suites : These suites provide the ultimate in comfort and elegance, with additional amenities and personalized services for a truly indulgent experience.
• Balcony Staterooms : Enjoy private outdoor space and stunning views of the ocean in these popular rooms.
• Oceanview Staterooms : These rooms feature large windows, offering guests a beautiful view of the sea.
• Interior Staterooms : Efficiently designed for comfort, these cabins are a cozy and budget-friendly option for travelers.

Booking and Planning Your Cruise

Planning your cruise on the Carnival Breeze is an exciting and seamless process. The ship offers a variety of itineraries and packages, ensuring there’s a perfect option for every type of traveler. Whether looking for a family-friendly adventure, a romantic getaway, or a solo expedition, you’ll find an array of choices complete with unique onboard activities and exciting shore excursions.

Onboard Experience on Carnival Breeze

Amenities and facilities.

The Carnival Breeze is equipped with an array of amenities and facilities designed for fun and relaxation. Enjoy multiple pools, a thrilling water park, and a tranquil spa. The ship also features a variety of lounges, bars, and entertainment venues, catering to every mood and preference.

Dining and Cuisine

Dining on the Carnival Breeze is a delightful experience, offering a range of culinary options. From casual dining to fine dining restaurants and specialty venues, each meal is a celebration of flavors. The ship caters to all dietary preferences, ensuring a pleasurable dining experience for all guests.

Entertainment and Activities

The entertainment aboard the Carnival Breeze is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy clubs, and a lively casino. A plethora of activities and interactive experiences are available daily, ensuring endless fun and engagement for guests of all ages.

Health, Wellness, and Fitness

Stay active and rejuvenated with the Carnival Breeze’s comprehensive health and wellness facilities. The fitness center, sports courts, and various exercise classes cater to fitness enthusiasts, while the spa offers a serene environment for relaxation and a range of treatments.

Carnival Breeze Ship Schedule

Cruising on the Carnival Breeze from Galveston with Carnival Cruise Line offers an experience filled with joy, comfort, and adventure. Before setting sail, take the opportunity to explore Galveston Island ‘s charm, learn about the Galveston Port, and discover the beauty and attractions of Texas , including its wonders and landmarks. Check out the latest itineraries and special offers for the Carnival Breeze. Discover the latest information on upcoming cruises, and view the Galveston Cruise Ship Schedule for 2024 and 2025 for more fantastic sea adventures.

Carnival Breeze, Mini cruise to Progreso and Cozumel from Galveston, April 7, 2025

5-day Western caribbean cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: April 7, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Yucatan (Progreso), Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Breeze, Cozumel Cruise from Galveston, April 3, 2025

4-day Western Caribbean cruise to Cozumel, Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: April 3, 2025; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery and[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mini cruise to Progreso and Cozumel from Galveston, March 29, 2025

5-day Western caribbean cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 29, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Yucatan (Progreso), Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mini cruise to Progreso and Cozumel from Galveston, March 24, 2025

5-day Western caribbean cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 24, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Yucatan (Progreso), Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Breeze, Cozumel Cruise from Galveston, March 20, 2025

4-day Western Caribbean cruise to Cozumel, Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 20, 2025; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery and[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mini cruise to Progreso and Cozumel from Galveston, March 15, 2025

5-day Western caribbean cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 15, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Yucatan (Progreso), Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mini cruise to Progreso and Cozumel from Galveston, March 10, 2025

5-day Western caribbean cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 10, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Yucatan (Progreso), Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Breeze, Cozumel Cruise from Galveston, March 6, 2025

4-day Western Caribbean cruise to Cozumel, Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 6, 2025; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery and[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mini cruise to Progreso and Cozumel from Galveston, March 1, 2025

5-day Western caribbean cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 1, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Yucatan (Progreso), Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mini cruise to Progreso and Cozumel from Galveston, February 24, 2025

5-day Western caribbean cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 24, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Yucatan (Progreso), Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Breeze, Cozumel Cruise from Galveston, February 20, 2025

4-day Western Caribbean cruise to Cozumel, Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 20, 2025; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery and[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mexico Mini Cruise from Galveston, February 15, 2025

5-day Western Caribbean cruise to Cozumel & Costa Maya with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 15, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Galveston;[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mini cruise to Progreso and Cozumel from Galveston, February 10, 2025

5-day Western caribbean cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 10, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Yucatan (Progreso), Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Breeze, Cozumel Cruise from Galveston, February 6, 2025

4-day Western Caribbean cruise to Cozumel, Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 6, 2025; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery and[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mini cruise to Progreso and Cozumel from Galveston, February 1, 2025

5-day Western caribbean cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 1, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Yucatan (Progreso), Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mini cruise to Progreso and Cozumel from Galveston, January 27, 2025

5-day Western caribbean cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: January 27, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Yucatan (Progreso), Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Breeze, Cozumel Cruise from Galveston, January 23, 2025

4-day Western Caribbean cruise to Cozumel, Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: January 23, 2025; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery and[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mexico Mini Cruise from Galveston, January 18, 2025

5-day Western Caribbean cruise to Cozumel & Costa Maya with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: January 18, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Galveston;[…]

Carnival Breeze, Mini cruise to Progreso and Cozumel from Galveston, January 13, 2025

5-day Western caribbean cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: January 13, 2025; Duration: 5-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Yucatan (Progreso), Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery[…]

Carnival Breeze, Cozumel Cruise from Galveston, January 9, 2025

4-day Western Caribbean cruise to Cozumel, Mexico with Carnival Cruises Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: January 9, 2025; Duration: 4-day cruise; Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Carnival Breeze; Ports of Call: Galveston, Cozumel, Galveston; Enjoy magnificent scenery and[…]

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Galveston (Texas)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-08 21:09

Port Galveston cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Galveston, Texas. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Galveston is a port city spread over Galveston Island and Pelican Island, in Texas USA. 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.

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.

Port Galveston TX

Port Galveston (locode USGLS) is located on mainland Texas' upper coast and on the island's eastern end. The port is at approx 9 mi (15 km) from the open sea (Gulf of Mexico). The Port Authority company (Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves) is city-owned, self-sustaining and doesn't receive city property taxes.

In 2017, Galveston was ranked the USA's 4th largest cruise port. In 2016, it generated US$58,4M in local passenger spending, plus US$19,1M in port-provided services. Cruise ship operations created 1232 direct local jobs. According to the Port's statistical data, Texas receives from cruise ship operations ~USD 1,42 billion per year (direct spending). The industry generates 25166 state jobs and ~USD 1,62B in income.

In 2022, the Port's cruise activities supported ~3500 jobs and generated US$568 million (local business revenue) and US$73,5 million (local purchases by cruise tourists/passengers and crew).

Bayport Cruise Terminal (Houston) is located in Pasadena Texas. The driving distance between Galveston and Houston is approx 50 mi (80 km), or ~1-hour drive southeast.

Port Galveston was established in October 1825, making it the oldest on the Gulf of Mexico. During the late-19th century, the seaport was considered to be the USA's 2nd busiest - after NYC New York . It exported most of the USA's cotton, also cattle and rice. Unfortunately, on September 8, 1900, the port was devastated by the "1900 Galveston hurricane". The storm (Category 4) had strong winds of up to 145 mph (233 kph) and resulted in 6000-8000 dead - ranking it the USA's deadliest hurricane disaster ever. Although recovered, the seaport's market position was soon overtaken by Houston and other deepwater ports on the US Caribbean coast.

Major contributors to the Port's current successful cruise business are Carnival Corporation and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group . Both are currently ranked the world's largest passenger shipping companies and both homeport here large-capacity liners for year-round roundtrip departures. Today, Port Galveston is one of the most successful Caribbean USA homeports.

• On September 30, 2015, the port celebrated its 15th "cruise business" anniversary.
• On September 30, 2000, the Carnival ship MS Celebration started here its first homeport itinerary.
• In 2000-2015, the seaport handled a total of 2643 cruise ship calls (by 18 different vessels) and 7+ million passengers.
• During season 2017, were handled 33 ship calls (all turnarounds/roundtrips) and 113,488 passengers. Port's previous record year was 2005 (29 ship calls). In December 2017 was welcomed the port's 9 millionth passenger - since Sept 30, 2000, when its cruising business started.
• In 2018, CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines deployed in Galveston 3 boats ( Freedom , Valor , Vista ), with projected annual capacity 650,000+ pax. In 2018, here were also homeported RCI's boats Liberty OTS and Vision OTS .
• On December 5, 2018, the port authority company (Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves) signed with RCG an MoU agreement for the development and concession of a new (Royal Caribbean) "Cruise Terminal 3" at Pier 10. The US$125M project was officially approved on December 11, 2019. The long-term (20-year initial) lease deal could be extended (via 4 consecutive 10-year options) up to 60-year exclusive terminal concession rights . Between 2003-2018, RCI brought to Galveston 2,4+ million tourists (annual economic impact ~USD 65M). Terminal 3 was opened on Nov 9, 2022.

The port also has facilities to handle cargo ships (bulk freighters and container carriers ) and dry dock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs . The port can handle all types of cargo - containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk, breakbulk, RO-RO (roll-on/roll-off) vessels. There is a terminal switching railroad to facilitate larger cargo movements by rail.

In August 2021, Galveston Wharves signed an MoU with Stabilis Solutions to build and supply LNG bunkering/shore-to-ship fueling facilities in 2021. The deal was signed by Rodger Rees (Galveston Port's Director and CEO) and Jim Reddinger (Stabilis' President and CEO). Galveston is the second (after Corpus Christi) LNG bunkering port served by Stabilis (2013-founded, Houston Texas -based turnkey LNG company, part of LNG Investment Company LLC).

Galveston cruise port

In the period 2000-2016, the port invested USD 85+ million in its cruise terminals.

In 2014, the Port served ~642,000 passengers, in 2015 were handled ~834,000 (28% increase). Galveston was one of the few in the USA with increased passenger shipping traffic in 2015 - the other being Miami , San Juan Puerto Rico , Seattle and San Francisco .

In January 2014, the port signed a 5-year agreement with Royal Caribbean, generating USD 1,86+ million in annual revenues. The agreement required improvements to be made to Cruise Terminal 2 (Terminal 28) to accommodate larger vessels and more tourists. Terminal 2's size was increased to 150,000 ft2 / 13,940 m2 (passenger capacity up to 1000) at the cost of USD 10M.

In February 2015, Carnival added the ship Freedom as its 3rd year-round boat (joining the fleetmates Magic and Triumph ) which increased CCL's year capacity up to 600,000 passengers.

In 2016 were handled 875,000 passengers. In 2017 the number grew to 950,000 (economic impact USD 2,3 billion) supporting 13892 local jobs. Direct spending is USD 1,2+ billion. Generated jobs are 20,000 (paying over USD 1,1 billion in total income). Cruise ship vacation-related spending in Texas is accounted for 6,3% of the industry's direct expenditures, and 5,6% of the industry's nationwide overall spending.

In 2016, Carnival homeported in Galveston 3 ships ( Breeze , Freedom , Liberty ). Royal Caribbean in 2016-2017 homeported year-round 2 ships ( Liberty OTS , Vision OTS ).

In August 2017 (25-27), the port was closed due to Hurricane Harvey's significant rains during the weekend. This affected the schedules of 4 liners (Carnival Breeze, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Valor, Liberty of the Seas). The port was shut down to all shipping traffic (cargo and passenger). Freedom and Valor were relocated to New Orleans , Breeze remained docked overnight in Cozumel, Liberty OTS was diverted to Miami .

In 2017 were handled a total of 258 ship calls and ~1,9 million passengers. In 2017, the port reported a record monthly cruise shipping volume (113,488 embarking passengers) on a total of 33 departures in December. The previous record was 29 turnarounds (December 2005). In Dec 2017, the port also celebrated its 9 millionth passenger.

For 2018, the cruise port had booked 308 ship calls, with estimated 2+ million passengers. In September 2018, Carnival repositioned here Vista - replacing Breeze and joining Valor and Freedom . Seasonally (2018-2019 / October - January) here were homeported 3x Carnival ships (Vista, Valor, Freedom), 2x RCI ships (Liberty OTS, Vision OTS) and Wonder . The Disney ship offers roundtrips in autumn and winter, then relocates (through Panama Canal) to Alaska for the summer.

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). All family members received gifts, including a 3-night hotel package for Island Bay Resort, a basket with gourmet treats, a CVB-logoed gift bag and a Carnival-logoed beach bag with travel essentials. The cruise company also extended the family's standard onboard amenities with VIP services.

Port's current schedule has two liners leaving on Saturdays, two on Sundays, one on Mondays, one on Thursdays. The Disney ship leaves on Fridays. Every 2 years is conducted ship channel/waterfront dredging to maintain the port's required water depth of 45 ft (14 m). The shipping channel is also regularly deepened to maintain a 150-ft (46-m) wide waterfront marine zone that allows access to piers 10 and 41.

In mid-January 2019, Port Galveston signed an agreement with DCL-Disney Cruise Line extending the company's preferential berthing rights for additional 10 years (until November 1, 2028), with optional 2 renewals for additional 5-year periods. The deal also included building a new/shared cruise terminal with capacity to handle a vessel similarly sized or bigger than Disney's Magic-Wonder boats.

In 2018, the Port's cruise shipping grew by 13%, resulting in USD 1,5 billion in direct expenditures and 26241 supported Texas jobs (with total wages USD 1,75 billion). Galveston is Texas State's only homeport and was accounted for 6,3% of the USA's cruise industry overall spending, 6,2% of the industry's total employment impact, 7,6% of its income impact. In 2018, the port's passenger+crew arrivals were ~1,4 million (estimated USD 115M in ashore spending/goods and services).

In mid-November 2022, Galveston Wharves announced an MoU with Carnival Corporation, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group, CenterPoint Energy Inc (USA electric transmission and natural gas services), Shell Trading (UK), and Texas A&M University (College Station City TX) for potential solutions to develop shoreside power connectivity .

In 2022, the Port's cruise business supported 3500 jobs, and generated US$568M in local business revenue plus US$73,5M in purchases by cruise tourists (passengers and crew).

In 2023, the cruise port recorded 362 booked berthings (354 ship calls received) and ~42% increase in passengers (~2,98 million) over 2022. When completed, the newest/4th MSC Cruise Terminal is expected to generate an additional 925 jobs, ~US$177M in revenues, ~US$21M in local purchases.

On December 4, 2019, Port Galveston welcomed its 1-millionth cruiser - Mark Martin (from Mission Viejo CA). He and his wife (Laurie Steele) were booked on Enchantment Of The Seas for a 5-day Western Caribbean itinerary to Mexico (Costa Maya, Cozumel).

As part of the Port Access Program 2019-2020, in mid-July 2020, TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) awarded USD 3,75M "Rider 38 Grant" for the USD 5M project for building a new internal roadway between 14th and 20th streets. The balance (USD 1,25M) will come from the cruise port's operating revenue. Works on the project are planned to start in August 2021 and to be completed in 2022-Q4. The new road is a section of an internal roadway running (through the port property) from 14th Street to 53rd Street. In 2018, Galveston Wharves received USD 1+ million from Rider 48 for repaving, widening and installing drainage on OPIR-Old Port Industrial Road (between 29th Str and 33rd Str) as well as for repaving and drainage on 33rd Str (between OPIR and Harborside Drive).

For FY2020 (fiscal year) Port Galveston reported USD 2 million in revenue (despite the Coronavirus crisis) mainly by reducing expenses.

• Grants and investments were USD 29M, expenses ~USD 27M ($11,3M in 2019). Seaport's operating income was USD 27,4M (40% from cargo shipping) including $7,2M from cruises (+parking).
• Revenues also included $6M (lay revenues), $1,9M (real estate leases), $0,8M (other).
• Projections for 2021 were for USD 37,5M (operating revenues) including $3M from cruise ships' lay dockage.
• Suspension of ex-Galveston cruises resulted in huge losses for the state's economy and the cruise shipping industry-related businesses. Based on annual economic statistics, statewide losses in 2020-2021 were estimated at USD 1,2 billion (direct spending), USD 1,6 billion (wages), ~23,000 jobs.

In August 2022 was announced a US$33 million investment in cruise-related infrastructure improvements, including US$22M (pier repairs, site works, utilities, 1800-lots cruise parking) and US$11M (upgrades at Terminal 25 and Terminal 28). Terminal 28 now has 450 cruise parking lots.

In May 2023, Galveston Wharves announced an investment of US$53 million in Terminal 25's expansion in order to accommodate CCL'’s largest ship Carnival Jubilee (max capacity 6630 passengers) which homeporting was scheduled to start in December 2023. The project included adding two new gangways, a new ramp, two elevators, one escalator, new roofing, improvements of facilities (including Customs & Border Protection).

With 3x cruise terminals and increased passenger traffic (7+ million visitors annually), in 2022 Port Galveston started investing in infrastructure upgrades (expanding the interior roadway) to divert some of the traffic (away from Harborside Drive) and technologies like real-time traffic conditions and route updates (via mobile apps), more wayfinding electronic signboards, advance traffic notifications (for tourists with booked cruise parking), car license plate recognition (for automated cruise port parking entry and exit). The ~USD 20 million project also included the restoration and extension of the roads in the Old Port Industrial and Wharf. A direct road connection to highway I-45 can divert most of the cruise-related vehicle traffic directly to the Port.

In October 2023, Galveston Wharves received US$42.3 million in state funding for cargo terminals and road infrastructures.

• A US3.85M (+US$1M port contribution) were allocated for the restoration of the in-port roadway (between streets 33rd and 41st) and reopening of the enclosed pedestrian walkway over Harborside Drive/Texas State Highway 275 (at 25th Street), which provides access to cruise port's terminals 25 and 28, as well as to the Shearn Moody Plaza Garage and downtown Galveston's Strand District. The project also included installing elevators and/or escalators at Terminal 25 and the parking garage.
• US$2.5M (+US$0,655M port contribution) was used for the 4th section of the internal roadway to improve access to the West Port and divert cruise traffic from I-275/Harborside Drive and reduce downtown's congestion.
• In March 2024 started the expansion of the Express Lot (park-and-walk road infrastructure adjacent to cruise terminals 25 and 28) to reduce traffic on Harborside

In November 2023 was announced a US$5.3M contract for engineering and architecture services for a new/fourth terminal at Pier 16.

On November 21, 2023, was adopted Galveston Wharves' 2024 budget, with projected US$37M in net income, US$72,5M in operating revenues (12% over 2023's), US$35,5M in operating expenses, and ~14% increase in cruise tourists (~1,6M).

For FY2023, Galveston Wharves Port reported revenues of US$67,4M (27,5% increase), a net operating income of US$24,5M (55,4% increase), received 1,490532M passengers/embarkations (+43,1%), 210665 cruise cars parked (+46,4%), and handled 3,6M tons of cargo.

Cruise itineraries from Galveston Texas

Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Galveston:

• Most departures from Galveston are operated by liners from the fleets of Carnival , RCI-Royal Caribbean and DCL-Disney .
• (Western Caribbean) 7-day to Honduras ( Roatan island ) and Mexico ( Costa Maya and Cozumel ).
• (Western Caribbean) 7-day to Jamaica ( Montego Bay ), Grand Cayman ( George Town ) and Mexico ( Cozumel ). Another port of call could be Belize City .
• (Eastern Caribbean) 7-day to Florida ( Key West ) and Bahamas ( Freeport , and Nassau ). Also can be visited the Bahamian private islands Half Moon Cay (Carnival), Castaway Cay (Disney) and CocoCay (Royal Caribbean).

(Western Caribbean) From Galveston are also offered Mexico-only roundtrips that visit Cozumel (4-days) and Cozumel with Progreso (5-days).

Galveston cruise terminal

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). Its width at the narrowest point is 1200 ft (370 m).

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - USGLS
• supported by excellent road, rail and air infrastructure
• capability to accommodate 3 vessels at a time
• deep water channel - min depth (45 ft / 13,7 m), narrowest point width (1200 ft / 366 m)
• deep water berths
• sheltered harbor area, direct access to Gulf of Mexico

The Port is accessible the whole year round - 24/7, 365 days a year.

Cruise ships usually arrive in Galveston in the late afternoon (4 or 4:30 PM) and depart from Galveston in the early evening (at 7 or 8 PM). Know that disembarking passengers must pay tax on alcohol and cigarettes imported into Texas (purchased either on the ship or at ports of call).

Port Galveston has 3 passenger terminals, all featuring modern and most efficient customer facilities.

"Cruise Terminal 1" serves vessels of Princess and Carnival .

"Cruise Terminal 2" is utilized by Disney , Celebrity and RCI-Royal Caribbean .

"Cruise Terminal 3" (2022-opened) is exclusive to Royal Caribbean.

Houston-Galveston fly cruisers information

Flight tourists boarding in Galveston fly into one of Houston's two airports - George Bush/Intercontinental (IAH) or the smaller William Hobby (HOU/served mainly by Southwest Airlines).

Galveston cruise port is approx 40 mi / 70 km from Hobby Airport (~60 min drive distance) and approx 70 mi / 110 km from Houston Airport (~90 min drive distance). For fly-cruisers is recommended to use rideshare (larger group travel) services. Lyft is Galveston terminal's exclusive rideshare company (pricing per vehicle /not per person) so Uber is not an option. Most Lyft vehicles fit 4x people (+ the driver). Taxis are also available from both Houston airports, but the prices are significantly higher (~twice) than the rideshare service.

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.

If the cruise ship itinerary's arrival time at Port Galveston is 6-7 am (debarkation day), passenger disembarkation is usually completed between 7:30-9 am. So the earliest home flight from Houston is recommended to be booked for 1 pm or later.

Cruise Ship Terminals 1 and 2

• Pier 25/Terminal 1 address - "2502 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550"
• Pier 27/Terminal 2 address - "2702 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550"
• At Terminal 1 (pier 25) dock Princess and CCL-Carnival boats.
• At Terminal 2 (pier 27) dock DCL-Disney and RCI-Royal Caribbean boats.
• Embarkation: luggage must be unloaded at the terminal curbside prior to parking. Shuttles don't handle luggage during embarkation.

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 13950 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.

Terminal 2's expansion works started in 2014, financed by Royal Caribbean . However, construction roadblocks delayed the project with roughly a year. The expansion also included longer docking pier with extra bollards (short, vertical posts used for mooring). The dock project cost around USD 3,5M and was completed in 2017. The expanded Terminal 2 now has capacity to handle up to 5,000 passengers at a time.

In 2018, on Terminal 2's channel side were added new mooring structures (bollards) to allow docking of the longer Carnival Vista . The main mooring was upgraded with 200-ton bollards (metal posts for the mooring lines). The port is currently in the conceptual stage (designs) for building a new (3rd) cruise terminal as the demand for large vessels leaving from Galveston on the weekends is constantly growing.

(NEW) "Pier 10" Royal Caribbean Terminal 3

Cruise Terminal 3's address is "1028 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX 77550"

On December 5, 2018, the port authority company (Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves) signed with RCG-Royal Caribbean Group an MoU agreement for the development and concession of a new ( Royal Caribbean-exclusive ) terminal.

The USD 125 million (~EUR 107M) project was approved on December 11, 2019. This is a long-term (20-year initial) lease deal that could be extended (via 4 consecutive 10-year options) up to 60-year exclusive terminal concession rights.

The new Royal Caribbean terminal is sized 14990 m2 (161300 ft2) and occupies 10 acres (4 hectares / 40500 m2) of land at Pier 10 (port's southeast section).

The design was developed by Bermello Ajamil & Partners Inc - the company that also designed the Royal Caribbean's Terminal A (PortMiami), Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal (New York City) and Terminals 18 & 25 (Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale).

The new passenger terminal has a modern building (height 68 ft/ 21 m) and docking capacity to accommodate even Oasis-class liners (the world's largest ).

Cruise Terminal 3 features dedicated bus parking, taxi ranks, large car parking (1550 lots), facial recognition technology, mobile check-in service.

The construction works on "Terminal 3" were planned to start in April 2020, with scheduled completion in November 2021. However, due to the COVID crisis, in early-March RCG requested a 1-year extension for the construction's start (rescheduled for April 1, 2021). RCG's proposal was approved on April 28, 2020. The initial plans included in 2021 here to be homeported Allure OTS (starting November 10th), but the ship's homeporting was rescheduled for Nov 2022.

Works on Pier 10's Terminal 3 officially started on August 14, 2021. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Rodger Rees (Galveston Port Director and Galveston Wharves' CEO), Joshua Carroll (RCG's VP of Destination Development), Craig Mygatt (Ceres Terminals Inc's CEO), Craig Brown (City Mayor).

The project created ~400 construction jobs and ~400 permanent jobs.

RCI Galveston Terminal was initially scheduled for completion/inauguration on September 1, 2022, but was officially opened on November 9th. The new facility is co-owned (50-50) by RCG and Ceres Terminals Inc (provider of stevedore and terminal management services, part of Ceres Terminal Holdings LLC). Ceres currently provides for RCG similar services at Port Canaveral , Tampa , Port NOLA/New Orleans  and Baltimore .

Terminal 3 has an area dedicated to Suite-booked passengers, accessed via an exclusive entrance. The waiting hall is fitted with comfortable sofas, restrooms, vending machines.

(NEW) MSC Cruise Terminal (Galveston Pier 16)

In late-December 2022, MSC Cruises announced plans for homeporting in Galveston.

In 2023, MSC (world's 3rd-largest cruise shipowner) started negotiations with Galveston Wharves on a fourth/new cruise terminal, signing a non-binding MoU (memorandum of understanding) that outlined a potential terminal development and operation agreement for a new facility to be constructed at Port Galveston's piers 16-18.

The MoU was signed by Ruben Rodriguez (MSC Cruises USA's President) and Rodger Rees (Port Director and CEO).

The announcement made Galveston MSC's 4th American homeport - following Florida's Miami and Port Canaveral/Orlando ), and New York's NYC (since April 2023).

The MSC Cruise Terminal was included in Galveston Port's "20-Year Strategic Master Plan" listing major investments and maintenance projects to maximize assets, optimize all shipping-related business sectors and boost the state's economy with new jobs and more revenues.

In August 2023, the Wharves Board authorized US$673,000 for the proposed MSC Terminal's design and pre-engineering cost estimates.

In 2023, MSC had booked a record of 362 berthings/voyages out of Galveston.

On February 7, 2024, Galveston Wharves and MSC finalized the operating agreement for the new terminal complex. Starting in November 2025, in Galveston MSC inaugurates homeporting operations with the ship MSC Seascape .

The MSC Cruise Terminal complex at Pier 16 comprises a US$100 million terminal facility (docking infrastructure and building/former cargo warehouse), plus a US$42 million parking garage, and an internal roadway. Construction works were scheduled to start in 2024-Q1.

The project (funded with Galveston Wharves' cash reserves and revenue bonds). The terminal building is sized 165000 ft2/15330 m2. MSC will exclusively operate the facility under a 20-year concession agreement (2025 through 2045).

The 20-year terminal concession deal between Galveston Wharves and MSC is inclusive of 4 optional 5-year extensions. MSC was allocated a fixed cruise schedule while the Port retains the prerogative to receive at Pier 16 other cruise vessels, contingent upon availability.

Annually, Galveston's 4th cruise terminal is projected to support 925 new jobs and ~US$177 million in local business revenues (passenger fees and sales tax from parking).

(NEW) Pier 16 Cruise Terminal (4th)

On November 7, 2023, the Wharves Board signed a US$5.3M contract with Bermello Ajamil & Partners Inc (1939-founded engineering and architecture company/subsidiary of BAP Development Inc) for a fourth terminal at Pier 16.

Bermello Ajamil's services included the design of the building, one parking garage, one passenger boarding bridge, marine structure and civil improvements (dock area, access roads, utilities, surface parking).

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.

In September 2023 the Board contracted Hensel Phelps Construction Co (1937-founded) for preconstruction services.

Construction works are planned to start in 2025-Q1.

The entire project is estimated to cost ~US$140 million.

Cruise ship terminal directions and parking

From East - take Highway 87. Board a Port Bolivar vehicle ferry. Exit the ferry onto Ferry Road (Highway 87). Turn right onto Harborside Drive, then continue to Kempner (22nd Street) - some 20 city blocks. Turn right onto Kempner (22nd Street) and follow the signs to the terminal (Pier 25 or 27).

From North or West - take Interstate 45 South, then Exit 1C, Follow the feeder road to Harborside Drive (Highway 275), then turn left onto Harborside Drive and for ~5 mi / 8 km to Kempner (22nd Street). Turn left onto Kempner (22nd Street) and follow the signs to the terminal (Pier 25 or 27).

Cruise Parking Rates (subject to change) - USD 45 (on 4-day cruises), USD 50 (on 5-day cruises), USD 70 (on 7-day cruises). Parking is guarded and lighted, with 24-hour surveillance and police patrol. The garage's phone number is 409 766-6100.

Debarkation: go directly to the Parking Lot to retrieve your car (without luggage). Then pick up passengers and luggage at the terminal curbside. Depart the terminal via shuttles. The service is provided only in parking lots with luggage drop-off signs.

If you plan to fly to Galveston, you will arrive at either Hobby Airport, HOU, or George Bush International Airport, IAH, you have to rent a car or take a cruise line shuttle. There is no public transportation to Galveston from the airports in Huston. Galveston Limousine offers service to Galveston cruise ship terminal for USD 30. Taxi fares are USD 100 from George Bush Intercontinental and USD 75 from Hobby Airport.

The port's cruise parking rate is US$11.25 per day (subject to change). Payment options are cash, VISA / MasterCard or to pay in advance on the port's website. Four-day cruise parking costs US$45, 5-day - US$ 46.25, and 1-week/7-day – US$78.75.

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).

independently owned/operated parking lots near Port Galveston are located near Terminals 1 and 2, but relatively far away from Terminal 3. Most lots are at ~10-min drive/30-min walk distance from the Port. Near the cruise port are the lots of EZ Cruise Parking, Galveston Park N Cruise, Falstaff Cruise Parking, Discount Cruise Parking.

Best-rated hotels near Port Galveston include Baymont by Wyndham, Springhill Suites by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

During you stay, Galveston can offer plenty of activities for any age. You can enjoy tropical rainforest adventure or rest at the sunny beach. If you prefer, you can visit amusement places near the Galveston cruise port terminal like:

• Texas Seaport Museum
• the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
• the Moody Gardens
• the Bishop’s Palace
• the Stewart Beach Park

Galveston tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Galveston - user reviews and comments

• Deals , Destinations , Travel

Carnival Cruise Galveston’s Best Escapes

• Navigate Magazine

Cruising out of Galveston with Carnival Cruise offers a taste of luxury, a dash of adventure, and an ocean of memories. For those craving the serenity of the sea combined with fun-filled activities and opulent amenities, there’s no better choice than setting sail from this charming Texas port. The continually evolving offerings promise an exclusive experience, expertly marrying the best of the Carnival spirit with quintessential southern hospitality.

Embarking from the Texas Shore: Inside the Carnival Cruise Galveston Experience

When you cruise with Carnival out of Galveston, the journey begins long before the ship ever leaves the dock. Carnival Jubilee , a reverent hat-tip to the original MS Jubilee, is set to kick off the 2024 season, reflecting both the rich history and the bright future of cruising from Galveston. The 2024 roster of ships departing from this port promises to be the most exciting yet.

The embarkation process at the 2502 Harborside Drive terminal is both efficient and welcoming. Since 2010, the terminal has been equipped to cater to the larger class of ships and the growing number of sea adventurers. The close-by parking provides a hassle-free transition from land to sea – one less thing to worry about for eager cruisers.

What makes carnival cruise Galveston stand out as a port of choice? Is it the warm Texan welcome? Perhaps it’s the seamless blend of historical charm and cutting-edge facilities. Or could it be the feeling of anticipation that builds as you catch that first glimpse of your home at sea? Whatever the reason, Galveston has carved out a niche in the heart of seasoned and first-time cruisers alike.

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Setting Sail: The 2024 Itineraries for Cruises Out of Galveston

Excitement is brewing for the cruises out of Galveston 2024 as Carnival unveils a spread of itineraries designed to enchant. The lineup includes beloved favorites and new, intriguing routes. For those looking to mark special occasions, Carnival Galveston is rumored to be hosting a series of themed voyages, each set to elevate the sea experience to new heights. Whether you’re seeking to immerse yourself in cultural festivities at sea or wishing to partake in culinary extravaganzas, 2024 has a themed adventure to cater to all tastes.

The most interesting chatter surrounds Carnival’s announcement of several exclusive routes. These journeys hint at the possibility of undiscovered locales and secret shores, gift-wrapped in the warm embrace of the Carnival staff’s hospitality.

All Aboard the Fun Ship: Carnival Cruise Galveston Onboard Activities

This is where the ‘Fun Ship’ earns its moniker. From families with kids in tow to singles looking to socialize, and seniors aiming to soak up the sun and fun, there’s something aboard for everyone. Get your heart racing with outdoor fitness courses, calm your mind in state-of-the-art spas, or catch a Broadway-style show after dining on world-class cuisine.

Laughter becomes the soundtrack of the journey with live comedy acts, while the casinos offer a flutter of excitement for those feeling lucky. And let’s not forget the youngest sailors; children’s programs and teen clubs serve up non-stop fun, ensuring parents can unwind knowing their little ones are in safe hands.

Carnival’s newest ships boast features that are a testament to modern luxury. Think IMAX theaters, virtual reality arcades, and even sky zones that defy gravity – all sailing out of Galveston.

Ports of Call: Discovering the Eastern Caribbean Cruise stops from Galveston

The Eastern Caribbean cruise stops are etched into the minds of those who’ve experienced them, like the sun’s imprint on the horizon. Each destination presents a canvas on which to paint your adventures. From the vivid culture of San Juan to the untouched beauty of small, private islands, the Eastern Caribbean offers a tapestry that’s rich in both color and spirit.

Whether it’s zip-lining through rainforests or sipping rum punch on powdery beaches, Eastern Caribbean stops fulfill the promise of a unique blend of relaxation and exploration. Based on endless glowing reports, these ports are a cruisers’ paradise, and Carnival’s onshore excursions are tailored to showcase the very best of each.

Insider tips circulate among those ‘in the know’ revealing hidden coves and authentic eateries where you can sample the catch of the day, caught and cooked before your very eyes.

Navigating the Seas in Style: Luxurious Accommodations on Carnival Galveston Cruises

Immersive and indulgent – these two words perfectly encapsulate the accommodation experience on Carnival Galveston cruises. With rooms ranging from cozy interior staterooms to opulent suites offering sweeping sea views, there’s a sanctuary for every taste and budget. Guests enjoy the VIP treatment in spa cabins, while cloud nine beds promise a rest as deep as the ocean.

Dining aboard is a grand affair, from casual bites to fine dining. Whether you’re craving the lush flavors of cosmopolitan Restaurants or a hearty burger by the pool, every palate is catered to with aplomb. And the staff ensures that every special request, from extra pillows to a surprise room decoration, is met with a friendly “Yes, we can!”

Carnival Cruise Galveston’s Gastronomy Journey: A Culinary Adventure at Sea

Embark on a gastronomic journey where lavish buffet spreads, formal dining rooms, and specialty restaurants converge to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Not just a feast for the tastebuds, the diverse dining options cater to all dietary preferences, from gluten-free bliss to vegan delicacies.

Celebrity chefs often grace the galleys, presenting ai girl -like precision and flair with every dish served. Food is not just prepared; it’s crafted with the soul, making your sea days as palatable as the destinations themselves.

Memorable Moments: Personal Stories from Carnival Cruise Galveston Passengers

It’s the stories that paint the truest picture of the Carnival Cruise Galveston voyage. Tales of newlyweds who danced under the stars, tales of friendships fostered over a shared love for Archies flip Flops , tales of grandparents and grandchildren strengthening bonds against the backdrop of the vast Atlantic – every journey has its narrative.

These experiences echo the transformative power of travel, which leaves an indelible mark long after the cruise has ended. Such personal accounts are the heartbeat of the Carnival experience.

Charting Your Voyage: Planning Tips and Tricks for Your Carnival Cruise from Galveston

Securing your passage on one of the highly sought-after Galveston cruises is as much about the process as it is about the cruise itself. From choosing the perfect room with a view to picking excursions that will thrill or chill, the possibilities are as vast as the ocean.

Savvy travelers share their secrets on scoring the best deals, while seasoned seafarers advise on how to maximize every moment aboard. And do remember, a passport is more than just a suggestion – it’s a key to freedom on the high seas.

Beyond the Horizon: The Evolving Face of Carnival Cruise Galveston in the Coming Years

The next chapter for Carnival Cruise Galveston hints at innovation and expansion. With whispers of new ships and pioneering itineraries, the horizon looks bright. Considering the industry’s trajectory, these shifts signal an even richer, more seamless cruising experience. Luxuries once thought novel, such as all inclusive Resorts in Arizona , become the standard at sea.

By staying ahead of the curve, Carnival Galveston demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the traveler’s experience, proving that the true voyage lies in constant evolution.

Anchoring Memories: Reflections on the Carnival Cruise Galveston Adventure

As we dock back at the shores of Galveston, reflections of the Carnival Cruise adventure play like a favorite melody. From the thrill of embarkation to the quietude of a starlit deck, these experiences offer much more than just a vacation. They serve a deeper satisfaction, a connection with the sea and the selves we become upon it.

With a last glance back at the ship that became home, amidst the flutter of summer Nails , we understand; the Carnival Cruise Galveston experience stands unmatched – a mosaic of moments, a constellation of memories, a journey beyond compare.

Fun Facts: A Splash of Trivia on Carnival Cruise Galveston

Ahoy matey, did someone say trivia.

Alright, y’all, let’s dive right into some fun facts and trivia about Carnival Cruise Galveston that are as refreshing as a dip in an Atlantic City water park . You might think you know all about cruising out of the Lone Star State’s famed port, but hold your seahorses because some of these tidbits might just surprise you.

Let’s Get Ship-Shape!

1. A Galveston Giant: Did you know that Carnival Cruise Line’s Galveston port is home to some of the biggest cruise ships in their fleet? These ships aren’t just big – they’re like floating cities! With all the bells and whistles, they can make any land-based attraction, from a shiny shopping mall to a high-and-mighty Atlantic City water park,( look like a minnow in the ocean.

2. Departure to Paradise: Galveston ain’t just another port in the storm. It’s your gateway to some of the most picturesque cruising destinations. Think sparkling Caribbean waters, balmy beaches, and an ‘island time’ state of mind. It’s where you kick off your flip-flops and say, “Later, alligator!” to real-world worries.

3. Mega Fun on a Mardi Gras Scale: Named after the festive New Orleans celebration, the Carnival Mardi Gras is one of the largest ships to set sail from Galveston. With more entertainment than you can shake a stick at, it’s like having a year-round Mardi Gras party on the water. Who needs beads and jazz when you’ve got a cruise this exciting, right?

4. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: On board, the food and drink scene is something to write home about. From gourmet restaurants to casual bites, there are more flavors on these ships than spices in your grandma’s kitchen. And, oh boy, the cocktail bars are as plentiful as stars in the Texas night sky.

Anchor’s Aweigh Myths!

1. “Cruises are Just for Old Folks, Ain’t They?”

Well, hold your seahorses! This isn’t your granddaddy’s cruise. Carnival Cruise Galveston’s escapades are chock-full of activities for all ages. From kids’ clubs for the little squirts to nightclubs for the night owls, and serene spas for the chill seekers. It’s a party for every pirate and mermaid aboard!

2. “Boredom at Sea? Sounds Likely… Not!”

Whoever thinks you’ll be bored on these ships must be walking the plank! There’s a cornucopia of activities daily, from high-energy shows to water slides that give any Atlantic City water park( a run for its money. You’ll need a vacation from your vacation just to rest up!

3. “The Legend of the Lost Luggage”

Lost luggage might sound like a horror story, but fret not! Carnival’s crew is more on the ball than a seal with a beach ball. The staff ensures your bags arrive safe and sound to your room. No Bermuda Triangle shenanigans here, folks!

Oh Buoy, What’s Next?

As we lower the lifeboats on this trivia section, remember that a Carnival Cruise from Galveston is an adventure you don’t want to miss. It’s the kind of escape that sets the bar higher than a high diver at an Atlantic City water park.( So, what are you waiting for? Get on board and set sail towards fun, sun, and memories as vast as the ocean itself!

Now, ain’t that a boatload of fun? Y’all come back now, hear? There’s plenty more sea stories to tell.

What Carnival ships will be in Galveston in 2023?

– Looking to set sail from Galveston? Well, hold onto your hats, folks, because in 2023, the Carnival ships ready to whisk you away include the Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, and the all-new Carnival Jubilee set to debut later in the year. It’s a lineup that’s sure to float your boat!

Which Carnival ships sail out of Galveston?

– Searching for a Carnival cruise from Galveston? Look no further! Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream are your seafaring chariots, and come November 2023, Carnival Jubilee will join the party. So, pack your bags for an epic voyage straight from the Lone Star State.

What cruise terminal is Carnival in Galveston?

– Wondering where Carnival sets up shop in Galveston? Well, the Carnival ships dock at the Galveston Cruise Port, specifically at Terminal 1. With signs a-plenty, you can’t miss the spot where your sea adventure begins!

Do you have to have a passport to go on a cruise?

– Do you need a passport to cruise? Well, it’s not always a must-have, but it’s a good idea. For closed-loop cruises (that start and end at the same US port), other forms of ID and proof of citizenship might cut it. But, for peace of mind and unexpected stops, having a passport can save the day!

What is the newest Carnival ship out of Galveston?

– The newest ship in the Carnival fleet calling Galveston home in 2023? That’s easy—it’s the Carnival Jubilee, set to debut in November. All aboard for state-of-the-art fun at sea!

What is the biggest Carnival cruise ship 2023?

– The biggest and the boldest coming your way in 2023 is the magnificent Mardi Gras! She isn’t docking in Galveston, though, but if size matters, she’s the queen of the Carnival fleet, tipping the scales with both size and amazing experiences.

What is the biggest carnival ship out of Galveston?

– The king of the Galveston Carnival fleet? That title will go to the Carnival Jubilee, once she hits the high seas in November 2023. She’ll be the newest, shiniest gem in Galveston’s crown, and boy, she’s a big one!

How many Carnival ships are in Galveston Texas?

– So, how many Carnival ships are calling Galveston their homeport? Currently, you’ll find two – the Carnival Breeze and the Carnival Dream, but with the Carnival Jubilee setting sail later in the year, we’ll be hitting a home run with three.

What is the new ship from Galveston Texas?

– The latest splash from Galveston is none other than the Carnival Jubilee, coming in November 2023. Get ready to jump on board the swankiest ship to grace the Gulf of Mexico!

Is Carnival Vista leaving Galveston?

– Is Carnival Vista saying adios to Galveston? Not just yet! As of early 2023, she’s still taking cruisers on dreamy voyages, but keep your ears to the ground because the fleet’s always shuffling around like a deck of cards.

What cruise lines sail out of Galveston in 2023?

– Besides Carnival, you’ve got a boatload of options with cruise lines setting sail from Galveston in 2023. Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line are also in the mix, offering their own versions of oceanic escapades.

Do you have to pay for parking at Galveston cruise port?

– Parking at the Galveston cruise port? Yup, it’s gonna cost ya. Prepare to pony up the cash for a spot to keep your car cozy while you’re catching the ocean breeze.

What drinks are free on a Carnival cruise?

– On Carnival cruises, you can wet your whistle without drying out your wallet with free beverages. Quench your thirst with water, coffee, tea, lemonade, and some juices at the buffet – bottoms up!

What drinks are free on cruises?

– Free drinks on cruises? You betcha! Most lines, including Carnival, give you water, tea, coffee, and select juices on the house. But for the fancier sips, your wallet’s gonna be making a splash.

Can I get off the cruise ship in the Caribbean without a passport?

– Thinking about hopping off the ship in the Caribbean without a passport? Eh, it’s a tricky one. If it’s a closed-loop cruise, you might use a birth certificate and government-issued ID, but for the smoothest sailing, a passport’s your best mate. Don’t get caught in the lurch – check the rules to avoid a Caribbean conundrum!

• December 15, 2023
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Carnival Jubilee ship review: A guide to Carnival's third Excel Class cruise ship

Editor's Note

When Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Jubilee debuted in December 2023, it became the third ship in the line's Excel Class , closely mimicking sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Although there are more similarities than differences among the three, Carnival has still found a way to make Carnival Jubilee innovative and fun by tweaking a few of the offerings.

The ship shares Carnival's "zone" concept with its two older sisters, meaning it has dedicated areas for dining, drinking, entertainment and outdoor fun, including Bolt, a top-deck roller coaster. The biggest differences on the newest iteration are in two reinvented zones, Currents and The Shores; respectively, they take the place of The French Quarter and La Piazza on Mardi Gras , and The Gateway and 820 Biscayne on Carnival Celebration .

On my voyage, the ship carried 5,676 passengers, plus crew. This meant it wasn't at capacity, but it still felt loud and crowded, and often was fraught with lines. However, the service was generally excellent, with an exceedingly friendly crew.

The vessel is also a ton of fun, featuring two new shows (one with a football tailgate theme and the other with an onboard wedding plot), plenty of daily activities and so many fantastic dining options — many of them free — that it'll make your head spin.

Here's the rundown on what you can expect on board so you can determine if Carnival Jubilee is right for your next sailing.

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Carnival Jubilee overview

Carnival Jubilee is a megaship, coming in at 183,521 tons and carrying up to 6,631 passengers at full capacity. It's tied with Carnival Celebration for the title of the largest ship in Carnival's fleet.

The vessel offers weeklong Caribbean voyages on a regular rotation from its home port in Galveston, Texas, meaning you'll find a healthy dose of Texas-style fun on board (more on that later). In fact, Carnival is so dedicated to keeping the ship in the Lone Star State that it had a Texas star painted on the ship's hull.

Carnival Jubilee's demographics run the gamut from families with young kids or extended family groups to groups of friends, couples and even solo cruisers (even though it doesn't have any cabins for singles). True to the rumors about Southern hospitality, the people on my cruise were some of the warmest and most polite I've ever encountered; fellow passengers were saying "excuse me," allowing others to go first in line and generally being more courteous than I've found on sailings from other places.

The ship is divided into six zones, where passengers can find a mix of bars, restaurants, live performances, water-filled fun and exhilarating activities like a ropes course, minigolf and, of course, the Bolt roller coaster . Here's a bit about each zone.

Carnival Jubilee zones

Grand Central: This bustling area rises up three decks — decks 6, 7 and 8 — and replaces the traditional atrium found on older Carnival vessels. The focal point is Center Stage, a starboard-side (on your right when facing the front of the ship) secondary theater that's home to events like bingo during the day and song-and-dance performances at night.

Surrounding the stage are tons of seating options, as well as JavaBlue Cafe, which serves coffee and snacks; Cherry on Top candy shop; the Center Stage and Grand View Bars; and Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki. It also serves as an access point for the onboard shops, Piano Bar 88, The Punchliner Comedy Club and the Jubilee Casino.

Currents: Currents is one of the other main social hubs on Carnival Jubilee. It starts on Deck 6, just aft of Grand Central and features two new bars. The Golden Mermaid has gilded decor and a custom-designed mural depicting mermaids and lots of hidden Easter eggs (look for SpongeBob SquarePants references). Meanwhile, Dr. Inks, Ph.D., is a bar based on the fictional character Dr. Inks — an octopus with academic credentials. Both bars have excellent drink menus.

Also in the space is Emeril's Bistro 717, a New Orleans-style, for-fee eatery developed by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.

On the wall above Dr. Inks, window-shaped screens provide a show for anyone passing through the length of the Currents promenade area. Programming rotates between underwater adventures, nature scenes and even artwork produced by passengers and kids from St. Jude's Children's Hospital. For a better view, head up one deck to the Alchemy Bar.

The Shores: If the Currents zone is the underwater-themed area of the ship, The Shores on Deck 8 is what you get when you pop your head above the metaphorical surface. Inspired by boardwalks and beaches, The Shores offers two walk-up food counters: Beach Buns (Carnival Deli on other ships) and Coastal Slice (the equivalent of Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano). Offset by colorful, blinking carnival-style lighting, the venues all but scream, "Step right up!"

Other venues in the area include the Marina Bar for cocktails and coffee, complimentary Italian restaurant Cucina del Capitano and for-fee seafood eatery Rudi's Seagrill, created by food pop artist chef Rudi Sodamin.

Summer Landing: From The Shores, continue aft on Deck 8 to reach Summer Landing. It's an indoor space that encompasses Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, a Guy Fieri barbecue joint with its own microbrewery and live music; the Heroes Tribute Lounge, which honors members of the military; and soft-serve ice cream.

Outside, the area continues with The Patio, which features a pool and hot tubs, and neighboring The Watering Hole, a bar that serves the space.

Lido: A mix of food and fun, the Lido zone fans out on decks 16 and 17 around the ship's main Beach Pool, which serves as the center of the action. Around and above it, you'll find outdoor movies, dedicated teen hangouts, a video arcade, a two-story version of the RedFrog Tiki Bar, cruiser favorite BlueIguana Cantina, extra-fee Seafood Shack and Street Eats street food.

On the upper deck is the popular Guy's Burger Joint, which is oddly set a bit farther away from the action on Excel Class ships. Farther afield on Deck 16, passengers can check out Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant or venture to Lido Marketplace, the ship's complimentary buffet.

The Ultimate Playground: If you're looking for alfresco thrills to keep you busy, The Ultimate Playground is the place to be. It comprises a miniature golf course, a basketball court, a ropes course and the line's signature WaterWorks water park, all of which are free.

Of course, the highlight of this zone is the Bolt roller coaster. It's an added-fee experience during which passengers (one to two people per ride) zoom twice around the track on a motorcycle-style vehicle that allows you to throttle up or down to a speed that suits you.

What I love about Carnival Jubilee

Grand central.

Grand Central is one of my favorite spots on board. Although it's often loud, busy and difficult to navigate, especially on sea days, it's a prime place to sit and people-watch. I found myself gravitating there repeatedly to enjoy coffee or a snack from the nearby JavaBlue Cafe while watching the cast from that night's show rehearse at Center Stage — something you can't usually do on other ships.

Plus, the space is a bit of a throwback to the days when interior designer and architect Joe Farcus was responsible for Carnival's ship decor. The decor is midcentury modern style meets '80s quirk, featuring a pink and teal color scheme, fun light fixtures and a bar with colored mirror accents.

I'm not generally someone who cares about alcohol. Give me one or two pina coladas on a weeklong cruise, and I'm good to go. However, the massively creative options on the menus at both the Golden Mermaid and Dr. Inks, Ph.D., bars are absolutely worth a shoutout.

For the wow factor, the best drink I had was A Pearly Bubble. Found on the menu at the Golden Mermaid, it's a mix of gin, St-Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, dragon fruit and lime juice. It was a bit too dry for me, so I didn't care for the taste; however, you won't want to miss the presentation, which involves a giant bubble atop the drink. It pops when you poke it, leaving behind a tiny poof of smoke.

For taste, which I know is subjective, my favorite is the Crimson Catch (Swedish Fish candy-infused vodka, lime juice, pomegranate liqueur, white cranberry juice and Swedish Fish candy). I prefer sweet drinks, and this hit the spot.

It's not unusual for the line at JavaBlue to snake around the corner and down the hall at peak times. The staff members try their best to keep things moving, but if you don't feel like waiting 10-15 minutes for a cuppa, head upstairs to Deck 8's Marina Bar instead.

There, you can order any of the same coffee beverages you'll find at JavaBlue but in far less time. If you're feeling more like a cocktail, you can grab one of those, too. On my sailing, the bartenders were phenomenal and even remembered that I prefer non-dairy milk with my lattes.

Bolt roller coaster

Cruise fans know that Carnival brought Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea, to Mardi Gras in 2021. Carnival Jubilee offers the same ride — the third of its kind on a cruise ship — in the deck 18, 19 and 20 Ultimate Playground area.

Pay a fee to ride, and you (or you and a friend) can navigate two laps of twists and turns around the ship's funnel as you use the throttle and hyper-boost buttons to try to break the day's speed record. (Yes, you'll be timed, and don't forget to smile for a photo.) The ocean views from above are totally worth the cost.

What I don't love about Carnival Jubilee

There's no easy way to say this: The ship almost always feels crowded. If you want to enjoy it when it's not, you'll have to stay on board during port calls just to find some space to yourself. Many restaurants and walk-up counters have near-constant lines, particularly at the complimentary venues during peak dinner times every evening.

It's so common for JavaBlue to be backed up throughout the day that an easy-to-miss sign directs passengers to other locations where they can grab a cup of coffee. Meanwhile, lines at the onboard deli and pizzeria counters frequently snake so far down Deck 8 that they block the entrance to seafood restaurant Rudi's Seagrill. One night, as I was dining at Rudi's with some of my travel companions, we joked that the lines were dangerously close to melding with the line for the nearby guest services desk.

And it isn't just a problem with dining. I arrived 15 minutes early for a magic show at the Punchliner Comedy Club, and I couldn't find a single available seat in the entire place. On another night, I showed up on time for Family Feud Live in the ship's theater, and it was a standing-room-only situation. The sizes of the performance venues are generally way too small for the number of passengers wishing to watch the shows.

My cabin had some of the best soundproofing I've experienced on a new ship in a long time — I had balcony accommodations near an elevator bank and heard nothing when I was in my room. However, a couple of passengers told me they could hear noise from Bolt in their balcony cabin on Deck 15.

Most other places on board seem to be excessively loud. Even on port days, when most passengers are ashore, the public areas are filled with loud music that makes it hard to find a quiet escape. Some of it is understandable. After all, Carnival vessels are known as the Fun Ships, but some of it seems unnecessary.

One example is the Dr. Seuss-themed Seuss-a-palooza Parade that makes its way through the Currents zone once per sailing. I happened to be sitting at a table in the area when the festivities kicked off. I decided to stay to see what it was all about, and I'm sorry I did. As costumed Dr. Seuss characters arrived, Carnival staff asked the children to scream solely for the sake of screaming. Ear-piercing shrieks reverberated throughout the space, which was also blocked off to passengers trying to pass through.

The excessive upselling

Combining noise with the annoyance of hawking alcohol, the roving waiters visited every table at Chibang! — the ship's hybrid Mexican-Asian restaurant — one night while I was having dinner there. Their goal was to push Rumchata shots on everyone. Whenever somebody bought one, the waiter would demand that they yell "Shot, shot, shot!" before downing it. This was extremely disruptive and added to the already loud atmosphere.

One afternoon later in the sailing, two different crew members approached me a total of six times in less than half an hour while I was having lunch on the Lido deck. The first five times, I simply said, "No, thanks." After the sixth time, I had enough and told them nicely but firmly to stop asking me. I found the high-pressure sales tactics excessive and irritating when all I wanted to do was eat my meal in peace.

The inconsistencies

Oddly, there were some discrepancies on board that I was surprised to see on a ship that's been sailing for several months.

The first couple had to do with differences between the Carnival HUB app and the daily Fun Times printed schedule. On one occasion, the app said Seafood Shack opened half an hour earlier than it did, while the paper version of the daily schedule had the correct information. Another time, the printed daily had the wrong theater show listed for that night; the correct one was posted in the HUB. On another day, the printed schedule was missing part four of a four-part show, which did show up on the agenda in the app.

In terms of food and drinks, I had a strange experience at Chibang! when I ordered spring rolls. Usually, they don't have meat in them, nor was meat listed as an ingredient on the menu. When the waiter took my order, he said, "Spring rolls with chicken." When I asked him about it, he said he could request for them to be made without it, but that doesn't explain why something with meat in it wouldn't have meat in its list of ingredients. If I were a vegetarian or vegan, it would have concerned me.

As for drinks, I ordered a Snapping Pop at Dr. Inks., Ph.D. It was completely different — different color, different taste and different presentation — from what I received when I ordered the same drink on a sailing two months prior. I was told the drink had to be changed for several reasons. However, the old ingredients were listed on the menu, meaning passengers weren't getting what they thought they ordered.

Carnival Jubilee cabins and suites

Carnival Jubilee offers cabins in the usual varieties: insides with no windows or balconies, ocean-view accommodations with windows, balcony cabins with outdoor veranda space and suites that include additional perks. These include priority check-in, boarding and disembarkation; preferred dinner times in the main dining room; pillow-top mattresses; two large bottles of water and bathrobes; and extra square footage.

Within those categories, Carnival Jubilee offers three types of special cabins. First is Family Harbor, which offers nautically themed cabins that sleep up to five people and rooms that can be connected via an interior door. Families booked in Family Harbor cabins have access to a dedicated Family Harbor Lounge, which offers daily breakfast, snacks and drinks, as well as board games and TVs with a selection of movies and video games. They also receive a free night of babysitting in the kids club so parents can enjoy some alone time.

The second special cabin type is the Havana Cabana. Done up in bright, tropical colors, these rooms offer extended outdoor lounge space and private access to the Havana Pool and Bar area.

The third type is Cloud 9 Spa cabins. With calming seafoam green and yellow decor alongside extras like Elemis toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, these are some of the most relaxing cabins on any ship. These guests also receive priority spa appointments and free access to fitness classes and the onboard thermal suite.

Suites in all three of these special accommodation types also give passengers the suite perks mentioned above.

Excel Suites, Carnival Jubilee's highest-level accommodations, receive all standard suite perks plus additional ones. These include complimentary access to the private sun deck at Loft 19, priority cabana reservations at Loft 19, concierge services, guaranteed reservations at most extra-fee restaurants, free room service, upgraded toiletries, fruit and sparkling wine upon embarkation, a free soft drink package, free in-room movies, an in-cabin coffee machine and complimentary laundry service .

Standard amenities in all rooms include a queen bed that converts to two twins on request, bedside shelving with reading lamps and USB outlets, a desk and vanity area, a sofa or chair, a closet and drawers for storage, a safe for valuables, a house phone and a hair dryer.

Bathrooms feature a toilet, sink and shower with a door instead of a curtain. Complimentary toiletries are basic: bar soap for handwashing and dispensers of shampoo and shower gel mounted on the wall in the shower.

On my sailing, I stayed in a balcony cabin, which was elegantly decorated in neutrals with blue accents. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of storage space. I appreciated touches like ample vanity mirror lighting, adjustable shelving in the closets and a surplus of USB outlets throughout the room, including near the vanity and beside the bed.

Speaking of the bed, it was exceptionally comfortable, and I was excited to find that the TV across from it had a sizable selection of free movies (as well as newer releases for a fee). The TV also allows you to watch select live channels and shipboard programming and to check your onboard bill.

Dislikes for me include a shower door that opens toward you instead of into the shower, making the already tiny bathroom even tighter. I also didn't like the "SNOOZIN'" door hangers, which often got caught in my door when I closed it; I would've rathered a "do not disturb" button like many other new ships have.

I also would have liked a taller table on the balcony, but it only had room for two chairs (not lounger-style) and a small drinks table.

Carnival Jubilee offers 82 accessible cabins in a mix of types and categories: inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite, as well as rooms in the Family Harbor, Havana Cabana and Cloud 9 Spa categories.

Within those 82 options, there are fully accessible accommodations with access to both sides of the bed and rooms that are fully accessible with single-side access to one side of the bed, which work well for passengers who use wheelchairs and scooters. Ambulatory-accessible rooms provide accommodations for people who walk with the help of assistive devices like canes or walkers.

Fully accessible rooms are stair-free, flat-threshold cabins, which offer wider (32-inch) doorways, turning space and bathrooms equipped with grab bars and shower seats.

There are no solo cabins on Carnival Jubilee.

Cabin cleaning is limited to once per day. Unless you specifically request your cabin steward to come at night for turndown service instead of earlier in the day, your room will be made up in the morning. Hang the "SNOOZIN'" card on the outside of your door, and no one will bother you — but your room won't be cleaned that day.

Carnival Jubilee restaurants and bars

Carnival jubilee food.

One of the best ways Carnival provides value to its customers is through its food offerings. Complimentary dining abounds on Carnival Jubilee, and the variety of cuisines is impressive. You'll find more free options on Carnival ships than on just about any other fleet's vessels, and they're actually tasty. It's entirely possible to eat only food that's included in the cruise fare and not feel like you're missing out.

Excellent added-fee options include steak, seafood and teppanyaki, which might be worth trying if you're celebrating a special occasion or feeling like a splurge.

Dinner reservations are recommended for many eateries, even the main dining rooms. You can make them by visiting your restaurant of choice or by using the HUB app. If you don't make one, you might find yourself waiting 20 minutes or more for a table at peak times. If you make a reservation through the app, you'll receive a notification to report to the host stand when your table is ready.

In my experience, waiters were diligent in asking about dietary requirements and restrictions. However, it was disappointing to see that many menus weren't marked with specific options for vegetarians, vegans and people who can't eat gluten.

The ship has two main dining rooms: Atlantic Restaurant (Deck 6, mid) and Pacific Restaurant (decks 6 and 7, aft).

One of them is dedicated to passengers who select Your Time Dining, which lets you eat anytime between 5 and 9 p.m. (The dedicated YTD restaurant can vary by sailing, depending on how many people choose that option.)

Both serve the same menu for dinner, but only the larger Pacific Restaurant is open for Sea Day Brunch on sea days and breakfast (but not lunch) on port days.

I very much enjoyed an omelet with hashbrowns at Sea Day Brunch and salmon during the formal night dinner in the Pacific Restaurant. I also had a wonderful time at two special events — complimentary afternoon tea and an extra-fee Dr. Seuss-themed Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast — held in the Atlantic Restaurant.

Tip: If you're a vegetarian or a fan of Indian food, don't miss the daily Indian dish on the main dining room menu.

The buffet is the other free food option that's a staple on just about any cruise.

On Carnival Jubilee, the Lido Marketplace on Deck 16 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, but I found it largely uninspired and lacking in variety. The French toast I had for breakfast and the mahi mahi I had for dinner were tasty, but there are definitely better no-charge venues on board.

A little-known fact is that, at least for the inaugural season, passengers can dine at Mexican-Asian restaurant Chibang! and the Italian Cucina del Capitano, both on Deck 8, for free. Cruisers with YTD can eat there for dinner anytime; those with set seating can dine there after 7:45 p.m.

At Cucina del Capitano, I was exceptionally pleased with the spaghetti carbonara I ordered. The nachos and spring rolls are don't-miss items at Chibang!

Unfortunately, both the service and atmosphere at Chibang! are lacking. The space is simply packed with tables — so much so that there were only about two inches between my table and the one next to me, even though I was dining alone. It then took nearly 10 minutes for a waiter to bring me water and another 10 before someone came to take my order.

Also on Deck 8 are Coastal Slice and neighboring Beach Buns, which respectively replace the pizza and deli counters found by the pool on most other Carnival ships.

The former bakes several different types of pies nearly around the clock, and they're scrumptious. The latter whips up hotdogs, soups and a variety of sandwiches. (I was pleasantly surprised by the grilled ham and cheese.) Lines for both counters are often long, but I promise it's worth the wait.

Two great staples in the ship's outdoor Lido zone are the BlueIguana Cantina (Deck 16), where you can find yummy tacos and burritos throughout the day, and Guy's Burger Joint (Deck 17), which is the place to grab some of the best burgers at sea via Carnival's partnership with chef and TV personality Guy Fieri.

The breakfast burritos at BlueIguana are fantastic. My pick from Guy's is the Chilius Maximus — an 80/20 ground chuck patty with cheese, chili, onion rings and barbecue sauce.

Guy Fieri isn't the only celebrity affiliated with Carnival's free food.

Shaq's Big Chicken , a restaurant backed by basketball great Shaquille O'Neal (who is also Carnival's CFO, chief fun officer), is perfect if you have a hankering for some fried chicken. In addition to chicken strips, sandwiches and fries, the counter-service venue also serves breakfast. Do yourself a favor and try the chicken and biscuit combo with fries.

If you're seeking a between-meal snack or light bite, try the JavaBlue Cafe on Deck 6 in Grand Central. The cafe offers a sizable menu of specialty coffee beverages and tea, as well as free and for-fee snacks.

Breakfast pastries, bowls and English muffin sandwiches, as well as all-day options like salads, sandwiches, wraps, empanadas and calzones, are complimentary; cookies, doughnuts, cupcakes and cheesecake cost extra.

As a sucker for soft-serve ice cream, I was a frequent visitor to the three soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt machines on decks 8, 16 and 17. At some point, I lost count of how many cones I ate.

Since there are no toppings, I recommend you snag a bowl of dry Froot Loops from the buffet during breakfast, and stash them in your cabin to mix with your ice cream later. Or grab cookies from the buffet for a DIY ice cream sandwich.

Carnival Jubilee has so many places to eat that I ran out of time to try them all on my weeklong sailing.

I missed Fresh Creations, a salad station in the adults-only sun deck area on Deck 18, and Street Eats, a set of three street food-style walk-up windows on Deck 16 near the main pool. The walk-up windows include Steam Dream, which serves dumplings; Time Fries, offering creative takes on french fries; and Sizzle, a grill that specializes in kebabs and other dishes.

Extra-cost food

My favorite onboard dining experience of the whole sailing was at Emeril's Bistro 717 in the Currents zone on Deck 6. A version of this chef Emeril Lagasse-affiliated spot is on each of Carnival's Excel Class ships, bearing the hull number of the original vessel for which the new one is named. Simply walk up to order at the counter, have a seat and a waiter will take over from there.

During my visit, I ordered a pound of stone crab claws in garlic butter (market price) with red beans and rice ($3) and a brie bowl ($6). The food was fabulous, and the service was friendly. My only complaint is that, apart from a claw cracker, there were no other tools available to get to the crab meat. (I asked.) My waiter had no bibs or wet wipes to offer, which left me a bit messy afterward.

The food item I most recommend you try when sailing on Carnival Jubilee is an order of beignets at Emeril's. Pillows of soft fried dough coated in powdered sugar with chocolate and strawberry sauces for dipping are $5 for an order of six.

My second favorite experience was a calm, quiet and uncrowded lunch at Bonsai Sushi on Deck 8. I partook in edamame ($3) and a California roll ($8). It was fresh, tasty, filling and reasonably priced.

Another excellent dinner during my voyage occurred at Rudi's Seagrill (Deck 8), an upscale seafood restaurant named for chef and pop artist Rudi Sodamin. The lobster macaroni and cheese was the perfect indulgence to start my meal, and I followed it up with a delicious crab cake.

I wasn't overly hungry when I sat down, but the $49 cover charge ($15 for kids) would also have included a soup or salad and a dessert if I had wanted them.

No Carnival sailing would be complete for a carnivore without a visit to Fahrenheit 555, the onboard steakhouse . On Carnival Jubilee, it's adorned in neutral tans, dark browns and red tones.

The menu has several types of meat — including steak, of course, as well as lamb chops and chicken — and seafood items like fish and lobster tail. I went with a 9-ounce filet mignon, which was cooked to perfection. It came alongside several sauces and sides of broccoli and crinkle-cut fries for $49 ($15 for kids).

My two most disappointing extra-fee food encounters on Carnival Jubilee were Seafood Shack (Deck 16, in the Lido zone, near the pool) and room service.

The first one opened late, and despite my order being the first one of the day, it still took more than 20 minutes to be served. I chose a single crab cake for $15. When I received it, the bun was soggy, and no garnishes or sauces were offered until I went back to the counter to ask for coleslaw and tartar sauce, neither of which helped the flavor.

It didn't hold a candle to the crab cake from Rudi's, and I ended up abandoning most of it.

Room service, which comes with a la carte fees (except for free Continental breakfast), set me back almost $20 for a chicken quesadilla, chicken fingers with curly fries and a chocolate chip cookie, which I ordered sometime around 2 a.m.

Everything arrived quickly and at the right temperature. The fries and cookie were great, but the chicken fingers were rubbery and full of gristle. When I tried to order the quesadilla without chicken, I was told they were already made, which seems strange. Shouldn't room service be made to order?

Again, I couldn't fit every single restaurant into my time on Carnival Jubilee, so I missed out on Bonsai Teppanyaki, where chefs grill your food right in front of you, complete with corny jokes. I also missed Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, another Guy Fieri creation that serves barbecue fare, wings and microbrewed beer made right on the ship (lunch is free). I couldn't make it to Chef's Table, an exclusive multicourse small-group dining experience that's the most pricey meal on board, either.

Carnival Jubilee bars

Drinks are priced individually unless you have a Cheers beverage package that includes alcohol.

My favorite bar on Carnival Jubilee is the Marina Bar in The Shores zone on Deck 8. It offers a menu of adult beverages, but it also serves the same specialty coffees you'll find at JavaBlue, which often has a long line.

This nautically themed outpost is next to a popular access point to the outer decks, so the only downside is that you might be blasted with hot air while your drink is being made.

Unique to Carnival Jubilee are two new bars in the Deck 6 Currents zone.

The Golden Mermaid is a nod to treasures one might expect to find under the sea, and a mural on the opposite wall depicts underwater scenes, including mermaids. (For some "Where's Waldo"-style fun, try to spot a miniature likeness of the ship, a pair of custom sneakers and references to SpongeBob SquarePants.)

The menu of drinks is noteworthy, too, featuring names like From Far Seas and Atlantis Potion. My favorite, though, is A Pearly Bubble — a blend of gin, St. Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, lime juice and dragon fruit that's as much for show as it is for taste.

The second new bar is Dr. Inks, Ph.D. In addition to a fun selection of cocktails — some of which involve candy — the bar's theme is tied to an animated octopus named Dr. Inks. She has a Ph.D., pet butterflies and extensive collections of both books and fashionable eyewear. Every so often, she'll appear on the screens above the area to chat.

Cruiser-favorite Alchemy Bar — where white-coated apothecaries prescribe drinks to heal what ails you (try the Cucumber Sunrise) — and the bar at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse returned to Carnival Jubilee after finding success on other Carnival ships.

Besides beer that's brewed right on board — which you can order by the glass, flight or growler, or in cocktails — you can snag one of several whiskies or interesting cocktails like a smoky watermelon margarita and a black bourbon fizz. I tried a bacon Manhattan, but the taste wasn't my favorite. I also wasn't impressed with how long it took a bartender to ask for my order, especially since it wasn't particularly crowded.

I'm not a huge drinker, so I didn't personally try cocktails from the Center Stage Bar (Deck 6) or Grand View Bar (Deck 7) in Grand Central. The former features a bit of a retro vibe, and the latter is backed by a giant light-up wall that looks like wave.

I also missed out on the RedFrog Tiki Bar, a two-deck (decks 16 and 17), hut-style setup that replaces the RedFrog Rum Bar found on many other Carnival ships' pool decks. It's where you'll find the most quintessentially tropical menu of mixed drinks on board.

Other outdoor bar options include The Watering Hole near Summer Landing on Deck 8, the Serenity Pool Bar on Deck 18 in the adults-only area and the Loft 19 Bar on the exclusive Loft 19 sun deck. (Access is free for passengers booked in suites or anyone who reserves a cabana for anywhere from $250 to $500 per day.)

Back inside, Deck 6's Piano Bar is where passengers can order a tipple while an onboard pianist tickles the ivories. Make your way up a deck, and you'll find the Limelight Lounge, which serves as a secondary performance space and trivia outpost.

Go one deck farther, and you can choose between the Havana Bar, which serves Latin-themed cocktails, and the Heroes Tribute Lounge, which has a special menu of drinks dedicated to military members.

Carnival Jubilee entertainment

Carnival jubilee activities.

Carnival Jubilee offers a full roundup of daily activities on each voyage.

Passengers might choose to head to the casino, play bingo, enjoy an alcohol tasting, participate in a sports tournament, go on a digital scavenger hunt, mingle at a deck party, play minigolf, take a dance class, learn towel folding, or attend a spa, jewelry or shopping seminar.

Particularly notable are the rotating animations that pop up throughout the Currents zone during each voyage.

If you show up during "Soundwaves Jukebox," you'll see synthesizer-like graphics pulsating to the music on the giant screens above the space.

"Change the Currents" will allow you to view underwater scenes from different areas of the world, including the Arctic and swampy Everglades; other experiences take you on an underwater adventure in a submarine and display ocean-themed artwork drawn by kids at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Some of my personal favorite pastimes on board included trivia, pool deck movies, for-fee culinary classes and a particularly relaxing massage. (Watch out for discounts early in your sailing or on port days.)

In addition to treatments, the Cloud 9 Spa offers salon services and a thermal suite — access to which is free with the purchase of a pass or a spa treatment — with a thalassotherapy pool, heated tile loungers, a sauna and two steam rooms. The adjacent fitness center is on the small side but features for-fee personal training and organized fitness classes, as well as equipment that's free for passengers to use.

Looking to find a group of like-minded travelers on your sailing? Check out meetups for solo travelers, singles, veterans and members of the LGBTQ+ community listed in the daily program.

If you're interested in spending time outdoors working on your tan by the pool, you can do so at one of five onboard pools.

There's the Havana Pool (private access for cruisers staying in Havana Cabanas) and the Patio Pool, both on Deck 8 (the latter with hot tubs); the Beach Pool and Tides Pool on Deck 16 (also with hot tubs); and the Deck 18 adults-only Serenity Pool (with hot tubs). There's also a hot tub at Loft 19 on Deck 19, which charges a fee for access.

Cabanas are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices vary by sailing, but on my voyage, they were $500 per day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pool lifts accommodating up to 300 pounds are available for passengers with limited mobility.

On Deck 18, you'll find Waterworks, which offers waterslides and a splash area for kids.

Kids and adults who aren't afraid of heights will enjoy the top-deck ropes course, which offers two options for different levels of skill and bravery. The Bolt roller coaster, a minigolf course and a basketball court are also found in the SportSquare area within the Ultimate Playground zone.

Additional activities for youngsters take place in Camp Ocean, Carnival's kids club , which splits children into four groups: Turtles (up to 2 years old), Penguins (2-5), Stingrays (6-8) and Sharks (9-11).

Fun pursuits on the daily schedule might include arts and crafts, themed parties, science experiments, games and story time, depending on the age group.

Camp Ocean also has an interactive space wall, where astronauts lead kids on virtual expeditions, complete with a ceiling that lights up like the night sky to show the constellations.

Kids can also attend Build-A-Bear workshops, march along in a Dr. Seuss-themed parade led by the Fox in Socks and Thing 1 and Thing 2, and listen to the Cat in the Hat read stories.

Tweens and teens have their own dedicated hangout spaces. Activities here are less structured, and participants can come and go as they please. Plus, an onboard arcade offers video games for a fee.

Carnival Jubilee shows

Entertainment on Carnival Jubilee is a combination of passenger favorites from other ships and new shows that you'll only find on this vessel.

Of the performances, I most enjoyed two main-theater shows that are also found on some other ships in the fleet. "Celestial Strings" is a mix of classical and modern pop instrumentals partnered with ethereal costumes and sets; "Soulbound" is a song-and-dance performance with a Victorian steampunk vibe, set in what feels like New Orleans, during which a soul-stealer tries to mess with a twisted love story.

Another excellent show is "Rio Carnival," which occurs at Center Stage in the Grand Central zone instead of the main theater. Although the first half felt a bit shaky and slightly boring to me, the second half redeemed it all, featuring a parade of dancers and aerialists dressed in flamboyant costumes synonymous with Rio de Janeiro's Carnival.

The ship's two new shows are just OK. The first, "Dear Future Husband," is a song-and-dance theater show with a plot that involves a couple taking their closest friends on a cruise for a combination bachelor/bachelorette party and wedding. Musical numbers befit the wedding theme and include Bruno Mars' "Marry You" and, of course, Meghan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband."

After the performance, a "reception" (read: dance party with a DJ and visits from the cast) is held in one of the ship's public areas. When I saw this show several months ago, the reception was in the Limelight Lounge. On this more recent voyage, Dr. Inks, Ph.D., served as the reception location.

The second new show is the "Lone Star Tailgate." Drawing on Texas' love for all things football, Carnival has created four indoor/outdoor "quarters" of fun to mimic the four quarters of a football game. When I sailed, the first quarter, which is all about pool deck games for kids, was held on one sea day, and the other three were held on another sea day.

The second quarter involves pool deck games where passengers have to dress up in football gear to complete team races.

During "halftime," the ship's theater singers and dancers put on a show on the pool deck, dressed in team colors to support the fictional Carnival University — the team cruisers are supposedly cheering on during the festivities.

The third and fourth quarters occur in the Summer Landing zone; passengers can rope hay bales, participate in a hot wing-eating contest at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and follow it up with music from a live band.

Don't miss the audience participation-style game shows like "Family Feud Live," "Deal or No Deal" and the "Love & Marriage Show." The first pits two family teams against one another to guess popular answers to survey questions; the latter tests couples to see how well they know one another, often resulting in hilarious answers.

Other entertainment during my sailing included several day and nighttime comedy acts, an absolutely phenomenal magic show (be sure to arrive at the Punchliner Comedy Club at least 30 minutes early or you won't find a seat) and "We Are One," a farewell show that focuses on togetherness.

Carnival Jubilee itineraries and pricing

Through at least April 2026, Carnival Jubilee offers two seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries out of its Galveston home port on a regular rotation. Both types of sailings begin and end in Galveston and visit Mahogany Bay in Roatan and Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico with three sea days mixed in. The only difference between the two itineraries is the order in which the port calls and sea days occur.

At the time of publication, prices started from $709 per person ($101 per person per night) for an inside cabin or $919 per person ($131 per person per night) for balcony accommodations.

What to know before you sail on Carnival Jubilee

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, also are acceptable.

Passports must be valid for at least six more months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. All this said, we recommend checking Carnival's website before sailing for up-to-date requirements.

Related: Which documents do you need for a cruise?

Carnival Jubilee passengers will automatically have $16 per person per day added to their onboard bills. Cruisers staying in suites will pay $18 per person per day. (Children younger than 2 are exempt from gratuities.) An 18% gratuity is also added to bar and cafe bills, spa treatments and the cover charge of the Chef's Table.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Carnival Wi-Fi is generally fast and reliable, and Jubilee features StarLink connectivity. However, don't be surprised if you find yourself repeatedly and automatically disconnected, which is annoying.

Packages have increased significantly in price in recent years, and each plan is only for one device. (You can log out of one and into another with the same account, but you can't connect more than one simultaneously unless you buy additional plans.)

Three package tiers are available: Social (access to most social media and airline websites and apps for $18 per day or $126 for a weeklong cruise), Value (same as Social, plus access to financial and news websites and apps for $23 per day or $161 for a week) and Premium (everything from the Social and Value packages plus Skype access and video calling for $25 per day or $175 for a week). Passengers can also choose 24 hours of Premium access for $35.

Carnival claims that its packages don't allow FaceTime, iMessage or streaming from popular apps like Netflix and Hulu. However, TPG writers have had success using all of those services with the Premium package.

Carnival Jubilee is also the first ship in the fleet to offer 5G cellphone connectivity, which means faster speeds when you connect using your cellphone's plan. But be warned: If you don't have a special plan that allows you to connect at sea without roaming, you could be looking at hefty fees when you return. Generally, it's best to keep your phone in airplane mode when you sail.

Related: 5 things to know about cruise ship Wi-Fi

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers can carry on one bottle of wine or Champagne per person (21 years and older); this will incur a $15 corkage fee for consumption in public areas. Each person can also bring up to 12 standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages like juice or soda. Alcohol-free drinks in plastic and glass bottles aren't allowed.

Related: Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise ship?

Smoking policy

Smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is allowed but only in designated outdoor areas on Deck 8 mid-ship on the starboard side. Smoking is also allowed on the starboard side of the casino, but it's for cigarettes only. All types of smoking are forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Related: Cruise line smoking policies

Carnival Jubilee has self-service pressing rooms on decks 4, 5, 9, 14 and 15 with ironing boards and irons that are free to use. There are no self-service laundry facilities, though. Instead, passengers can send out their clothing for washing, pressing and dry-cleaning for a per-item fee.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry

Electrical outlets

Carnival Jubilee has standard North American 110-volt outlets in its cabins, as well as plenty of USB ports. In my balcony room, I had three standard outlets and four USB lightning ports by the vanity. There was also a USB port (non-lightning) on either side of the bed, just below the reading lamp.

The currency on Carnival Jubilee is the U.S. dollar. The ship also operates without cash. Passengers link credit cards to their onboard accounts or put up a set amount of cash to charge against, using their keycards as a means of making purchases. The only time you might want to have some bills handy is for tipping your room steward, bartenders, room service delivery people, luggage porters or shore excursion guides.

Drinking age

You must be at least 21 years old to drink alcohol on Carnival Jubilee.

Carnival Jubilee does not have a specific daytime dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, the official dress code is pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which means just that — khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses and the like. Super casual items such as cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts are supposedly not permitted, but I saw plenty of them in the dining rooms during dinnertime on Carnival Jubilee.

Each weeklong cruise will schedule two formal nights — known as "elegant nights." If you're bound for the dining rooms, men are expected to turn up in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat or even a suit. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. Passengers who wish to avoid dressing up can enjoy dinner in any of the casual eateries aboard.

Related: What to wear on a cruise – all about cruise line dress codes

Bottom line

Sure, Carnival Jubilee carries a lot of people, and it can feel crowded and cumbersome to learn your way around at first.

However, it offers new ocean- and beach-themed zones, delicious food, creative cocktails, friendly crew members, comfy cabins, outdoor thrills, Texas charm and a marquee packed with fun daily diversions and nighttime shows. You'll find it's an affordable Caribbean vacation that speaks to just about any traveler who enjoys a large-cruise-ship experience.

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Galveston Cruise Parking (Where to Park): Prices, Profiles, & Map

When it comes to Galveston cruise parking, you have lots of options on where to park while you take your trip.

While the port offers officially sanctioned parking, there are close to a dozen other independent options that all compete for your business. The result? Galveston has the cheapest parking of any cruise port in America. Many lots charge about $15 per day for outdoor spots when you add in all taxes and fees. ( Many hotels also offer free or discounted parking if you stay with them a single night before your cruise .)

With all of the options, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out where you should park. Truth is, most lots are similar and located about the same distance from the port. The major differences between most lots is whether or not they offer covered/indoor parking and of course, the price you’ll pay.

One Note About Galveston Parking Prices

Since the return of cruising, parking rates in Galveston have risen sharply. Whereas Galveston used to offer one of the best deals in cruise parking for as little as $10 per day in some spots, prices today now are significantly higher. In many cases upward of $25 or more per day. If you haven’t sailed recently, be prepared for sticker shock.

Some of this price increase is simply due to higher parking rates, but taxes and fees add a considerable amount. It’s our understanding that the Port of Galveston charges outside lots an access fee for shuttles and a new city tax is tacked on due long-term parked vehicles. That’s passed on to passengers. 

Prices will also vary at times based on season, trip length, parking lot, and even which cruise line you sail. We’ve included all taxes and fees where applicable .

For all lots it’s a good idea to reserve and pay online ahead of time. Not only does this guarantee you a parking spot, but online reservations usually have a discount off the “drive-up” price. We also have a listing of coupons (up to $15 off!) here.

As well, since the Port of Galveston charges shuttles from outside parking lots an access fee to drop off at the cruise ships, there are often discounts if you park and walk instead of using the shuttle . Keep in mind that rates can change.

Galveston Cruise Parking Lot Details

Port of Galveston Cruise Parking Lots (Official Port Lots) No matter which cruise terminal you sail, the Port of Galveston offers official port parking, and guarantees a space for all cruise passengers. That said, there are a number of different parking options provided by the port, which come with different prices, making things a little confusing.

Economy Lots: The port offers a number of surface lots (Lots A-B) that sit on either side of Harborside Drive, between 29th Street and 33rd Street. The lots are fenced and lit. Parking for oversize vehicles is available for an extra charge. The price is $105 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for a 7-day cruise. Five-day cruises see prices of $78. A shuttle to the ship is provided.

Express Lot & Parking Garage: In addition to the economy lots, the port also offers premium options. The first is an Express Lot that’s at the door of Cruise Terminal 28. It offers the ability to park and walk just a few steps to the terminal. As well, there is another lot at Pier 25. Then there is also a covered parking garage across the street from Harborside and a short walk to both terminals. These lots are priced at $129 for a 7-day cruise and $98 for a 5-day cruise. No shuttle is provided given the short distance.

Cruise Terminal 10 Parking: Cruise Terminal 10 is the newly built Royal Caribbean terminal, located east of the other terminals. This spot offers four parking areas: North Lot (located closest to the terminal), South Lot, Pier 14 Lot, and the Pier 14 Indoor Lot. The North Lot costs $176 for a 7-day cruise and $127 for a 5-day trip. The South Lot and Pier 14 costs $161 (7-day) and $116 (5-day). Pier 14 indoor parking is $199 for a 7-day cruise and $143 for five. Shuttles are provided.

• Cost: Varies from $105-$199 for a 7-day trip. 
• Distance/Shuttle: 5-7 blocks from the port (shuttle provided for free). Garage/Express Lot parking is at the cruise ships. Terminal 10 parking is at or a short distance from the terminal.
• Website:  PortofGalveston.com

Discount Cruise Parking Among the cheapest places to park, Discount Cruise Parking can offer affordable rates, along with a new location that’s much closer to the terminals than the lot used to be.

We found rates of $86 (including taxes and fees) for uncovered parking during a 7-day cruise. Rates for shorter 5-day cruises were $67 after all taxes and fees.

In addition, the parking lot offers a free shuttle that picks up and drops off at the cruise terminals every 15 minutes. 

• Cost: $86 for a 7-day trip (prepaid)
• Distance/Shuttle: 10 blocks (shuttle provided for free)
• Website:  DiscountCruiseParking.net
• Phone: 877-215-7449

Cruise Park Galveston This small lot is one of the closest to the port, but it is also among the cheapest with prices around $90 for a week. 

The parking cost for a six-night cruise is $76 after taxes and fees. Seven-night cruises are $88. Eight-night trips will run $101. Parking for shorter cruises isn’t available.

The outdoor lot is fenced. It is also easy to find (you can’t miss the big “Cruise Park” sign on Harborside Drive).

Note that this lot only serves Carnival ships at the moment . This lot won’t work if sailing another line. If your cruise isn’t with Carnival, then you’ll have to find another lot. There is also no shuttle to the port.

• Cost: $88 for a 7-day trip
• Distance/Shuttle: 3 blocks (no shuttle provided)
• Website: CruisePark.com
• Phone: 409-354-8787

Falstaff Cruise Parking One of the newer lots in town, Falstaff offers indoor parking at rates that are even cheaper than most outdoor lots. Part of that low price is that the lot is a little farther than most lots from the port, but still a quick free shuttle ride to the port.

In our search we found parking for $126 for indoor parking for a week cruise after taxes and fees with the shuttle. There is also outdoor parking for $102 for a week with taxes/fees.

Sailing on a five-day cruise? We found rates of $110 per car for indoor parking and $85 for outdoor. 

• Cost: $102 for a 7-day trip (prepaid outdoor; indoor is $126)
• Distance/Shuttle: 12 blocks (shuttle provided)
• Website: FalstaffCruiseParking.com
• Phone: 877-365-7275

Lighthouse Parking Lighthouse Parking is located right next to the Port of Galveston’s “official” lots. Lighthouse offers   covered parking for $133 a 7-day trip or uncovered parking for $103 after all taxes and fees (rates can vary slightly). Prices for a five-day cruise are $101/$81 for covered and uncovered. Before you book, be sure to check their coupon page for discounts.

Reservations are suggested. Your rate includes a shuttle to and from the port, located 5-7 blocks away. Also, if you are worried about storms while you are away, know that Lighthouse Parking offers an elevated lot. Oversize vehicles are also welcomed.

• Cost: $103 for a 7-day trip (prepaid outdoor; covered is $133)
• Distance/Shuttle: 5 blocks from the port (shuttle provided for free)
• Website:  LighthouseParking.org
• Phone: 409-454-4849

Park 2 Cruise Galveston You may notice that several lots only serve Terminal 25 and 28. Cruise Terminal 10, which is home to Royal Caribbean, sits farther east than he other terminals Due to the distance, many lots don’t offer parking for the cruise line.

Park 2 Cruise Galveston, however, is a new lot that’s directly the street and serves only Royal Caribbean. Fenced and lit, it offers outdoor parking. 

Rates are $115 for a 7-day cruise. Five-day cruises have a parking fee of $70. Note there is no shuttle, but the walk is short.

• Cost: $115 for a 7-day trip (prepaid; outdoor parking)
• Distance/Shuttle: 1 block (no shuttle provided)
• Website: Park2CruiseGalveston.com
• Phone: 409-373-0399

EZ Cruise Parking EZ Cruise Parking offers elevated lots with high fencing and lighting to keep your car safe. While it doesn’t offer covered parking, the company does rent car covers if you are worried about the sun or salt air. Oversize vehicles aren’t allowed.

While the lot is within walking distance of the cruise terminal, it does offer shuttle service. There is a discount for walking to the port instead of taking the shuttle . Reservations are recommended as the lot often sells out.

Prices runs $138 for a 7-day cruise with shuttle, after taxes/fees (prices are higher for Royal Caribbean cruises). Skip the shuttle and the price is $117. Five-day cruises see prices of $115 with taxes if you take the shuttle or $94 with no shuttle.

• Cost: $117 for a 7-day trip (prepaid, if not taking a shuttle)
• Distance/Shuttle: 3-4 blocks from the port (shuttle provided, discount for walking)
• Website:  EZCruiseParking.com
• Phone: 888-841-0841

Galveston Park N Cruise It doesn’t get much closer to the port than with this parking lot. It is among the closet independent lots to the port (Terminals 25/28), located just across Harborside Drive. The entire lot is fenced and lit. Most parking is outdoors, but there is also indoor parking for an additional fee. 

Because the lot if relatively tight, no RVs or oversize vehicles can park here. Given the proximity to the port, it’s a great option for those who want to be able to walk to the ship and not have to wait on a shuttle. Parking is not available for Royal Caribbean cruises.

Prices are $156 for a week of indoor parking after taxes/fees and $134 for a week of outdoor parking. Prices for five days are $114 for indoor parking after taxes/fees and $100 for outdoor.

• Cost: $134 for a 7-day trip (prepaid outdoor; indoor is $156)
• Distance/Shuttle: Less than 1 block (no shuttle provided)
• Website:  GalvestonParkNCruise.com
• Phone: 866-479-7275

Port Parking Situated close to the official Port of Galveston parking, this facility offers both indoor and outdoor parking in its 24-hour secured lots. 

A 7-day cruise will cost you $158 after taxes/fees if you choose the indoor option and a shuttle to the cruise port ($203 if sailing from the Royal Caribbean terminal). You’ll pay $138 after taxes for outdoor parking.

A 5-day trip runs $146 after taxes with indoor parking and a shuttle. Outdoor parking with a shuttle is $121 after taxes.

• Cost: $138 for a 7-day trip (prepaid outdoor with shuttle; indoor is $158)
• Distance/Shuttle: 10 blocks from the port (shuttle provided)
• Website:  PortParking.com
• Phone: 855-435-7678

Galveston VIP Cruise Parking This lot boasts the absolute closest location to the cruise terminal from a non-port lot — literally just across the street from Terminals 25 & 28. No need to catch a shuttle. You can simply walk to the cruise port. Parking is not available for Royal Caribbean cruises.

All spots are indoor parking. Keep in mind that because of the building, they can’t offer parking for oversize vehicles. Given the prime location and small size of the lot, it’s a good idea to reserve your spot ahead of time as it will fill up. 

Rates are $179 for seven days after taxes/fees. Five-day cruisers pay $137 after taxes and fees.

• Cost: $179 for a 7-day trip (prepaid; indoor parking)
• Website: GalvestonVIPCruiseParking.com
• Phone: 409-765-7300

Cheapest Galveston Cruise Parking

Who has the cheapest parking for a Galveston cruise ? Among the least expensive options are Discount Cruise Parking and Cruise Park Galveston. Both charge around $90 for parking during a seven-day cruise.

Be sure to check our page on Galveston parking coupons to save more money. As well, see if the lots offer an option to walk to the port instead of taking a shuttle and potentially save money.

Map of Galveston Cruise Parking Lots

As you can see, most lots are right near the port. The lone exception is Discount Cruise Parking. However, it offers a shuttle right to the port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which parking is best or the highest-reviewed? Many people ask if there is a particular lot they should use. Truth is that these companies put a lot of effort into giving you a good experience at a fair price, or else they wouldn’t be in business. We have personally parked at both EZ Cruise Parking and Galveston Park N Cruise. Both lots were great for us.

Is there free parking anywhere? While Galveston cruise parking is cheap, it’s not free. If you are a disabled veteran or have a Purple Heart, the official Port of Galveston lots will give you a 15% discount off parking. You can see the form to register here .

As well, you can park at several hotels in Galveston that offer free parking during your cruise in exchange for one night’s stay.

Are there cruise parking coupons or promo codes? Yes, with so much competition, there are a number of lots that have coupons that give you further discounts. We’ve covered them in detail on this page . As well, be sure to book your parking online ahead of time. It often provides a discount off the drive-up rate for most parking lots.

More on Cruising From Galveston

Getting to the Port of Galveston — Transportation options from airports and the Galveston area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.

Galveston Park & Cruise Hotels — Getting in late? Leaving early? Simply need a place to rest your head? We’ve rounded up the options for places to stay near the port, including those with park and cruise packages.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, msc cruises sailing from texas starting 2025, galveston cruise parking discounts, coupons, and promo codes, carnival jubilee arrives in galveston; first new cruise ship to call texas home, ncl makes history with first seasonal sailing from galveston, texas, full list: galveston hotels with cruise shuttles to the port, complete guide to cruising from the port of galveston, 11 comments.

Port of Galveston says they no longer offer free parking for Disabled Veterans. You only receive a 15% discount

RCL’s new terminal is actually Terminal 3 / PIER 10…

Port of Galveston calls it Cruise Terminal 10:

PARKING AND MOBILITY Our Mobility Department is devising ways to move cruise-related traffic to its final destinations most efficiently. All customers who park at Cruise Terminal 10 will benefit from expedited entrance and exit at parking facilities with new license plate recognition technology.

Discount Cruise Parking has moved much closer to the terminal and is at 433 33rd Street, Galveston TX 77550. They were still the cheapest from those available when I searched. (I had a four-day cruise during the week and half the parking lots were not even open.) I will know next week if the service is still good.

Jim how was the parking at Discount Cruise Parking? I am trying to decide if I want to use this lot for my upcoming cruise for this December.

Hotel Galvez is now Grand Galvez with new owners, and no longer offer cruise parking or cruise port shuttle service.

I am a disabled veteran 100 percent I am visiting a friend in Arkansas and are Carnival Cruise leaves on March 21 to the 26th will be driving from Arkansas to Galveston and leaving on the dream but the car we’re bringing down is my friend’s car but I did bring my packer plate from my car in Pennsylvania would that work to get the free parking the car is registered in her name not mine…

I’d suggest calling the port at 409-765-9321. That’s a pretty intricate situation.

Do you have Purple Heart parking prices

Purple Heart recipients can park for free at the official Galveston port lots. According to their website:

“To qualify for complimentary parking space you will need the following: State vehicle registration receipt with Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart Recipient designation along with driver’s license or state-issued ID to match vehicle registration information.”

“In addition, the Disabled American Veteran or Purple Heart Recipient MUST be present at time of check in along with the vehicle that has the DV/PH license plate.”

You don’t have to reserve ahead of time. Just show up and let the attendant know. They will direct you on how to park for free.

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• Disney Magic 2.456 passengers 09 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Adventure Of The Seas 4.058 passengers 11 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Voyager Of The Seas 3.938 passengers 11 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 13 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 13 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 14 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 14 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Disney Magic 2.456 passengers 14 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Voyager Of The Seas 3.938 passengers 15 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 18 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Voyager Of The Seas 3.938 passengers 20 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 20 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 20 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 21 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 22 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Adventure Of The Seas 4.058 passengers 25 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Voyager Of The Seas 3.938 passengers 25 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 27 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 27 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 28 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 28 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Voyager Of The Seas 3.938 passengers 01 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 02 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 04 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 04 May 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 06 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 11 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 11 May 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 12 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 12 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 13 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 16 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 18 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 18 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 18 May 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 19 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 20 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 23 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 25 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 25 May 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 26 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 26 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 27 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 30 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 02 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 03 Jun 2024 - 08:00

Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you? Here's how they compare.

Whether you want a weekend getaway or to max out your vacation days, there’s a cruise for that.

Cruise lines offer itineraries ranging from a few days to monthslong . But there are more differences between short and long sailings than just the amount of time guests spend on board. The length of a cruise can help dictate the types of ports passengers visit, the kind of ship they’re sailing on and even the general vibe on board.

“It's important to walk our guests through and for cruisers to think about, what's the experience that they're trying to have,” said Jamie Margolis, owner of Moms at Sea Travel, a Dream Vacations franchise. “So, we try to tease out that information, like, ‘What's your vacation style?’ ”

What can guests expect from short cruises?

Cruises can be divided into those shorter or longer than a week, according to Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel. “So, anything less than that is really considered a short cruise,” he said.

Those around three nights long are often aimed at new-to-cruise guests “who aren’t really ready to commit to seven days but really want to quote-unquote test the waters, let's say – to see if cruising is right for them,” he added.

Those sailings typically feature just one port and a sea day and often visit tried-and-true cruise destinations. Travelers sailing from South Florida ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale will likely visit Nassau in the Bahamas or one of many cruise line private islands , for example. While those sailing from Galveston, Texas, can expect to stop in Cozumel.

Margolis called three-and-four-night voyages a “great intro to cruising,” albeit with more limited itinerary choices. “Is their dream to go to Saint Kitts? They're probably not going to find that on a short sailing,” she said.

Shorter cruises may also lend themselves more to a party atmosphere and be less kid-friendly. But Margolis noted that’s not unique to cruising. “I mean, it's the nature of travel that short weekends can be celebratory,” she said.

And with diverse onboard offerings – from ship-within-a-ship concepts to kids clubs – passengers can often carve out their own experience.

Cruise lines have new offerings in that shorter category. Celebrity Cruises is launching its first regular weekend itineraries in the Caribbean this month, and Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas will offer three-and-four-night sailings when it debuts in July.

What can guests expect from long cruises?

Feldman said any sailing over seven days could be considered a “longer cruise.” Those can range from around 10 days to more than six months. Royal Caribbean is operating a nine-month world cruise to more than 60 countries.

While short cruises “can feel like a bit of a whirlwind,” according to Margolis, longer itineraries offer more time to explore a greater variety of ports. They may feature less-visited destinations such as Aruba and Curaçao and often take place on smaller, older vessels (though ships are refurbished regularly).

That’s partly due to the limitations in places they stop. “Some of the ports … cannot really accommodate this large ship hardware,” Feldman said. “So, you need a smaller-size ship to navigate in and out of these ports.”

The onboard demographic also tends to skew older on those cruises since retired passengers typically have more free time, and travelers with kids are often beholden to school schedules.

If you want a middle ground, though, Margolis said a seven-night cruise “really takes you through what I think is, like, the whole cruise cycle.”

"You get on, you get acclimated, you find all the different amenities, and then you're able to … truly relax, disconnect, unwind,” she said. ‘And then you know, midweek, you start getting your luggage tags, and you go through that mental process of accepting that you're going to have to get off in a couple of days and go back to work.”

At that length, it's also easier to tack on a bit of extra time on the front or back end of the sailing to explore on their own, Feldman added.

Are short or long sailings cheaper?

Because short sailings frequently take place on larger ships, they are “very attractively priced” to help fill the cabins. But that doesn’t mean they’ll always be cheaper than a longer cruise.

A cruise with more stops will have higher port fees, but passengers may book longer itineraries further out and get better fares.

Looking for cheap cruises?: Here's what to know know about finding deals.

“Most times, you're not going to book a three-to-four-night sailing 12 to 18 months in advance,” said Feldman. “You're going to book that much closer in.”

The ship’s age also plays a role in how it’s priced, with shiny new vessels commanding higher rates . “So, there's a lot of different variables in play that kind of dictate where you're going to come out ahead or how much your cruise is ultimately going to cost based on those factors,” said Feldman.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Carnival Cruise Line forced to make beverage package change

B oth Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have been forced to make major operational changes after the tragic bridge collapse in Baltimore. After Key Bridge was hit by a freight ship that led to its destruction, the port that both cruise lines use has been closed for the foreseeable future. 

It was a terrible tragedy, but neither cruise line could simply stop operating because they had ships at sea scheduled to return to that port. Both Carnival ( CCL ) and Royal Caribbean acted very quickly and shifted their Baltimore sailings to Norfolk, VA.

Related: Carnival follows Royal Caribbean in fixing worst part of cruising

That's a massive operational feat to pull off which both companies achieved in just a few days. Carnival shared how it was handling a sailing that left from Baltimore before the bridge collapse

"Carnival Legend is scheduled to return from its current voyage on Sunday, March 31. It will now return to Norfolk on Sunday, and guests will be provided complimentary bus service back to Baltimore. Carnival Legend’s next seven-day itinerary on March 31 will then operate from and return to Norfolk," the cruise line shared.

The port switch, however, will have a negative impact on future cruises that many passengers will be angry about.

Carnival may get boos for Cheers

Sailing from different ports means that the local laws and taxes may be different. When Royal Caribbean sails from Galveston, for example, people who buy its Unlimited Beverage Package can only order from a limited menu until the ship hits international waters.

Cheers offers unlimited water, soda, juice, and specialty coffee along with 15 alcoholic beverages for $59.95 per day on sailings of six days or more when purchased in advance. Shorter sailings cost $69.95 per day and all packages are charged an 18%b gratuity.

People buying onboard pay an extra $5 per day and you can only buy the package for the duration of the cruise. In addition, all adults sailing in the same room have to buy the drink package (although exceptions may be made if passengers call the cruise line).

Carnival, for its sailings from Norfolk has shared that it has to make a major change to its Cheers Beverage Package on those sailings. The cruise line has adopted the rules it uses on sailings from New York and Texas for its Norfolk cruise.

Carnival changes Cheers for Norfolk sailings

While Royal Caribbean offers a limited drink menu out of Galveston (the cruise line does not sail from New York), it does still offer unlimited drinks to people who buy its beverage package. Carnival takes a different tact and does not offer Cheers! on night one on sailings from New York and Texas. 

That's the policy its taking in Norfolk and any passengers who paid for Cheers on upcoming sailings will get a refund for the first day of their cruise.  

“Our temporary shift in operations from Baltimore to Norfolk for Carnival Legend necessitates a slight modification in how we implement the Cheers! program. We cannot offer Cheers! benefits while in waters under the Commonwealth of Virginia’s jurisdiction. Therefore, we will not offer Cheers! benefits on the first day of your cruise,” according to an email from Guest Services Vice President Colleen Oliverio.

Can't seems to be more of a question of choice as Royal Caribbean has not made the same change.

"For Royal, you can absolutely use your drink package immediately however TABC law limits cruise ships to only sell alcohol made in the great state of Texas while in port. once the ship has moved into international waters, full bars open up. Carnival on the other hand just chooses to hold off altogether with their drink package making their Cheers begin on day 2 (You don't pay for day 1). you can still purchase drink by drink, but they too have to follow the same TABC laws mentioned," Todd W. poste don the Royal Caribbean blog .

Royal Caribbean has not said it plans to have any drink package limitations on Norfolk sailings.

Protect Your Trip »

The 8 best alaska cruises for families.

Plan your next family vacation to explore the boundless beauty of the 49th state.

The Best Alaska Cruises for Families

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

A cruise to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime family or multigenerational vacation. With unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures that you won't find anywhere else in the world – not to mention scenic cruising days on the ship to spend time together – this special experience will stay with you forever.

For an extended vacation in the 49th state, consider booking a cruisetour. This combined cruise and pre- or post-cruise land tour option is offered by many of the larger cruise lines. The tours visit some of the top attractions in the state , such as Denali National Park and Preserve, and often include picturesque rides into Alaska's remote wilderness aboard the Alaska Railroad. Some tours also head north to Fairbanks and visit Kenai Fjords National Park or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (or both, in some cases). You can choose between fully escorted adventures or laid-back options to explore on your own, depending on what works best for your family.

Ready to book your Alaska adventure? These eight cruise lines offer excellent family-friendly excursions ashore , plus plenty of onboard activities to keep both kids and parents entertained during days at sea.

Find your perfect cruise

Princess Cruises: 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay

Departure city: Vancouver, British Columbia

The 2024 cruise season brings Princess' 55th-anniversary sailing to The Great Land, and the line is offering more than 150 Alaska voyages between April and September. The popular Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay itinerary northbound from Vancouver to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , is available on dozens of dates this season on Grand Princess , Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The sailing includes stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, as well as scenic cruising in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord in Alaska. If you prefer a smaller ship, choose Grand Princess or Sapphire Princess, which hold 2,610 and 2,680 passengers (double occupancy), respectively. Meanwhile, Royal Princess accommodates 3,560 guests at double occupancy.

The Princess Cruises North to Alaska program features immersive, family-friendly opportunities to learn about the history and traditions of the 49th state. Guests can sample fresh local seafood and meet famous Alaskans such as Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod dog race. In Skagway, families can meet some of the newest sled dogs and their handlers during Puppies in the Piazza on the ship. Younger cruisers and teens can participate in the Alaska Explorers Youth Program in partnership with Glacier Bay National Park and the Discovery Channel, which includes activities like the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Sort Challenge.

The North to Alaska program also partners with Discovery and Animal Planet to feature onboard exhibits about Alaska, as well as curated excursions like the White Pass Rail Bennett Lake & Yukon Adventure in Skagway, which was created by a train historian. Back on the ship, kids and teens can hang out with other young cruisers their age at Camp Discovery's Treehouse (ages 3 to 7), Lodge (8 to 12) or Beach House (13 to 17). In addition, be sure to keep an eye out for Princess Cruises' Alaska mascot: Stanley the Bear. You might even find him during story time at the kids clubs wearing a captain's uniform or destination-themed costumes, such as lumberjack gear in Ketchikan.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Alaska – Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Departure city: Seattle, Washington

This seven-day round-trip voyage from Seattle is available on Norwegian Bliss from April to September during the line's 2024 Alaska season. The sailing includes the ports of Sitka, Juneau , Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan (Ward Cove), plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia , before disembarking in Seattle. Norwegian Bliss can carry 4,004 passengers at double occupancy and 4,266 passengers at maximum capacity.

The entire family will enjoy excursions like the Whale Watching & Bear Search tour in Icy Strait Point, while thrill-seekers of all ages will want to book an adrenaline-pumping ride down the mountain on the massive ZipRider zip line. In Ketchikan, take a hike through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S., where you might catch glimpses of wildlife like black bears or bald eagles. You can also head offshore from Ketchikan aboard the Aleutian Ballad, the famed ship from Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," to pick up the day's bounty of king crab and search for marine wildlife along Alaska's Inside Passage.

Plenty of family activities and entertainment options are offered on this Norwegian Cruise Line ship, including the Bliss Speedway, a two-level racetrack at sea; laser tag; mini-golf; an interactive aqua park with waterslides that zip above the side of the ship; a video arcade; and live entertainment. You'll also find kids clubs designed for younger children and teens , as well as adults-only escapes like Vibe Beach Club and Spice H2O. When it comes to dining, there's no shortage of casual fare for hungry kids at venues like the Garden Café buffet, American Diner and The Local Bar & Grill.

Disney Cruise Line: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Matt Stroshane | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

This seven-night itinerary aboard Disney Wonder departs round-trip from Vancouver on several voyages throughout the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. The weeklong Disney Cruise Line sailing includes glacier viewing along the Stikine Icecap and stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Plus, you'll enjoy plenty of Disney fun on board, with character meet-and-greets, Broadway-quality shows, and entertaining activities and venues for kids and adults alike.

Many of the ship's nautical-themed staterooms are designed with families in mind and feature a "split bath" concept and extra under-bed storage for suitcases. Disney Wonder can hold 1,750 passengers at double occupancy and 2,700 passengers at maximum capacity. The ship's unique rotational dining venues include an "under the sea" adventure at Triton's, a dinner show with Disney characters at Animator's Palate and Southern specialties with jazz music at Tiana's Place. For a night out sans kids, adults can savor a quiet evening with northern Italian cuisine at Palo or nosh on casual pub fare at Crown & Fin Pub. Younger sailors will find age-appropriate spaces at Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab, tween venue Edge, and teen club Vibe.

Disney's excursions also offer family fun ashore – especially in Skagway. Try panning for gold with Disney characters like Donald Duck, then feast on baked Alaska salmon at Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. You can also take an extended six-hour tour by boat into Alaska's deepest fjord, Lynn Canal, then hike through the rainforest to reach your canoe for a wilderness safari at Glacier Point. For a bucket list splurge, reserve a spot on the helicopter flightseeing tour that includes dog mushing on the Denver Glacier with a team of Alaska sled dogs.

Holland America Line: 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America's Koningsdam will sail the line's seven-day Inside Passage itinerary more than 20 times between April and September in 2024. This round-trip voyage embarks in Vancouver and includes multiple days of scenic cruising. You'll sail through the Inside Passage for two days; through Tracy Arm Inlet, where you can disembark for a shore excursion; and through Glacier Bay, where the Junior Ranger Program is a highlight for kids. The ports of call on this itinerary are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan in Alaska.

Koningsdam features dedicated family staterooms with beds for up to five guests, two bathrooms and extra closet space. The ship carries 2,650 guests at double occupancy and 3,194 passengers at maximum capacity. A wildlife expert on the ship helps guests spot Alaska's incredible marine and land animals through announcements and during daily programs. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, moose, brown bears and other wildlife. While in the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, you'll want to take the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion to explore glacier-covered mountains, jagged cliffs and the largest temperate rainforest in the U.S. surrounding the fjord. On a high-speed catamaran, you'll get up-close views of the Sawyer Glaciers and have potential sightings of harbor seals, bears, mountain goats and more.

Back on board, Holland America Line 's kids club offers supervised, age-appropriate activities for young cruisers ages 3 to 17 – including children who may need certain accommodations. You'll also find plenty of family-friendly options for dining on Koningsdam, including Lido Market, New York Pizza and the poolside Dive In grill. During the cruise, look for themed evenings in the Lido Market like salmon bakes or seafood boil pop-up dinners, which are in line with Holland America's commitment to serving certified sustainable and traceable Alaska seafood. An Alaska brunch is also offered once during the voyage in the main dining room; you'll enjoy dishes highlighting ingredients from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Royal Caribbean International: 7 Night Alaska Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Hop aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas for the seven-night Alaska Adventure Cruise, sailing round-trip from Seattle . This itinerary is available on several dates between May and August 2024 and features stops in the towns of Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an afternoon call in the Canadian city of Victoria. While there, book an off-roading excursion through the coastal rainforest that includes a zip line adventure. Or, take a self-guided tour through Victoria's famed Butchart Gardens and the tropical Butterfly Gardens filled with wildlife.

Quantum of the Seas – which holds 4,180 passengers at double occupancy and 4,905 passengers at maximum capacity – is one of the two larger Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska in 2024 (Ovation of the Seas is the other). As such, it offers abundant activities and entertainment for families at sea. On board, guests can experience Ripcord by iFly (the only skydiving simulator at sea) and take in snow-capped mountain views from the FlowRider surf simulator or atop the ship's rock climbing wall. Other onboard activities include bumper cars, an escape room, an arcade, pickleball and The Silent Party (a dance party where everyone wears headphones).

At mealtime, kids will have plenty of choices for casual and quick bites, from carefully crafted hot dogs at the Dog House and specialty pies at Sorrento's Pizza to around-the-clock snacks at Café Promenade and grab-and-go fare at The Café@Two70. When the little ones want to play or chill out with kids their age, Adventure Ocean offers activities for children 3 to 12 years old. Meanwhile, teens can meet other 13- to 17-year-olds at the Hideout Hangout.

Carnival Cruise Line: 7-Day Alaska from Seattle, WA

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Departure city: Juneau, Alaska

Carnival's 2024 Alaska season runs from May to September, with the 7-Day Alaska from Seattle itinerary available every month during that time. The round-trip sailing aboard Carnival Luminosa stops in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. You'll enjoy scenic cruising in Victoria and through Tracy Arm Fjord. You'll also have one "fun day at sea" to check out the activities and entertainment on the ship, which offers a double occupancy capacity of 2,260 passengers and a maximum capacity of 2,826 passengers.

Younger sailors ages 2 to 11 can join in on ocean-themed games, songs and programming at Camp Ocean, while tweens and teens (ages 12 to 17) can participate in destination-focused activities at See the World. Club 02 is a designated space for guests ages 15 to 17 to watch movies, play sports and video games, and more. Families can enjoy Dive-In Movies together at Carnival Seaside Theater and watch live musical productions at Playlist Productions. When it comes to dining on Carnival , families will have a choice of several casual restaurants to satisfy finicky eaters, including Pizzeria del Capitano, The Carnival Deli, Lido Marketplace and Swirls for soft serve ice cream. For a special night out, make reservations at the Steakhouse, which costs extra but offers reduced prices for children 11 and younger.

When going ashore, Juneau offers many family-friendly excursions – some of which you may not have the chance to experience anywhere else in the world. The Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery takes guests airborne by bush plane over the five glaciers in the Juneau Icefield. After the ride, you'll land in the Taku River at the historic Taku Lodge, which sits across from Juneau's largest glacier, the Taku Glacier. At the lodge, you'll feast on a bountiful meal featuring homemade side dishes and one of the best-known local seafood specialties, Alaska king salmon.

Celebrity Cruises: 7 Nights Alaska Hubbard Glacier

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's seven-night Alaska Hubbard Glacier itinerary is available on nine voyages between May and September 2024. The Celebrity Solstice (which holds 2,852 guests at double occupancy) sails round-trip from Vancouver and stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska. You'll have two days of scenic cruising in the Inside Passage and around Hubbard Glacier. While in Icy Strait Point, book a guided nature walk excursion along the "Trail of the Bears" in the bush country of the Spasski River Valley. During your search for Alaska's coastal brown bears, you'll also learn about the Tlingit culture and community in Hoonah, and perhaps even see Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles.

Back on the ship, Celebrity's Camp at Sea program entertains children, tweens and teens ages 3 to 17 with four different age-appropriate programs: Shipmates (ages 3 to 5), Cadets (ages 6 to 9), Captains (ages 10 to 12) and Teens (ages 13 to 17). The customizable activities change every cruise and are based on the interests of the participants. Celebrity also offers autism-friendly activities and services for families on board.

When it comes to dining options on the ship, families will find kid-friendly selections on the in-room dining menu and at the main restaurant. For quick casual fare, head to the buffet-style Oceanview Café or to the Mast Grill for burgers and other grab-and-go bites. If you want healthier dishes, the Spa Café offers homemade energy bars, acai bowls, turkey wraps and other light choices.

UnCruise Adventures: Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

If you prefer a small-ship cruise experience without the bells and whistles of some larger vessels, UnCruise offers adventure-style cruises to Alaska on its fleet of safari- and expedition-style ships. With these intimate cruises, you and the kids (ages 8 and older) can get up close to glaciers, wildlife and Alaska's vast wilderness directly from the ship via Zodiacs and kayaks. You may even see wildlife from a short distance away along the shoreline, as UnCruise vessels are able to sail into smaller waterways that are inaccessible to larger ships.

The line's Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise features two full days in pristine Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve aboard the Wilderness Discoverer, which holds a maximum of 76 passengers. Here, guests can hike along remote coastlines amid old-growth forests, view sea life up close and go birding at South Marble Island. You'll also have the opportunity to see several tidewater glaciers, go kayaking in the Keku Islands and explore Neka Bay on Chichagof Island. Another highlight is a visit to Glacier Bay Lodge at Bartlett Cove, the only hotel accommodations in the 3.3 million-acre national park. The seven-night itinerary departs round-trip from Juneau and is offered between April and September 2024.

The full itinerary includes stops in Icy Strait and Neka Bay; Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve; Chichagof Island (which boasts the world's largest population of brown bears per square mile); Frederick Sound; and Tracy Arm and the Sawyer Glaciers. During the weeklong cruise, you'll have narration by expert onboard guides and embark on some of the most memorable adventures your kids will ever have in Alaska's remote wilderness.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts

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