I have cruised from Florida over 20 times. The state’s major cruise hubs—Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa Bay, and Port Canaveral—boast sprawling, state-of-the-art terminals and serve as home ports for all the major cruise lines.
On a recent sail aboard the Disney Cruise Line‘s Disney Magic (my favorite), I set off from a port new to me. Galveston, Texas. Port of Galveston, which is often overlooked, is rapidly gaining in popularity. It’s actually projected to see more than 1.75 million passengers In 2025, there will be over 400 cruises.
With three cruise terminals currently operating—and a fourth slated to open in late 2025—Galveston is smaller (and noticeably calmer) than Florida’s larger ports. Even better? Even better?
From accommodations to port logistics, here’s everything you need to know about sailing out of Galveston—straight from a seasoned cruise pro.
Getting There
Port of Galveston, located in Texas on an island near the coast, is approximately one hour away from Houston. William P. Hobby Airport in Houston is the closest and George Bush intercontinental Airport in IAH, which offers a larger airport with more flight options. It’s best to arrive the night before your cruise if you are flying in.
You can book private car service and public shuttles, such as Galveston Express in advance. You can also use ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. You can book online official parking at Port of Galveston if you are driving.
Pre- and post-cruise
Galveston offers a wide range of accommodations, from hotels and bed & breakfasts to campgrounds, RV parks, and vacation rentals. (I stayed in the Grand Galvez, an historic beachfront resort that I recommend for its luxurious experience that evokes the old-world charm.
Galveston, the city, is charming and offers something for everyone. World-class attractions, beaches and museums are just a few of its many highlights. It is a seasonal town, like many other seaside towns. Sailings outside of the peak months, from March to November, tend to be quieter.
The historic downtown, with its Victorian architecture and gaslit streets, is also worth exploring. Families will find the city to be a great destination. Moody Gardens The Aquarium Pyramid and the Aquarium are a must-see. In the summertime, attractions like Schlitterbahn Galveston—home to the world’s tallest water slide—and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier Enjoy classic boardwalk entertainment. It is also home to the only city with a boardwalk. Rainforest Café Rides around the world.
If you are in Texas, make sure to try the Tex-Mex food. I loved Salsas Mexican RestaurantThis stunning view of the Gulf is available from the.
Port Experience
Port Galveston has a limited number of cruise terminals. This makes embarking from Port Galveston a smooth and easy process. The experience is relaxed and efficient when only two to three ships are in port. On my sailing on the Disney MagicCheck-in was less than 10 mins because it was the lone ship in port.
The terminals feature modern amenities including Wi-Fi access, lounge-style seating and luggage service. They are also wheelchair accessible. Remember to have your passport, boarding pass and other documents ready when you arrive.
Sailing Experience
Sail from the Gulf of Mexico for a unique experience. The Gulf of Mexico is semi-enclosed and has calmer seas, with less swells. It takes 45 minutes from the Port of Galveston to reach the open ocean. Conditions may get a little rougher once you reach the open water.
Compared to cruises out of Florida—especially to the Bahamas—Galveston itineraries tend to include more sea days, as ships must cross the Gulf to reach destinations in Mexico or the Caribbean.
The weather is also a factor to be considered, particularly for the first day and last day of your cruise. Galveston’s winter temperatures average in the mid-60s, but summer temperatures can soar into the 90s. My sailing trip was in February and the weather was mild, so I packed layers to enjoy the outdoors.
