Best Cruises Out of Galveston 8 Ships Through 2025

Table Of Content

• Best Time Of The Year To Cruise Out Of Galveston
• Discover a Range of Cruise Options
• Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Prima
• Carnival Cracks Down on High Stakes Activity on Pool Deck
• Night Panama Canal ItineraryDetails

It is, for the record, the only Disney Cruise Line ship that sails from Galveston. Jenna DeLaurentis enjoys exploring new ports of call around the world on a cruise ship, learning about new cultures, discovering beautiful landscapes, and trying diverse cuisine. She loves to get active while at port, whether cycling through mountains in the Caribbean or scuba diving under the sea. There are several independently owned and operated parking lots near the Port of Galveston.

Best Time Of The Year To Cruise Out Of Galveston

When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Royal Caribbean offers a shuttle service to and from both the George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports, and this can be one of the most convenient options for travelers. We break down all the options including location, price, and if shuttle service is available. The 2023 cruise season out of Galveston cruise port is its busiest on record, with an estimated 362 cruise ship departures — nearly one for every day. Galveston’s cruises offer a captivating journey to exotic ports of call, each brimming with its own distinct allure. Travelers can immerse themselves in the rich cultures of Mexico with visits to Cozumel, Yucatán (Progreso), and Costa Maya, where ancient history and pristine beaches await.

Discover a Range of Cruise Options

If it's swanky digs you're after (and you have the money to spend), you'll find plenty of options on this ship. Carnival Breeze also offers a water park with waterslides on its top decks, a miniature golf course, a sports court for basketball and volleyball, and multiple pools. That said, Carnival Breeze still has a huge amount to offer for all sorts of travelers, from couples to families with kids. The ship was, notably, the first Carnival ship to feature a 4D "thrill theater" and one of the first Carnival ships with a ropes course, both attractions that appeal heavily to teens and tweens.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Prima

Here we list our top picks for the best cruises from Galveston for five different types of travelers. Some passengers may look into renting a car from the airport in Houston and driving to the Port of Galveston themselves. While booking through the cruise line can be convenient, you’ll find a better shuttle price through independently operated shuttle companies in Galveston. If you are traveling with large suitcases or have more than four passengers, you’ll want to book a Lyft XL. These are larger vehicles that can better accommodate luggage and higher numbers of passengers. The cost will be a bit higher for this service than a regular-sized vehicle.

Carnival Cruises From Galveston

Galveston is a solid choice (and the only option) as a departure port for families looking to take a cruise within range of Texas. The closest other cruise port to Galveston is nearly 400 miles away in New Orleans. From recognizable chain hotel brands to boutique properties like 19th-century bed-and-breakfast George Manor, Galveston has a stay available for every taste. The good news is that with only 41.2 square miles of land mass in Galveston (it’s only 3 miles wide), there is nowhere on the island that is super far from the cruise port.

MSC Cruises

If prices are significantly higher or there are fewer direct options, however, flying into IAH would be the best option. HOU is the smaller of Houston’s airports, but it’s more convenient as it’s located only 7 miles from downtown Houston. Disney Cruises bring every child’s imagination to life and provide an opportunity for the entire family to reconnect and unplug from the chaos of everyday life. Highlights include kids’ pools, Broadway-caliber musicals, a Marvel Superhero Academy, and a range of eating options. These sailings start in December of 2023 and are available through April of 2024.

Carnival Cracks Down on High Stakes Activity on Pool Deck

Prices during this time are often more affordable, and you may find fewer crowds both on the ship and at the destinations. However, be aware that the weather can be cooler, and there is a slightly higher chance of encountering rougher seas. During these months, the weather is typically pleasant, with milder temperatures and lower humidity compared to the peak summer months. It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities both on the ship and at the destinations.

Night Panama Canal ItineraryDetails

The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. Princess® returns to Galveston, sailing once again from this city tucked within a quaint Gulf Coast barrier island. Disney Magic sails a mix of four- to six-night voyages from Galveston to Mexico. Shorter voyages typically visit Progreso, Mexico, while longer sailings add a stop in Cozumel. Based seasonally in Galveston from December to April, Disney Magic offers the best cruises out of Galveston for the Disney fan.

Cruises

Award-winning cruise starts sailing out of Galveston, trips planned into 2024 - KWTX

Award-winning cruise starts sailing out of Galveston, trips planned into 2024.

Posted: Sun, 17 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Factoring in traffic and any potential delays, it might take longer than you anticipate to travel from the cruise ship to the airport. The 2013 Royal-class ship is the 2nd of its class and offers 20 sailings during it’s homeport in Texas. It offers a convenient departure point for travelers who want to embark on a cruise vacation without having to fly long distances or deal with extensive travel logistics. Although the location of the closest commercial airport is in Houston, nearly an hour away, Galveston offers the Southern cruise market an appealing drive-to option bordering the Gulf of Mexico. According to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, Galveston is the fourth most popular cruise port in North America, following the busy cruise ports of Florida.

Like all Disney ships, Disney Magic boasts many cabins with split bathrooms — a boon for families. That's not something you'll find on any of the other Galveston-based cruise vessels. If either of those two attractions is a must-have for your next cruise out of Galveston, you'll want to book the Harmony of the Seas sailings that start in November.

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Oasis Class flavors, thrills and beats go full-throttle on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail from Texas — Harmony of the Seas®.

Expect to pay at least $125+ one-way from IAH airport and $75+ from HOU airport. The most convenient way to reach the Port of Galveston from a Houston airport is through a rideshare service like Lyft. Ports of call will include Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan, and Cozumel. The April 11-day sailing will stop at the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. It’s a great ship from Carnival and was voted best new cruise ship in 2016 when it debuted. Both Carnival Jubilee and Norwegian Prima will start offering cruises out of Galveston starting in December of 2023.

Alas, Norwegian Prima only is based in Galveston seasonally for the winter, from December to March. It offers seven-night sailings to the Western Caribbean with calls in Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize. For would-be Galveston cruisers, Carnival Breeze serves as a sort of "test the port" ship. Its short sailings and low pricing mean you're not out a lot in time or money if you don't love the experience. It caters heavily to first-time cruisers, as well as Texas locals and Southerners who can book on short notice and drive to the port for a quickie escape.

The dining options are similar to what you'll find on many Carnival ships, including an extra-charge steakhouse and Italian eatery, Cucina Del Capitano, as well as no-extra-charge main restaurants. It also has a sushi restaurant and a version of Carnival's Caribbean-inspired watering hole, RedFrog Pub. I'm a big fan of this new Norwegian vessel's stylish design and upscale feel, and I love its luxurious Haven suite complex.

After more than 20 years as a cruise port, Galveston has added a third, state-of-the-art cruise terminal and new ships and cruise lines all within the span of a single year. In addition to its cruise offerings, the adjacent city of Galveston is well suited for vacationers of all ages, with a variety of accommodation offerings and plenty of activities to enjoy. As one of the oldest ports on the Gulf Coast, Galveston stands out with its rich history and convenient location. The city, situated on the picturesque Galveston Island, serves as the lone homeport in Texas for major cruise lines, making it a central point for embarkation on your next sea adventure. Home to some of the most well-known cruise lines, the Port of Galveston offers a range of choices for travelers.

'Cruise Ship Killers' Highlights a Problem Most People Didn't Know Existed

Table Of Content

• Gypsy Rose Blanchard Separating from Husband Ryan Anderson
• Contents
• What Happened? – Death of Camilla Peixoto Bandeira
• Where is Scott Roston Now?
• How Did Karen Roston Die?
• What Happened? – Ruby Roegge

She most likely died early Feb. 28, said Kevin Wheeler, a public affairs specialist for the FBI's Columbia field office. The FBI is investigating the "suspicious death" of a woman who was on a five -day cruise from South Carolina to the Bahamas, the agency announced. The ship set off from Seattle on Sunday on a week-long trip but was diverted to Juneau, Alaska, where it docked hours early as a result of the incident, CBS News reports. The Emerald Princess boat was carrying 3,400 passengers and 1,100 crew members, according to CBS.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Separating from Husband Ryan Anderson

Yang Wenjuan was cruising with her husband Wang Weilie onboard the MV Macau Success in 2010. Wang admitted to throwing his wife overboard but said that he only did this after he thought she was already dead. The 44-year-old woman, who was not identified by name in the announcement, died on a voyage to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, the FBI's field office in Columbia, South Carolina, said Sunday. Shortly after they entered the room, Kristy Manzanares was pronounced dead.

Contents

Each episode is dedicated to an individual story, with expert commentary and, when possible, interviews with those closest to the victim. It’s hard to say how many people die aboard cruise liners each year, but several sources believe hundreds of people perish while cruising every year. Deaths attributed to natural causes are particularly common on cruise ships because of the industry’s demographic. In 1998 Amy Bradley was 23 and she went missing from the Rhapsody of The Seas. The cruise line searched the cruise ship but was not able to find any signs of Amy.

What Happened? – Death of Camilla Peixoto Bandeira

In March 1987, Scott reported an attempted kidnapping, claiming two Israelis in a van had tried to abduct him. During his second-degree murder trial in late February 1989, his defense attorney acknowledged the seemingly implausible nature of his client’s claims but urged the jury to consider the world of international intrigue. The defense didn’t challenge the prosecution’s medical evidence or testimony about the couple’s disputes. Instead, they presented records showing two Israeli nationals on the ship. Lonnie Loren Kocontes murdered his third wife Micki Kanesaki on a cruise ship to inherit her money and then allegedly tried to have his fourth wife, Amy Nguyen, killed so that she wouldn't testify against him. “In 2017 Kenneth Manzanares brutally murdered his wife Kristy Manzanares while on an Alaskan cruise with their three daughters and extended family members.

Where is Scott Roston Now?

Karen’s husband Scott strangled her to death before throwing her overboard in order to make it look like she had an accident. Scott informed the authorities of the cruise ship that Karen had ‘gone overboard’ at around 3 am. The majority of cruise ship deaths are caused by natural causes or accidents but with 30 million people taking a cruise each year, murders do happen.

She thought it was the vacation of a lifetime, but  Micki Kanesaki would never survive the Italian cruise with her ex-husband. Manzanares was sentenced in early June after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for fatally beating his wife, Kristy Manzanares, on the Emerald Princess in 2017 in front of two of his daughters. The ship set off from Seattle on Sunday on a weeklong trip but was diverted to Juneau, where it docked hours early as a result of the incident. The Emerald Princess was carrying 3,400 passengers and 1,100 crew members, CBS News reports. Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.

What Happened? – Ruby Roegge

She was killed on the Stardancer in 1988 by her husband on her honeymoon. FBI's evidence investigators processed the passenger's room once the ship returned to Charleston as planned on Saturday, the agency said. The cruise left Charleston on Feb. 27, said Matt Lupoli, Carnival Cruise Line's senior manager of public relations.

Cruise Ship 'Stabbing' of Passenger Sparks FBI Investigation: Report

Florida man arrested after 27-year-old woman found dead on cruise ship - ABC News

Florida man arrested after 27-year-old woman found dead on cruise ship.

Posted: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

A former California lawyer was sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole for strangling his third wife to death and then throwing her body off a cruise ship in an attempt to inherit her money. While most people step on and off cruise ships without incident, deaths sometimes occur on board. According to Cruise Ship Killers, a television show on the True Crime Network, many, but not all, deaths on cruise ships are accidental or from medical issues. Cruise Ship Killers tells the tales of suspicious deaths aboard famed cruise ships. A Utah man was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison in the beating death of his wife on an Alaska cruise in 2017, with a federal judge describing the crime as violent and brutal.

What Happened? – Murder of Yang Wenjuan

Cruise Ship Killers is a true crime series that tells the stories of people who never returned home after taking a holiday on a cruise ship, featuring interviews with family, friends, invest... Instead, the series tells the stories of people who boarded a cruise for a vacation but never made it back alive. According to the series, a surprising number of people embarked on a fun holiday but met their demise instead, often at the hands of another person. The show features murders aboard cruise ships and suspicious drownings and disappearances.

A security officer noticed blood on her husband’s hands and clothes and placed him in handcuffs. He alleged Karen had “fallen” overboard, and he had attempted to rescue her without success. Envisioning this scenario was challenging, given she was five feet three inches tall and the ship’s rail stood three feet six inches high. He explained them by claiming he had struck his head on a gangway control box. However, no evidence of blood, hair, or marks was found on the box, and photographic evidence revealed no sharp protrusions that could have caused his facial injuries. According to admissions made in connection with the plea, Kenneth and Kristy became involved in an argument about Kenneth’s behavior that evening.

The cruise was a celebration of their 18th wedding anniversary, the family source tells PEOPLE. When a man emerged nearby in blood-covered clothes and said, “It doesn’t look good,” the girl “just lost it,” Beckman recalled. The source adds that at some point that evening, Kristy asked for a divorce. At that point, Kenneth allegedly “snapped” and killed her, the source says. Kristy’s death was allegedly the result of a “domestic dispute,” Princess Cruises said in a statement.

They also identified hemorrhage in her neck and eyes and neckbone distortion, indicating manual strangulation. Embedded material from the ship’s rubberized jogging track in her clothing suggested she had been forcibly pressed against the deck. The Orange County District Attorney's Office later picked up the case, however, and Nguyen eventually told authorities that Kocontes had pressured her to lie before the grand jury. She said he had threatened to have someone kill Kanesaki aboard the ship and later told her he'd have to "take matters into his own hands." Kocontes was indicted for Kanesaki's murder in 2013 as a result.

Scott appealed his sentence, and the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit remanded him for resentencing while upholding his conviction. Now in his 70s, he was resentenced to a term of 33 years, nine months in November 1994, and was released in 2017. Pieces of her earrings and strands of her strawberry-blond hair were found 11.5 feet from the ship’s railing. Witnesses recounted instances of tension between the honeymooning couple. One fellow vacationer noted Scott’s anger over his wife’s dietary choices and unfamiliarity with the elaborate silverware settings.