Carnival cruise ship docked at the port of Galveston, Texas
Caribbean and West Indies

Galveston, Texas

Port schedule

Galveston, Texas cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information. If you want to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

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Departures

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Port Overview

Port General Information

  • Number of Quays: 3 dedicated cruise terminals located along Harborside Drive on Galveston Island.
  • Number of Passenger Terminals: 3 cruise terminals: Terminal 25, Terminal 28, and the newly opened Terminal 10 (Royal Caribbean).
  • Distance to City Center: Approximately 1 km (0.6 miles); located within walking distance of Galveston's Historic Strand District.

 

The Port of Galveston also known as Galveston Wharves, is Texas primary cruise gateway and the fourth most popular cruise homeport in the United States. Strategically located on the Gulf of Mexico, it offers year-round itineraries to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. With three purpose-built terminals, the port hosts some of the world's largest cruise ships and serves as a major turnaround hub. Its proximity to Houston airports and Galveston’s walkable downtown area makes it a convenient departure point for both regional and international travelers.

Port address
Port of Galveston, 123 Rosenberg (25th Street), Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Port phone number
+1 (409) 765-9321

Galveston, Texas - Transport to the Cruise Port

Passengers flying into Houston have several options to reach the Galveston cruise terminals:

1. Taxi & Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

2. Shuttle Services

Numerous shuttle companies operate between both Houston airports and the Galveston cruise port, offering shared or private service. Examples include:

  • Galveston Express

  • Island Breeze Shuttle

  • LimoVenture

Prices range from $30–$45 per person one-way.

3. Private Transfers

Luxury and mid-range private transfers are available through:

Ideal for families or groups with luggage.

4. Car Rentals

Rental services are available at both airports. The port provides parking facilities, including long-term lots adjacent to the terminals with shuttle service.

Galveston, Texas - Cruise Port Terminals

Cruise Terminal 25

Terminal 25 is the oldest cruise terminal in Galveston, located at Pier 25. It primarily serves Carnival Cruise Line and Princess ships and features standard amenities including check-in counters, security screening, customs processing, and ground transportation access. The terminal has been updated to accommodate newer ships and continues to operate as a reliable embarkation point for Carnival’s popular short and long Caribbean sailings.

Terminal Facilities
Air conditioning
Baggage conveyor belts
Baggage handling
Baggage shipment final destination
Boarding bridges
Direct bus to the city center
Metal detectors – X-ray machines
Police – immigration
Public phones
Taxis
WiFi
Check-In Process
Waiting Areas
Accessibility

Terminal 28

Located at Pier 27, Terminal 28 handles a variety of cruise lines including Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. It was expanded and modernized to support larger vessels and now includes improved passenger flow, accessibility features, and transportation access. This terminal is situated directly across from the city’s historic downtown, making pre- and post-cruise exploration easy.

Terminal Facilities
Air conditioning
Baggage conveyor belts
Baggage handling
Boarding bridges
Crew lounge
Direct bus to the city center
Metal detectors – X-ray machines
Police – immigration
Taxis
VIP room
WiFi
Check-In Process
Waiting Areas
Accessibility

Terminal 10

Opened in November 2022, Royal Caribbean’s Galveston Cruise Terminal at Pier 10 is a state-of-the-art, next-generation facility built specifically to accommodate Oasis-class ships. The terminal spans 170,000 square feet and was developed with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and elevated guest experience. It is the first cruise terminal in Texas capable of handling the largest ships in the world.

Passenger Experience and Layout

The terminal is designed to support a frictionless boarding process using advanced technology and wide, open spaces. The passenger flow is smooth, beginning with:

  • Expansive drop-off zones for taxis, rideshares, and shuttles.

  • A covered entrance leading into a large, air-conditioned lobby and check-in hall.

  • Self-service check-in kiosks and mobile check-in lanes for passengers using the Royal Caribbean app.

  • Biometric facial recognition technology for security and U.S. Customs processing, reducing wait times.

  • ADA-accessible features including elevators, ramps, and wheelchair support.

Security and Customs Areas

Security screening is centralized and streamlined, with:

  • Dedicated TSA-style security lanes

  • Separate areas for family or group screening

  • Efficient baggage drop-off and handling, supported by a modern conveyor system

Upon returning from a cruise, debarkation uses facial recognition clearance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, making the process fast and paperless.

VIP and Suite Guest Services

  • A dedicated VIP check-in lounge with upscale décor, refreshments, and concierge services for Suite guests and loyalty program members (e.g., Crown & Anchor Society Pinnacle tier)

  • Priority security and boarding lanes

Waiting and Seating Areas

  • Spacious pre-boarding lounges with ample seating

  • Charging stations for phones and tablets

  • Monitors displaying ship boarding group status and announcements

Amenities Inside

  • A small retail kiosk with travel essentials

  • Digital signage and Royal Caribbean branding throughout

  • Modern restrooms, family-friendly amenities, and baby-changing stations

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