3 day cruises from galveston

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Cruises from Galveston

An island full of art, architecture, and boutiques.

Princess® returns to Galveston, sailing once again from this city tucked within a quaint Gulf Coast barrier island. Explore the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and grab some local cuisine, or visit Moody Gardens with attractions and entertainment ranging from a world-class aquarium and a living rainforest to the Discovery Museum and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, before you embark on a cruise to exciting destinations in the Western Caribbean and Mexico such as Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roatan.

Caribbean cruises

On a cruise from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, explore the beauty of unspoiled coral reefs and underwater caves as well as visit the ancient Mayan ruins throughout the region. One moment you can be walking among the vast ruins of this mighty civilization and the next delving into the culture of the Yucatán Peninsula or simply unwinding on beaches that offer some of the best snorkeling in the world.

What to Know About Cruises from Galveston

Known for its history, beaches and outdoor adventures, Galveston is truly a gem in Texas. Here’s everything you need to know about your cruise from Galveston. 

Galveston at a glance

• Language:  English
• Currency:  U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone:  Central Time (CT)
• Docking:  Your cruise from Galveston docks at the Port of Galveston located in the city’s historic downtown district.
• Attire:  Galveston’s temperatures throughout the year typically range from 48 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it’s never too hot or too cold to spend the day at the beach.
• Transportation:  You can get around the island by Uber, Lyft, shuttle, limousine, or rental car. There are also unique transportation options such as surreys along the beachfront and horse-drawn carriages in the historic downtown district.

Things to do in Galveston

Before getting on a cruise from Galveston, start your vacation with a visit to the city’s museums, historic neighborhoods, and cultural icons. Take a walk along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, home to family-friendly rides, games, and other attractions. Then relax on one of Galveston’s many iconic beaches and enjoy the 32-miles of coastline. Whether you are traveling with family, a group of friends or your significant other, this laid-back island has something for everyone.

Cruise Ship Sailing from Galveston

Join our Princess fleet to sail on some of the best cruises from Galveston. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

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3 Day/3 Night Cruises out of Galveston, Texas

The best cruises from Galveston for every type of traveler

What are the best cruises from Galveston, Texas? I've been on nearly all the cruise ships that sail out of the fast-growing cruise port (and visited all the places they go), and I know which one I would pick: a seven-night sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima.

I'm a big fan of the 20-month-old Norwegian Prima's stylish design and upscale feel, and I love its luxurious Haven suite complex. It also offers a solid itinerary out of Galveston that visits several of my favorite ports in the Western Caribbean.

That said, a seven-night Norwegian Prima sailing out of Galveston isn't necessarily the best Galveston cruise for you.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Whether you'll have a better time on one of the other cruise ships that regularly sail out of Galveston will depend a lot on the type of traveler you are. The best ship for a family cruise out of Galveston might not be the top pick for a couples cruise or girlfriend getaway.

Nearly a dozen ships currently set sail from Texas. Here we list our top picks for the best cruises from Galveston for five different types of travelers.

Best for families: Harmony of the Seas

Looking for the best family cruise from Galveston? It's hard to go wrong with a sailing on Royal Caribbean 's giant Harmony of the Seas.

Designed specifically to appeal to families, the world's fourth-largest cruise vessel offers more family-friendly activity zones than just about any other cruise ship at sea.

Thanks partly to its enormous size — it's 18 decks high and nearly 1,200 feet long — the 5,479-passenger Harmony of the Seas has room for three separate main pool areas, a water park, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that's just on its top decks.

Inside Harmony of the Seas, you'll find all sorts of family attractions, including counselor-staffed play areas for kids, a teen club and an indoor ice skating rink. The ship also has lots of family-friendly performances, such as ice skating shows at the rink and acrobatic and diving performances at an outdoor "Aquatheater." At the back of the ship, a New Jersey boardwalk-themed fun zone features rock climbing walls and a hand-carved carousel.

In short, whether you have toddlers in tow or command a troop of teens and tweens, you'll find all sorts of activities to keep them squealing with delight — more than on any other ship that sails out of Galveston, including Disney Cruise Line's family-focused Disney Magic.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Harmony of the Seas sails out of Galveston every Sunday on seven-night voyages to the Western Caribbean. The ship stops at Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Harmony of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean's groundbreaking Oasis Class vessels , which are among the biggest and most amenity-filled ships in the world.

In addition to Harmony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean operates two smaller vessels out of Galveston: the 3,344-passenger Mariner of the Seas and the 2,110-passenger Jewel of the Seas. The former ship mostly sails four- and five-night trips to Mexico, while the latter vessel sails longer voyages to the Southern and Western Caribbean.

Best for Disney fans: Disney Magic

As noted above, our pick for the best family cruises out of Galveston are the sailings available on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas. But we say that with one big caveat. If your family is Disney-obsessed and you can't imagine a vacation that isn't infused to the extreme with all things Disney, there is only one choice for your Galveston-based cruise: a voyage on Disney Magic .

Based in Galveston seasonally from November to March, Disney Magic offers the best cruises out of the city for Disney fans. It is, for the record, the only Disney Cruise Line ship that sails from Galveston.

Disney Magic isn't a new ship. It dates to 1998 and is the oldest cruise ship regularly sailing out of Galveston. That said, it still feels modern thanks to major makeovers in recent years.

One overhaul to Disney Magic not too long ago brought such cutting-edge features as the AquaDunk — a 37-foot-tall body slide that careens over the side of the vessel — and a new outdoor kiddie fun zone called AquaLab.

Disney Magic is also home to multiple pool areas and indoor children's zones that cover almost an entire deck, plus multiple themed restaurants that Disney fans will love. (In Disney Cruise Line tradition, passengers — and their waiters — rotate each night among three main restaurants.) The ship also has a large showroom for nightly Disney-themed shows.

Like all Disney ships, Disney Magic has 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 you've tried Disney's newer Disney Wish or two Dream Class ships (Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream), you will notice that the 1,754-passenger Disney Magic is noticeably smaller — about 42% smaller than Disney Wish and 35% smaller than the Dream Class ships. That results in fewer and smaller attractions than the other vessels. On the flip side, it has a much more intimate feel on board.

Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Disney Magic sails a mix of four- to six-night voyages from Galveston to Mexico. Four-night voyages typically visit Progreso, Mexico, while five-night sailings add a stop in Cozumel. Six-night sailings typically visit Cozumel and Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands.

Fares for off-peak sailings on Disney Magic often start at more than $1,000 per person for a four-night trip — significantly higher on a per-night basis than the lowest-cost sailings on many of the other ships sailing out of Galveston.

In other words, you'll pay a premium for that Disney magic.

Best for budget travelers: Carnival Breeze

Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Breeze is the Galveston-based ship to pick when you're looking for a quick and affordable getaway — something that isn't a big commitment and won't break the bank.

Based in Galveston year-round, the 12-year-old vessel operates short four- and five-night voyages to the Western Caribbean that are often on sale for under $500 per person. For off-peak travel, we sometimes see five-night sailings for sale for around $400 per person — or just $80 a night. This is a third of the cost of similar five-night sailings on Disney Magic.

Remember, the rates for Carnival Breeze mentioned above are not just for your room but for meals on the ship, too.

For would-be Galveston cruisers, Carnival Breeze serves as a sort of "test the port" ship. Its short sailings and low pricing mean you won't lose a lot of 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 quick escape.

One of three ships in the line's Dream Class that date to the late 2000s and early 2010s, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze is no longer the newest or snazziest ship in the Carnival fleet. At around 130,000 tons, it's about 29% smaller than Carnival's newer Excel Class ships and has fewer bars, restaurants and entertainment spaces.

Related: The 8 types of Carnival Cruise Line ships, explained

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 — attractions that appeal heavily to teens and tweens.

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.

Interior venues on Carnival Breeze include a comedy club, a piano bar, a casino and a showroom for big production shows. 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.

Most Carnival Breeze sailings out of Galveston stop at Cozumel, with some adding a stop at Costa Maya and Progreso as well.

Carnival has two other vessels based year-round in Galveston: Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Dream. Both ships operate longer, generally more expensive sailings. Carnival Jubilee mostly sails seven-night trips out of Galveston, while Carnival Dream alternates between six- and eight-night voyages out of the Texas port.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Prima

None of the luxury-focused cruise lines, such as Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line , sail out of Galveston. Still, you can get a luxury cruise experience on a voyage from Galveston by sailing on the one mainstream vessel based in the city that has a separate "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone: Norwegian Cruise Line 's new Norwegian Prima .

Hands down, the 3,099-passenger ship offers the best Galveston cruises for luxury lovers.

Unveiled in 2022, Norwegian Prima was the first of a new class of Norwegian vessel that the line designed to be "elevated," in its words, as compared to earlier Norwegian ships. That is, it was designed to be more upscale.

The high-end turn included loading Norwegian Prima with an unusually large variety of suites (13 categories in all), including what the line said was the largest three-bedroom suites of any recently unveiled cruise vessel. If it's swanky digs you're after (and you have the money to spend), you'll find plenty of options on this ship.

Notably, the entire back of Norwegian Prima is devoted to an upscale luxury enclave for well-heeled travelers called The Haven. Rising eight decks high, it's home to 107 of the above-mentioned suites, a sprawling private indoor lounge area, private outdoor lounge and pool areas, and a private restaurant — all exclusively for the use of those who pay up for one of its suites.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Outside of The Haven, the entire ship has a more elegant feel than you'll find on other Norwegian ships. It has an atmosphere more in line with the ships in the fleets of Norwegian's higher-end sister brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — albeit on a bigger scale.

Alas, Norwegian Prima only is based in Galveston seasonally for the winter, typically from January to March. For 2025, it'll offer seven-night sailings to the Western Caribbean with calls in Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Harvest Caye, Belize. It'll also operate two longer 14-night Caribbean sailings.

Best for retirees: Regal Princess

Looking for a cruise out of Galveston that isn't full of families with children? Look no further than the sailings out of the city on Princess Cruises ' Regal Princess.

Unlike the other major cruise ships that sail out of Galveston each year — operated by family-focused Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and Disney — Regal Princess wasn't built with families in mind as the core customer. As is the case with all Princess ships, it's geared toward middle-aged and older travelers without kids, including lots of retirees.

Notably, the 3,600-passenger Regal Princess lacks nearly all the gee-whiz attractions for families found on other ships that sail out of Galveston. You won't find big waterslides, kiddie splash zones, zip lines or go-kart tracks on this ship.

For the most part, the top decks of Regal Princess only offer pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for Princess ships. As a result, it draws far fewer families than the vessels above and caters more to an older crowd of mostly couples.

Related: Best cruises for seniors who love to travel by sea

Regal Princess is based in Galveston on a seasonal basis from October to March. It operates some of the longest sailings from the Texas port, including 10- and 11-night trips to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Honduras, Belize and Mexico. It also occasionally offers a 12-night sailing to the Southern Caribbean. These sailings generally appeal to a retired crowd because they require a long time away from home.

The shortest sailings that the 11-year-old Princess ship operates out of Galveston are six nights in length.

Bottom line

Galveston offers a relatively wide range of cruise ships and itinerary choices. Five different cruise lines currently sail four- to 12-night Western Caribbean voyages and visit ports in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. A sixth line — MSC Cruises — will be starting up cruises from Galveston in 2025.

What is the best cruise from Galveston for you? That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style, as there are cruises from Galveston that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees.

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Cruises from Galveston

A Gateway to the Caribbean and Mexico

Sail to ports in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Texas serves as a gateway to the Caribbean and Mexico with sailing from Galveston, a launching point for cruise adventures to ports like Cozumel, Roatan, Belize and more. Discover the luxury of pampered days at sea with nothing pressing but choosing your deckchair or meal preference. Do as much or as little as you wish!

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5-Day Western Caribbean

Fun with a capital F is what you can expect on a Carnival Cruise. With the largest fleet at sea Carnival offers sailings perfect for the whole family.

Cruise to the Caribbean for tropical weather and splendid beach-side excursions.

Indulge in the local flavor with fresh Gulf shrimp, Galveston Bay oysters and pristine Gulf coast beaches as you relax in southern comfort in Galveston, Texas.

• Carnival Breeze - Passenger Capacity: 3,690 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2012 Last Refurbished:  2022

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Cruise rates are in US Dollars, average per person and based on double occupancy. Rates may vary by ship, stateroom type and sail date. Offer is for the cruise fare and includes required Cruise Fees & Expenses and Government Taxes & Fees and are assessed on a per guest basis for all guests according to the itinerary. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary. Ships' Registry: The Bahamas and Panama. 

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Three Days in Galveston: Your Texas Island Getaway

Prepared By:

Whitney james.

Over the course of three days in Galveston, you’ll get to know the island’s meandering trails, spend hours spotting exotic birdlife, and bask in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. No matter what you choose, there is plenty to do during your three-day adventure. Let the itinerary below be an inspiration for your trip to this little Texas barrier island!

This story was created in partnership with Visit Galveston .

DAY 1: Get on Island Time With the Beach, Sun, and Downtown Fun

After arriving at one of the nearby international airports in Houston, make your way to your three-day home-away-from home: Galveston Island, Texas. You’ll immediately sense the change of pace as you cross the causeway!

The key to Island Time is to sync your body with the island’s natural rhythms. You’ll soon discover there is a pace and a place for every visitor. First, head to your beach of choice for some sand and salt air. Take advantage of rental opportunities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or even jet skiing. It’s easy in Galveston, where beachfront businesses like SUP Gulf Coast or Celebrity Jet Ski Tours and Rentals make being active a breeze.  

Pro-tip: For an all-inclusive beach experience, kick back on East Beach . Join in a game of beach volleyball, lounge under a pre-set umbrella and beach chair, or simply go for a swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, this is the only Galveston beach where you can purchase and consume alcohol. 

After washing off all the sand, head to the Galveston’s Historic Downtown District . Here, the streets are lined with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and local watering holes—all within a six- block radius. Enjoy numerous coffee shops, a variety of live entertainment, and historic architecture throughout. 

Pro-tip: If your three days in Galveston are Thursday-Sunday, be sure to hop a ride on Galveston’s vintage steel wheel trolley for $1!

Then, dig into dinner at one of Galveston’s many eateries. From family-friendly options to romantic waterfront establishments, there is something for every palette. In fact, the island was once the nation’s second largest immigration port and is home to many international cuisines. But it will always be famous for its fresh gulf seafood!

Pro-tip: Katie’s Seafood House offers fresh off-the-boat fish and shrimp. Their market next door also allows you to purchase just caught seafood to prepare a home-cooked gulf coast meal, if desired. 

After you’ve had your fill, it’s time to check into your lodging for the next two nights. From historic bed and breakfasts to unique vacation rentals, waterfront RV parks, and well-known hotel brands, there are plenty of ways to stay in Galveston to suit all accommodation styles.

Pro-tip: Consider basing your stay at the opulent Grand Galvez , the only historic full-service beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast, or alternatively the modern and luxurious San Luis Resort . 

DAY 2: Experience Galveston’s World-Class Birding and Fishing

Rise with the sun on day two to go birdwatching. Galveston is an incredible location for winged wildlife thanks to its location on the trans-Gulf migration route. With a variety of habitats such as beaches, wetlands, grassland, and woods, it’s suitable for advanced birders and novices alike. East End Lagoon Nature Preserve offers nearly 700 acres of protected land. Hike along their short half-mile nature trail—binoculars in hand—or opt to kayak the lagoon’s waters. Otherwise, Laffite’s Cove Nature Preserve has a charming raised boardwalk where you can spot anything from Glossy Ibis to Blue-Winged Teals. 

Pro-tip: Bring your guidebook to help identify each unique species!

That afternoon, embark on a fishing trip . Whether you’re looking for a top-rated deep-water sportfishing experience or you simply want to enjoy a family-friendly casting trip, Galveston is a great place to reel one in. Depending on where you go, you might just land a trout, mahi-mahi, or even a marlin! 

If fishing isn’t your style, opt instead for a guided boat tour. Galveston’s many outfitters offer historic harbor tours, dolphin watching trips, and even free ferry rides. 

DAY 3: Hike Galveston Island State Park and Take In Some History

On your third day on the island, discover the hiking trails and boardwalks of beautiful Galveston Island State Park . Here on the west end, you can: swim, fish, picnic, bird watch, bike, kayak geocache , study nature , or simply put your toes in the sand and relax.

End your adventure in Galveston with one of the many guided and self-guided tours that showcase the island’s beauty, history, and resiliency. One of the most popular is the Juneteenth freedom walk , a free self-guided tour. As the birthplace of Juneteenth, Galveston Island encourages everyone to learn the history. Another great self-guided option is the tree sculpture tour , which invites visitors to stroll through the East End Historic District and marvel at Galveston’s beautiful historic homes. The tour features sculptures created by artists who transformed the neighborhood oak trees destroyed by Hurricane Ike into beautiful works of art.

After three days in Galveston, you’re sure to feel rejuvenated and inspired to book your next beach vacation. Perhaps you’ll even return to Galveston for an upcoming festival , now that you’re an island time pro. 

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7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Your ship harmony of the seas.

DECK DEFYING, BOREDOM DENYING

The Perfect Storm℠

Ultimate Abyss℠

Splashaway Bay℠

Escape the Rubicon

An adventure in every bite.

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver

150 Central Park

Main Dining Room

Ahh-inducing entertainment.

Bionic Bar ®

The Fine Line

Theme Nights

Day 1: galveston, texas.

SALTWATER STALWARTS

HEAD TO THE PIER

BUILDING BLOCKS

LOCAL CUISINE

Day 2 - 3: Cruising

Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠

FlowRider ®

Rock Climbing Wall

Day 4: roatan, honduras.

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

MONKEY BUSINESS

CULTURE TRIP

Day 5: Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

Cenote Scouting

Rockin' Ruins

Coral Conquest

Local Cuisine

Day 6: Cozumel, Mexico

Temple Trekking

Dive Into Adventure

Natural Thrills

Day 7: Cruising

Chops Grille℠

Chef's Table

Coastal Kitchen

Day 8: galveston, texas.