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Galveston, TX (77553)

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Updated: June 5, 2024 @ 12:55 am

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June 5, 2024

Ruby Princess marks cruise line’s return to Galveston

Jennifer Reynolds

Photography Editor

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• Dec 19, 2022
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The Ruby Princess docked Sunday at Cruise Terminal 25 in Galveston, marking Princess Cruises return to the island port for the first time in nearly 10 years.

John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, was aboard the ship to welcome Port of Galveston officials. Padgett talked about the different style of cruising, which he characterized as a more “yachting” style, offered aboard Ruby Princess.

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John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, talks about the cruise line’s return to the Port of Galveston after a nearly 10 year hiatus on Sunday aboard the Ruby Princess.

• JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News

Rodger Rees, left, director of the Port of Galveston, talks with Joy Nagvekar, a brand pilot for Princess Cruises, about the Medallion Class features aboard the Ruby Princess on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022.

Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess docked at the Port of Galveston. It is the first time in nearly 10 years the cruise line has docked in Galveston.

• JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photo

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Port of Galveston Cruise Port: Parking, Address & Amenity Info

The Port of Galveston is located on the island of Galveston on Galveston Bay and has three terminals dedicated to cruise ships. The island's Seawall, which is where the beaches are, is on the opposite end of the island. The Port of Galveston is also conveniently located as it's in close proximity to the charming Strand Historic District.

Read on for our breakdown of the Port of Galveston, including address information, cruise line terminals, directions, services and more. Also, be sure to check out Cruise Critic's ranked cruise deals from the Port of Galveston and see what tips, tricks and secret advice our Cruise Critic members have to say about cruises from the Galveston cruise port .

Port of Galveston Address

Terminal 25 (formerly Terminal 1) 2502 Harborside Dr. Galveston, TX 77550

Terminal 28 (formerly Terminal 2) 2702 Harborside Dr. Galveston, TX 77550

Terminal 10 1152 Royal Caribbean Way (previously 1028 Harborside Dr.) Galveston, TX 77550

A note on Terminal 10: Roads have recently been built and names have been changed, including Terminal 10's address, so some apps respond differently to either street names. For example, Google Maps has both addresses available but Lyft may not show the new address (1152 Royal Caribbean Way).

Port of Galveston Terminal Information: Cruise Line by Cruise Line

The Port of Galveston has three cruise terminals servicing five cruise lines. Terminal 25 and Terminal 28 neighbor one another, but Terminal 10 requires an additional five-minute drive. Below is a list of the terminals at Port of Galveston and where each cruise line docks:

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal 25: Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal 28: Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal 10: Royal Caribbean

Port of Galveston Directions

Most people taking cruises out of Galveston live within driving distance. For those arriving by air, taxis and rideshares are available.

Travelers arriving by car should allow at least 90 minutes to get to the cruise terminal from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). If arriving from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), allow at least 60 minutes of driving time.

If you're coming from either airport with a taxi or rideshare, you'll want to assess your arrival and departure options ahead of time, as the most economical options require advance planning.

From the North or West to Port of Galveston: Take Interstate 45 South to Galveston Island, then follow Exit 1C toward Harborside Drive. Turn left onto Harborside and follow signs for each terminal entrance.

From the East to Port of Galveston: Take State Highway 87 West to Galveston Island. Use the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry system and exit onto Ferry Road/ Highway 87. Turn right onto Harborside Drive and continue for five minutes to Terminal 10 or about 10 minutes to Terminals 25 and 28. Follow signs for each terminal entrance.

Port of Galveston Parking

Port of Galveston has parking available at all terminals with each facility marked with blue banners reading "Port of Galveston Cruise Parking."

For Terminal 25 and Terminal 28, Lot A (160 33rd Street) and Lot B (224 33rd Street) offer free shuttle bus service for cruisers both to and from the terminal. An Express Lot (2702 Harborside Dr.) is within walking distance of Terminal 25 and Terminal 28.

Terminal 10 offers several parking options. The North Lot (1152 Royal Caribbean Way) is onsite and within walking distance of the cruise terminal. The North Lot also has a premium section for covered parking.

The South Lot is at 1201 Royal Caribbean Way, and The Pier 14 Lot is at 1390 Royal Caribbean Way. The premium option at The North Lot is immediately next to the terminal, while the other parking lots offer guests a free shuttle service to and from the terminal.

The port recommends that drivers drop off passengers and luggage first before heading to the parking lot. Porters are available for baggage assistance on embarkation day.

The Galveston port for cruise ships accepts the following forms of payment for parking: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards. Cash is not accepted. Guests may also pre-book parking at Port of Galveston .

Visit Port of Galveston for current parking rates. Spots are available for those with disabled parking permits.

Galveston also has several private parking garages near the terminal. In addition, several Galveston hotels offer Park and Cruise/Fly packages that allow you to leave your car for the duration of your cruise.

Getting from Houston Airports to Port of Galveston

Cruisers departing from Port of Galveston can fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport or Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport. Airport to terminal shuttles may be pre-arranged directly through your cruise line when arriving on the same day the cruise departs, while a public shuttle service is available for hire throughout the week.

Taxis and the ridesharing app Lyft are also available.

Public Transit from Houston Airports to Port of Galveston

Public transit options between Houston and Galveston are limited. Amtrak has a bus available, but tickets can only be booked in conjunction with a train ticket.

Galveston Express offers affordable public shuttle service between Houston and Galveston, with pick-up and drop-off service from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Houston Hobby Airport. Daily service is available to the Port of Galveston cruise terminals. Reservations are recommended.

Houston Airport Taxi Service to Port of Galveston

Taxis from George Bush Intercontinental Airport or from Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport are readily available. However, taxi service from the cruise terminals is less frequent and it is recommended to book ahead when planning disembarkation .

If you're taking a cab to the Port of Galveston on the day of your sailing, your driver will need to follow signs for your ship's specific terminal. Specific drop-off locations are designated at each terminal, and each terminal has its own designated taxi area. Look for signs or ask a port official for more details.

The Lyft rideshare app is readily available, as it is the exclusive rideshare option for the Port of Galveston. Schedule a ride in advance for increased savings.

Restaurants Near Port of Galveston (Plus Shopping and Other Services)

The Strand Historic District is within walking distance of Terminal 25 and Terminal 28, while passengers at Terminal 10 will want to take a rideshare or taxi. A national historic landmark, The Strand includes buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, peppered with eateries, bars and shops.

Other restaurants and shops for purchasing last-minute toiletries and other items can also be found in the hotel district along the Galveston Seawall . This beachfront area is home to chain and independent restaurants, family attractions, grocery stores and convenience stores.

Train Service to Port of Galveston

As mentioned above, Amtrak has a bus, not a train. The Amtrak bus can also only be booked with a train ticket. Service departs from the Houston station and the drop-off point in Galveston is the Moody Railroad Museum (25th and Strand).

Wheelchair and Accessibility at Port of Galveston

The Port of Galveston has wheelchairs available for use during embarkation and disembarkation. If wheelchairs are required for the duration of the sailing , passengers are responsible for providing their own or contacting their cruise line to inquire about rentals.

Arrangements should be made with your cruise line in advance if you require wheelchair assistance to board the ship.

Porters and Red Caps at Port of Galveston

Porters are available at the entrance to each terminal to assist with luggage on embarkation and disembarkation days.

Bathrooms at Port of Galveston

Each terminal at Port of Galveston has multiple restrooms available.

Port of Galveston Wi-Fi

The Port of Galveston offers free Wi-Fi within each of the terminals.

Port of Galveston Waiting Area and Seating

There are a limited number of chairs for waiting guests prior to security screening. After check-in and security, there's a large waiting room as well as smaller lounge areas for VIP/elite passengers. The waiting area is spacious, and it has an ATM and vending machines.

More Tips About the Port of Galveston

There is no luggage storage or locker service within the Port of Galveston.

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Ruby Princess Departs on Inaugural Voyage from Galveston

Galveston, TX, Dec. 18, 2022 ­- Ruby Princess departed Galveston Sunday, Dec. 18, on an 11-day sailing to Mexico and the Caribbean, marking Princess Cruises' first cruise from Galveston in six years.

It was the first of 16 sailings from Galveston on Ruby Princess' winter schedule which includes 5- to 11-day voyages along with two 16-day, ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal transits between Galveston and San Francisco.  It is estimated that Ruby Princess will carry upwards of 50,000 passengers from Galveston during its winter/spring 2022-23 schedule, with many guests opting for pre- or post-cruise land stays to explore the historic seaside city.

To mark the Princess' return to Galveston, Princess President John Padgett hosted a traditional maritime plaque exchange with Galveston Port Director Rodger Rees and Wharves Board Chairman Harry Maxwell prior to departure.

"Galveston is an important port for Princess Cruises and provides an exciting and easy-to-reach option for millions of people living in the southwestern U.S. to enjoy the ultimate in classic cruise vacations marked by our Princess MedallionClass service," said Padgett.  "We appreciate the support of the Port of Galveston and the greater Galveston community for helping make this day possible."

Rees added, "Cruising from Galveston has never been better. Adding the first-class Ruby Princess to our sailing schedule, with its enticing itineraries, offers our cruise guests yet another spectacular sailing experience. These itineraries are a nice addition to our current ports of call. As the fourth most popular homeport in the U.S., we're excited to welcome this beautiful ship to Galveston."

The 113,561-ton Ruby Princess offers guests a wide range of onboard amenities including nearly 900 balcony cabins, as well as a luxurious spa, a delicious array of dining options, dazzling entertainment, four pools and acres of teak-planked decks for sunning and relaxing.

The 3,080-passenger ship has 19 passenger decks and guests are served by 1,100 crew members.

About the Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston

Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel, the Port of Galveston has been a thriving maritime commercial center since 1825. Just 45 minutes from open seas, the 840-acre port has infrastructure and assets to serve growing cruise, cargo and commercial businesses. 

The port is the fourth most popular cruise homeport in the U.S. The port also leases and maintains a wide range of cargo facilities on the deep-water Galveston Ship Channel, which is ranked among the top 50 busiest U.S. cargo waterways. The Galveston Wharves is a self-sustaining city entity whose mission is to generate and reinvest port revenues to benefit the Galveston community with economic growth, jobs and sales tax revenues.

About Princess Cruises

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world’s leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions of guests each year to 330 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as “Best Cruise Line for Itineraries.”  In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the Medallion device, the vacation industry’s most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to an effortless personalized vacation, giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).      

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Galveston Cruise Boom: Princess Cruises to Sail From the Port Starting in 2022

The hits continue to come for the Port of Galveston as the Texas homeport keeps adding more and bigger ships to its cruise offerings.

First it was the addition of a third cruise terminal (set to be completed later this year), which will be home to Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. This isn’t just another ship. It is part of the cruise line’s largest class, making it one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Then came news that Carnival would homeport its yet-to-be-completed Carnival Jubilee in Galveston beginning late 2023. This ship is the latest to be announced by the cruise line and is a sister to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration — the cruise line’s largest vessels to date.

And Norwegian Cruise Line plans to put its upcoming ship, Norwegian Prima, in Galveston to sail from the port starting December 2023.

On top of all that, now there is another new face coming to Galveston cruising — Princess Cruises. The cruise line announced via press release that it will place a ship sailing from the Texas port beginning in December 2022 .

Years ago, the cruise line sailed from the Bayport Cruise Terminal, located about 20 miles northwest of Galveston. However, it left the port in 2016. Now, Princess is finally returning to the booming Texas cruise market.

According to a press release, Princess will bring Ruby Princess to Texas starting with trips sailing from December 2022 to April 2023 . These trips will vary from 5-11 days, and the cruise line says they will be “mainly to destinations in the Western Caribbean.”

The Galveston cruises go on sale April 7.

Ruby Princess first began sailing in 2008, measures 951 feet and has a capacity of about 3,000 passengers. Her addition brings a luxury option to Galveston, which is currently served by Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruises.

And with the addition of Princess in 2022 and NCL in 2023, that will mark five different cruise lines operating from the Texas port, assuming that all the lines re-up their commitments for next year.

While no one would yet confuse Galveston for Miami or Port Everglades, there is no doubt that the port continues to gain traction as a growing departure point for cruises.

Being within a few hours’ drive of tens of millions of people makes it a popular choice for cruise lines looking to expand service.

More Princess Fleet Updates Announced

If you’re a Princess fan, then you should also know that in addition to the return to Texas, the cruise line announced other updates to its fleet.

Diamond Princess will sail from San Diego from September 2022 to February 2023. That ship will sail trips of five to 16 days to Mexico, California, and the Hawaiian Islands.

Royal Princess will head to San Francisco for 2022 and 2023, arriving in September. There, she will sail alongside Ruby Princess until Ruby heads to Galveston in December. After that, Royal Princess will be the flagship of Princess’ fleet in San Francisco.

Finally, the cruise line announced that it plans to have Coral Princess return to service in June 2022 from Brisbane, Australia . In August, the ship will move from Brisbane to Sydney.

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Princess Cruises Returns to Galveston after Six-Year Hiatus

By Jessica Lodge April 21, 2022

The Ruby Princess cruise ship will depart from Galveston from December 2022 through April 2023.  

Image: Princess Cruises

Ready, set, sail! Texans, pack your bags for the holidays. Princess Cruises has announced that fleets will once again depart from the port of Galveston after six years when Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal closed. 

Texas residents and those in the Greater Houston area will be able to set sail without having to travel far. 

Holding up to 3,080 guests, the Ruby Princess will depart from Galveston from December 2022 through April 2023 in a series of cruises that range from five to 16 days. Destinations include the Grand Cayman, Mexico and Cozumel, and other sites in the western Caribbean. The luxury liner will also travel through the Panama Canal on two six-day transits between San Francisco and Galveston. 

Cruisers will be able to take part in onboard excursions such as the Princess links putting course, discovery at sea programs, movies under the stars, Vegas-style casinos and much more. Loungers will be able to soak up the sun by the pool and enjoy live music and dancing plus handcrafted dishes. 

Prices for the five-day Caribbean getaway start at $449, including stops in Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico. A seven-day western Caribbean cruise will stop at Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize, and Roatan, Honduras, with tickets starting at $569. The 10-day Grand Cayman liner will include five ports such as Grand Cayman and Costa Maya for $799. The 11-day Caribbean, priced at $899,  will travel to six ports, consisting of harbors listed in other getaways and Montego Bay, Jamaica. 

Itching to be at sea for the long haul? Tickets for a 16-day ocean-to-ocean transit will range from $1,309 to $1,349 and include destinations such as San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Cartagena, Colombia, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. 

Whether it’s a couples retreat or a family vacation, now is the perfect time to plan your next excursion.

Tickets are now available for purchase. For more information regarding cruises, destinations, special promotions and more, visit the website . 

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Galveston, TX

Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston is a relaxed beach town with a rich history. Magnificent homes on Broadway, many now museums, recall Galveston's era of wealth and prosperity in the late 1800s, and The Strand entices visitors with its restaurants, bars, galleries and stores housed in picturesque Victorian-era buildings. La King's Confectionery, a 1920s-style ice cream parlor and candy shop, also awaits. Pier 21 is a jumping-off point for boat excursions, dolphin-spotting cruises and the adrenaline-pumping Jet Boat Thrill Ride. At the Texas Seaport Museum, you might search for ancestors in its database, which contains the names of about 130,000 immigrants who entered the U.S. at Galveston from 1846 to 1948, or climb aboard its 1877 tall ship Elissa. Other top sites include the family-friendly amusement park at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens, with aquarium and rainforest attractions, a private beach, ropes course and more.

Port of Galveston - Texas Cruise Ship Terminal Pier #25 2502 Harborside Drive Galveston, Texas 77550

The Texas Cruise Ship Terminal on Galveston Island is located 42 miles from the Houston Hobby International Airport and 70 miles from the Houston Intercontinental Airport. Parking is $16 per day (rates subject to change by the Port Authority).

Take I-45 South to Exit 1C - Harborside Drive (Highway 275). Turn left (East) onto Harborside Drive. Continue approximately 4.7 miles to Kempner/22nd Street. Turn left onto Kempner/22nd Street. Proceed to Cruise Terminal - Pier #25.

Port of Galveston - Pier 10 (for Royal Caribbean) 1402 Harborside Drive Galveston, TX 77550

From Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport: Keep left onto John F Kennedy Blvd then merge onto Beltway 8 East towards US-59. Take exit onto I-69 south, US-59 south towards Houston. Keep right to merge onto I-69 south. Take exit to merge onto I-610 east. Take exit 32 A to merge onto I-45 south. Take exit 1C towards Harborside Drive/Hwy 275. Turn left onto Harborside Drive. Continue on Harborside until you turn left into Royal Caribbean Way to Pier 10.

From William P. Hobby Airport: Keep left towards airport exit Beltway 8. Take slight right turn onto Terminal Loop towards airport exit Beltway 8. Take another slight right onto Airport Blvd. Turn right onto Gulf Freeway Frontage Road. Keep left to merge onto I-45 south. Take exit 1C towards Harborside Drive/Hwy 275. Turn left onto Harborside Drive. Continue on Harborside until you left into Royal Caribbean Way to Pier 10.

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Ruby Princess

Cruise line Princess Cruises

• San Francisco (California)
• Vancouver (BC Canada)
• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)

Ruby Princess current position

Ruby Princess current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 52.49371 N / -132.31810 W) cruising at speed of 19.6 kn (36 km/h | 23 mph) en route to JNU AK USA. The AIS position was reported 22 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver . The itinerary starts on 04 Jun, 2024 and ends on 11 Jun, 2024 .

Specifications of Ruby Princess

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Ruby Princess Itineraries

Ruby princess review, review of ruby princess.

The 2008-built Ruby Princess cruise ship is the 9th and last Grand-class Princess Cruises liner, with sisterships Caribbean ,  Diamond ,  Golden (now Pacific Adventure) ,  Grand ,  Crown , Emerald ,  Star (now Pacific Encounter)  and  Sapphire .

The vessel (IMO number 9378462) is currently Bermuda- flagged (MMSI 310567000) and registered in Hamilton .

History - construction and ownership

Princess Cruises is a USA-based passenger shipping company headquartered in Beverly Hills CA. A former subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises (1977-founded), in 2003, the company merged with Carnival Corporation - the world's largest cruise shipowner. Among Princess Cruise Lines Ltd's assets is the Caribbean private island resort Princess Cays (on Bahamas Eleuthera Island's southern end), located approx 80 km (50 mi) from Nassau .

The 3100-passenger ship Ruby Princess follows the highly evolutionary Crown Princess and Emerald Princess cruise ships. The vessels are virtually the same in layout and design, so if travellers have sailed on Crown, they will not have any trouble finding their way around Emerald or Ruby. But for those who have not travelled on Princess' Grand-class vessels, or for cruisers for whom a Ruby Princess sailing is their first cruise with the line, the ship is going to surprise, and in most cases, delight them with far higher levels of kitchen, service and facilities than passengers would expect on a stylish, mega-vessel catering to over 3,000 guests.  For the most part, Ruby Princess isn't an innovator. The cruise liner has all the most popular Princess facilities - like the 3-deck Piazza with its own bakery, as well as many of those found on older vessels, including the Sanctuary (adults sundeck) and speciality restaurants Sabatini's and Crown Grill.

Although there are not too many surprises on this newest Grand-class vessel, there are some gentle improvements and enhancements. On the Ruby cruise ship, Princess has expanded the appeal of the Wheelhouse Bar (pub) to include English-inspired lunches. Suite guests have the option to enjoy intimate breakfasts at Sabatini's. The new Ultimate Ship Tour allows guests to explore normally never seen onboard spaces, such as the engine room, funnel, photo lab, Navigation Bridge. Among the expanded enrichment projects are Mixology@Sea (bartending skills) and Navigation@Sea (cruise ship navigation lessons).

Decks and Cabins

Most Ruby Princess staterooms (1530 total, in 33 grades) are 170-ft2 balcony cabins (680). Almost 80% of the ship's outside staterooms have private step-out balconies. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 31. The largest accommodations are the Balcony Suites (410 ft2 / 38 m2, with terrace sized 180 ft2 / 17 m2).

The boat has 18 decks , of which 15 are passenger-accessible and 8 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Ruby Princess features three dining rooms, all offering a tasteful, Caribbean-themed menu. Botticelli is for fixed-seating dining, while Michaelangelo and Da Vinci are for passengers who have chosen "Anytime Dining". Reservations are available but are not required. Da Vinci also welcomes guests for waiter-service breakfast and lunch. Rotating menu options include soups, appetizers, mains and desserts. There are also signature pasta and choices like Caesar salad and salmon. The healthy Lotus Spa selections are low in sodium and fat. Cafe Caribe and Horizon Court look identical and are open all day long. The Horizon section serves as a lido buffet restaurant and features breakfast buffets. Lunch choices may include unusual dishes like peanut butter sandwiches and fried banana. There is also the Italian-styled piazza, around which are located the International Cafe (with its wonderful coffees and scrumptious pastries, quiche and chocolate fondue); across the way is Vines, ship's wine and sushi bar (it's got the only really good wine list onboard Ruby). 

In January 2016 Celebrity chef Curtis Stone teamed up with  Princess Cruises for his first-at-sea specialty restaurant serving high-quality, inventive food. During Ruby Princess' dry dock, Share replaced the signature Italian Sabatini's and introduced new bedding, dining options, entertainment and more. Share is only open for dinner and applies a $39 cover charge. Its menu features five areas from which to select multiple dishes and a charcuterie platter. It's hard to order only one of each, as there are enticing recipes like a twice-cooked duck with fennel, parmesan crumb and bacon jus; or shrimp salad with turnip, citrus salt, brioche and lemon gel. 

Share is only found on board  Emerald Princess  and Ruby Princess, for now. "Crafted by Curtis" dishes are on the MDR menus fleetwide. If you wonder why to pay extra at Share, here are the cool things about the brand new Curtis Stone restaurant which make it worth the splurge. Food like this cannot be found anywhere else on the ship. Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess are simple when it comes to dining venues. Before Share, both ships had three main dining rooms, a steakhouse and a buffet, all of which average in terms of overall experience and quality. From its celebrity chef to its natural ingredients and perfectly sized portions, you won't find food like Share's anywhere else on the ship.

Perfect for couples and large groups. This space is open, airy and large, with long tables and more intimate seating arrangements. Large groups have enough room to engage and share dishes. Couples can enjoy more peace and quiet. The ambience is upscale, yet not stuffy. Share's family-style dining and chic decor allow guests to dress their best and still feel relaxed. Passengers will feel more like they're in someone's home, talking and passing plates across the table.

Service at Share is second to none. The wait staff is knowledgeable about the menu and all ingredients handpicked by the celebrity chef's team. According to Stone: "The enthusiasm in that kitchen right now is unparalleled to anything I've ever done; they're so energetic and so up for it."

Guests will have room for dessert. Appetizers, entrees and dessert options, complementing a cheese plate, are conservative in size. Passengers will not only expand their palate by picking at multiple dishes but will also be able to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Follows the complete list of Ruby Princess restaurants and food bars.

• Michaelangelo Restaurant (ship's aft Dining Room; dinner only - offers “Anytime Dining” between 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.)
• Crown Grill (160-seat steakhouse/seafood restaurant, reservations recommended; on select days serves British Pub Lunch, complimentary)
• Da Vinci Restaurant (ship's forward Dining Room for Breakfast 7-9 a.m., Lunch 12-1:30 p.m., Afternoon Tea 3:30-4:30 p.m.; features “Anytime Dining” for Dinner between 5:30-8 p.m. or 8-10 p.m.)
• Botticelli Restaurant (dinner only aft Dining Room; with 2 fixed seatings at 6 p.m. or 8:15 p.m.)
• Share (ex-Sabatini’s Italian specialty restaurant; reservations recommended)
• Trident Grill & Prego Pizzeria (self-service, complimentary fast food bar)
• Horizon Court (self-service buffet restaurant, complimentary)
• Cafe Caribe (aft self-service buffet restaurant)
• Pizza & Ice Cream Bar (complimentary)

In April 2024 Princess Cruises announced that starting September 14th (2024) fleetwide would be introduced 3 distinct main dining/dinner table service options – Traditional, Reservable, and Walk-in Anytime. By the new program (introduced with Sun Princess) on each ship are allocated 3 separate dining rooms - one for Traditional dining (offering early and late dinner seating), one with Reservable times, and one for Walk-in Anytime (open-seating). The new options are integrated with the OceanNow service, allowing anything to be ordered anytime, and delivered anywhere onboard.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The Princess Ruby Theater is the main venue on Ruby Princess for comedy acts and production shows with a variety of music and selections appealing to a broad mix of ages. Each of the ship's venues has a different offering. Crooners feature music trivia contests and a pianist. Explorer's Lounge hosts events for everything from Wii sports tournaments to art auctions, plus comedy shows and magicians. The Piazza offers various demonstrations, circus-lite acts and musical performances throughout the day. Club Fusion is a part game show, part nightclub venue. Skywalker Nightclub, Princess' trademark, hosts the 70's-, the 80's- and the 90s-inspired nights and a few nights with a variety of modern music. For low-key dancing, head to the Wheelhouse Bar, which hosts combos playing standards and soft rock.

Follows the complete list of Ruby Princess lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• The Piazza Atrium (3-deck open floor area; features live performances entertainment and lobby Bar Piazza)
• Princess Fine Arts Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop; Platinum Studio
• International Cafe (24-hour specialty coffee bar and patisserie); Escapes Travel Cafe (computer room)
• Vines Bar (wine/seafood/sushi bar)
• Library (with Internet stations); Internet Cafe (24-hour)
• Princess Ruby Theatre (2-level musical and show productions; hosts workshops, seminars, game shows)
• Speakeasy Lounge & Bar (smoking lounge and sports bar)
• Calypso Cove Shop; Essence Shop; Meridian Bay Shop; Facets Shop
• Gatsby’s Casino
• Crooners Lounge & Bar (live music; also used for seminars); Adagio Lounge & Bar
• Explorers Lounge & Bar (disco/show lounge; hosts karaoke, comedy, game shows and art auctions)
• Wheelhouse Bar (piano bar during the day and an English pub nightly)
• Club Fusion Lounge (hosts dance classes and quizzes, after 7:30 p.m. becomes Disco & Nightclub)
• Outrigger Bar (poolside bar); Tradewinds Bar
• Ruby’s Lotus Spa complex; Beauty Salon; Fitness Center (with Aerobics Studio)
• Hearts & Minds (Wedding Chapel)
• Movies Under the Stars (LED screen outdoor cinema)
• Video Games Arcade; Teen Center; Youth Center with Paddling Pool and outdoor playing areas
• The Sanctuary (adult-only open-air area)
• Calypso Reef & Pool area; Neptune’s Reef & Pool area
• Jogging Track; Center Court (volleyball, basketball, European football); Shuffleboard; Princess Links mini-golf course
• Skywalkers Disco Nightclub.

Itineraries

Ruby Princess itinerary program is based on 10-day Caribbean with Panama Canal cruises departing out of Fort Lauderdale Florida USA (during winter), 7-day Alaskan voyages (roundtrip from Vancouver BC Canada , during summer), and Hawaii-Mexico and Mexican Riviera roundtrips from San Francisco, California USA .

Ruby Princess - user reviews and comments

Photos of ruby princess.

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Other Princess Cruises cruise ships

• Caribbean Princess
• Coral Princess
• Crown Princess
• Diamond Princess
• Discovery Princess
• Emerald Princess
• Enchanted Princess
• Grand Princess
• Island Princess
• Majestic Princess
• Regal Princess
• Royal Princess
• Sapphire Princess
• Sky Princess
• Star Princess
• Sun Princess

Ruby Princess Wiki

Princess Cruises Ruby ship is the fleet's last Grand-class liner ( Fincantieri Monfalcone -built), with (same-designed) sisterships Crown and Emerald . The other (similarly-designed) fleetmates in this class are Caribbean , Diamond , Golden (now Pacific Adventure) , Grand , Sapphire , Star (now Pacific Encounter) .

The liner was christened on November 6, 2008, at  Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) Florida . Its godparents (Trista and Ryan Sutter) met at ABC's dating show "The Bachelorette", then fell in love and got married. The inaugural cruise (maiden voyage) started on November 8, out of Fort Lauderdale.

Skywalkers Night Club (ship's disco) is located aft of the funnel. It's not hanging over the stern, like on the sisterships from the modified Grand-Class (Emerald and Crown) and also unlike Diamond and Sapphire. Fun fact is that Ruby Princess was the first ship to offer "The Ultimate Ship Tour". This program allows passengers to have a look at the shipboard organization process.

In December 2018, Ruby became the world's first cruise liner allowing Chinese passengers to make onboard shopping payments via both Alipay and WeChat Pay - China's top-two popular digital payment platforms. Alipay's in-store payment service covers 40+ countries, and as of 2018 is used by over 900 million people worldwide. WeChat Pay (as of 2018) has around 800 million monthly users worldwide. In 2017, its total volume was around USD 6.5 trillion. Alipay digital payment was introduced on Majestic Princess during ship's 2017 summer homeporting in Shanghai .

Ruby Princess refurbishments review

The ship's drydock refurbishment in 2015 (done in  Vancouver BC Canada /December 3-14) was mainly for general maintenance and resulted in the following deckplan changes:

Two new premium dining venues were added. “SHARE by Curtis Stone” is a family-style restaurant by Curtis Stone (an Australian celebrity chef). Its menu features charcuterie (premium quality meat products), composed salads, homemade pasta, gourmet desserts. The new “Salty Dog Gastropub” cuisine experience (by chef Ernesto Uchimura) is provided by a classic pub menu offered nightly in the Wheelhouse Bar (on Promenade Dec 7) with craft beers and pub favorites served in small plates.

In 2015, aft on Sun Deck 16, “SHARE” replaced "Sabatini’s” – the Italian restaurant, featured on the Princess ships Caribbean, Coral, Emerald and Sun. “SHARE” restaurant debuted on Emerald Princess (in 2015 December). The “Salty Dog Gastropub” debuted on Crown Princess (in 2015 October).

All cruise cabins were upgraded with the new "Princess Luxury Bed".

Club Class Mini-Suite services and amenities were introduced.

The ship’s gym was upgraded with new sports equipment and free weights.

During drydock 2018 (October/USD 8,2 million project) the ship received 3 new dining venues - Slice Pizzeria, The Salty Dog Grill and SHARE (by Curtis Stone).

Ruby Princess' last drydock refurbishment was in 2023 (September 24 through October 22) conducted at Vigor Shipyard in Portland Oregon USA . The 1-month drydocking was mainly for regularly scheduled maintenance and classification works, including a technical overhaul.

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News Release

Ruby princess departs on inaugural voyage from galveston, marking princess' first cruise from texas in six years.

113,561-ton Ship to Offer 5- to 16- Day Cruises , Carrying Upwards of 50,000 Passengers from Galveston During its Winter/Spring 2022-23 Season   

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. , Dec. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruby Princess departed Galveston this afternoon on a 11-day sailing to Mexico and the Caribbean , marking Princess Cruises' first cruise from Texas in six years.

Today's departure is the first of 16 sailings from Galveston on Ruby Princess' winter schedule which includes five- to 11-day voyages along with two 16-day, ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal transits between Galveston and San Francisco .  It is estimated that Ruby Princess will carry upwards of 50,000 passengers from Galveston during its winter/spring 2022-23 schedule, with many guests opting for a pre- or post-cruise land stay to explore the historic seaside city.

Rodger Rees prior to departure.

" Galveston is an important port for Princess Cruises , and provides an exciting and easy-to-reach option for millions of people living in the southwestern U.S. to enjoy the ultimate in classic cruise vacations marked by our Princess MedallionClass service," said Padgett.  "We appreciate the support of the Port of Galveston and the greater Galveston community for helping make this day possible."

Rees added, "Cruising from Galveston has never been better. Adding the first-class Ruby Princess to our sailing schedule, with its enticing itineraries, offers our cruise customers yet another spectacular sailing experience. These itineraries are a nice addition to our current ports of call. As the fourth most popular homeport in the U.S. , we're excited to welcome this beautiful ship to Galveston ."

The 113,561-ton Ruby Princess offers guests a wide range of onboard amenities including nearly 900 balcony cabins, as well as a luxurious spa, a delicious array of dining options, dazzling entertainment, four pools and acres of teak-planked decks for sunning and relaxing.

The 3,080-passenger ship has 19 passenger decks and guests are served by 1,100 crew members.

About Princess Cruises One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world's leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions of guests each year to 330 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean , Alaska , Panama Canal , Mexican Riviera, Europe , South America , Australia / New Zealand , the South Pacific, Hawaii , Asia , Canada /New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises . A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as "Best Cruise Line for Itineraries." The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).      

SOURCE Princess Cruises

Media Contacts: Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]; Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

AIDA Cruises is the market leader in the German-speaking cruise market. Home of the smile, AIDA Cruises is the epitome of a premium-quality, relaxing cruise and operates one of the world’s most state-of-the-art fleets. Visit: www.aida.de

Carnival Cruise Line, also known as America’s Cruise Line, is a leader in contemporary cruising and operates a fleet of ships designed to provide fun and memorable vacation experiences at a great value. Visit: www.carnival.com

Costa Cruises delivers Italy’s finest at sea, bringing modern Italian lifestyle to its ships to provide guests with a true European experience that embodies a unique passion for life through warm hospitality, entertainment and gastronomy. Visit: www.costacruise.com

Cunard is the epitome of British refinement for travelers who relish the line’s impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel. Visit: www.cunard.com

Holland America Line's premium fleet of spacious, elegant mid-sized ships feature sophisticated five-star dining, extensive entertainment and activities, innovative culinary enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries. Visit: www.hollandamerica.com

P&O Cruises (UK) is Britain’s favorite cruise line with a fleet of ships combining genuine service and a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time. Visit: www.pocruises.co.uk

P&O Cruises (Australia) provides a quintessential holiday experience for Australians and New Zealanders, taking them to some of the world's most idyllic and hard-to-reach places across Asia and the South Pacific. Visit: www.pocruises.co.au

Princess is the world’s leading international cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of modern cruise ships, renowned for the innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities. Visit: www.princess.com

Seabourn provides ultraluxury cruising vacations in a unique, small-ship style that focuses on genuine, intuitive service, all-suite accommodations, superb cuisine and unique experiences in destinations worldwide. Visit: www.seabourn.com

Ruby Princess Departs on Inaugural Voyage from Galveston

• December 18, 2022

The Ruby Princess departed Galveston on Sunday afternoon on a 11-day sailing to Mexico  and the  Caribbean , marking Princess Cruises’ first cruise from  Texas in six years, according to a press release.

Today’s departure is the first of 16 sailings from  Galveston on the Ruby Princess’ winter schedule which includes five- to 11-day voyages along with two 16-day, ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal transits between Galveston  and  San Francisco .

According to a press release from Princess, it is estimated that Ruby Princess will carry upwards of 50,000 passengers from Galveston during its winter/spring 2022-2023 schedule, with many guests opting for a pre- or post-cruise land stay to explore the historic seaside city.

To mark the Princess’ return to  Galveston , Princess President  John Padgett  hosted a traditional maritime plaque exchange with Galveston Port Director  Rodger Rees  prior to departure.

“Galveston is an important port for Princess Cruises, and provides an exciting and easy-to-reach option for millions of people living in the southwestern U.S. to enjoy Princess Cruises’ amazing vacation experience,” said Padgett. “We appreciate the support of the Port of Galveston and the greater Galveston community for helping make this day possible.”

Rees added: “Cruising from Galveston  has never been better. Adding the first-class Ruby Princess to our sailing schedule, with its enticing itineraries, offers our cruise customers yet another spectacular sailing experience. These itineraries are a nice addition to our current ports of call. As the fourth most popular homeport in the U.S., we’re excited to welcome this beautiful ship to  Galveston .”

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Galveston cruise port: A guide to cruising from Texas

The Port of Galveston is the fourth-most-popular cruise home port in the U.S., having hosted 1.49 million cruise passengers in 2023.

While that's still a small number compared to the Florida ports ( Miami , Port Canaveral near Orlando and Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades ), the Port of Galveston continues to grow. The ships are getting bigger, cruise lines are expanding the itineraries they offer from Galveston and, in 2025, MSC Cruises will begin homeporting in Galveston with the introduction of year-round sailings on MSC Seascape . The total number of ship calls on the port's 2024 calendar is 388.

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

Most cruises from Galveston visit the Western Caribbean destinations of Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize; Jamaica; and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. However, you can find other options; for example, Carnival Cruise Line offers longer sailings (up to 14 nights) that include Eastern and Southern Caribbean ports.

Galveston itself is a beach destination worth spending time in either pre- or post-cruise, with a variety of hotel choices ranging from economy to luxury to historic. Families can find plenty to enjoy, and adults can enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.

Galveston cruise port overview

Port of Galveston cruise terminal information

Terminals 25 and 28: 2502 Harborside Dr., Galveston, Texas 77550

Terminal 10: 1028 Harborside Dr., Galveston, Texas 77550

Terminal 16: 1401 Harborside Dr., Galveston, Texas 77550 (tentative address)

Number of terminals: Four (as of 2025)

Cruise lines sailing from the Port of Galveston

Terminal 10

Royal Caribbean bases three ships here, offering a mix of eight-night Bahamas cruises, which visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, and four- to eight-night cruises primarily in the Western Caribbean.

Terminal 16 (opening in November 2025)

MSC Cruises will base MSC Seascape year-round at a new terminal in Galveston. The ship will sail to the Western Caribbean, visiting Cozumel, Roatan and Mexico's Costa Maya.

Terminals 25 and 28

Multiple cruise lines share terminals 25 and 28. Carnival rotates a fleet of four ships year-round in Galveston, including the line's Texas flagship, Carnival Jubilee . The fleet offers four- to 14-night cruises throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Princess Cruises sails seasonally from Galveston, offering four- to 11-night cruises in the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Norwegian Cruise Line rotates a variety of ships seasonally through the Port of Galveston, offering seven- to 14-night sailings throughout the Caribbean, including visits to the line's private island, Harvest Caye, in Belize. Norwegian also sometimes offers one-way cruises from Galveston on point-to-point sailings to other destinations like Central and South America.

Disney Magic runs seasonally from Galveston, offering four- to six-night Western Caribbean itineraries.

You can find full calendars for the port on its website.

Closest airports to the Galveston cruise port

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is in north Houston, approximately 71 miles from the Port of Galveston. Airlines that fly to IAH include United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Delta fans can save with the airline's annual companion certificate via its American Express-branded credit cards.

IAH is a United hub, with airline-branded lounges in four of the five terminals, including a Polaris Lounge in Terminal E. Terminal D at IAH features an Amex Centurion Lounge with access for holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express .

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is a bit closer to the port (41 miles) but is served by fewer airlines. Look for flights on Southwest Airlines, Jet Blue, American and Delta. Southwest offers the opportunity to fly two-for-one with the Southwest Companion Pass .

Houston Hobby lacks luxury lounges, but does have a Gameway gaming lounge, with access available to Priority Pass members via a selection of credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

How to get to the Port of Galveston

Cruisers have multiple options for getting to the Port of Galveston, including:

The port of Galveston is on a coastal barrier island south of the city of Houston. The main highway into Galveston is Interstate Highway 45. It is possible to arrive from the east using the Port Bolivar car ferry, but the potential for ferry delays often outweighs the extra driving time it takes to go around the bay to reach the I-45 bridge.

Car rentals between IAH or HOU and Galveston

Currently, only Enterprise offers rental drop-offs in Galveston. With one-way fees and fuel, a midsize car or SUV could cost $200 for an overnight rental. This option gains value if your travel group has plans for exploring a bit pre- or post-cruise. You'll still need transportation from the Enterprise facility to the port, a distance of roughly 3 1/2 miles.

Cruise line airport transfers

You can travel from either Houston airport to the Port of Galveston on embarkation day via transfers prepurchased from the cruise lines. These are usually offered to passengers who buy air through the cruise line, but even those who book independently can call to make the purchase.

Carnival has instructions online for booking transfers from Houston airports, including flight timing restrictions. The cost is currently $58.99 per person from IAH and $41.99 per person from HOU. Return transfers would be similarly priced.

Related: Should I book my flight through my cruise line?

Independent airport shuttles from Houston airports to the cruise port

Local companies operate shuttle services between both Houston airports and Galveston, either to the cruise port or to a Galveston hotel. Galveston Express has shared van rides starting at $40 per person each way.

Independent van/car services

Multiple companies offer private car service from the airports to either the pier or a Galveston hotel. SuperShuttle offers private car service to the port starting at $80 per person. Blacklane offers chauffeured car service, averaging around $200 from either airport to the port, for up to three people and two bags. A larger Mercedes van for up to five passengers will cost around $250.

Hotel shuttles

Roughly half of the hotels located in Galveston offer free shuttles to the cruise pier. Hotels outside of Galveston rarely provide shuttles to the port.

Taxis and ride-hailing services

Getting from a Galveston hotel to the port via ride-hailing service, such as Uber or Lyft , is possible, but not always your best choice. Galveston is a relatively small island and when two or more ships are departing on the same day, extended wait times for pickups at your hotel can cause delays and surge pricing can make the trip more expensive than you anticipated.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are available at both Houston airports. Taxis are metered, with fares averaging $165 from IAH. For ride-hailing services, follow signs and use your apps for directions to pickup points. We checked a prebooked Uber from IAH and were shown a starting fare of $98.

Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you

Public transportation

Galveston does not offer public transportation to the cruise port. The Galveston Island Trolley has bus and rail lines that are ideal for traveling between pre- or post-cruise hotels and on-island attractions, but it stops short of the port.

Port of Galveston parking

Galveston cruise passengers often drive to the port, so parking options abound. These include both official Port of Galveston parking and private lots. For guests not staying in a Galveston hotel, private parking lots are the cheapest option. If your plan includes a hotel stay and your hotel offers a parking package, it is almost guaranteed to be at a lower price than the lots closer to the port. Reservations made well in advance are recommended for all parking options.

On-site parking

Parking for terminals 25 and 28 is a bit spread out. Some lots have shuttle service, others are walking access only. The walk can be as far as two blocks. You can choose from covered and uncovered options, with prices ranging from $22 to $26.

Parking at the newer Royal Caribbean Terminal 10 includes shuttle services for all lots. All parking at Terminal 10 is uncovered. The price per day is $22 to $25.

Private parking facilities

Private parking options near the terminals include indoor and covered parking, all with shuttles. Some service only terminals 25 and 28, while others will also service Terminal 10. If the reservation form doesn't list your cruise ship or sailing date, it means that lot doesn't serve the terminal you need.

Prices are competitive and usually lower than official port parking. For example, Lighthouse Parking beats the terminal's official parking lots, offering covered parking for around $20 per day, with shuttle service to all terminals.

Some, like Galveston Park N Cruise, offer discounts for prepaying. That lot only serves terminals 25 and 28 (Carnival and Princess) and does not provide a shuttle because it's across the street from the terminal. Prepaid rates for indoor parking are as low as $18.50 per day for a seven-night cruise.

Park-and-cruise

If you plan an overnight stay in Galveston, the cheapest parking option is a hotel with a parking package. Many Galveston hotels offer cruise parking to guests who stay either before or after a cruise. Some offer parking free of charge; most charge a fee for leaving your car behind. The best scenario is a hotel with both a parking option and a shuttle to the port.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Hotels near the Galveston cruise port

Hotels are abundant in Galveston, all of them 10 miles or less from the port. Because this is both a small port town and a vacation destination, rates and room availability fluctuate widely. Whether you need a one-night stay as close as possible to the port or are looking for a longer stay to fully explore this charming beach town, here are some of the many choices to consider.

Hilton hotels near the Port of Galveston

For a quick overnight before your cruise, the DoubleTree is a good choice (32,000 to 168,000 Hilton Honors points per night). It has a pool and free Wi-Fi and is across the street from the beach. It also offers parking package options.

For a more resort-style stay, consider the Hilton Galveston Island Resort (32,000 to 338,000 Hilton Honors points per night). It's within walking distance of the beach and offers parking and shuttle packages.

Related: Best Hilton credit cards

Marriott hotels near the Port of Galveston

For an affordable stay with beach access, check out the Courtyard Galveston Island (30,000 to 59,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). You can dine at its on-site restaurant or venture out — either by foot or via the island's trolley — to sample the island's renowned seafood. Wi-Fi is free for Bonvoy members.

The Grand Galvez, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is the city's signature hotel. First opened in 1911 as the Hotel Galvez, it is the only historic beachfront hotel on the entire Texas coast. A stay here (from 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) is a grand way to start a cruise vacation.

For a hotel even closer to the pier and the city's famed downtown strand, the Tremont House is a luxury option from the Tribute Portfolio (from 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). Its Blum & Co. bistro and wine bar is open all day and well into the evening for those arriving from late flights into Houston. The hotel has park-and-sail packages as well as transportation to the terminal.

Related: Best Marriott credit cards

Hyatt hotels near the Port of Galveston

The nearest Hyatt is the Hyatt Regency Baytown, a Category 3 hotel (from 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night). It's an hour's drive from the port, situated not far from Space Center Houston and the Kemah Boardwalk, if those are on your to-do list pre- or post-cruise.

Related: Why the World of Hyatt card is one of the best credit cards

Non-points hotels near the Port of Galveston

A stay at Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center is a whopper of a family-friendly choice. Besides the aquarium, rainforest and discovery museum on-site, the property boasts a beachy water park and lazy river, and a paddlewheel boat offering dinner cruises. The hotel offers cruise parking and a cruise shuttle for a fee.

Leaving the kids behind? The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center is family-friendly, but its lack of attractions for children (other than a pool) means fewer children will likely be on the property. That makes it ideal for a couples or singles escape. The resort has ocean-view rooms and suites, four restaurants and a luxury spa to kick off (or finish off) your cruise.

Restaurants near Galveston cruise port

The food scene in Galveston includes everything from baskets of fish and chips done Texas style (which means it's probably wrapped in bacon and served with jalapenos) to elegant chop houses and seafood establishments. Choices line Seawall Boulevard and extend to the Strand Historic District and the Pier 21 tourist area.

Seafood is the predominant option, but it's also possible to sample barbecue and Tex-Mex.

Related: The best credit cards for dining

Things to do in and around Galveston before or after your cruise

The beach is the No. 1 reason people visit Galveston. It stretches for 32 miles (more than 10 miles protected by a seawall and promenade) and is dotted with fishing piers, overwater souvenir shops and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier amusement park. The best part is that almost anything you need in Galveston is across the street from the beach, including most of the hotels and restaurants.

The bar scene along the seawall has plenty to offer, from rooftop outdoor seating at Pelican and the Shark at the 61st Street Fishing Pier to the famous Poop Deck facing the beach. The Strand has its own concentration of bars, from classy wine bars to genuine dive bars.

Beyond the beach, look for a Texas original water park — Schlitterbahn and Moody Gardens. Kids and adults both can delight in the three Moody Gardens pyramids. One's an aquarium featuring penguins, seals and a coral reef lab. Another is a rainforest, home to over 1,700 exotic plants and endangered animals, including free-roaming sloths and birds that fly between the trees as you walk the trails below the canopy. The third pyramid is a discovery museum with rotating exhibits. Expect animal encounters and hands-on "edutainment" at all three.

Shopping near the Port of Galveston

For last-minute cruise clothes, swing by the Tanger Outlets on I-45, approximately 20 miles north of Galveston in Texas City. As luck would have it, there's a Buc-ees right next door. Besides the clean bathrooms, you'll find Texas souvenirs, out-of-the-ordinary snacks, drinks and even decent barbecue packed into a supersize gas station and roadside palooza.

You won't have trouble finding Galveston's Walmart and Target if you're looking to purchase last-minute snacks, sundries, bottled water, soda or wine to carry on board ( where allowed ).

Hot spots for beachwear, hats, sunglasses and souvenirs specific to Galveston are Dolphin World and the Mermaid Pier.

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Princess Cruises 2024 Schedule From Texas

Princess Cruises 2024 Schedule From Texas . Fort lauderdale / fort lauderdale. Visitors in 2023, and another strong season underway this year,.

For a limited time, enjoy an unbeatable offer. Travel to 52 destinations in 28 countries across 6 continents and only unpack once.

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Galveston cruise ship/port schedule for 2024 with call dates, ship names, passenger numbers.

You'll Venture To Four Dazzling Islands — Including A Full.

That’s enough for a $200 statement credit on.

No Matter How Busy Your Schedule May.

Images references :, compare the latest and lowest prices for your next cruise..

No matter how busy your schedule may.

Galveston Cruise Ship/Port Schedule For 2024 With Call Dates, Ship Names, Passenger Numbers.

Carnival horizon cruise deals (2024 / 2025), carnival jubilee is a nod.

Since There Can Be Slight Variations From Ship To Ship And Availability And Prices Do.

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WEATHER ALERT

4 warnings and 5 advisories in effect for 19 regions in the area

Dozens of united airlines passengers headed to houston fall ill after international cruise, “thirty minutes before we land, we get told that they’ve been exposed to an unknown virus.”.

Gage Goulding , News Reporter , Houston, TX

Michael Lemons , Photojournalist

Ahmed Humble , Digital Content Producer

HOUSTON – More than two dozen people on a United Airlines flight to Houston on Friday became ill while the plane was traveling from Canada.

RELATED: United Airlines says it has regained some privileges that were suspended after problem flights

United Airlines flight 1528 was flying from Vancouver, British Columbia to Houston. During the flight, 25 people became sick.

According to the Houston Fire Department , the sick passengers reported symptoms of nausea.

“About an hour and a half before we hit Houston, they ask for if you’ve been on this cruise ship, could you raise your hand,” James Snell recounts from his flight.

All of the ill passengers were previously on a cruise. A total of 75 passengers flying on the plane were on that cruise.

🤒 More than two dozen passengers aboard a @united flight to @iah on Friday became sick. @HoustonFire says the passengers just got done with an international cruise. @KPRC2 is also learning that the @CDCgov is also involved in the investigation. pic.twitter.com/y9Bdmx2Nbr — Gage Goulding - KPRC 2 (@GageGoulding) June 1, 2024

Firefighters and paramedics met the passengers as they landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport following the five-hour flight from Vancouver, British Columbia.

“Then all of a sudden, the flight attendant, she put on a mask, and the guy next to me is like, ‘What do you think’s going on?’ And I’m like, ‘Bro, I don’t know. You know? I mean, COVID, we’re all going to die.’ You know what I mean,” said Snell.

Three people were “evacuated” from the airplane, but no one was taken to the hospital.

MORE STORIES INVOLVING UNITED AIRLINES

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the plane landed around 6:30 p.m.

“Then firetrucks and ambulances started pulling up,” Snell said. “They didn’t hold us very long, maybe 45 minutes-ish.”

Passengers aboard the airplane say that the pilot and flight attendants alerted them that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the illness.

“This is where it got weird,” Snell said. “He [the pilot] got over the speaker, but he came out to us and he said, ‘Hey, in my 25 years of flying, I’ve never seen anything like this. We have been quarantined by the CDC. Nobody can exit the plane until the CDC lets us off.’”

After being let off the plane passengers were screened by paramedics from the Houston Fire Department.

“As soon as you got off, you got mobbed, wanting to know if you had any symptoms and did you want to be triaged,” Snell said. “But then they let us off and I thought, man, you’re letting us off in Houston airport. Like we’re going everywhere in the world. This is how it started the last time.”

The last time refers to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s what he and other passengers thought they could be dealing with.

“We’re all trapped in this tube, and we’ve all lived through Corona. And I was just like, ‘oh, come on. Not again,’” Snell said.

KPRC2 asked the FAA, CDC, Houston Fire Department and United Airlines for information about which cruise ship the passengers who got sick were on and for the illness, but none of the organizations would provide further information.

According to information from the CDC, there have been seven outbreaks of illness on cruise ships this year.

The most recent is a norovirus outbreak on the Celebrity Summit cruise ship.

Norovirus is commonly known as the “stomach bug” and can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s a highly contagious virus, but is typically not a severe illness and passes in a few days, the CDC reports.

According to Celebrity Cruises’ website , the Celebrity Summit ship is currently sailing between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Vancouver is where the United Airlines flight full of sick passengers took off.

KPRC 2 asked Celebrity Cruises for more information about their outbreak and if it’s connected to the sick passengers that landed in Houston. We’re still waiting for an answer.

Meanwhile, United Airlines tells KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding that the plane is being pulled from rotation until it can be deep cleaned.

UNITED AIRLINES STATEMENT

“Several passengers who had been on the same cruise and did not feel well were on United Flight 1528 from Vancouver to Houston tonight. United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”

CDC Statement

“CDC is aware of a flight from Vancouver, British Columbia, that arrived at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday, May 31.

Public health officers from CDC’s Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board. Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans.”

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Gage goulding.

Gage Goulding is an award-winning TV news reporter and anchor. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, he comes to Texas from Fort Myers, FL, where he covered some of the areas most important stories, including Hurricane Ian.

Ahmed Humble

Historian, educator, writer, expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer, essayist, film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar. Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue.

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Galveston, Texas

Description.

Named after Spain's Count of Gálvez, Galveston was the capital of the former Republic of Texas and originated many of the state's firsts, including the first telephone, post office and naval base. Today, this serene island resort city draws visitors to its charming historic districts, which highlight the area's celebrated Victorian architecture, from elaborate homes to ornate churches and other prominent structures. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston also offers niche boutiques, restaurants and entertainment that's suitable for the whole family. But it's Galveston's close proximity to Houston-a mere 45 miles-that makes it a prime gateway for exploring the largest Texas city's finest attractions. Disembarkation tours in Galveston may be pre-reserved through your personalizer. Luggage is stowed on the transportation during your disembarkation tour. Disembarkation tours end only at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport; therefore passengers who have post-cruise packages at local hotels must disembark at the airport. Passengers will then be responsible for their transportation to the hotel.

Points of Interest

• Space Center Houston
• Strand Historical District
• Hermann Park

More about Galveston, Texas Points of Interest

This incredible NASA attraction features interactive exhibits that offer a taste of life in outer space, from rocket simulations to zero gravity demonstrations, plus a tour of astronaut training facilities.

This charming area is the site of spectacular 19th- and 20th-century architecture, trendy shops and restaurants that make an excellent backdrop for the numerous festivals held here each year.

A sprawling haven for nature lovers, Hermann Park is home to a golf course, a scenic railroad, two museums and over 4,500 exotic animals that live within the Houston Zoo!

2 Excursions

Strand historical district, houston scenic drive & airport transfer.

Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From $ 99.95

Space Center Houston & Airport Transfer

From $ 129.95

Breaking Down All Major Cruise Departure Ports In The U.S. And What Makes Each Unique

E xperience the explosive growth of the cruise industry firsthand as we explore the major departure ports in the United States. Don’t be left behind; join the millions of satisfied cruisers who have discovered the ultimate vacation experience. But we know that hopping on board can be intimidating, especially when choosing the right port, ship, and cruise line. That’s why I’m here to guide you through it all.

Starting in the North Atlantic and working our way down to the South Atlantic, including the bustling ports of Florida, we’ll cover everything you need to know. We’ll then move on to the Gulf of Mexico and, finally, the beautiful Pacific. Learn about several American ports, from suggestions on getting to the port to a detailed list of all the cruise lines that sail from each location.

But that’s not all — I’ll also highlight each port’s unique features and attractions so you can make the most of your vacation before and after embarking on your cruise. Get ready for a vacation that gives you the most bang for your buck — starting with the perfect departure port.

Buckle in and get your popcorn; this will be a long one.

North Atlantic

The North Atlantic region has quite a few ports. It primarily sails to Bermuda, New England, and Canada. However, they also do trans-Atlantic and other specialty cruises from a few ports.

Pro Tip : Always label and prepare your luggage for easy transport . When driving, simply drive to the cruise terminal and hand over your bags. No need to fret if you need tape or a stapler — the friendly baggage handlers will assist you. Remember to show appreciation by tipping them before parking or returning your car.

Boston Cruise Port – Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Terminal (Massachusetts)

Simplify your cruise parking experience at the Flynn Cruiseport in the Seaport District near Boston Harbor. Park easily at Congress Street parking or take a free shuttle from your hotel. Boston Logan International Airport is just a quick 10-minute drive away. The MBTA Silver Line bus stops within one block of the terminal for even more convenience.

Parking will cost you $27 per night.

Sailing From Here: Celebrity, Holland America , Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn

Points Of Interest: Boston Fish Pier, Fenway Park, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Boston Children’s Museum, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. 

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Red Hook Section, New York)

Discover the best cruise ports in New York. Brooklyn and Cape Liberty (in Bayonne, New Jersey) take center stage, with Manhattan playing a supporting role. As a premier cruise destination, New York offers voyages to Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond.

Parking at Brooklyn Cruise Port may seem challenging, but a constant flow of arrivals and departures keeps things moving. While the $45 daily fee offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, other convenient options are available, such as private taxis, Uber, shuttles, or the subway. For a unique experience, consider taking the train from Penn Station or Grand Central Station.

Sailing From Here: Cunard , MSC Cruises, Princess

Points Of Interest: Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Prospect Park

Fun Fact: Per CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), most cruise passengers arrive in a port city a day in advance and spend nearly $400 per person on food, hotel, and transportation.

Cape Liberty Cruise Port (New Jersey)

Parking is slightly cheaper here than at Brooklyn’s cruise port and there are overflow lots during the busy season with free shuttles available. Cars run $30 per day and RVs $60. 

Sailing From Here: Celebrity , Royal Caribbean

Points Of Interest: Teardrop Memorial, Hudson River Waterfront, The Mills at Jersey Gardens (outlet mall)

Port Of Baltimore (Maryland)

I find the Baltimore cruise port one of the most accessible places to embark in the country. Parking is $15 daily (cashless) and you can walk to the terminal after parking. There is also RV parking for $30–$40 daily, depending on the size of your rig. Royal Caribbean and Carnival both offer shuttles to and from BWI airport. 

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Princess , Royal Caribbean 

Points Of Interest: National Aquarium, Inner Harbor, Maryland Zoo, Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine

South Atlantic/Florida

Welcome to the sunniest region in the world, where cruise passengers flock in droves! With state-of-the-art terminals and buzzing activity, this destination offers an incredible array of choices. However, be prepared to master the art of patience, as navigating through crowds can be challenging. As someone who has been on 54 cruises, I can attest that more than half of my voyages have departed from these ports.

Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)

Prepare to be amazed! Contrary to popular belief, getting to Port Orlando (also known as Port Canaveral) requires a 48-minute drive, as Orlando is not on the coast. Despite the distance and expense of transportation (an Uber is $98), Port Orlando remains the country’s busiest and most powerful cruise port. Your best option is to take the cruise shuttle from Orlando (airport or hotel) to save the hassle of getting there, traffic, and parking fees. If you decide to drive, however, keep in mind that parking costs $17 per day, including RVs.

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Disney , MSC Cruises, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean 

Points Of Interest: Kennedy Space Center , Exploration Tower, Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum (in Orlando), Disney, Universal, Lake Eola Park, Harry P. Leu Gardens

Port Of Miami (Florida)

Discover the colossal cruise port just minutes away from Fort Lauderdale. PortMiami is a bustling hub, welcoming an impressive average of 12 cruise ships daily and 4.1 million passengers annually. Boasting 11 cruise terminals, it is the second busiest cruise port in the country.

While you can park at the port for $22 a day, I highly recommend avoiding the chaos by opting for Uber or a hotel shuttle. With my 10 years of experience living in Florida, I found navigating the port’s parking confusing and lacking proper signage. Thankfully, there are much simpler alternatives to reaching your cruise ship.

But fear not! Despite the initial challenges, PortMiami (known as the Cruise Capital of the World ) is renowned for its efficiency and seamless operation. Like a finely tuned machine, they ensure a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Indulge in the modern marvel that is PortMiami and embark on your dream cruise effortlessly.

Pro Tip: It is important to park in the garage that coincides with your terminal letter (example: Cruise Terminal B — Multi-Level Garage B); though terminals F, G, and V all use Garage G.

Sailing From Here: Azamara Club, Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, MSC Cruises , Norwegian, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas , Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Virgin Voyages

Points Of Interest: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Bayside Marketplace, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, Jungle Island

Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

This one may throw you for a loop since Port Everglades is the cruise port you’ll want for departing out of Fort Lauderdale. It is only 3 miles from FLL/Hollywood Airport and 25 miles north of Miami International Airport. Uber or Lyft is your best bet and is relatively inexpensive. Secure parking at Port Everglades (4,000 spaces) runs $15 per day or $19 for oversized vehicles.

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal Cruises , Cunard, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking Ocean

Points Of Interest: Las Olas Boulevard and Riverwalk, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Everglades Holiday Park

Port Tampa Bay (Florida)

Tampa is a treat to sail out of, as the cruise terminal and port are well-marked and laid out. It is secure and monitored 24/7. Parking is $16 per day, or you can use Uber or Lyft for getting dropped off or picked up. Tampa International Airport is 21 minutes from the Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal or 90 minutes from Orlando (MCO).

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Royal Caribbean

Points Of Interest: Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, Historic Ybor City

Port Of San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Discover why San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the ultimate destination for incredible cruise lines. From its advantageous Atlantic Ocean location to potential cost savings, this place is a true gem. If you’re planning a trip, I recommend arriving early and staying overnight to avoid airline hiccups.

While some hotels provide free shuttle services, taxis are readily available for a quick 8-mile journey to the cruise port. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to set sail from Old San Juan, which is a vacation before the cruise vacation begins.

Sailing From Here: Celebrity, Crystal, Disney, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Viking Ocean, Virgin Voyages  

Points Of Interest: Castillo San Felipe del Morro , Old San Juan, Casa Blanca Museum, Fortaleza Street

Gulf Of Mexico

Discover hidden gems and unbeatable prices on Gulf of Mexico cruises! Escape the crowds and embark on an adventure from Galveston, New Orleans, and Mobile. Immerse yourself in vibrant cities and soak up the magic of the gulf. Don’t miss your chance to experience the best-kept secrets of these charming destinations! I plan to include these three embarkation ports in my cruising future over the next few months.

Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal (Alabama)

While Carnival is the only cruise line that sails from Mobile, it is an excellent option for those seeking a quick vacation option between Texas and Florida. Parking will run you $18 daily, though the closest airport is Pensacola, Florida, an hour away. This is definitely a drive to the cruise port destination. Check out the Mobile Carnival Museum or the USS Alabama in your free time.

Port Of New Orleans (NOLA, Louisiana)

A boatload of ships departs the Port of NOLA, making it the 6th busiest cruise port in the country. It is in the heart of the city with a plethora of amazing things to see and do. It is also a port for the three major river cruises (my bucket list!), which adds a feature most cruise ports don’t offer. Parking runs $25 daily at the Erato and Julia Street terminals.

Sailing From Here: American Cruise Lines , American Queen Steamboat Co., Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Viking River Cruises

Points Of Interest: New Orleans City Park, Jackson Square, Mardi Gras World, French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, National WWII Museum

Port Of Galveston (Texas)

Discover Galveston — the vibrant heart of Texas and the state’s sole major port. With its convenient location, you’ll have easy access to all the city offers. Enjoy hassle-free parking for just $18 per day (discounts available for prepaying) and take advantage of the close proximity to the cruise terminal from the lots.

Port of Galveston’s only downside? The nearest major airport is 40 minutes away in Houston. However, worry not! Numerous shuttle services are available to whisk you directly to the cruise terminal.

Fun Fact: It is hard to believe that 2.2 million cruise passengers use this terminal annually.

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean

Points Of Interest: Moody Gardens , Pleasure Pier, Seawall, The Strand

The cruise ports on the West Coast of the United States offer a wide range of fabulous cities, diverse weather, and opportunities for sailing around the area, trans-Pacific crossings, and specialty cruises.

Port Of San Diego (California)

Experience the beauty and convenience of the exceptional Port of San Diego . Getting to the port is a breeze, with various parking options and a convenient cruise ship shuttle from the airport. And that’s only some of it — many cruise lines even offer a complimentary pre-night hotel room.

I personally loved taking advantage of this option before setting sail from the Port of San Diego. Book your cruise now and let the cruise line shuttle take care of the rest. San Diego’s weather is exceptional year-round and the flights are relatively quicker and smoother than in other parts of California. I call this a stress-free cruise port.

Sailing From Here: Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian , Princess

Points Of Interest: San Diego Zoo , Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, USS Midway Museum. 

Port Of Los Angeles (California)

Discover the luxury and cruise lines variety at World Cruise Center at Port of Los Angeles (actually in San Pedro, California). Arriving at this massive port is a breeze, whether driving a car or using transportation options like shuttles, taxis, or Uber. Parking is $20 per day.

Avoid the high cost of taxis and enjoy a ride from LAX for just $40 with a rideshare service. From John Wayne Airport, expect to pay around $60, though nearly $100 for a taxi. Embark on your dream cruise effortlessly and at a great price from the World Cruise Center.

Sailing From Here: Azamara , Celebrity, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Seabourn, Silversea , Viking Ocean

Points Of Interest: Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, Universal Studios

Port Of Long Beach (California)

Discover the convenient and stress-free Port of Long Beach , just a stone’s throw away from the Los Angeles cruise port. As a cruise port owned by Carnival Corporation , it offers an easier and more accessible experience than LA. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Queen Mary , this gem provides an alternative West Coast sailing experience away from the bustling cities. Located just 23 miles from LAX, you can park your car for only $23 per day. Plus, ample parking options exist for oversized vehicles adjacent to the covered garage.

Points Of Interest: Knott’s Berry Farm , Long Beach Museum of Art, Aquarium of the Pacific 

Port Of San Francisco (California)

For a city this big, I was surprised that the Port of San Francisco was not busier and bigger, but honestly, it is not one bit intimidating. Parking runs around $18 per day and there are many options for getting there, including bus, Uber, Lyft, and shuttles.

Sailing From Here: Crystal Cruises, Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean

Points Of Interest: Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park

Port Of Seattle (Washington)

The cruise port of Seattle is your gateway to Alaska , so hopefully in your lifetime, you’ll explore this one for yourself. There are two terminals (Piers 91 and 66), with parking running $22–$27 per day, though shuttles and Lyft are the most popular ways to get there. The airport is 40 minutes away.

Sailing From Here: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania , Princess, Royal Caribbean

Points Of Interest: Pike Place Market, the Space Needle , Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits