norwegian cruises galveston

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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Norwegian Cruise Line Will Call Galveston Homeport in 2023

The third-largest cruise line in the world, Norwegian Cruise Line, has announced plans to sail out of Galveston.

Norwegian Cruise Line has reported it will homeport their new liner, the Prima, in Galveston in 2023. This would mark the first time Norwegian has sailed regular cruises from Galveston.

Norwegian Prima Homeports in Galveston, Texas

After Norwegian Prima concludes her inaugural year sailing bucket-list itineraries as the industry's newest ship, she will be the only vessel during the winter 2023 and 2024 season offering seven-day voyages to the Western Caribbean out of Galveston, Texas, providing the most extensive port experiences in the region with every itinerary visiting four ports. Norwegian Prima will call to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Harvest Caye, the Caribbean's premier island destination in Belize and exclusive to guests of NCL; and Roatan Island, Honduras, with all visits featuring between eight and nine in-port hours. With voyages beginning in summer 2022, Norwegian Prima will be 965 feet long, more than 142,000 gross tons and able to accommodate 3,215 guests at double occupancy. For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com .

Set sail aboard Norwegian Prima — one of our newest and most innovative ships — and experience paradise from ship to shore.

In Costa Maya , grab your snorkel and dive into the waters surrounding the incredible Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef in the world and home to diverse marine life.

Hop on over to The Caribbean's premier resort-style destination, Harvest Caye , and zoom over sapphire waters on a zip line and unwind in a private, luxury beachside villa.

In Roatán , embark on an eco-adventure in Manawakie Nature Park where you can interact with capuchin monkeys and sloths and enjoy an exhilarating all-terrain buggy ride through lush jungle.

Then journey back in time at the Tulum Mayan ruins outside Cozumel .

Where the Texas Coast begins.

Posted 3/21/2024 by Visit Galveston

Posted 3/8/2024 by Visit Galveston

Posted 3/8/2024 by Jamie Le, OTD, OTR

Posted 3/5/2024 by Visit Galveston

Posted 3/2/2024 by Visit Galveston

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), also known in short as Norwegian, is an American cruise line founded in 1966, incorporated in Bermuda and headquartered in Miami. It is the third-largest cruise line in the world by passengers, controlling about 8.7% of the total worldwide share of the cruise market by passengers as of 2018. It is wholly owned by the parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

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Cruises from Galveston, Texas: Gateway to Caribbean Adventures

Discover the best times to cruise from Galveston in 2024 with our month-by-month weather guide. Plan your ideal Western Caribbean voyage with ease.

Norwegian Cruise Line from Galveston

Your gateway to caribbean exploration.

Your Gateway to Caribbean Exploration . Embark on an extraordinary journey with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) from Galveston, Texas, where around 20 sailings aboard the Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Prima beckon with promises of adventure. NCL’s itineraries, stretching over 7 to 11 days, offer a deep dive into the vibrant life and stunning vistas of the Western Caribbean, the serene beauty of the Southern Caribbean, and the sun-drenched Bahamas. Before setting sail, immerse yourself in the charm of Galveston Island , a coastal gem that offers a relaxed and scenic start to your cruise. The Port of Galveston , your gateway to adventure, awaits with its welcoming ambiance and modern facilities.

Norwegian’s Dynamic Duo: Escape and Prima

Norwegian escape.

Your Seafaring Sanctuary . With the Norwegian Escape departing from Galveston, set off on a vacation that combines excitement and relaxation. This ship is a floating haven of leisure and entertainment, where every member of the family can find their bliss.

Norwegian Prima

Innovative Luxury at Sea . The Norwegian Prima represents the pinnacle of modern cruise luxury. From Galveston, she sets sail to enchanting Caribbean destinations, offering guests an upscale voyage with innovative amenities and unparalleled service.

Western Caribbean Wonders with NCL

Explore the cultural tapestry and natural splendor of the Western Caribbean on your NCL cruise. From the Mayan mysteries of Costa Maya and Cozumel’s aquamarine waters in Mexico to Harvest Caye’s eco-adventures and Roatan’s reef-rich shores, each stop is a treasure trove of experiences.

Costa Maya and Cozumel

Mexico’s Coastal Marvels . In Costa Maya , delve into the rich history etched into ancient Mayan ruins, and in Cozumel , embrace the island’s famed diving spots, known for their breathtaking underwater ecosystems.

Harvest Caye and Roatan

Eco-Paradises Unveiled . On Harvest Caye, NCL’s private resort offers pristine beaches and a lush landscape, while Roatan invites you to connect with nature, whether through a canopy tour or by snorkeling its vibrant coral reefs.

George Town

Grand Cayman’s Crown Jewel . George Town enchants with its world-class snorkeling, duty-free shopping, and the chance to mingle with friendly stingrays at the iconic Stingray City.

Southern Caribbean and Bahamas: NCL’s Routes to Relaxation

Aruba, bonaire, and curacao.

Dutch Caribbean’s Trio of Tranquility . These Dutch Caribbean islands, each with its own flavor, offer a cocktail of colonial architecture, diverse marine life, and beaches that are pure paradise.

Great Stirrup Cay

NCL’s Bahamian Haven . Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island, is a Bahamian nirvana where white sands and watersports create the perfect beach day on every cruise.

Eastern Caribbean Gems: NCL’s Tropical Odyssey

St. lucia and st. maarten.

Caribbean Culture and Charm . NCL takes you to St. Lucia’s dramatic Pitons and St. Maarten’s dual-nation intrigue, promising a voyage rich in natural wonders and cultural encounters.

St. Thomas and Tortola

Eastern Caribbean Escapes . From St. Thomas’s Magens Bay to Tortola’s hidden coves, NCL cruises offer idyllic settings for those looking to escape into the Caribbean’s warmth and beauty.

NCL’s Itineraries from Galveston: Diverse Destinations Await

With Norwegian Cruise Line from Galveston, choose your ideal Caribbean itinerary and set sail for a holiday filled with discovery, relaxation, and unforgettable moments.

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, March 21, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 21, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, March 14, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 14, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, March 7, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 7, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, February 28, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 28, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, February 21, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 21, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, February 14, 2025

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: February 14, 2025; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize New Year cruise from Galveston, December 27, 2024

7-day New Year cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: December 27, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize Holiday cruise from Galveston, December 20, 2024

7-day Holiday cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: December 20, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya,[…]

Norwegian Escape, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, December 13, 2024

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: December 13, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Escape; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Norwegian Prima, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, March 29, 2024

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Norwegian Prima, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, March 22, 2024

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 22, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Prima; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Norwegian Prima, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, March 15, 2024

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 15, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Prima; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Norwegian Prima, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, March 8, 2024

7-day cruise to Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan & Cozumel on board NCL Cruising from: Galveston, Texas; Departure Date: March 8, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: Norwegian Prima; Ports of Call: Galveston, Costa Maya, Harvest[…]

Norwegian Prima, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, March 1, 2024

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Norwegian Prima, Mexico, Honduras & Belize from Galveston, February 23, 2024

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NCL Makes History With First Seasonal Sailing From Galveston, Texas

Norwegian Cruise Line made history yesterday with one of its newest ships — Norwegian Prima — making its first ever seasonal debut sailing from Galveston, Texas . The ship will sail 7-day cruises through April 2024 to the western Caribbean.

Constructed in 2022, Prima is noteworthy as it is the first ship in cruise line’s Prima class of vessels. This group of ships marks a very different direction than others in the fleet and something entirely new for the Texas market.

Coming in at 965 feet and 142,500 gross tons, the ship has a capacity for 3,100 passengers. That’s actually smaller than previous vessels like Norwegian Encore, which was the last ship built before Prima. Instead of continually going bigger, Norwegian Prima is focused more on the passenger experience and luxury — especially compared to Texas-based rivals Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

The ship features Ocean Boulevard, a wraparound deck with 44,000 square feet of space opening up to the sea. There are also infinity pools (located at Infinity Beach) close to the water level to further connect passengers to the ocean. Other high-end features include The Concourse (an outdoor sculpture garden) and an open-air food hall.

There are still plenty of opportunities for family fun as the ship also has the cruise line’s signature race track (covering three levels) and The Drop, a freefall slide that takes you down 10 stories.

Still, Prima is definitely focused on a higher-end experience than most large cruise ships. That makes it ideal for those looking for a more refined vacation than what might be found on rival cruise lines. ( See our full review of Prima here .)

Having toured the ship, we think it’s not a stretch to say that instead of designing a cruise ship, NCL instead designed a high-end hotel. That definitely makes it stand apart from other cruise options in Galveston.

NCL’s Major Push Into Galveston Cruises

This sailing of Prima also marks the first time that Norwegian has homeported a ship in Galveston. Prima did visit Galveston back in October 2022 for a special one-time sailing, and the cruise line did previously sail a ship from the former Bayport Cruise Terminal years ago.

Until now, however, Galveston couldn’t claim NCL as one of the many cruise lines that called the Texas port home. That’s changing quickly.

“We’re extremely excited to have Norwegian Prima officially sail out of Galveston, Texas this season as we are committed to listening to our guests’ feedback and providing them with more opportunities to cruise from popular, easily accessible ports,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

In fact, NCL has already started to add those other opportunities. Just days ago the cruise line announced that its current newest ship in the fleet — Norwegian Viva — will now sail from the island starting in December 2025.

Meanwhile, a search of the NCL website also shows a handful of sailings aboard Norwegian Escape from Galveston in December 2024.

With the arrival of Prima and plans for Viva, it’s clear that NCL has set its sights on expanding into the Galveston market. And with tentative plans for the port to open a fourth cruise terminal in the coming years, could it only be a matter of time before a Norwegian ship sails year-round from the island?

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CocoCay in Cozumel? Royal Caribbean Announces New Destination in Mexico

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The 5 best cruises from Galveston for every type of traveler

What are the best cruises from Galveston, Texas ? I've been on 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 this new Norwegian vessel'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 seven cruise ships that regularly sail out of Galveston will depend a lot on the type of traveler you are. The best ship for a cruise out of Galveston with your family might not be your top pick for a couple's cruise or girlfriends' getaway.

Here we list our top picks for the best cruises from Galveston for five different types of travelers.

Best for families: Allure 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 Allure of the Seas.

Designed specifically to appeal to families, the world's fifth-largest cruise vessel is chock-full of 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 5,484-passenger Allure of the Seas has room for three separate main pool areas, 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 Allure 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 offers 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 cruises

Allure 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.

Note that in November 2023, Allure of the Seas will be replaced in Galveston with Royal Caribbean's slightly larger Harmony of the Seas. The two ships, both part of Royal Caribbean's groundbreaking Oasis class of vessels , are similar. However, the newer Harmony of the Seas has a couple more bells and whistles that will get your kids excited — most notably the Ultimate Abyss, a terrifying slide that drops nine decks. (Royal Caribbean says it drops 10 decks, but don't be fooled; the line is counting a nonexistent Deck 13.)

Harmony of the Seas also has a water park area, something that has yet to be added to Allure of the Seas.

If either of those two attractions is a must-have for your next cruise out of Galveston, you'll want to book the Harmony of the Seas sailings that start in November. Harmony of the Seas will operate the same itinerary as Allure of the Seas does now.

In addition, Royal Caribbean operates a second, smaller vessel out of Galveston: The 3,602-passenger Voyager of the Seas. The ship mostly sails four- and five-night trips to Mexico.

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 Allure of the Seas. However, we say that with one big caveat: If your family is a Disney-obsessed family that 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 seasonally in Galveston from December to April, Disney Magic offers the best cruises out of Galveston for the Disney fan. 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. But 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 boasts many cabins with split bathrooms — a boon for families. That's not something you'll find on any of the other Galveston-based cruise vessels.

If 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 latter vessels. On the flip side, it has a much more intimate feel on board.

Related: The 3 types of Disney ships, explained

Disney Magic sails a mix of four- to six-night voyages from Galveston to Mexico. Shorter voyages typically visit Progreso, Mexico, while longer sailings add a stop in Cozumel.

Fares for off-peak sailings on Disney Magic often start around $800 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 11-year-old vessel operates short four- and five-night voyages to the Western Caribbean that are often on sale for under $500 per person or less. For off-peak travel, we sometimes see five-night sailings for sale for around $300 per person — or just $60 a night. This is a third of the cost of similar five-night sailings on Disney Magic.

Remember, the rates mentioned for Carnival Breeze 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're not out a lot in time or money if you don't love the experience. It caters heavily to first-time cruisers, as well as Texas locals and Southerners who can book on short notice and drive to the port for a quickie escape.

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 venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces.

Related: The 8 types of Carnival 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, both 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, piano bar, casino and 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, as well.

Carnival has two other vessels based year-round in Galveston: Carnival Vista and Carnival Dream. Both ships operate longer, generally more expensive sailings. Carnival Vista 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

There are no luxury-focused cruise lines, such as Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line , sailing 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 3,215-passenger ship offers the best Galveston cruises for luxury lovers.

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

The upscale turn included loading Norwegian Prima with an unusually large variety of suites (13 categories in all), including what the line says is 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 aforementioned 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 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 more of the feel of the ships you find 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, from December to March. It offers seven-night sailings to the Western Caribbean with calls in Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize.

Best for retirees: Regal Princess

Looking for a cruise out of Galveston that isn't jammed 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 more of a ship 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 the 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: The best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Regal Princess is based in Galveston on a seasonal basis from November 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. They're the sort of sailings that generally appeal to a retired crowd because these trips require a long time away from home.

The shortest sailings that the 10-year-old Princess Cruises ship operates out of Galveston are seven nights in length.

Bottom line

Galveston, Texas, offers a relatively wide range of choices for cruise ships and itineraries. Five different cruise lines sail four- to 11-night voyages that visit such Western Caribbean ports as Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

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.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

GALVESTONCRUISES.COM: Cruise rates for the Norwegian Prima sailing from Galveston, TX on Friday, March 15, 2024

Reservations, lodging reservations, cruise reservations, cruise parking, airport transfers.

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Norwegian Cruise Line announces new cruise out of Galveston

Prima sets sail this week, escape and norwegian viva planned for next two seasons.

Rebecca Salinas , Digital Journalist

GALVESTON, Texas – Norwegian Cruise Line will add another ship at the Port of Galveston for the holiday season.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced Wednesday that its newest ship, Norwegian Viva, will homeport in Galveston in December 2025 and stay through April 2026.

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The cruise will offer seven-day roundtrips to the Western Caribbean, with visits to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Harvest Caye, in Southern Belize.

In January 2026, Viva will have a 14-day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. That itinerary includes visits to George Town, Cayman Islands; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; Road Town (Tortola), British Virgin Islands; St. John’s (Antigua), Antigua; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Cozumel, Mexico.

The Norwegian Viva will be the third ship from Norwegian Cruise Line to homeport in Galveston.

The company is making its Texas debut this year with Prima setting sail on Friday. There is still some availability for solo guests on trips through March — when it leaves for the season.

Then, the vessel Escape will set sail out of Galveston from December 2024 to March 2025.

Both Prima and Escape also offer seven-day or 14-day trips to the Caribbean.

Travelers can start booking trips on the Norwegian Viva and Escape.

More travel headlines:

• Major airports with the longest departure delays
• Traveling for 2023 holidays, New Year’s Day? Here are 3 things to know.

Copyright 2023 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

About the Author:

Rebecca salinas.

Rebecca Salinas has worked in digital news for more than 10 years and joined KSAT in 2019. She reports on a variety of topics for KSAT 12 News.

KSAT News at 5 p.m. Saturday : Mar 23, 2024

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Finding A Galveston Cruise Vacation Right for You in 2024

A ccording to the Houston Chronicle, there are over 300 scheduled Galveston departures for 2024 cruises. Cruisers will find 4-night, 5-night, 6-night and 7-night Western Caribbean cruises with ports-of-call like Cozumel, Mexico; Routan, Honduras; along with Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Belize. With the ease of traveling to the departure point, a Galveston Cruise Vacation might work for your next getaway. 

Royal Caribbean leads with 120 sailings in 2024 on several ships. It recently opened a dedicated terminal at the Port of Galveston. Carnival sets sail with 110 different cruises.

Disney offers a limited number of sailings, usually during Spring Break and Christmas Break. It also cruises to the Western Caribbean on 4 and 5 day itineraries. Princess offers 14 options for 2024, and Norwegian will offer less than 10 sailings.

MSC will start departing out of Galveston in 2025. In all, Galveston is the fourth busiest home port in the U.S.

With three cruise terminals and four piers, the Port of Galveston offers a convenient departure point. Not just limited to Western Caribbean, travelers will find cruises to the Eastern Caribbean, like the Bahamas.

Top Things to Do in Galveston

A galveston cruise vacation right for you.

If you live in Texas, this is a great option. You can drive to your cruise and eliminate the hassle of flying to another home port. Best of all, most Texans love Galveston and should plan to arrive a day early and enjoy the Historic Strand or a seafood platter overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises sails 4-night, 5-night, 6-night and 7-night cruises in Western Caribbean. It uses the Allure of the Seas , Harmony of the Seas , Jewel of the Seas , Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas out of Galveston .

It also offers a 9-night and 10-night cruise that includes ports of call like Jamaica and Grand Cayman. One of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships, Harmony of the Seas , departs out of Galveston for some sailings.

Royal Caribbean built a new 125-million-dollar cruise terminal in Galveston. It boasts a LEED Zero Energy ranking, the first in the world.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line sails out of Galveston with 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, 7-day, and 9-night Western Caribbean. It also sails 7-day, 8-day, 9-day, 10-day,11-day  and 14-day Eastern Caribbean cruises. Carnival sails 10-day and 14-day Panama cruise itineraries out of Galveston, too.

Carnival Cruise sails the Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream , Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle .

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises returns to Galveston in 2024. It sails 4-day, 6-day, 7-day, 8-day and 10-day Western Caribbean cruises out of Galveston. It also offers a 12-day Southern Caribbean cruise that departs from Galveston and returns to Fort Lauderdale.

Princess sails the Regal Princess out of Galveston.

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Disney cruise line.

Disney Cruise Line sails the Magic out of Galveston. The popular Very Merrytime Cruises feature holiday decorations and activities, along with your favorite Disney characters for your Galveston Cruise Vacation.

Travelers will find 4-night cruises to Mexico. For longer Western Caribbean cruises, Disney offers 5-night, 6-night and 7-night Western Caribbean cruises with ports-of-call in George Town, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. The 7-night Bahamian cruises depart from Galveston and depart in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Disney Cruise Lines uses Terminal 2 at 2702 Harborside Dr.

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Prima will depart for an 11-day cruise departing out of Galveston in April 2024. It will stop at Cozumel, the A-B-C Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, then The Bahamas before arriving at Miami for your Galveston Cruise Vacation.

In December, Norwegian will sail a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise on the Escape. For 2025, Norwegian Cruise Lines will offer more sailings out of Galveston.

MSC Cruises

Starting in November 2025, MSC Cruises will depart out of Galveston on the Seascape for your Galveston Cruise Vacation.

For 2025, it will offer a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise with stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.

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Port of galveston.

With three cruise terminals, the Port of Galveston offers a convenient departure point for your Galveston Cruise Vacation. However, due to construction, the street names have changed recently. In addition to new street names, travelers the terminals have new numbers.

Since this area is compact when in doubt, look for your ship. There will be directional signs on the day of departure, too.

Terminal One (old name) now Terminal 25 (new name) is located at 2502 Harborside Dr. Carnival Cruises and Princess Cruises usually depart out of Terminal One, Terminal 25. 

Terminal Two (old name) now Terminal 28 (new name) is located at 2702 Harborside Dr. Norwegian Cruises and Disney Cruise Line usually depart out of Terminal Two, Terminal 28.

Royal Caribbean uses Terminal 3 (old name), now Terminal 10 at 1028 Harborside Dr.

Make it easy and reserve your parking ahead of time for your Galveston Cruise Vacation. The Oort of Galveston’s website even gives a $5 discount for reserving ahead of time.

The post Finding A Galveston Cruise Vacation Right for You in 2024 appeared first on Carful of Kids .

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Norwegian Prima Arrives to Galveston, Texas For First Full Season of Caribbean Voyages

The Award-Winning Norwegian Prima to Sail a Variety of Bucket-List Worthy Caribbean Cruises Beginning Dec. 15, 2023 Through April 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 57-year history of breaking boundaries, is proud to announce today that Norwegian Prima , the first ship in its groundbreaking Prima Class, arrived to the Port of Galveston in Texas for its first official season since her launch in 2022.

Today, Norwegian Prima will kick off her inaugural season in the Lone Star State and settle into its new homeport of Galveston, Texas for the 2023 and 2024 cruise season. As one of NCL's newest vessels, Norwegian Prima will offer round-trip, seven-day cruises to some of the most beautiful, tropical destinations including the Company's resort-style island destination, Harvest Caye in Belize; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatán (Bay Islands), Honduras. In addition, Norwegian Prima's sister ship and newest vessel of the NCL fleet, Norwegian Viva , will homeport in Galveston, Texas for the first time ever from December 2025 to April 2026.

We're extremely excited to have Norwegian Prima officially sail out of Galveston, Texas this season as we are committed listening to our guests' feedback and providing them with more opportunities to cruise from popular, easily accessible ports. As we see the value in sailing from this destination and look to strengthen our presence, we are proud to bring two of our most innovative ships in the fleet to the great state of Texas offering dream cruise vacations to not only the immediate market but the surrounding drive markets.

“We’re extremely excited to have Norwegian Prima officially sail out of Galveston, Texas this season as we are committed listening to our guests’ feedback and providing them with more opportunities to cruise from popular, easily accessible ports,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “As we see the value in sailing from this destination and look to strengthen our presence, we are proud to bring two of our most innovative ships in the fleet to the great state of Texas offering dream cruise vacations to not only the immediate market but the surrounding drive markets.”

On the heels of winning three Cruise Critic Editors Pick Awards for Best Cruise Line for Spa, Specialty Dining and Solo Travelers, NCL's award-winning Norwegian Prima accommodates 3,100 guests at double occupancy and comprises over 1,500 staterooms, 18 dining venues, and 17 bars and lounges among her 20 decks. Norwegian Prima was the first ship in the NCL fleet to debut one-of-a-kind experiences including the Prima Speedway, the first three-level racetrack at sea; the Prima Theater & Club, a three-story transformational theater-nightclub; the Metropolitan Bar, the cruise industry's first sustainable cocktail bar at sea; and Indulge Food Hall which offers 11 different cuisines including Q, a Texas-style BBQ. The Prima Class ship also features the 44,000 square-foot, wrap-around outdoor walkway, Ocean Boulevard, boasting more spaces for guests to soak in the sun including infinity beach and infinity pools, as well as La Terrazza, the al fresco lounge area; The Concourse, the open-air sculpture garden; and Oceanwalk, a clear glass bridge that offers great photo opportunities. In addition to a wide-variety of onboard activities, Norwegian Prima also offers some of the most spacious accommodations at sea for all types of guests such as solo staterooms, priced for the single cruiser in mind; connecting balcony staterooms for large families; and The Haven by Norwegian®, the Company's luxurious, key card access only complex with 107 suites, a private restaurant, bar, lounge and sundeck plus a concierge and 24-hour butler service.

To learn more about all of Norwegian Prima’s stand-out amenities, please click here .

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line's award-winning 19-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com .

• Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

COST of day trip to Moscow ??

By densol , February 26, 2012 in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

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We have just booked a cruise to the Baltics for next year. I am trying to find out the average cost for a day trip to Moscow from STP. I have searched several times, and whilst I have read reviews and reports about the trips etc - I cannot actually see any examples of the costs. I imagine its quite expensive - but we want to do it so I need to budget LOL !!

Any ballpark figures ? :D

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We have just booked a cruise to the Baltics for next year. I am trying to find out the average cost for a day trip to Moscow from STP. I have searched several times, and whilst I have read reviews and reports about the trips etc - I cannot actually see any examples of the costs. I imagine its quite expensive - but we want to do it so I need to budget LOL !! Any ballpark figures ? Thanks

We did the Moscow trip through our cruise ship in late July 2008. Its cost was a little under $1000 pp. Now, that cost through this cruise line is a little over that $1000 pp cost. Now, most are using the high-speed rail connection versus the air flights as we did. I have seen some other numbers from other cruise lines and/or private firms that run $700-850.

Why cheaper or the differences? As cruise lines are pressured to keep their "sticker price" low, they need to make up some "margin" with ship tours, beverages, spa stuff, etc., to help cover their costs and gain some profit. Second, different tours provide various features. Our tour included going inside the famed and spectacular Kremlin Palace. Most Moscow tours don't feature that option and you cannot just walk up there and get in on your own. That Palace is where the Czars were crowned and all of the current/recent Russian leaders assumed their powers.

We could have saved a little if we had used a private tour to go to and visit Moscow, but, with my wife's pushing, we felt it was worth it to pay a little more, do it through the cruise line. If there had been any problems or mix-ups, it was the ship's duty to "make it right" and we would not have to worry.

If you have three days in St. Petersburg and/or have been there before, then the Moscow tour can work out very well. It's not cheap, but in my view, worth it!! Both are a few of my visuals from this super great city with such interesting history and dramatic architecture.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik . Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 66,454 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 60,364 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

One of the Kremlin Wall Towers in Moscow:

Walking on the famed Red Square of Moscow:

St. Basil's sits on Red Square and dates back to its 1555-61 construction on the orders of Ivan the Terrible (Ivan IV). It commemorates the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan and marks the geometric center of the city. This location has been the hub of its growth for Moscow since the 14th century. It was the tallest building in Moscow until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600. This church was near destroyed in the 1930’s when Stalin was in control.:

Here is a small sampling of the Kremlin Royal Treasures of the Czars: Eggs & Jewels insicde the famed Armory.:

Moscow’s subways are called the “People’s Palaces” with their marble coverings and unique designs for each of the different and many stations.:

This is the interior for Moscow's most historic church, Assumption Cathedral or the Cathedral of the Dormition, inside the Kremlin walls. It is the mother church of Muscovite Russia. The church stands on Cathedral Square and was built in 1475–1479 by the Italian architect Aristotele Fioravanti. It was erected on the spot of an older 14th century cathedral of the same name:

We did the day trip to Moscow with Alla-tour and were very pleased with our tour. Our guide whose English was great was a wealth of information and the day went very smoothly. I checked the web site and Alla's prices for 2012 range from $884 a person for two down to $542 a person for 6 with the 5% cruisecritic discount. So if you can get a group together the per person price goes down considerably. You can try to do this on the roll call section of cruisecritic.

We did not go to the Palace and as Terry says this is not included generally in tours. However, we did go to the Diamond Fund, an amazing display of crown jewels and jewelry in the Armoury building but not really part of the Armoury. I would think you could include this if you had a small group and really wanted to see it. It is quite small and does not accommodate a large group. You can google "diamond fund kremlin" to learn more.

Here are some of my pictures

Red Square with St. Basil’s at the far end

Kremlin Cathedral Square

Bolshoi Theatre

Treasures at the Armoury

200 ton Tsar Bell

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

We did the day trip to Moscow with Alla-tour and were very pleased with our tour. Our guide whose English was great was a wealth of information and the day went very smoothly. I checked the web site and Alla's prices for 2012 range from $884 a person for two down to $542 a person for 6 with the 5% cruisecritic discount. So if you can get a group together the per person price goes down considerably. You can try to do this on the roll call section of cruisecritic. We did not go to the Palace and as Terry says this is not included generally in tours. However, we did go to the Diamond Fund, an amazing display of crown jewels and jewelry in the Armoury building but not really part of the Armoury. I would think you could include this if you had a small group and really wanted to see it. It is quite small and does not accommodate a large group. You can google "diamond fund kremlin" to learn more.

Well said, cadreamer! (nice photos, by the way).

We also used Alla. She is just a super person to work with and, if you get a group together, she will accomodate what YOU want to do!! You can check-out her Moscow tour at:

http://www.alla-tour.com/tours/1

As cadreamer suggests, go to your roll call on Cruise Critic & see if you can get a group together.

Terry, your pix, per usual, are awesome! Still envious! :)

Terry, your pix, per usual, are awesome! Still envious! :) jill

Appreciate, Jill, the kind comments! Envy is GOOD!!

Below are a few more visuals on Moscow that are more "interesting". Fascinating to having seen both cities, back-to-back. It really puts all of this unique Russian history and architecture in better perspective.

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik . Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 67,001 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

The famed KGB (Secret Police) Headquarters in Moscow where many entered and did not exit (alive) during the 1950’s and 1960’s:

Kremlin Treasures: Royal coaches:

Young Military Officers on the streets of Moscow with Soviet "High Hat".:

These are the series of smaller domes on the top of the Church of the Deposition of the Robe in the Kremlin Cathedral Square area.:

Inside the newly, more westernized GUM Department Store:

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