Galveston Cruise Port: How to Make the Most of Your Pre or Post Cruise Stay
Galveston, the enchanting port city in Texas, is a prime destination for cruise passengers seeking sun-soaked beaches, historical landmarks, and diverse cultural experiences. Whether you're arriving before embarking on your cruise or extending your stay after disembarking, Galveston has many attractions waiting to be explored. Here's your guide to making the most of your time in this vibrant coastal city.
Where Is Galveston Cruise Port?
Galveston is a city and an island on the Texas Gulf Coast in the United States and is located about 50 miles (80.5 km) southeast of Houston. Galveston Island is a barrier island about 27 miles (43 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) wide at its widest point. The island is separated from the mainland by Galveston Bay, crossed by three bridges: the Galveston Causeway, the Pelican Island Bridge, and the Bolivar Ferry. The island has several communities, such as Jamaica Beach, Pirate's Beach, Sea Isle, and Tiki Island.
Galveston has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in July is 89 °F (32 °C) and the average low temperature in January is 49 °F (9 °C). Galveston is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November. The most devastating hurricane in Galveston's history was the 1900 Galveston hurricane, which killed over 6,000 people and destroyed most of the city.
How to Get to Galveston Cruise Port?
If you are heading to Galveston to catch a cruise, there are several ways to get to the port, depending on your starting point, time, and budget.
By Car
If you drive to Galveston from Houston, take Interstate 45 and park your car at the cruise ship terminal. The Port of Galveston offers official parking lots for all cruise passengers, but the prices vary depending on the lot, the length of your cruise, and whether you want covered or uncovered parking. Here are some of the rates for parking at the Port of Galveston:
Lots A-B:Â Economy lots with shuttle service; $105 for a 7-day cruise, $78 for a 5-day cruise.
Lot D:Â Premium lot with a short walk to the ship; $120 for a 7-day cruise, $90 for a 5-day cruise.
Garage:Â Covered parking with a short walk; $140 for a 7-day cruise, $105 for a 5-day cruise.
Terminal 10:Â Exclusive for Royal Caribbean passengers with shuttle service; $199 for a 7-day cruise.
Book your parking spot in advance here.
By Shuttle
One of the ways to get to Galveston from Houston before your cruise is by shuttle. A shuttle service will pick you up from the airport or your hotel and take you to the cruise terminal. The shuttle ride takes about an hour and a half, and the prices vary depending on the number of passengers and the pickup location. Some of the shuttle companies that operate in Galveston are:
Galveston Express: This company offers shared and private shuttle services from Houston airports and hotels to the Galveston cruise terminal. You can book online or by phone, and the prices start from $25 per person for a shared shuttle and $75 for a private shuttle. You can find more information on their website:Â https://galvestonexpress.com/.
SuperShuttle:Â This company offers shared and private shuttle services from Houston airports and hotels to the Galveston cruise terminal. You can book online or by phone, and the prices start from $30 per person for a shared shuttle and $100 for a private shuttle. You can find more information on their website:Â https://www.supershuttle.com/locations/houston-iah-hou/.
Island Breeze Shuttle: This company offers shared and private shuttle services from Houston airports and hotels to the Galveston cruise terminal. You can book online or by phone, and the prices start from $35 per person for a shared shuttle and $125 for a private shuttle. You can find more information on their website:Â https://www.islandbreezeshuttle.com/
If you are taking a shuttle from Bush Airport, head straight to exit door A114 and walk across the two traffic lanes to get to the shuttle parking lot. Verify the exact name of your shuttle, as they all have similar names.
By Taxi
A taxi from the airport or hotel to the cruise terminal takes about 1.5 hours, with fares ranging from $100 to $200, depending on distance and traffic.
By Train
Take Amtrak's Sunset Limited service from Houston to Galveston for a two-hour ride, costing about $20. Then, a taxi or bus can take you to the cruise terminal.
What is the History of Galveston?
Galveston's history is a tapestry of exploration, pirate intrigue, battles, prosperity, and resilience. Galveston has weathered storms, wars, and social changes from its discovery in 1519 to becoming a key player in the Texas Revolution. Its historic districts, museums, and events reflect the city's evolution from a major port to a tourist haven.
Much of Galveston's most famous history stems from the 1900 Galveston hurricane, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. During this historic event, more than 6,000 people drowned or were dragged to sea. Their bodies were stockpiled to await burial when another storm pulled the bodies back out to sea. It is no wonder that Galveston is one of the most haunted places in the United States.
When visiting pre or post-cruise, you can explore Galveston's rich history and haunting reputation at sites like the Strand Historic District, Seawall Boulevard, Moody Gardens, Pleasure Pier, Bishop's Palace, and the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA.
For more in-depth history, visit this link.
How Can I Explore Haunted Galveston before my Cruise?
The best way to explore Galveston's haunted past is by taking a guided tour. Some of the most haunted places include the 1900 Storm Victims Memorial, Hotel Galvez, Bishops Palace, Moody Mansion, and the Galveston Railroad Museum.
The 1900 Storm Victims Memorial:Â
This is a bronze sculpture that commemorates the victims of the 1900 Galveston hurricane, which killed over 6,000 people and destroyed most of the city. Some people claim to hear ghostly cries and moans near the memorial, especially on stormy nights.
The Hotel Galvez:Â
This historic hotel opened in 1911 and hosted many famous guests, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Howard Hughes. The hotel is also said to be haunted by several ghosts, including a woman named Audra, who hanged herself in room 501 after learning that her fiancé had died at sea. She is known as the "Lovelorn Lady" and is often seen wandering the halls or turning on and off the lights.
The Bishops Palace:Â
This Victorian mansion was built in 1892 for lawyer and politician Walter Gresham and his family. The mansion survived the 1900 hurricane and was later used as a residence for the Catholic bishops of Galveston. It is said that this mansion is haunted by the spirits of the Gresham family, who are sometimes seen or heard in the rooms or on the stairs. The mansion also has a secret attic room used as a hiding place for priests during the Spanish Inquisition.
The Moody Mansion:Â
This Victorian mansion was built in 1895 for cotton trader Richard Willis and his family and was later bought by financier William Lewis Moody Jr. and his wife Libbie, prominent figures in Galveston's society. The mansion is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Libbie and her daughter Mary, often seen in their bedrooms or the ballroom. The mansion also has a haunted mirror that reflects images of people who are not there.
The Galveston Railroad Museum:Â
This museum showcases the history of railroads in Galveston and Texas. The museum has over 40 locomotives and cars on display, some of which are said to be haunted by the ghosts of passengers and workers who died in train accidents or disasters. Some haunted trains are the Texas Limited, which crashed in 1903; the City of San Francisco, which was stranded in a blizzard in 1952; and the Harborside Express, which was damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Some of the popular ghost tours are:
Galveston Ghosts Walking Tour:Â
This is a 90-minute walking tour that takes you to some of the most haunted locations in downtown Galveston, such as the Strand Historic District, the Tremont House Hotel, and the Old City Cemetery. You will hear stories of murder, suicide, cannibalism, and other gruesome events that have left behind restless spirits.
Historic Galveston Ghost Tour:Â
This is another 90-minute walking tour that focuses on the history and culture of Galveston and its paranormal activity. You will visit places like the Bishops Palace, the Moody Mansion, the Ashton Villa, and the Sealy Mansion. You will learn about the famous and infamous people who lived and died in Galveston and how they still haunt their former homes.
Al's Galveston Ghost Tour:Â
This small group walking tour offers a unique and personalized experience of Galveston's ghost scene. You will follow your guide, Al, who has led hundreds of ghost tours in Galveston and knows all the secrets and mysteries of the island. You will see places not usually included in other tours, such as hidden alleys, secret tunnels, and underground vaults.
For more information on haunted tours, check here.
How to Get Around Galveston Before of After Your Cruise?
There are many options to get around this port city of Galveston to explore its beauty and history. Here are some of the ways:
Galveston Island Trolley:Â This rubber wheel trolley service runs daily along the Seawall and downtown. You can hop on and off at any stop and enjoy the scenic views of the beach and the historic buildings. The fare is $1 per ride or $5 for a day pass.
Colonel Paddlewheel Boat:Â This replica of an 1800s paddlewheel boat that offers cruises on Offatts Bayou. You can enjoy a one-hour narrated tour or a dinner cruise with live entertainment. The ship departs from Moody Gardens, and the prices vary depending on the cruise type.
Galveston Island Ferry:Â This free ferry service connects Galveston Island and Port Bolivar. You can drive your car, walk on board, and enjoy the 18-minute ride across the bay. You might even see some dolphins along the way.
Galveston Duck Tours:Â This fun and informative tour takes you on land and water in an amphibious vehicle. You can see the highlights of Galveston, such as the Strand, the Seawall, and the harbor while learning about the history and culture of the island. The tour lasts about an hour, and the tickets are $22 for adults and $14 for children.
Galveston Harbor Tours: This is a boat tour that takes you around the Galveston harbor and shows you the sights and sounds of the working port. You can learn about the history of Galveston, see the wildlife, and watch the ships come and go. The tour lasts about an hour, and the tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children.
Galveston Helicopters:Â This aerial tour gives you a bird's eye view of Galveston Island. You can choose from different packages, such as the Seawall Tour, the Beach Tour, or the Sunset Tour, and fly over the landmarks and attractions of Galveston. The prices start from $35 per person.
Bicycle Rental:Â There are several bicycle rental companies, including Coastal Bike Rentals, Island Bicycle Company, Zipp E-Bikes, and Pedego Electric Bikes Galveston. Prices start from $10 per hour, and guided tours are available.
What is There to Do in Galveston Cruise Port Before or After Your Cruise?
To make the most of your time in Galveston before or after your cruise, here are some great options:
Moody Gardens: A sprawling complex that features a variety of attractions, including an aquarium, a rainforest, a discovery museum, a 3D theater, and a golf course. You can explore the diverse marine life, learn about conservation efforts, enjoy interactive exhibits, and have fun with the whole family.
Strand Historic District:Â This is the heart of downtown Galveston, where you can find many shops, restaurants, bars, and museums. You can admire the Victorian architecture, browse the antique stores, and sample the local cuisine.
The Strand is the main historic street in Galveston Galveston Railroad Museum: This is an impressive collection of train engines and cars through the years. As an interactive exhibit, the children will love exploring the Polar Express. Heading into the holiday season, the museum holds a pajama party for the kids. A must for train lovers. Sheldon Cooper would be impressed!!
5 acres of trains at the Galveston Railroad museum Texas Seaport Museum (Ocean Star):Â The Ocean Star is a retired jack-up drilling rig that offers a fun, hands-on way to learn about the offshore oil and gas industry in a comfortable and accessible facility.
Relax at the Beach:Â Galveston has 32 miles of coastline, offering plenty of options for beach lovers. You can soak up the sun, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, surf the waves, or play beach volleyball. Some of the most popular beaches are Stewart Beach, East Beach, and Seawall Urban Park. Do be aware of rattlesnakes in the thicker grassy areas.
Pleasure Pier:Â This classic amusement park extends over the water on a pier. You can ride thrilling roller coasters, enjoy carnival games, watch live shows, and indulge in tasty treats. The Pleasure Pier is a great place to have some fun and enjoy ocean views.Â
Galveston Pleasure Pier Amusement park Visit the Tall Ship ELISSA and the Galveston Historic Seaport: Discover the maritime history of Galveston by visiting the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA at the Galveston Historic Seaport. The ship is a living piece of history and a National Historic Landmark. Explore the vessel and learn about the immigrant experience at the Galveston Immigration Experience. This museum tells the stories of the immigrants who arrived in Galveston in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A performance at the Grand 1894 Opera House: This Opera House hosts a variety of shows, including Broadway productions, concerts, and comedy acts. The ornate architecture alone is worth the visit.
Birdwatching: There are several spots, like the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve and Lafitte's Cove Nature Preserve, where you can spot various bird species.Â
Fishing: Fishing charters are available for those who want to catch Gulf Coast fish. Species include Red Snapper and Yellowfin Tuna.
Should You Visit Galveston Cruise Port Before or After Your Cruise?
Absolutely!
I spent 2 days there and could easily have spend another two.
I would love to hear your comments about this underrated town in southern Texas.
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