Galveston Cruise
Galveston, Texas
Cruising from the Galveston Cruise Port offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and Southern charm. Start your day with a Texas-style breakfast in the historic Strand District, the city's vibrant heart, filled with charming shops, restaurants, and bars. Explore the beautiful Galveston Islands, where you can enjoy family-friendly rides, outdoor sports, and scenic walks along the shore. Dive into the city’s rich past by visiting stunning Victorian mansions and centuries-old historic buildings. Don't miss Galveston’s world-class museums, like the Texas Seaport Museum and The Bryan Museum, showcasing fascinating exhibits from pirate lore to oil and railroad history, reflecting the colorful heritage of the Gulf Coast. Galveston guarantees an enriching pre-cruise experience filled with culture, fun, and natural beauty.
Cruises Out Of Galveston
5 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
From $449/person
Pharaohs Maare
3 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise
From $333/person
Pharaohs Unas
4 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
From $337/person
Pharaohs Maare
5 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
From $392/person
Pharaohs Maare
5 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day
From $419/person
Pharaohs Maare
5 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
From $440/person
Pharaohs Maare
5 Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day
From $447/person
Pharaohs Unas
GOOD TIMES IN GALVESTON
Galveston, home to more than 60 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers a treasure trove of historical gems that narrate the city’s rich past. A historic tour of Galveston features major stops like St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, an architectural marvel; the magnificent Bishop’s Palace, known for its intricate design and grandeur; and the Galveston Railroad Museum, which hosts one of the country’s most extensive rail collections. Cruising from Galveston Cruise Port provides a perfect opportunity to explore these cultural landmarks and immerse yourself in the vivid stories that shaped this vibrant Gulf Coast city.
HISTORIC TOURS
With more than 60 buildings listed on the national register of historical places, Galveston is home to historical gems with panoramic stories of the past. To learn more about them, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Bishop Palace and Galton Railroad Museum make a Galveston historic tour with major stops, which is one of the country's most wide rail collections.
CAMPING S'MORE FUN
Galveston Island State Park is a nature lover’s paradise spanning over 2,000 acres of pristine beaches, wetlands, and dunes, offering a perfect getaway for those cruising from Galveston Cruise Port. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching along scenic trails and coastal waters. For a unique experience, you can rent a campsite on the beach or bay and spend the night under the stars. The park's Nature Center provides educational programs, including guided paddle tours and star parties, enhancing your connection with the natural environment. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Galveston Island State Park offers an immersive escape into Texas’s coastal beauty.
PICK YOUR PARK
Moody Gardens is a must-visit for nature lovers cruising from Galveston Cruise Port, offering immersive marine sanctuaries and opportunities to interact with endangered species while learning about vital conservation efforts. For water thrill-seekers, the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark provides an exhilarating experience across its 26-acre park with the world’s tallest uphill water coaster, MASSIV, plus dozens of body slides, tube rides, raft adventures, and lazy rivers. The park’s three distinct sections feature wave pools, splash zones for kids, and relaxing cabanas, making it a perfect family-friendly destination to cool off and have fun amidst the Texas Gulf Coast.
SALTWATER STALWARTS
Along the 32 miles of coastline near Galveston, several county beach parks offer diverse experiences for visitors. Galveston Island State Park provides peaceful solitude with its natural beaches and wetlands, perfect for those seeking quiet nature escapes. For family-friendly fun, Stewart Beach is the ideal choice with its ample amenities and safe swimming areas. Meanwhile, East Beach stands out as the island’s most popular spot for social gatherings, festivals, and concerts, bustling with energy and vibrant crowds. These parks, along with numerous other pocket beaches along the Gulf Coast, ensure every visitor finds the perfect beach vibe during their visit to Galveston.
HEAD TO THE PIER
Galveston cruises offer an exciting chance to visit the iconic Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, a large-scale amusement park located on the historic Seawall Pier. This vibrant pier features 16 thrilling rides including the adrenaline-pumping Iron Shark roller coaster with its 100-foot vertical lift and four inversions, the swinging Texas Star Flyer soaring 230 feet over the Gulf, and the 100-foot-tall Galaxy Wheel Ferris wheel offering breathtaking sunset views. Beyond the rides, visitors can enjoy classic carnival games, delicious dining options, and unique souvenir shops, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico. The Pleasure Pier guarantees fun and excitement for families and thrill-seekers alike during your Galveston cruise adventure.
BUILDING BLOCKS
Walking through the well-preserved Victorian-era buildings of the Old Strand District during your Galveston cruise is like stepping back in time to when it was known as the "Wall Street of the South." This historic commercial hub is surrounded by the vibrant East End Historic District, the charming Haveli Museums, and the renowned Grand 1894 Opera House, Texas’s official opera house since 1993. The Grand, a beautifully restored Romanesque Revival theater built in 1894, offers world-class performances and cultural events year-round. The district is also home to unique boutiques and cozy cafés, making it an inviting blend of history, culture, and modern charm that enriches your Galveston cruise experience.
Local Cuisine
Galveston’s seafood reigns supreme, featuring the freshest Gulf shrimp, blue crab, snapper, and poultry caught daily by local boats. The island's culinary scene beautifully blends this coastal bounty with signature Tex-Mex flavors, offering sizzling fajitas and tequila-infused margaritas that captivate the palate. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Old Strand Emporium, home to a charming ice cream parlor, or visit La King’s Confectionery where local candy makers craft classic saltwater taffy on-site. Don’t forget to swing by one of the local drive-through daiquiri stands, perfect for a refreshing frozen cocktail as you explore the vibrant atmosphere of Galveston during your cruise.
Shopping
The Strand Historic District in Galveston is a prime shopping destination where 19th-century buildings house an eclectic mix of locally owned gift shops and antique stores. Here, you can find everything from beachwear and eccentric gifts to model ships, used books, Southwest turquoise jewelry, and Texas-inspired home décor. The district offers a charming shopping experience with its vibrant boutiques, artisan crafts, and nostalgic old-world charm, making it a must-visit for those exploring Galveston during their cruise.