As an avid cruiser, I’ve sailed more than 20 times from Florida. The state’s major cruise hubs—Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa Bay, and Port Canaveral—boast sprawling, state-of-the-art terminals and serve as home ports for all the major cruise lines.
But on a recent sailing aboard the Disney Cruise Line‘s Disney Magic (my personal favorite), I departed from a new-to-me port: Galveston, Texas. Often flying under the radar, the Port of Galveston is quickly growing popularity. In fact, it’s projected to see more than 1.75 million passengers and over 400 cruise sailings in 2025.
With three cruise terminals currently operating—and a fourth slated to open in late 2025—Galveston is smaller (and noticeably calmer) than Florida’s larger ports. Even better? The city itself is a fun and vibrant tourist destination, making it ideal for extending your vacation before or after your cruise.
From accommodations to port logistics, here’s everything you need to know about sailing out of Galveston—straight from a seasoned cruise pro.
 Getting There
The Port of Galveston is located on a coastal island town in Texas, approximately one hour from Houston. There are two airport main options: William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), the closest airport, and George Bush intercontinental Airport (IAH), the larger of the two, offering more flight options, including international routes. If you’re flying in, it’s recommended to arrive the day before your cruise given the travel time to the port.
Transportation options include private car services and public shuttles like Galveston Express, both of which are best booked in advance. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available. If you’re driving, official Port of Galveston parking is available with the option to pre-book online.
Pre- and Post-cruise
Galveston offers a wide range of accommodations, from hotels and bed & breakfasts to campgrounds, RV parks, and vacation rentals. (I stayed at the Grand Galvez, a beachfront historic hotel that I highly recommend for its luxurious experiences that evokes old-world glamour.)
The city of Galveston itself is charming, with a little something for everyone: world-class attractions, beaches, and museums, to name a few. Like many seaside towns, it is seasonal, and sailings outside the peak months (March to November) tend to offer a quieter experience.
In addition to being a popular beach destination, the historic downtown is worth exploring, with gaslit streets and Victorian-era architecture. For families, Moody Gardens and its Aquarium Pyramid are must-visits. In the summer, attractions like Schlitterbahn Galveston—home to the world’s tallest water slide—and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier offer classic boardwalk fun. The city also boasts the only Rainforest Café in the world with a ride.
Since you’re in Texas, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the local Tex-Mex cuisine. (I loved Salsas Mexican Restaurant, which also offers stunning views of the Gulf.)
Port Experience
With only a few cruise terminals, embarking from Port Galveston is refreshingly smooth. It’s common to see just two or three ships in a port at a time, which keeps the experience efficient and relaxed. On my sailing aboard the Disney Magic, it was the only ship in port, so check-in took less than 10 minutes.
The terminals offer modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, lounge-style seating, and luggage services, and are wheelchair accessible. Just remember to keep your passport and boarding documents on hand when arriving at the port.
Sailing Experience
Sailing from the Gulf of Mexico offers a different experience than departing from Florida’s Atlantic ports, too. Since the Gulf is semi-enclosed, it usually sees calmer sees with fewer swells than the open ocean. The Port of Galveston sits at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel, and it takes about 45 minutes to reach open water. Once there, conditions may become a bit rougher.
Compared to cruises out of Florida—especially to the Bahamas—Galveston itineraries tend to include more sea days, as ships must cross the Gulf to reach destinations in Mexico or the Caribbean.
Weather is another factor to consider, especially for the first and last days of your cruise. Galveston’s average winter temperatures hover in the low 60s, while summer temperatures can climb into the 90s. (My sailing was in February, and the weather stayed in the low 60s, so packing layers was ideal to enjoy outdoor spaces.)
