Carnival Breeze Docked In Galveston Carnival Cruise Line ships have been sailing from Galveston since 2000 and Galveston is home to three year-round Carnival ships. The Carnival Dream, Carnival Breeze, and Carnival Vista all sail from Galveston and later in 2023 the Carnival Jubilee will come to replace the Carnival Vista. Galveston is a popular cruise departure homeport for Carnival guests.
This post will share some tips and information about Carnival Cruises from Galveston. I'll discuss some basic information about cruising from Galveston and share some tips/info about things that are a little different on the ship due to the sailing being from Galveston.
This post will share some tips and information about Carnival Cruises from Galveston. I'll discuss some basic information about cruising from Galveston and share some tips/info about things that are a little different on the ship due to the sailing being from Galveston.
1. Carnival Cruise ships sailing from Galveston depart from either Cruise Terminal 25 (formerly cruise terminal 1) and Cruise Terminal 28 (formerly cruise terminal 2). These terminals are located right next to each other. If multiple cruise ships are docked in Galveston at the same time make sure you go to the correct cruise terminal & drop your luggage off at your ship's terminal.
2. There is an above ground crosswalk between the Port of Galveston’s parking garage and Cruise Terminal 25, but it is not open for use! Do not be deceived seeing it and thinking you can cross. There are designated crosswalks at select points along Harborside Drive where cruise passengers can cross if coming from the Strand or a parking lot.
3. Some parking lots in Galveston offer a Park & Walk special. Typically this means the guest will park in the lot, but instead of taking a shuttle will have walk to the cruise terminal. This option is generally cheaper and can be a good savings depending on the parking lot. If your parking lot of choice offers this be aware that you will have to walk to the ship & cross Harborside Drive. Additionally, be prepared for any type of weather forecast as you might get wet if it is raining. Not all parking lots offer this option so I recommend shopping around and checking out the websites of different parking lots to look for the best deal for you.
4. Carnival will add sales tax on drink purchases made the first day while the ship is docked in Galveston up until the ship has sailed & reached international waters.
5. The Cheers beverage package is an alcoholic beverage program offered on Carnival's ships. Out of Galveston, the Cheers package cannot be purchased for use on Day #1. For sailings out of Galveston the Cheers program will take effect on Day #2. Any drinks purchased on Day #1 will not be covered under the Cheers program.
6. Galveston sail-a-way usually takes roughly 30-40 minutes. If the ship has to turn around prior to leaving Galveston's Harbor this will add some additional time to sailing away.
7. Carnival does not open the casino onboard until the ship has departed Galveston and is in international waters. The opening time of the casino can be found in the Carnival Hub App.
8. The onboard Fun Shops are closed until the first evening of the cruise. This means you cannot make purchases in the Fun Shops until the ship has departed Galveston. You can check the Carnival Hub App for the exact opening times for the first evening of your cruise or walk by the Fun Shops onboard & see the opening time posted.
9. During debarkation TABC will be present and ask you to pay taxes on any beverages you are bringing back into the state. Carnival does not charge taxes when you make the purchase onboard in international waters, but the State of Texas has laws regarding taxation that you must follow when getting off the ship.
10. The Strand in Galveston is located across the street from the cruise terminals in Galveston where Carnival docks. If you are looking for somewhere to browse shops or dining pre/post cruise, I recommend checking out The Strand. If you are looking around on embarkation day before boarding, just make sure you get to the cruise terminals timely.
11. Make sure you allow plenty of time to get to Galveston, especially if you are traveling in on the day of your cruise departure. Depending on where you are coming from, you may have to deal with traffic, construction, or other road delays. This isn't Carnival specific, but traffic can be unpredictable so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to make it to the cruise terminal & check-in on time.
Have a great Carnival Cruise from Galveston!
Have a great Carnival Cruise from Galveston!