Cruise vacations have seen a major resurgence in the back half of this year and will continue to grow in 2023 with the debut of new ships, itineraries and home ports. Those wishing to try a new departure location outside of popular Florida ports will want to try the Port of Galveston in Texas.
While the Port of Galveston may not rank as the busiest port in the country — that title belongs to Port Miami — it is one of the fastest-growing locations, according to Tanner Callais, editor of the cruise guide website Cruzely.com.
“Over the years Galveston has seen a tremendous amount of growth. Heading into 2023, that growth is reaching a fever pitch,” Callais says. “For the tens of millions that live within driving distance of the port, it’s the chance to sail without having to deal with getting to Miami or Port Canaveral (in Florida).”
In 2022, Royal Caribbean opened a new $125 million terminal in Galveston. Norwegian Cruise Line visited the port for the first time and also plans to have its new Norwegian Prima ship homeport there starting in December 2023. Princess Cruises is also doing its return winter and spring run in Galveston this year.
How to score a deal on a Galveston cruise
Callais says the best way to score a deal on any cruise, including those out of Galveston, is to sail when school is in session. “With Royal Caribbean and Carnival being major players in Galveston, there is a lot of demand from family cruisers. When school is in session and people are back to work, prices are markedly cheaper as the number of people that can take a cruise shrinks,” Callais explains.
Callais also says that almost every website — direct or through a third-party agency — will have the same price for a cruise. “In fact, if you do find a website offering a deal that seems much cheaper than what can be found anywhere else, then I’d be hesitant to book,” Callais adds.
When searching for the best deal, cast a net based on your availability of dates (not cruise lines), and consider looking on third-party sites like Expedia. “These sites search across all cruises, allowing you to narrow your search as needed based on date, cruise line, departure port and more. By searching every line, you are more likely to find a good rate,” Callais suggests.
When is the best time to cruise out of Galveston?
Winter and spring bring more cruise lines to the port, so you’ll have more options during those times, especially if you want to book via Princess or Disney cruise lines. “Royal Caribbean and Carnival sail multiple ships year-round, so if you’re a fan of those lines, then you’ll always have plenty of options,” says Callais.
And while you may be concerned about the weather, Callais says that it shouldn’t impact your thoughts on booking out of Galveston. “Obviously hurricane season can cause havoc on a cruise itinerary, but given the unpredictable nature of storm season, I wouldn’t let that play a major factor in deciding when to cruise,” he says.
Fall and winter sailings can be impacted by fog, which can delay coming back to the port in the morning for the debarkation of one sailing and the embarkation of another. With the unpredictability of the fog, you shouldn’t base your sailing date on that, either.
Callais says his favorite time of the year to sail out of Galveston is May or September. “At these times it’s still warm in Texas, so you can enjoy the island before or after boarding. It also means that the first day will still be comfortable instead of being chilly like it can get during the winter,” he explains. And because this still falls outside of the summer season when kids are out of school, there are good deals to be found.
Best Galveston cruise deals for 2023
Princess Cruise Line
7-Day Western Caribbean With Mexico
This cruise on Ruby Princess starts at just $379 per person for an interior room or $729 for a balcony room. The sailing date is Jan. 15, 2023. Ports of call include Costa Maya and Cozumel Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.
5-Day ’80s Themed Caribbean Getaway With Cozumel
Step aboard the Ruby Princess for this blast from the past cruise, starting at $448 per person. The sailing date is April 9, 2023, with a stop in Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico.
10-Day Western Caribbean with Grand Cayman
For a longer sailing on Princess Cruise Line, consider this 10-day voyage to five different ports including Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands,, and Belize City, Belize. Interior staterooms start at $849 per person, making this a cheap vacation if you don’t mind not having a view of the ocean from your room.
Royal Caribbean
5-night Caribbean
Royal Caribbean
expedia.com
In October 2023, Voyager of the Seas will take travelers from Galveston to Costa Maya and Cozumel on five-night sailings. Inside cabins start at just $255 per traveler, while ocean-view rooms start at $330 per person.
5-night Caribbean
Royal Caribbean
expedia.com
An early January sailing with Royal Caribbean is on Allure of the Seas. The ship will set sail for ports in Costa Maya and Cozumel. Inside cabins are higher on this sailing at $598 per person, but still affordable for a group of friends or couples traveling after the holidays.
Disney Cruise Line
6-night Caribbean
While it may be known as the family cruise line, Disney Cruise Line does have something for everyone. On this mid-January sailing from Galveston on the Disney Magic, guests will enjoy Broadway-caliber entertainment, dine in three different dining rooms, and be able to enjoy Cozumel and Grand Cayman as the ports of call. Interior rooms start at $1,268 per person, while ocean view cabins start at $1,388 per person.
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