On the Gulf Coast of Texas in the USA sits the historic port city of Galveston.
Galveston Port was once a commercial port but now caters mainly to cruises.
From some of the top cruises in the world to more affordable cruises, Galveston has something to offer all lovers of the sea.
Here is our list of the best cruises departing from Galveston, Texas.
1. Disney Wonder
Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
Have you ever dreamt of having world famous Disney characters thrown into your cruise itinerary?
Disney Wonder, one of the best cruises that start from Galveston, can make your dream come true.
Adults need not despair, for this is by no means a cruise meant only for children.
This Disney Cruise Line ship can accommodate 2,713 passengers and has been recently renovated.
Apart from ten family zones and five youth clubs, this ship has seven areas reserved exclusively for adults.
The Quiet Cove swimming pool is one of the favorites for adult passengers.
Cruise deals include accommodation at lavishly furnished staterooms and choice of meals at family and adults-only restaurants.
There are nightclubs and lounges as well.
Ports of call are California, Alaska, the Caribbean and Mexico.
Size of Ship: Medium
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.35
Health Rating: 5.0
Best cruise from Galveston for: Families with young children, Couples
2. Liberty of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
Out of all the cruises leaving from Galveston, this Royal Caribbean International ship is one of most affordable cruises.
Liberty of the Seas is a large ship that accommodates a whopping number of passengers (4,960) and has 1,360 crew members.
Ports of call include destinations in Central America and Mexico.
Although the cruise was inaugurated in 2007, it was renovated in 2016. As a result, its facilities are spic and span.
There are various types of accommodation, from small interior rooms to sprawling suites.
Apart from the four restaurants included in the all inclusive cruises package, there are six more restaurants where you can eat if you pay an extra fee.
Entertainment is provided by whirlpools, pools and youth clubs for children, while for adults there is a surf simulator, a mini golf course, a rock climbing wall, an ice skating rink, casinos and lounges.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 4.10
Health Rating: 4.50
Best cruise from Galveston for: Couples, Singles, Groups of friends, Families with young children
3. Carnival Vista
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Vista is not only the newest and biggest ship in the Carnival fleet but also one of the most unique.
Do yourself a favor and book yourself one of these cruises leaving from Galveston.
As far as accommodation is concerned, steer clear of the staples and book a Family Harbor cabin or a Havana suite.
Cruises packages for the exclusive Family Harbor rooms come with free breakfast, all-day lounge access and special facilities for children.
The Havana category of accommodation offers all inclusive cruises for adults and has private pools, private bars, and rainfall showers.
If you get to leave the luxury of your room, indulge your taste-buds in the seven on-board restaurants that serve everything from pizza to exotic cuisines.
Pack your cruise itinerary with diverse entertainment like children’s clubs, retreats for adults, water parks, an iMAX theatre, a library inspired by Dr Seuss and a suspended bike course.
Carnival Vista accommodates 3,934 passengers and 1,450 crew members.
Size of Ship: Extra Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 4.05
Health Rating: 4.0
Best cruise from Galveston for: Couples, Singles, Groups of friends, Families with children
4. Carnival Breeze
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Lines
Of all the cruises departing from Galveston, Carnival Breeze falls in the cheap cruises category. However, it does not compromise on quality.
Accommodating 3,690 passengers, this Carnival Cruise Lines ship offers something for every cruiser.
There are many entertainment options to keep children and young adults busy all day, while their parents can relax in an adults-only environment.
Cruises packages include an outdoor sports arena, mini golf, outdoor water park and free programs for children.
For adults, there is a special retreat, a luxurious spa and half a dozen bars.
There are seven onboard restaurants and a variety of nightly entertainment shows.
The crew-to-guest ratio on even a ship as large as this is 1 to 3, so personalized service is never compromised.
All cabins have flat-screen TVs, mini-bars and room service.
Size of Ship: Extra Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 3.95
Health Rating: 5.0
Best cruise from Galveston for: Families with children, Couples, Groups of friends, Singles
5. Carnival Liberty
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
A comedy club, a seaside theatre, a sports bar, live stage performances— Carnival Liberty packs a lot of punch while remaining one of the most affordable cruises that sail from Galveston.
1,160 crew members cater to 2,974 guests, which ensures personalized service as part of all cruise deals.
Guests can eat at the two central dining rooms on payment of an extra fee, though all inclusive cruises come with complimentary access to the other restaurants and bars.
Guy’s Burger Joint is popular among cruisers.
There are separate entertainment and relaxation areas for children and adults, ensuring a cruise itinerary that satisfies the entire family.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 3.85
Health Rating: 4.50
Best cruise from Galveston for: Couples, Families with young children, Singles, Groups of friends
Wondering what to pack or looking for the world’s best cruises? This guide offers expert tips and excursions.
6. Carnival Freedom
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Freedom has room for almost 3,000 passengers and it has all the ‘Fun Ship 2.0’ amenities.
This is one of the affordable cruises leaving from Galveston.
There are as many as four swimming pools, which doesn’t let the cruisers feel too claustrophobic.
In addition, there is a mini-golf course, an adults-only spa and age-appropriate programs for children.
Cruises packages include dining at the popular Guy’s Burger Joint as well as many other restaurants.
Accommodation is varied, from the affordable to the luxurious. Opt for a sea-view suite as part of your cruise deal and have a memorable time.
The Carnival Freedom is ideal for 2-day cruises and 3-day cruises.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 3.85
Health Rating: 4.50
Best cruise from Galveston for: Couples, Families with young children, Groups, Singles
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7. Enchantment of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
This romantically named cruise leaves Galveston Port to make 3-day cruises and 4-day cruises to Miami and the Bahamas.
Cruises packages include a movie screen that’s right by the poolside, a video game arena, a rock climbing wall and live shows inspired by Broadway.
The splash deck and other age-appropriate programs keep children occupied, while adults can unwind in one of the seven lounges and bars, or the casino.
There are six restaurants onboard Enchantment of the Seas.
2,730 passengers are catered to by 852 crew members.
True to its name, this Royal Caribbean International ship offers an enchanting cruise itinerary.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 3.85
Health Rating: 4.50
Best cruise from Galveston for: Couples, Singles, Groups of friends, families with kids
8. Carnival Valor
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Want to sail away to the lovely, sunny Caribbean isles? Look no further. Book yourself one of the all inclusive cruises on the Carnival Valor.
One of the most affordable cruises that start from Galveston, this Carnival Cruise Line ship is large (accommodates almost 3,000 passengers) and yet offers a commendable 3 to 1 guest to crew ratio.
It comes with the ‘Fun Ship 2.0’ attractions like the Lido Deck and the Bluelguana Tequila Bar.
With several visits to the Cherry on Top candy store, your kids will have a packed cruise itinerary.
Adults can enjoy comedy shows, nightclubs, and various bars.
Apart from the standard rooms, there are more expensive suites with private Jacuzzi.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 3.80
Health Rating: 4.50
Best cruise from Galveston for: Couples, Singles, Families with children
9. Vision of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
Vision of the Seas has ports of call in diverse destinations like Europe, Canada, and the ever popular Caribbean.
One of the cheap cruises that depart from Galveston, the Vision can house 2,514 passengers.
The highlights of this cruise itinerary are the ship’s modern and recently renovated interiors as well as the variety of cuisine available onboard.
Cruises packages include daytime entertainment at the two swimming pools, the rock climbing wall, and the casinos.
Standard rooms have all modern amenities. But opt for a balcony suite to avail whirlpool bathtubs.
If you are lucky, you might even get one of the suites which have a baby grand piano!
Can affordable cruises get any better?
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Medium
Overall Rating: 3.80
Health Rating: 4.50
Best cruise from Galveston for: Couples, Singles, Families with kids, Groups of friends
10. Carnival Sunshine
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Sunshine was earlier known as the Carnival Destiny.
However, in 2013, this cruise sailing from Galveston changed its name and underwent renovation.
This 3,002 passenger ship was the first member of the Carnival fleet to be equipped with the ‘Fun Ship 2.0’ amenities.
After another upgrade in 2016, Carnival Sunshine now has almost all the trademark entertainment options available under the flagship brand.
Your cruise itinerary will be filled with visits to the restaurants, sports bars, mini golf course and the water parks.
Tired of spending too much time with the kids? Retreat to the Cloud 9 Sea or the Serenity, and come out rejuvenated.
Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Low
Overall Rating: 3.65
Health Rating: 4.00
Best cruise from Galveston for: Families with kids, Groups of friends, Couples, Singles
The only other cruise that departs from Galveston is the Carnival Dream. It is one of the most affordable cruises available, and sails to the Caribbean.
It has all the trademark features of the Carnival Cruise Line, and is a great option for 2-day cruises or 3-day cruises.
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