Galveston
Texas, US
Port Report Card
Port Stats
The Tea
Galveston is proof that you don't need a fancy port to have a great cruise experience. This scrappy Texas port has grown from a one-terminal operation to a legitimate cruise hub, and the prices reflect its "we try harder" energy — parking at $12/day is a breath of fresh (sea) air.
The catch? If you're flying in, Houston's IAH airport is a solid 60-90 minutes away depending on traffic (and Houston traffic is… a personality). But if you're driving from anywhere in Texas, Galveston is the move. The historic Strand District near the port has actual character — restaurants, shops, and bars that aren't just cruise-themed gift shops.
The tea: Galveston punches well above its weight for value. Lower parking, cheaper pre-cruise hotels, and a port that doesn't treat you like a walking ATM. The cruise lines would rather you sail from Miami at twice the cost, but Texans know the deal.
Weather by Month
| Month | Avg Temp | Rain Days | Good Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 54°F | 11 | 65% |
| Feb | 60°F | 5 | 83% |
| Mar | 65°F | 8 | 74% |
| Apr | 71°F | 8 | 73% |
| May | 78°F | 13 | 58% |
| Jun | 83°F | 9 | 70% |
| Jul | 83°F | 15 | 52% |
| Aug | 85°F | 11 | 65% |
| Sep | 81°F | 8 | 73% |
| Oct | 77°F | 4 | 87% |
| Nov | 72°F | 9 | 70% |
| Dec | 62°F | 10 | 68% |
Day-in-Port Budget
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | $— | $— | $— |
| Drinks (2) | $— | $— | $— |
| Taxi to Strand District | $— | $— | $— |
| Excursion | $— | $— | $— |
| Souvenirs | $— | $— | $— |
Ships That Sail From Here
| Ship | Cruise Line | CDC Score | ShipTea Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Joy | Norwegian | 97 | 🟢 Smooth Sailing |
| Norwegian Prima | Norwegian | 98 | 🟢 Smooth Sailing |
| Adventure of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 100 | 🟢 Smooth Sailing |
| Liberty of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 97 | 🟢 Smooth Sailing |
| Harmony of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 99 | 🟢 Smooth Sailing |
| Carnival Breeze | Carnival | 98 | 🟢 Smooth Sailing |
| Carnival Dream | Carnival | 89 | 🟢 Smooth Sailing |
| Carnival Vista | Oceania | 100 | 🟢 Smooth Sailing |
| Carnival Jubilee | Carnival | 97 | 🟢 Smooth Sailing |
Explore CDC inspection scores and outbreak data for every cruise ship that sails from Galveston.