Cruises from Galveston, Texas

Cruises from Galveston with MSC Cruises depart from the Port of Galveston at Terminal 16, 1602 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550. 

Galveston cruises for many passengers will begin with a flight into one of two Houston airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Travelling by car – whether self-driving, using a taxi, or a ride-share service – is by far the best way to reach the cruise port, as public transport options to and from both airports are limited.

When travelling by car from either airport, your vehicle will need to pick up I-45 (Interstate 45) and follow the road south to Galveston Island – around 65–70 miles from IAH and around 40–45 miles from HOU. Take exit 1C off I-45, head on to Harborside Drive, then follow the signs for Port of Galveston.

Houston’s Amtrak Train Station is the nearest major rail station to the cruise port, and using a taxi or ride-share service is the easiest and quickest option for reaching the port from the station. There are no passenger trains direct to Galveston, and public transport options are limited, so a taxi, car service or ride-share is highly recommended.

The journey is a little over 50 miles and, similarly to airport routes, involves your vehicle following I-45 south and then using signs for the cruise port once in Galveston.

Those holiday daydreams can become reality more easily than you might think, since MSC Cruises offers trips to suit all budgets. So, whether you’re seeking an extended, extravagant voyage or need a shorter, more cost-conscious break, cruises from Galveston that sail to Caribbean hotspots are firmly within reach. 

Galveston, in the state of Texas, operates on Central Time (CT). That means that from early November until early/mid-March, Galveston is on Central Standard Time (CST), which is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in the UK.

For the rest of the year – from early/mid-March until early November – Galveston is on Central Daylight Time (CDT), which is also six hours behind the UK’s British Summer Time (BST).

For much of the year, Galveston is six hours behind the UK, but there are short periods – when clocks ‘spring forward’ or ‘fall back’ – when that difference becomes five hours or seven hours behind.

Prepare for a Caribbean adventure on cruises from Galveston and be transported to some of the most alluring spots in the region. Sail to Mexico’s Caribbean coastline and relax in Costa Maya’s and Cozumel’s pristine waters, or experience Honduran life in Roatán, a stunning island surrounded by biodiverse coral reefs and marine life.

In Costa Maya, try a cookery workshop to learn about Mexican cuisine, or discover pib, a method used by the ancient Maya involving a submerged pit oven to slow-cook food. Head for a beach club to unwind in a cabana or try your hand at paddle-boarding. Perhaps explore the area’s villages in an open-air buggy, or soak up some history with a visit to the Maya ruins at Chacchoben.

Try out some watersports at one of Cozumel’s beach clubs, embark on a jungle trek, or visit KUZÁ Beach & Adventure Park and sample its many activities and sports. Foodies will enjoy the complimentary buffet and cocktails at Playa Uvas, as well as the taco trail (a street food excursion by bike), and tasting sessions focusing on locally made chocolate and tequila. Alternatively, tour some of Mexico’s innumerable cenotes – deep, water-filled sinkholes – some of which you can swim in.

Roatán’s excursions offer a little of everything: lounge in a beachfront villa with all-inclusive benefits or explore the island’s coastal gems on a catamaran cruise, with swim and snorkel stops. Visit some of Roatán’s fishing villages, or craft your own itinerary on a bespoke boat tour. Thrill-seekers will love the chance to go off-road and navigate Roatán’s landscapes on a sturdy ATV.

When on a cruise from Galveston, you’ll be pleased to find that the city has a great deal to offer visitors. Being set on the coast means that beaches are a big draw here, naturally, but there’s also a thriving arts scene, with an impressive selection of museums and galleries showcasing everything from local history and Indigenous culture to contemporary art. There’s also waterfront dining galore for those who like to eat with a view – a great way to introduce yourself to the city’s variety of food and drink.

Architecture fans or anyone with an eye for design will love Galveston’s Victorian buildings in The Strand and the East End Historic District. Also take in Moody Mansion, a towering, eye-catching building completed in 1895 and covering 28,000 square feet. You’ll see all this on an MSC Cruises sightseeing excursion around Galveston, as well as other architectural feats including the Grand 1894 Opera House and the opulent Grand Galvez, a hotel which boasts a back catalogue of famous guests over the decades.

A short way out of Galveston, you’ll find one of Houston’s most famous, most loved and most important attractions: the Johnson Space Center. This is where NASA undertakes pioneering space travel work, which guests can learn about through immersive exhibitions and experiences, such as Mission Mars and the International Space Station Gallery. Head to the center on one of our excursions and start exploring.

With a mighty 32 miles of coastline, Galveston certainly isn’t short on beaches and offers a variety of sandy stretches to suit any occasion. Stewart Beach, for example, is popular with families, thanks to its calm waters, lifeguards and wide selection of amenities. There’s also a beach volleyball court and children’s playground.

Spacious East Beach offers a mix of lively atmosphere and buzzy vibes, plus more serene moments, due to its proximity to the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve nearby. Many birds can be spotted here with a little patience, including some rarer species.

The sprawling Galveston Island State Park features large beach sections and is ideal for lovers of the great outdoors and those looking to stay active. Kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and numerous hiking trails will keep you busy.

Then there’s Galveston Seawall. Built as flood protection after the hurricane that devastated the region in 1900, the Seawall stretches out for over 10 miles – making it the United States’ longest continuous walkway – and connects to numerous beaches, including several of the above. It’s a great introduction to Galveston beach life.