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Galveston (Texas)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-30 06:09

Port Galveston cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Galveston, Texas. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Galveston is a port city spread over Galveston Island and Pelican Island, in Texas USA. The city's land area is approx 208 mi2 (539 km2), with population around 50,000. The city is within the "Greater Houston" metro area (Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land) with total population over 6,5 million.

By annual cruise shipping traffic (~1 million embarking passengers), Port Galveston is currently ranked USA's 4th busiest cruise port - an increase of 126% since 2010, when the homeporting business started.

Port Galveston TX

Port Galveston (locode USGLS) is located on mainland Texas' upper coast and on the island's eastern end. The port is at approx 9 mi (15 km) from the open sea (Gulf of Mexico). The Port Authority company (Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves) is city-owned, self-sustaining and doesn't receive city property taxes.

In 2017, Galveston was ranked the USA's 4th largest cruise port. In 2016, it generated US$58,4M in local passenger spending, plus US$19,1M in port-provided services. Cruise ship operations created 1232 direct local jobs. According to the Port's statistical data, Texas receives from cruise ship operations ~USD 1,42 billion per year (direct spending). The industry generates 25166 state jobs and ~USD 1,62B in income.

In 2022, the Port's cruise activities supported ~3500 jobs and generated US$568 million (local business revenue) and US$73,5 million (local purchases by cruise tourists/passengers and crew).

Bayport Cruise Terminal (Houston) is located in Pasadena Texas. The driving distance between Galveston and Houston is approx 50 mi (80 km), or ~1-hour drive southeast.

Port Galveston was established in October 1825, making it the oldest on the Gulf of Mexico. During the late-19th century, the seaport was considered to be the USA's 2nd busiest - after NYC New York . It exported most of the USA's cotton, also cattle and rice. Unfortunately, on September 8, 1900, the port was devastated by the "1900 Galveston hurricane". The storm (Category 4) had strong winds of up to 145 mph (233 kph) and resulted in 6000-8000 dead - ranking it the USA's deadliest hurricane disaster ever. Although recovered, the seaport's market position was soon overtaken by Houston and other deepwater ports on the US Caribbean coast.

Major contributors to the Port's current successful cruise business are Carnival Corporation and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group . Both are currently ranked the world's largest passenger shipping companies and both homeport here large-capacity liners for year-round roundtrip departures. Today, Port Galveston is one of the most successful Caribbean USA homeports.

• On September 30, 2015, the port celebrated its 15th "cruise business" anniversary.
• On September 30, 2000, the Carnival ship MS Celebration started here its first homeport itinerary.
• In 2000-2015, the seaport handled a total of 2643 cruise ship calls (by 18 different vessels) and 7+ million passengers.
• During season 2017, were handled 33 ship calls (all turnarounds/roundtrips) and 113,488 passengers. Port's previous record year was 2005 (29 ship calls). In December 2017 was welcomed the port's 9 millionth passenger - since Sept 30, 2000, when its cruising business started.
• In 2018, CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines deployed in Galveston 3 boats ( Freedom , Valor , Vista ), with projected annual capacity 650,000+ pax. In 2018, here were also homeported RCI's boats Liberty OTS and Vision OTS .
• On December 5, 2018, the port authority company (Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves) signed with RCG an MoU agreement for the development and concession of a new (Royal Caribbean) "Cruise Terminal 3" at Pier 10. The US$125M project was officially approved on December 11, 2019. The long-term (20-year initial) lease deal could be extended (via 4 consecutive 10-year options) up to 60-year exclusive terminal concession rights . Between 2003-2018, RCI brought to Galveston 2,4+ million tourists (annual economic impact ~USD 65M). Terminal 3 was opened on Nov 9, 2022.

The port also has facilities to handle cargo ships (bulk freighters and container carriers ) and dry dock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs . The port can handle all types of cargo - containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk, breakbulk, RO-RO (roll-on/roll-off) vessels. There is a terminal switching railroad to facilitate larger cargo movements by rail.

In August 2021, Galveston Wharves signed an MoU with Stabilis Solutions to build and supply LNG bunkering/shore-to-ship fueling facilities in 2021. The deal was signed by Rodger Rees (Galveston Port's Director and CEO) and Jim Reddinger (Stabilis' President and CEO). Galveston is the second (after Corpus Christi) LNG bunkering port served by Stabilis (2013-founded, Houston Texas -based turnkey LNG company, part of LNG Investment Company LLC).

Galveston cruise port

In the period 2000-2016, the port invested USD 85+ million in its cruise terminals.

In 2014, the Port served ~642,000 passengers, in 2015 were handled ~834,000 (28% increase). Galveston was one of the few in the USA with increased passenger shipping traffic in 2015 - the other being Miami , San Juan Puerto Rico , Seattle and San Francisco .

In January 2014, the port signed a 5-year agreement with Royal Caribbean, generating USD 1,86+ million in annual revenues. The agreement required improvements to be made to Cruise Terminal 2 (Terminal 28) to accommodate larger vessels and more tourists. Terminal 2's size was increased to 150,000 ft2 / 13,940 m2 (passenger capacity up to 1000) at the cost of USD 10M.

In February 2015, Carnival added the ship Freedom as its 3rd year-round boat (joining the fleetmates Magic and Triumph ) which increased CCL's year capacity up to 600,000 passengers.

In 2016 were handled 875,000 passengers. In 2017 the number grew to 950,000 (economic impact USD 2,3 billion) supporting 13892 local jobs. Direct spending is USD 1,2+ billion. Generated jobs are 20,000 (paying over USD 1,1 billion in total income). Cruise ship vacation-related spending in Texas is accounted for 6,3% of the industry's direct expenditures, and 5,6% of the industry's nationwide overall spending.

In 2016, Carnival homeported in Galveston 3 ships ( Breeze , Freedom , Liberty ). Royal Caribbean in 2016-2017 homeported year-round 2 ships ( Liberty OTS , Vision OTS ).

In August 2017 (25-27), the port was closed due to Hurricane Harvey's significant rains during the weekend. This affected the schedules of 4 liners (Carnival Breeze, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Valor, Liberty of the Seas). The port was shut down to all shipping traffic (cargo and passenger). Freedom and Valor were relocated to New Orleans , Breeze remained docked overnight in Cozumel, Liberty OTS was diverted to Miami .

In 2017 were handled a total of 258 ship calls and ~1,9 million passengers. In 2017, the port reported a record monthly cruise shipping volume (113,488 embarking passengers) on a total of 33 departures in December. The previous record was 29 turnarounds (December 2005). In Dec 2017, the port also celebrated its 9 millionth passenger.

For 2018, the cruise port had booked 308 ship calls, with estimated 2+ million passengers. In September 2018, Carnival repositioned here Vista - replacing Breeze and joining Valor and Freedom . Seasonally (2018-2019 / October - January) here were homeported 3x Carnival ships (Vista, Valor, Freedom), 2x RCI ships (Liberty OTS, Vision OTS) and Wonder . The Disney ship offers roundtrips in autumn and winter, then relocates (through Panama Canal) to Alaska for the summer.

On December 9, 2018, Port Galveston welcomed its 10 millionth cruise tourist since 2000, when its cruising operations started. The lucky man was Yingtao Liu, who arrived from Norman Oklahoma together with his parents, wife and 3 kids. Upon checking before boarding Carnival Vista , the family (all first-time cruisers) was greeted by Rodger Rees (port's CEO) and Pavol Drimaj (ship's Hotel Director). All family members received gifts, including a 3-night hotel package for Island Bay Resort, a basket with gourmet treats, a CVB-logoed gift bag and a Carnival-logoed beach bag with travel essentials. The cruise company also extended the family's standard onboard amenities with VIP services.

Port's current schedule has two liners leaving on Saturdays, two on Sundays, one on Mondays, one on Thursdays. The Disney ship leaves on Fridays. Every 2 years is conducted ship channel/waterfront dredging to maintain the port's required water depth of 45 ft (14 m). The shipping channel is also regularly deepened to maintain a 150-ft (46-m) wide waterfront marine zone that allows access to piers 10 and 41.

In mid-January 2019, Port Galveston signed an agreement with DCL-Disney Cruise Line extending the company's preferential berthing rights for additional 10 years (until November 1, 2028), with optional 2 renewals for additional 5-year periods. The deal also included building a new/shared cruise terminal with capacity to handle a vessel similarly sized or bigger than Disney's Magic-Wonder boats.

In 2018, the Port's cruise shipping grew by 13%, resulting in USD 1,5 billion in direct expenditures and 26241 supported Texas jobs (with total wages USD 1,75 billion). Galveston is Texas State's only homeport and was accounted for 6,3% of the USA's cruise industry overall spending, 6,2% of the industry's total employment impact, 7,6% of its income impact. In 2018, the port's passenger+crew arrivals were ~1,4 million (estimated USD 115M in ashore spending/goods and services).

In mid-November 2022, Galveston Wharves announced an MoU with Carnival Corporation, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group, CenterPoint Energy Inc (USA electric transmission and natural gas services), Shell Trading (UK), and Texas A&M University (College Station City TX) for potential solutions to develop shoreside power connectivity .

In 2022, the Port's cruise business supported 3500 jobs, and generated US$568M in local business revenue plus US$73,5M in purchases by cruise tourists (passengers and crew).

In 2023, the cruise port recorded 362 booked berthings (354 ship calls received) and ~42% increase in passengers (~2,98 million) over 2022. When completed, the newest/4th MSC Cruise Terminal is expected to generate an additional 925 jobs, ~US$177M in revenues, ~US$21M in local purchases.

On December 4, 2019, Port Galveston welcomed its 1-millionth cruiser - Mark Martin (from Mission Viejo CA). He and his wife (Laurie Steele) were booked on Enchantment Of The Seas for a 5-day Western Caribbean itinerary to Mexico (Costa Maya, Cozumel).

As part of the Port Access Program 2019-2020, in mid-July 2020, TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) awarded USD 3,75M "Rider 38 Grant" for the USD 5M project for building a new internal roadway between 14th and 20th streets. The balance (USD 1,25M) will come from the cruise port's operating revenue. Works on the project are planned to start in August 2021 and to be completed in 2022-Q4. The new road is a section of an internal roadway running (through the port property) from 14th Street to 53rd Street. In 2018, Galveston Wharves received USD 1+ million from Rider 48 for repaving, widening and installing drainage on OPIR-Old Port Industrial Road (between 29th Str and 33rd Str) as well as for repaving and drainage on 33rd Str (between OPIR and Harborside Drive).

For FY2020 (fiscal year) Port Galveston reported USD 2 million in revenue (despite the Coronavirus crisis) mainly by reducing expenses.

• Grants and investments were USD 29M, expenses ~USD 27M ($11,3M in 2019). Seaport's operating income was USD 27,4M (40% from cargo shipping) including $7,2M from cruises (+parking).
• Revenues also included $6M (lay revenues), $1,9M (real estate leases), $0,8M (other).
• Projections for 2021 were for USD 37,5M (operating revenues) including $3M from cruise ships' lay dockage.
• Suspension of ex-Galveston cruises resulted in huge losses for the state's economy and the cruise shipping industry-related businesses. Based on annual economic statistics, statewide losses in 2020-2021 were estimated at USD 1,2 billion (direct spending), USD 1,6 billion (wages), ~23,000 jobs.

In August 2022 was announced a US$33 million investment in cruise-related infrastructure improvements, including US$22M (pier repairs, site works, utilities, 1800-lots cruise parking) and US$11M (upgrades at Terminal 25 and Terminal 28). Terminal 28 now has 450 cruise parking lots.

In May 2023, Galveston Wharves announced an investment of US$53 million in Terminal 25's expansion in order to accommodate CCL'’s largest ship Carnival Jubilee (max capacity 6630 passengers) which homeporting was scheduled to start in December 2023. The project included adding two new gangways, a new ramp, two elevators, one escalator, new roofing, improvements of facilities (including Customs & Border Protection).

With 3x cruise terminals and increased passenger traffic (7+ million visitors annually), in 2022 Port Galveston started investing in infrastructure upgrades (expanding the interior roadway) to divert some of the traffic (away from Harborside Drive) and technologies like real-time traffic conditions and route updates (via mobile apps), more wayfinding electronic signboards, advance traffic notifications (for tourists with booked cruise parking), car license plate recognition (for automated cruise port parking entry and exit). The ~USD 20 million project also included the restoration and extension of the roads in the Old Port Industrial and Wharf. A direct road connection to highway I-45 can divert most of the cruise-related vehicle traffic directly to the Port.

In October 2023, Galveston Wharves received US$42.3 million in state funding for cargo terminals and road infrastructures.

• A US3.85M (+US$1M port contribution) were allocated for the restoration of the in-port roadway (between streets 33rd and 41st) and reopening of the enclosed pedestrian walkway over Harborside Drive/Texas State Highway 275 (at 25th Street), which provides access to cruise port's terminals 25 and 28, as well as to the Shearn Moody Plaza Garage and downtown Galveston's Strand District. The project also included installing elevators and/or escalators at Terminal 25 and the parking garage.
• US$2.5M (+US$0,655M port contribution) was used for the 4th section of the internal roadway to improve access to the West Port and divert cruise traffic from I-275/Harborside Drive and reduce downtown's congestion.
• In March 2024 started the expansion of the Express Lot (park-and-walk road infrastructure adjacent to cruise terminals 25 and 28) to reduce traffic on Harborside

In November 2023 was announced a US$5.3M contract for engineering and architecture services for a new/fourth terminal at Pier 16.

On November 21, 2023, was adopted Galveston Wharves' 2024 budget, with projected US$37M in net income, US$72,5M in operating revenues (12% over 2023's), US$35,5M in operating expenses, and ~14% increase in cruise tourists (~1,6M).

For FY2023, Galveston Wharves Port reported revenues of US$67,4M (27,5% increase), a net operating income of US$24,5M (55,4% increase), received 1,490532M passengers/embarkations (+43,1%), 210665 cruise cars parked (+46,4%), and handled 3,6M tons of cargo.

Cruise itineraries from Galveston Texas

Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Galveston:

• Most departures from Galveston are operated by liners from the fleets of Carnival , RCI-Royal Caribbean and DCL-Disney .
• (Western Caribbean) 7-day to Honduras ( Roatan island ) and Mexico ( Costa Maya and Cozumel ).
• (Western Caribbean) 7-day to Jamaica ( Montego Bay ), Grand Cayman ( George Town ) and Mexico ( Cozumel ). Another port of call could be Belize City .
• (Eastern Caribbean) 7-day to Florida ( Key West ) and Bahamas ( Freeport , and Nassau ). Also can be visited the Bahamian private islands Half Moon Cay (Carnival), Castaway Cay (Disney) and CocoCay (Royal Caribbean).

(Western Caribbean) From Galveston are also offered Mexico-only roundtrips that visit Cozumel (4-days) and Cozumel with Progreso (5-days).

Galveston cruise terminal

The port consists of Pelican Island's southern side, Galveston Island's northern side and Galveston Bay's entrance. The Galveston Ship Channel's authorized min depth is 45 ft (14 m). Its width at the narrowest point is 1200 ft (370 m).

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - USGLS
• supported by excellent road, rail and air infrastructure
• capability to accommodate 3 vessels at a time
• deep water channel - min depth (45 ft / 13,7 m), narrowest point width (1200 ft / 366 m)
• deep water berths
• sheltered harbor area, direct access to Gulf of Mexico

The Port is accessible the whole year round - 24/7, 365 days a year.

Cruise ships usually arrive in Galveston in the late afternoon (4 or 4:30 PM) and depart from Galveston in the early evening (at 7 or 8 PM). Know that disembarking passengers must pay tax on alcohol and cigarettes imported into Texas (purchased either on the ship or at ports of call).

Port Galveston has 3 passenger terminals, all featuring modern and most efficient customer facilities.

"Cruise Terminal 1" serves vessels of Princess and Carnival .

"Cruise Terminal 2" is utilized by Disney , Celebrity and RCI-Royal Caribbean .

"Cruise Terminal 3" (2022-opened) is exclusive to Royal Caribbean.

Houston-Galveston fly cruisers information

Flight tourists boarding in Galveston fly into one of Houston's two airports - George Bush/Intercontinental (IAH) or the smaller William Hobby (HOU/served mainly by Southwest Airlines).

Galveston cruise port is approx 40 mi / 70 km from Hobby Airport (~60 min drive distance) and approx 70 mi / 110 km from Houston Airport (~90 min drive distance). For fly-cruisers is recommended to use rideshare (larger group travel) services. Lyft is Galveston terminal's exclusive rideshare company (pricing per vehicle /not per person) so Uber is not an option. Most Lyft vehicles fit 4x people (+ the driver). Taxis are also available from both Houston airports, but the prices are significantly higher (~twice) than the rideshare service.

Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer roundtrip shuttle bus services (between Galveston and both airports in Houston) with prices per person / similar to Lyft's. Independent shuttle services are provided by companies like Galveston Express, Galveston Limousine, Island Breeze Shuttle.

If the cruise ship itinerary's arrival time at Port Galveston is 6-7 am (debarkation day), passenger disembarkation is usually completed between 7:30-9 am. So the earliest home flight from Houston is recommended to be booked for 1 pm or later.

Cruise Ship Terminals 1 and 2

• Pier 25/Terminal 1 address - "2502 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550"
• Pier 27/Terminal 2 address - "2702 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550"
• At Terminal 1 (pier 25) dock Princess and CCL-Carnival boats.
• At Terminal 2 (pier 27) dock DCL-Disney and RCI-Royal Caribbean boats.
• Embarkation: luggage must be unloaded at the terminal curbside prior to parking. Shuttles don't handle luggage during embarkation.

On November 30, 2016, the port completed a USD 13 million project that expanded the passenger area at "Cruise Terminal 2". Terminal's both buildings are now connected by an enclosed, air-conditioned walkway. The passenger area was increased from around 90,000 to 150,000 ft2 (8360 to 13950 m2). Seating was increased from 500 to 2000 seats, baggage holding-, customs- and waiting areas were expanded, and 16 more check-in booths were installed.

Terminal 2's expansion works started in 2014, financed by Royal Caribbean . However, construction roadblocks delayed the project with roughly a year. The expansion also included longer docking pier with extra bollards (short, vertical posts used for mooring). The dock project cost around USD 3,5M and was completed in 2017. The expanded Terminal 2 now has capacity to handle up to 5,000 passengers at a time.

In 2018, on Terminal 2's channel side were added new mooring structures (bollards) to allow docking of the longer Carnival Vista . The main mooring was upgraded with 200-ton bollards (metal posts for the mooring lines). The port is currently in the conceptual stage (designs) for building a new (3rd) cruise terminal as the demand for large vessels leaving from Galveston on the weekends is constantly growing.

(NEW) "Pier 10" Royal Caribbean Terminal 3

Cruise Terminal 3's address is "1028 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX 77550"

On December 5, 2018, the port authority company (Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves) signed with RCG-Royal Caribbean Group an MoU agreement for the development and concession of a new ( Royal Caribbean-exclusive ) terminal.

The USD 125 million (~EUR 107M) project was approved on December 11, 2019. This is a long-term (20-year initial) lease deal that could be extended (via 4 consecutive 10-year options) up to 60-year exclusive terminal concession rights.

The new Royal Caribbean terminal is sized 14990 m2 (161300 ft2) and occupies 10 acres (4 hectares / 40500 m2) of land at Pier 10 (port's southeast section).

The design was developed by Bermello Ajamil & Partners Inc - the company that also designed the Royal Caribbean's Terminal A (PortMiami), Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal (New York City) and Terminals 18 & 25 (Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale).

The new passenger terminal has a modern building (height 68 ft/ 21 m) and docking capacity to accommodate even Oasis-class liners (the world's largest ).

Cruise Terminal 3 features dedicated bus parking, taxi ranks, large car parking (1550 lots), facial recognition technology, mobile check-in service.

The construction works on "Terminal 3" were planned to start in April 2020, with scheduled completion in November 2021. However, due to the COVID crisis, in early-March RCG requested a 1-year extension for the construction's start (rescheduled for April 1, 2021). RCG's proposal was approved on April 28, 2020. The initial plans included in 2021 here to be homeported Allure OTS (starting November 10th), but the ship's homeporting was rescheduled for Nov 2022.

Works on Pier 10's Terminal 3 officially started on August 14, 2021. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Rodger Rees (Galveston Port Director and Galveston Wharves' CEO), Joshua Carroll (RCG's VP of Destination Development), Craig Mygatt (Ceres Terminals Inc's CEO), Craig Brown (City Mayor).

The project created ~400 construction jobs and ~400 permanent jobs.

RCI Galveston Terminal was initially scheduled for completion/inauguration on September 1, 2022, but was officially opened on November 9th. The new facility is co-owned (50-50) by RCG and Ceres Terminals Inc (provider of stevedore and terminal management services, part of Ceres Terminal Holdings LLC). Ceres currently provides for RCG similar services at Port Canaveral , Tampa , Port NOLA/New Orleans  and Baltimore .

Terminal 3 has an area dedicated to Suite-booked passengers, accessed via an exclusive entrance. The waiting hall is fitted with comfortable sofas, restrooms, vending machines.

(NEW) MSC Cruise Terminal (Galveston Pier 16)

In late-December 2022, MSC Cruises announced plans for homeporting in Galveston.

In 2023, MSC (world's 3rd-largest cruise shipowner) started negotiations with Galveston Wharves on a fourth/new cruise terminal, signing a non-binding MoU (memorandum of understanding) that outlined a potential terminal development and operation agreement for a new facility to be constructed at Port Galveston's piers 16-18.

The MoU was signed by Ruben Rodriguez (MSC Cruises USA's President) and Rodger Rees (Port Director and CEO).

The announcement made Galveston MSC's 4th American homeport - following Florida's Miami and Port Canaveral/Orlando ), and New York's NYC (since April 2023).

The MSC Cruise Terminal was included in Galveston Port's "20-Year Strategic Master Plan" listing major investments and maintenance projects to maximize assets, optimize all shipping-related business sectors and boost the state's economy with new jobs and more revenues.

In August 2023, the Wharves Board authorized US$673,000 for the proposed MSC Terminal's design and pre-engineering cost estimates.

In 2023, MSC had booked a record of 362 berthings/voyages out of Galveston.

On February 7, 2024, Galveston Wharves and MSC finalized the operating agreement for the new terminal complex. Starting in November 2025, in Galveston MSC inaugurates homeporting operations with the ship MSC Seascape .

The MSC Cruise Terminal complex at Pier 16 comprises a US$100 million terminal facility (docking infrastructure and building/former cargo warehouse), plus a US$42 million parking garage, and an internal roadway. Construction works were scheduled to start in 2024-Q1.

The project (funded with Galveston Wharves' cash reserves and revenue bonds). The terminal building is sized 165000 ft2/15330 m2. MSC will exclusively operate the facility under a 20-year concession agreement (2025 through 2045).

The 20-year terminal concession deal between Galveston Wharves and MSC is inclusive of 4 optional 5-year extensions. MSC was allocated a fixed cruise schedule while the Port retains the prerogative to receive at Pier 16 other cruise vessels, contingent upon availability.

Annually, Galveston's 4th cruise terminal is projected to support 925 new jobs and ~US$177 million in local business revenues (passenger fees and sales tax from parking).

(NEW) Pier 16 Cruise Terminal (4th)

On November 7, 2023, the Wharves Board signed a US$5.3M contract with Bermello Ajamil & Partners Inc (1939-founded engineering and architecture company/subsidiary of BAP Development Inc) for a fourth terminal at Pier 16.

Bermello Ajamil's services included the design of the building, one parking garage, one passenger boarding bridge, marine structure and civil improvements (dock area, access roads, utilities, surface parking).

Galveston's fourth/newest cruise terminal project was unanimously voted at the Board's October 31st meeting and was included in the Port's "20-Year Strategic Master Plan" (2019-adopted). It was also announced that the port and MSC are negotiating an agreement related to the Pier 16 Terminal.

In September 2023 the Board contracted Hensel Phelps Construction Co (1937-founded) for preconstruction services.

Construction works are planned to start in 2025-Q1.

The entire project is estimated to cost ~US$140 million.

Cruise ship terminal directions and parking

From East - take Highway 87. Board a Port Bolivar vehicle ferry. Exit the ferry onto Ferry Road (Highway 87). Turn right onto Harborside Drive, then continue to Kempner (22nd Street) - some 20 city blocks. Turn right onto Kempner (22nd Street) and follow the signs to the terminal (Pier 25 or 27).

From North or West - take Interstate 45 South, then Exit 1C, Follow the feeder road to Harborside Drive (Highway 275), then turn left onto Harborside Drive and for ~5 mi / 8 km to Kempner (22nd Street). Turn left onto Kempner (22nd Street) and follow the signs to the terminal (Pier 25 or 27).

Cruise Parking Rates (subject to change) - USD 45 (on 4-day cruises), USD 50 (on 5-day cruises), USD 70 (on 7-day cruises). Parking is guarded and lighted, with 24-hour surveillance and police patrol. The garage's phone number is 409 766-6100.

Debarkation: go directly to the Parking Lot to retrieve your car (without luggage). Then pick up passengers and luggage at the terminal curbside. Depart the terminal via shuttles. The service is provided only in parking lots with luggage drop-off signs.

If you plan to fly to Galveston, you will arrive at either Hobby Airport, HOU, or George Bush International Airport, IAH, you have to rent a car or take a cruise line shuttle. There is no public transportation to Galveston from the airports in Huston. Galveston Limousine offers service to Galveston cruise ship terminal for USD 30. Taxi fares are USD 100 from George Bush Intercontinental and USD 75 from Hobby Airport.

The port's cruise parking rate is US$11.25 per day (subject to change). Payment options are cash, VISA / MasterCard or to pay in advance on the port's website. Four-day cruise parking costs US$45, 5-day - US$ 46.25, and 1-week/7-day – US$78.75.

Royal Caribbean's new Cruise Terminal 3's parking lots (, South, and Pier 14) are priced US$22/day (North Lot) and US$20 per day (at South Lot and Pier 14 Lot).

independently owned/operated parking lots near Port Galveston are located near Terminals 1 and 2, but relatively far away from Terminal 3. Most lots are at ~10-min drive/30-min walk distance from the Port. Near the cruise port are the lots of EZ Cruise Parking, Galveston Park N Cruise, Falstaff Cruise Parking, Discount Cruise Parking.

Best-rated hotels near Port Galveston include Baymont by Wyndham, Springhill Suites by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

During you stay, Galveston can offer plenty of activities for any age. You can enjoy tropical rainforest adventure or rest at the sunny beach. If you prefer, you can visit amusement places near the Galveston cruise port terminal like:

• Texas Seaport Museum
• the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
• the Moody Gardens
• the Bishop’s Palace
• the Stewart Beach Park

Galveston tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Cruises from Galveston

An island full of art, architecture, and boutiques.

Princess® returns to Galveston, sailing once again from this city tucked within a quaint Gulf Coast barrier island. Explore the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and grab some local cuisine, or visit Moody Gardens with attractions and entertainment ranging from a world-class aquarium and a living rainforest to the Discovery Museum and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, before you embark on a cruise to exciting destinations in the Western Caribbean and Mexico such as Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roatan.

Caribbean cruises

On a cruise from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, explore the beauty of unspoiled coral reefs and underwater caves as well as visit the ancient Mayan ruins throughout the region. One moment you can be walking among the vast ruins of this mighty civilization and the next delving into the culture of the Yucatán Peninsula or simply unwinding on beaches that offer some of the best snorkeling in the world.

What to Know About Cruises from Galveston

Known for its history, beaches and outdoor adventures, Galveston is truly a gem in Texas. Here’s everything you need to know about your cruise from Galveston. 

Galveston at a glance

• Language:  English
• Currency:  U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone:  Central Time (CT)
• Docking:  Your cruise from Galveston docks at the Port of Galveston located in the city’s historic downtown district.
• Attire:  Galveston’s temperatures throughout the year typically range from 48 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it’s never too hot or too cold to spend the day at the beach.
• Transportation:  You can get around the island by Uber, Lyft, shuttle, limousine, or rental car. There are also unique transportation options such as surreys along the beachfront and horse-drawn carriages in the historic downtown district.

Things to do in Galveston

Before getting on a cruise from Galveston, start your vacation with a visit to the city’s museums, historic neighborhoods, and cultural icons. Take a walk along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, home to family-friendly rides, games, and other attractions. Then relax on one of Galveston’s many iconic beaches and enjoy the 32-miles of coastline. Whether you are traveling with family, a group of friends or your significant other, this laid-back island has something for everyone.

Cruise Ship Sailing from Galveston

Join our Princess fleet to sail on some of the best cruises from Galveston. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Learn more about: Regal Princess®

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

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Medallionclass® on all ships.

Next-level technology. More time for you. Your vacation – simplified, personalized.

New To Cruising

First time cruising? Have questions? We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing.

Food & Dining

Award-winning and made from scratch

6 - Day Western Caribbean from Galveston, TX

Cruise itinerary.

Day 1: Galveston

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea

Day 3: costa maya, day 4: belize, day 5: cozumel.

Day 6: Fun Day at Sea

Day 7: galveston.

Get to Know Carnival Dream

It's one thing to be fun, but it's another thing to be first. Carnival Dream was at the forefront of a recent wave of amazingly innovative and fun Carnival ships. As the genesis of the Dream class, Carnival Dream set the direction for the ships that followed in her footsteps — first Carnival Magic and then Carnival Breeze. But back to Carnival Dream: the ship itself is a unique experience with the way-fun RedFrog Rum Bar ® and the very cool BlueIguana Tequila Bar ™ . Get your appetite ready, because you're gonna need it. Carnival Dream features two dual-level dining rooms, a gourmet steakhouse and dedicated sushi spot Bonsai Sushi ™ . It's also got a full menu of our latest and greatest casual spots for a bite: BlueIguana Cantina ™ , Pizzeria del Capitano, Guy's Burger Joint ™ and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse ™ . (That's Guy as in Guy Fieri, by the way — so you know the food's delish.) Carnival Dream also features the borderline-magical Alchemy Bar ® and Ocean Plaza, which combines tasty treats with perhaps even tastier entertainment. Entertainment options are all up and down the ship, and so is soaking-wet fun, from the heart-racing waterslide action at Carnival WaterWorks ™ to the soul-soothing Thalassotherapy pool at the Cloud 9 Spa ™ . Despite its name, Carnival Dream is definitely a reality. Can't believe it? Pinch yourself... and book your dream cruise today.

Onboard Activities

Onboard Dining

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Limited-Time Cruises from Texas

Chart a course from galveston, texas to the western caribbean, tropical sailings, 4- and 5-night western caribbean cruises.

Hit the waves with some watersports, explore ancient ruins or sample tasty local delicacies when you drop anchor in the sunny port of either Cozumel or Progreso—or both, depending on your itinerary.

6- and 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruises

Set your sights on an endless array of delightful onboard offerings while sailing to such sun-drenched locales as Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica—where white-sand beaches, balmy weather and adventurous activities await.

SPECIAL DAYS AT SEA

What’s included in the price of a disney cruise.

From the moment you step on board to your last wave goodbye, your vacation includes almost everything you and your family could hope for—and so much more.

Magic On Deck

Home to the high-speed AquaDunk waterslide, the Disney Magic is awash with dining, entertainment and recreation—including Rapunzel’s Royal Table restaurant and Tangled: The Musical .

Very Merrytime Cruises

Share in a holly-jolly fusion of holiday-themed décor and entertainment—including a towering Christmas tree, Santa Claus sightings and a festive celebration with Disney Characters in holiday attire.

MAGIC FOR EVERY MEMBER OF YOUR CREW

Fun for the entire family.

Delight in unique, family-friendly activities throughout the ship. View More

Just for Kids

Imaginatively themed youth clubs await children of all ages. View More

Just for Adults

Adults enjoy the best of both worlds—time with the kids and time alone. View More

• Extravagant, Broadway-quality live shows and entertainment throughout your cruise
• Unique deck parties starring some of your favorite Characters—including an unforgettable spectacular with fireworks at sea on most itineraries
• First-run movies and Disney classics in state-of-the-art theater venues or family favorites under the stars
• Themed pool areas that include a kids pool, a family pool, a splash zone and a waterslide
• Staterooms tailored especially for families, which include deluxe rooms with expanded space, convenient split bathrooms and premium amenities
• Kids can learn and play in children’s activity spaces fueled by Disney storytelling—including MARVEL’s Avengers Academy
• Tweens ages 11 through 14 are invited to spend time in a youth club all their own—featuring videogames, music, movies, arts and crafts, karaoke and scavenger hunts
• Teens can relax in a fun, parents-free venue with activities like karaoke, video game challenges, trivia showdowns, dance parties and tons more—under the supervision of helpful counselors
• Adult-exclusive dining at Palo , serving classic Northern Italian cooking in an elegant setting
• A tranquil pool and whirlpool spa overflowing with sweeping views and ocean breezes
• Themed nightclubs and lounges, home to exciting live music and dance parties
• A luxurious spa, featuring rejuvenating and beautifying treatments with sweeping sea views
• A fitness center sporting exercise classes, weight machines and cardiovascular equipment

Galveston, Texas

Port schedule.

Galveston, Texas cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

• Voyager Of The Seas 3.938 passengers 01 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 02 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 04 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 04 May 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 06 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 11 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 11 May 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 12 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 12 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 13 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 16 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 18 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 18 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 18 May 2024 - 08:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 19 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 20 May 2024 - 08:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 23 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 25 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 25 May 2024 - 08:00
• Voyager Of The Seas 3.938 passengers 01 May 2024 - 17:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 02 May 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 04 May 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 04 May 2024 - 16:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 05 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 06 May 2024 - 15:30
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 06 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 11 May 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 11 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 12 May 2024 - 15:30
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 12 May 2024 - 16:00
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 13 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 16 May 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Dream 4.533 passengers 18 May 2024 - 15:30
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 18 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Jubilee 6.338 passengers 18 May 2024 - 16:00
• Harmony Of The Seas 6.410 passengers 19 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 20 May 2024 - 15:30
• Mariner Of The Seas 4.001 passengers 23 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Breeze 4.428 passengers 25 May 2024 - 15:30

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Is a weeklong cruise vacation to Mexico from Galveston cheaper than flying to a resort?

Mexican cruises may be the way to go for Texas families who are looking to travel over the summer without breaking the bank.

Imagine visiting multiple ports, keeping all your luggage in one place, and no flying. Alyssa Maisano, travel agent and owner of Picture It Travel Co., recommends cruising out of Galveston . The city is located on the southern coast of Texas. From Fort Worth, it’s about a four-and-a-half-hour drive . Note that when you drive to the port, you will need to account for parking your car for a week. This will cost $25 a day if you book through the port of Galveston, for a total of $200 for the week.

Even with parking, a cruise would still be cheaper than a family vacation to Mexico that includes cost of airfare. Overall, an affordable weeklong cruise with parking will cost a family of four $5,000. Traveling to Cancun, Cozumel, or Puerto Vallarta, are cheaper options among tropical vacations but not as cheap as an all-inclusive cruise. Right now, for a family of four to fly to Mexico, airfare would cost around $1,200 alone. An all-inclusive resort for a week would cost a minimum of $5,000 — what an entire cruise costs.

Galveston often offers large cruise ships with seven- to eight-day itineraries . Masiano’s recommended cruise line is Royal Caribbean.

“Royal Caribbean out of Galveston is my go-to for families because the ship is always new and it accommodates all generations,” said Maisano.

Norwegian Cruise lines is more directed at teenagers and adults . Where Carnival is good for younger kids and families, but can have the rep of being “the party boat.” If you go on Carnival, Maisano stresses that you should choose a newer ship. Maisano recommends the Jubilee or Mardi Gras ships when cruising with Carnival.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Caribbean International (@royalcaribbean)

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Maisano has a few rules of thumb when it comes to booking a cruise. Here’s what you need to know:

Never take an old ship. Old ships can have sewage, smoke, and creaks at all times. Maisano recommends not booking ships older than ten years. Always take note of how new your ship is and when it’s last refurbishment was done before booking.

The cheapest rooms are often the ones without windows. A detail that may be important to note for those who have a tendency to get sea sick.

Always show up the day before your ship takes off. If you are cruising out of Galveston on June 5, you need to be in Galveston by June 4 in a hotel so you do not risk missing take off.

Always book travel insurance . If you happen to miss the ship at one of the ports, or experience delays and cancellations, insurance will cover you.

If taking excursions booked with a third party that is not the cruise line, check with the third party to make sure their times are correct and are strictly enforced to prohibit delays. Otherwise your ship may sail off without you.

Booking Galveston often gives you seven- to eight-day travel options whereas booking out of Port Canaveral or Miami, Florida, gives you shorter (five days) options.

To book the most affordable cruise, book almost a year in advance. Right now, some cruise lines even have itineraries up for 2026.

Out of Galveston, here are the Mexico cruises to book with Royal Caribbean.

Lowest prices to Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, January 2025.

Lowest prices to Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras, November 2024.

Lowest prices for Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, Belize City, Belize, and Roatan, Honduras, November to December 2024.

Maisano specializes in Disney cruises and North Texas family travel . She can accommodate travel needs for airfare, cruising, hotel and resort stays.

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Where can I cruise without a passport?

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it's only a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or, maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can't justify paying for passports that will only be good for five years.

First of all, do you even need a passport to cruise ? The answer is often but not always. You have options to cruise without a passport because not every sailing requires them. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate).

The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another or from a U.S. port to a foreign one would require a passport.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Before we go further, let's clarify that when we talk about cruising without a passport, we're referring to pricey passport books that some travelers do not wish to purchase. Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You'll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife; stroll the streets of charming coastal towns; eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon; and enjoy nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, California. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season might be only four or five nights, and trips departing from LA are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one-way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required as long as they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver's license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, Sentri and Fast.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. That's their policy, not a legal requirement.

This means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It's easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean: Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports like Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it's always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don't forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so visits never require passports for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the subtropical sun, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three- to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round-trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Miami.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean; however, cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico's Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico's eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises with several major lines depart San Diego, San Pedro port in LA and Long Beach for voyages lasting anywhere from three to 10 nights.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there's a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part might be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America. This is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise options consist of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, LA (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. You won't need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don't require passports. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, which means they're required for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America's East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate numerous cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coasts that don't require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan, Brooklyn and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong fall sailings; however, a handful depart at other times of the year or are a touch longer, ranging from eight to 10 nights.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Some cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, might be possible without a passport book. This is the case as long as your plans don't include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries — which is the primary reason most travel advisers urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we've shown, you have plenty of options for where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather or an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country. This would put you in an awkward position if you didn't have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Photo Shoot: Farewell to a maritime friend

Many Cape Codders fall in love with their boats, from kayaks to yachts. I set my sights on 540 feet of sleek steel. Built in 1967, she was in middle age by the time we met back in December 1999. That was when the freighter named Cape Bon arrived at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy to become their training ship. I was smitten. Since then I have been lucky to roam just about every inch of the freighter turned training ship, from shaft alley to the engine room, and cadet berthing to the bridge.

In 2008, when reporter Hilary Russ and I headed to sea with the crew and cadets on their training cruise, the ship had been renamed, Enterprise. Leaving campus on the traditional coldest day of early January heading south with a transit through the Panama Canal. Technology made the trip possible, ship to shore internet service allowed us to transmit back photos and a story every day. It was a training cruise for the cadets, but also the media. I learned the proper way to tie a bowline knot and almost perfected the monkey’s fist. At night I would wander up to the top decks and watch upper-class students work on celestial navigation using sextants, way too much math in that skill set. Transit through the Panama Canal took place at night which added to the mystique of the voyage.

A change of name in 2009

The ship changed names again in 2009 to the Kennedy, in honor of the Kennedy family. In 2010 it went into drydock at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for upgrades and repairs. It was there I finally got a good look at her great lines. Standing at ground level looking up it was quite a sight as the photo shows.

Like any long-term relationship the years pass ever quicker with age, photographing its coming and goings. The school will be getting a new ship now under construction in Philadelphia, arriving later this year. The TS Kennedy has been transferred into service at Texas A&M Maritime in Galveston. So it was wearing that school’s colors when it steamed out of the Cape Cod Canal last week for its last training cruise for MMA.

It was a fitting day for departure, cold and damp, the promise of warm days on every cadet’s mind. I did a final walk around from the bridge to the stern for old time’s sake. Slack tide arrived at 8 a.m. and all but one line had been cast off. But the fog grew too thick for a safe departure. The ship was tied back to the pier, it would be six more hours before it left. But deadlines are hard and fast, one last photo of my long-time companion enveloped in fog for old time’s sake.

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