George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) → Carnival Terminal 25
Book a shared shuttle with Royal Galveston Shuttle. Board at the designated airport pick-up point and get off at Carnival Terminal 25. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cruise port in United States
Galveston, Texas
Explore on foot directly from the pier. Average time in port: 11 hours. 37 places to explore.
- Ships calling here
- 10 ships
- Upcoming sailings
- 424 sailings
- Average time in port
- About 11 hours
- Lowest fare
- From USD 286
Photo: ©Galveston Convention & Visitors Bureau
After disembarking
Cruise ships dock at Galveston cruise terminals. Explore on foot directly from the pier.
- 4 cruise terminals
The assigned dock is one of Carnival Terminal 25, Royal Caribbean Terminal 10, Carnival Terminal 28, MSC Terminal 16 and varies by sailing.
- Public Transport Between Houston and Galveston
There is no passenger train to Galveston Island and no regular direct bus from Houston to the cruise terminals.
- Galveston Island Trolley
Galveston Island Trolley has bus and rail routes on the island but does not stop at the port.
About 11 hours in port: where can you go?
Time available at the destination after subtracting return travel.
- GalvestonAt the pierTime at destinationAbout 11 hr
- Space Center HoustonAbout 45 min each wayTime at destinationAbout 9 hr 30 min
- HoustonAbout 1 hr each wayTime at destinationAbout 9 hr
Return travel Time at destination
Calculated from the average time in port. Return deadlines vary by sailing; check the daily programme on board.
From the airport to the cruise terminal
Transfers when embarking or disembarking in Galveston.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) → Carnival Terminal 28
Book a shared shuttle with Royal Galveston Shuttle. Board at the designated airport pick-up point and get off at Carnival Terminal 28. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) → MSC Terminal 16
Book a shared shuttle with Royal Galveston Shuttle. Board at the designated airport pick-up point and get off at MSC Terminal 16. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) → Royal Caribbean Terminal 10
Book a shared shuttle with Royal Galveston Shuttle. Board at the designated airport pick-up point and get off at Royal Caribbean Terminal 10. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) → MSC Terminal 16
Book a shared shuttle with Royal Galveston Shuttle. Board at the designated airport pick-up point and get off at MSC Terminal 16. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) → Royal Caribbean Terminal 10
Book a shared shuttle with Royal Galveston Shuttle. Board at the designated airport pick-up point and get off at Royal Caribbean Terminal 10. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) → Carnival Terminal 25
Book a shared shuttle with Royal Galveston Shuttle. Board at the designated airport pick-up point and get off at Carnival Terminal 25. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) → Carnival Terminal 28
Book a shared shuttle with Royal Galveston Shuttle. Board at the designated airport pick-up point and get off at Carnival Terminal 28. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Royal Caribbean Terminal 10 → George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
When booking Royal Galveston Shuttle, enter Royal Caribbean Terminal 10 as the origin and Bush Intercontinental Airport as the destination, then take the shared shuttle. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carnival Terminal 25 → George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
When booking Royal Galveston Shuttle, enter Carnival Terminal 25 as the origin and Bush Intercontinental Airport as the destination, then take the shared shuttle. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carnival Terminal 28 → Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
When booking Royal Galveston Shuttle, enter Carnival Terminal 28 as the origin and Hobby Airport as the destination, then take the shared shuttle. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Royal Caribbean Terminal 10 → Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
When booking Royal Galveston Shuttle, enter Royal Caribbean Terminal 10 as the origin and Hobby Airport as the destination, then take the shared shuttle. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MSC Terminal 16 → George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
When booking Royal Galveston Shuttle, enter MSC Terminal 16 as the origin and Bush Intercontinental Airport as the destination, then take the shared shuttle. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carnival Terminal 28 → George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
When booking Royal Galveston Shuttle, enter Carnival Terminal 28 as the origin and Bush Intercontinental Airport as the destination, then take the shared shuttle. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carnival Terminal 25 → Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
When booking Royal Galveston Shuttle, enter Carnival Terminal 25 as the origin and Hobby Airport as the destination, then take the shared shuttle. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MSC Terminal 16 → Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
When booking Royal Galveston Shuttle, enter MSC Terminal 16 as the origin and Hobby Airport as the destination, then take the shared shuttle. Shared services run hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Galveston places to explore
Explore 26 checked places. Select a pin to see its card, or choose View on map from a card.
Moody Gardens
At the three pyramids, see marine animals in the aquarium and plants and animals in the rainforest. There is also a theater inside a pyramid.
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 10:00–16:00
Sat 10:00–17:00
Sun 10:00–16:00
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
A pier extending over the Gulf of Mexico, lined with rides, games, and restaurants.
- Admission
- USD 12.50
- Hours
- Hours vary by day
View daily hours
Mon–Thu ClosedFri 16:00–22:00Sat 12:00–22:00Sun 12:00–21:00
There is an admission fee even if you only take a short walk along the pier without riding any rides, so check the cost before entering if that is all you plan to do.
Seawolf Park
A park on Pelican Island with the World War II submarine USS Cavalla and warship USS Stewart.
- Hours
- Daily 24 hours
Admission to the park and the Navy museum is charged separately, so calculate each cost if you plan to visit both.
Galveston Island State Park
A state park with a beach and 4 miles of hiking and biking trails. Visitors can swim, camp, paddle, fish, and watch birds and wildlife.
- Admission
- USD 5
- Hours
- Daily 07:00–22:00
Moody Mansion
A museum in the Moody family's former mansion, notable for its red-brick exterior, stone arches, and turrets.
- Admission
- USD 15
- Hours
- Daily 10:00–17:00
Choose a Premium ticket rather than a General ticket if you want to see the third floor.
The Bryan Museum
A museum covering the history of Texas and the American West, with a beautiful building and grounds and in-depth exhibits.
- Admission
- USD 15
- Hours
- Mon·Tue Closed
Wed–Sun 10:00–17:00
There are only about 20 seats in the theater for the hurricane film, so go in early to get a seat if you plan to watch it.
Trips nearby
With enough time in port, you can explore beyond the city. One-way times are approximate.
Space Center Houston
About 45 min each wayTime at destination About 9 hr 30 min
SightsSpace Center HoustonTouch moon rocks, see real spacecraft, and learn behind-the-scenes stories from NASA.
Houston
About 1 hr each wayTime at destination About 9 hr
SightsMuseum of Fine Arts, HoustonOne of Houston's popular museums, displaying Egyptian artifacts, American art, and more across 3 floors.
SightsHouston ZooExhibit habitats recreating the environments of primates, birds, aquatic animals, and reptiles.
SightsHouston Museum of Natural ScienceSee the permanent exhibitions at the Museum of Natural Science.
SightsHermann ParkA park beside the Museum District, where you can walk, picnic, or rent pedal boats on the water.
NeighborhoodsHouston Museum DistrictA district of 19 museums in 4 walkable zones, also home to the Houston Zoo, Menil Collection, and Children's Museum Houston.
ShoppingThe GalleriaA large shopping center with shops, restaurants, and an ice rink.
SightsDiscovery GreenA roughly 12-acre park in downtown Houston with lawns, performance stages, and a small lake. Children can play in Gateway Fountain, and visitors can play bocce at Maconda's Grove.
SightsBayou Bend Collection and GardensA mansion with American furniture, paintings, silver, and ceramics on display inside, as well as gardens.
SightsBuffalo Bayou ParkA park with a walking trail overlooking the Houston skyline.
SightsThe Menil CollectionAn art museum described as one of the main attractions in Houston's Museum District.
Cruises calling at Galveston, Texas
424 sailings are grouped into 46 cruises by ship and route.
Royal Caribbean International10 departure dates
Sailing 2026.11 ~ 2027.04Caribbean cruises · 4 nights · Short cruise
4 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Galveston, Texas departure · round trip
Lowest departure fareFrom USD 409
Disney Cruise Line9 departure datesBook now
Sailing 2026.11 ~ 2027.12
Norwegian Cruise Line20 departure datesBook now
Sailing 2026.11 ~ 2027.04
Royal Caribbean International21 departure dates
Sailing 2026.11 ~ 2027.04
MSC Cruises99 departure dates72 sailings available to book
Sailing 2026.11 ~ 2028.11Royal Caribbean International21 departure dates
Sailing 2026.11 ~ 2027.04
Disney Cruise Line5 departure datesBook now
Sailing 2026.11 ~ 2027.12Caribbean cruises · 4 nights · Short cruise
4-Night Very Merrytime Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
Galveston, Texas departure · round trip
Lowest departure fareFrom USD 861
Regent Seven Seas CruisesSailing 2026.11Caribbean cruises · 11 nights · Long cruise
Waterfalls & Divers
Galveston, Texas departure · round trip
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 8,399
Regent Seven Seas CruisesSailing 2026.12Caribbean cruises · 17 nights · Long cruise
Tropical Sparkle & Holiday Cheer
Galveston, Texas departure · round trip
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 11,799
Royal Caribbean International2 departure dates
Sailing 2026.12Caribbean cruises · 7 nights
7 Night Western Caribbean Holiday
Galveston, Texas departure · round trip
Lowest departure fareFrom USD 1,385
Royal Caribbean InternationalSailing 2026.12Caribbean cruises · 5 nights
5 Night Western Caribbean Holiday
Galveston, Texas departure · round trip
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 646
Disney Cruise Line5 departure datesBook now
Sailing 2026.12 ~ 2028.03Caribbean cruises · 7 nights
7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston
Galveston, Texas departure · round trip
Lowest departure fareFrom USD 1,546
46 cruises call at this port.
Ships calling at Galveston, Texas
Explore cabin types, dining and deck facilities for each ship.
Royal Caribbean International · 110 sailings
Liberty of the Seas
29 cabin types · 12 dining venues · 78 entertainment options · 14 decks
Explore the ship
MSC Cruises · 100 sailings
MSC Seascape
19 cabin types · 12 dining venues · 65 entertainment options · 16 decks
Explore the ship
Disney Cruise Line · 61 sailings
Disney Magic
12 cabin types · 5 dining venues · 10 entertainment options · 11 decks
Explore the ship
Royal Caribbean International · 38 sailings
Symphony of the Seas
31 cabin types · 21 dining venues · 85 entertainment options · 15 decks
Explore the ship
About Galveston, Texas
Located 50 miles from the better known Houston, the city of Galveston is very different, both in terms of atmosphere and attractions. Her Moody Gardens are probably her biggest attraction, offering families the chance to discover and learn about fauna and flora together whilst having fun. The refurbished Galveston Island Historic Pier is also a great place to spend some time with the family.
Cruise lines calling here: 5 places
Disney Cruise LineMSC CruisesNorwegian Cruise LineRegent Seven Seas CruisesRoyal Caribbean International
Ports frequently visited before this one
Ports frequently visited after this one
Need help choosing a cruise calling at Galveston, Texas?
Tell us your travel dates, party size and budget to find suitable cruises calling here.