Best cruises from Galveston offer a diverse range of options, ensuring there’s something for every type of traveler. Galveston might not be the top pick for a couples cruise or a girlfriend getaway, but it shines when it comes to family cruises.
Whether you’re planning a fun-filled adventure or a relaxing escape, Galveston provides a lot of choices to ensure a memorable journey for everyone.
In this article, the 4 best cruises from Galveston are highlighted. The variety of cruise ships available cater to different preferences, making it easy to find the perfect ship for your vacation.
4 Best Cruises from Galveston
1: Best Regal Princess Cruises from Galveston
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Best Regal Princess Cruises for retirees
Best cruises from Galveston, such as those operated by family-focused Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Disney, the Regal Princess wasn’t designed with families as the main target. As with all Princess ships, it caters to middle-aged and older travelers, including many retirees.
The Regal Princess, which holds 3,600 passengers, notably lacks the family-oriented attractions found on other ships leaving from Galveston. You won’t find large waterslides, kiddie splash zones, zip lines, or go-kart tracks on this ship.
Typically, the upper decks of the Regal Princess are dedicated to pools, whirlpools, and sunbathing areas, which is common for Princess ships. As a result, it tends to attract fewer families and is more popular with an older crowd, primarily couples.
“The Regal Princess is stationed in Galveston from October to March each year. It offers some of the longest cruises from this port, including 10- and 11-night itineraries to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Honduras, Belize, and Mexico.”
Occasionally, it provides a 12-night voyage to the Southern Caribbean. These extended cruises often attract retirees who can afford to be away from home for a longer period. The shortest cruises offered by the 11-year-old Princess ship from Galveston are six nights.
2: Best Norwegian Prima Cruises from Galveston
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Best for Norwegian Prima Cruises luxury lovers
Luxury-focused cruise lines like Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line do not operate out of Galveston. However, you can still enjoy a luxury cruise from Galveston aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Prima, which features a distinct “ship-within-a-ship” luxury area.
“This 3,099-passenger ship provides the best cruises from Galveston for luxury lovers. Launched in 2022, Norwegian Prima is the first in a new class of Norwegian ships designed to offer a more upscale experience compared to its predecessors.”
The Norwegian Prima is a standout cruise vessel with luxurious suites spread across its impressive decks. The exclusive luxury enclave known as The Haven rises eight decks high and is home to 107 of the above-mentioned suites. It offers travelers a serene lounge area, pool areas, and a fine restaurant with plenty of dining options. This ship ensures a top-tier experience with a variety of amenities, making it worth the money for those seeking luxury.
In 2025, Norwegian and its sister brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will offer 14 sailings from Galveston to the Western Caribbean. These cruises will visit Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Roatan, and Harvest Caye, each destination contributing to the vibrant Caribbean atmosphere.
3: Best Disney Magic Cruises from Galveston
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Best Disney Magic Cruises for Disney fans
If your family is passionate about Disney and prefers a vacation fully immersed in everything Disney has to offer, the best choice for your cruise from Galveston would be a voyage aboard the Disney Magic.
During its seasonal presence from November to March in Galveston, the Disney Magic offers the top cruise options for Disney fans departing from the city. It’s worth noting that it’s the only Disney Cruise Line ship that sails from Galveston.
The Disney Magic, which debuted in 1998, is the oldest cruise ship that regularly departs from Galveston. Despite its age, it maintains a contemporary atmosphere following extensive renovations in recent years.
Disney Magic became home to a myriad of innovative features for families and fans of Disney. Departing from Galveston, this cruise vessel offers a variety of attractions, including thrilling zones like AquaDunk and AquaLab. It boasts spacious cabins, delightful restaurants, and engaging shows in its expansive showroom.
For children, there’s a specially designed kiddie fun zone and a thrilling 37-foot-tall body slide that careens over the side of the ship.
The ship underwent a significant overhaul, enhancing its deck areas, pool areas, and even bathrooms to ensure an enjoyable experience for any guest seeking something special aboard a cruise vessel like Disney Magic.
If you’ve sailed on Disney’s newer Disney Wish or the Dream Class ships, you’ll find that the 1,754-passenger Disney Magic is considerably smaller about 42% smaller than the Disney Wish and 35% smaller than the Dream Class ships.
Consequently, there are fewer and smaller attractions compared to the other ships. However, this gives the Disney Magic a cozier and more intimate atmosphere.
Disney Magic offers a range of four- to six-night voyages from Galveston to Mexico. Typically, four-night voyages visit Progreso, Mexico; five-night cruises include a stop in Cozumel, and six-night cruises usually visit both Cozumel and Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands.
“Off-peak fares for Disney Magic often start at over $1,000 per person for a four-night trip, which is significantly higher on a per-night basis compared to the lowest-cost sailings on many other ships departing from Galveston. In summary, you will pay extra for the unique Disney magic.”
4: Best Harmony of the Seas Cruises from Galveston
- Best Harmony of the Seas Cruises for families
Designed to cater specifically to families, the world’s fourth-largest cruise ship offers more family-friendly activity zones than almost any other ship at sea.
“Standing 18 decks tall and stretching nearly 1,200 feet in length, the 5,479-passenger Harmony of the Seas provides ample space for three main pool areas, aa water park, a splash zone for kids, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court, and even a zip line. And these features are just on the top decks.”
The Aquatheater on the Harmony of the Seas offers mesmerizing performances that are a delight for all kids, teens, and tweens. Unlike the Disney Magic which sails from Galveston, the Harmony of the Seas departs from New Jersey and features a variety of family attractions.
Onboard, you’ll find an ice skating rink with ice skating shows, and rock climbing walls that provide endless activities for toddlers and teens alike. The fun zone includes play areas and a carousel, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the troop.
While the Disney Cruise Line focuses on a more short and intimate experience, the Harmony of the Seas offers a club for teens, lots of performances, and even a rink for ice skating. Both ships tow a variety of sorts of back-to-back fun and family attractions.
“Harmony of the Seas sets sail from Galveston every Sunday on seven-night voyages to the Western Caribbean, with stops in Roatan, Honduras, as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico.”
As part of Royal Caribbean’s groundbreaking Oasis Class vessels, Harmony of the Seas is among the largest and most amenity-rich ships in the world.
In addition to Harmony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean operates two smaller vessels from Galveston:
- The 3,344-passenger Mariner of the Seas
- The 2,110-passenger Jewel of the Seas
The Mariner of the Seas generally offers four- and five-night trips to Mexico, while the Jewel of the Seas undertakes longer voyages to the Southern and Western Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Cruises Out Of Galveston For Adults?
The best cruises for adults from Galveston are Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas for seven-night Western Caribbean voyages and Mariner of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas for shorter trips to Mexico and longer voyages to the Southern and Western Caribbean.
Are There Norwegian Cruises Out Of Galveston?
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced plans to station an additional ship at the Port of Galveston for the holiday season. The newest vessel, Norwegian Viva, will begin its tenure in Galveston in December 2025 and continue until April 2026.
All Inclusive Cruises Out Of Galveston?
Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises offer all-inclusive cruises from Galveston, with options like Harmony of the Seas and Carnival Breeze, providing meals, entertainment, and various onboard activities.
What Are The Best Family Cruises From Galveston?
The best family cruises from Galveston include Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, which offers exciting features like water slides, surf simulators, and vibrant entertainment (Royal Caribbean). Carnival Cruises’ Carnival Breeze is another top choice, providing kids clubs, specialty restaurants, and nonstop entertainment suitable for all ages.
What Are The Best Carnival Cruises From Galveston?
The best Carnival cruises from Galveston include the Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream, both offering extensive amenities and family-friendly activities.