The cruise line’s newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, will be deployed in Europe for the summer 2027 season.
Three ships will offer Alaska voyages in 2027, with multiple embarkation ports.
One ship is scheduled to sail East Asia itineraries from Japan.
Celebrity Cruises is providing the first glimpse into some of its 2027-28 fleet deployments, detailing a series of some 175 voyages across six global regions.
The just-revealed itineraries will take cruisers to 180-plus destinations in Europe, Japan, Canada/New England, Alaska, Hawaii, and Australia.
The cruise line’s announcement on August 5, 2025 also discloses that its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, due to launch in November 2025, will join Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Apex in Europe, offering itineraries that call at 90 ports in 25 countries.
The cruise line had earlier announced that Celebrity Xcel will spend her inaugural summer season — 2026, in Europe, so the 2027 season will be her second deployment to the region.
With a nod to rising demand for destination immersion, the three ships will feature 60-plus overnights in port and more than 100 port visits of at least 12 hours in length.
Sales are open starting on August 5, 2025 for cruises to Europe, Japan, Canada/New England, and the spring transatlantic voyages. Sailings to Alaska and Hawaii will open for sale on September 9, 2025, and to Australia on September 30, 2025.
Celebrity Xcel Cruise Ship
Let’s dive into some of the itinerary and deployment highlights.
In Europe, Celebrity Xcel will sail mainly 7-night cruises from Barcelona while Celebrity Ascent offers 10-night voyages roundtrip from Rome. Among Celebrity Apex’s cruises are 7-night Norwegian fjord and Arctic Circle itineraries from Southampton, UK.
Scandinavia options abound on Celebrity Eclipse, which will sail from Amsterdam to ports in Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. Cruisers looking for an Iceland adventure can book Celebrity Silhouette’s 7-night roundtrip voyages from Reykjavik.
Looking to East Asia, the cruise line’s 2027-28 deployment plan shows Celebrity Millennium based for the second consecutive year in Japan, sailing to destinations in South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, and China.
Sailing roundtrip from Tokyo, port calls within Japan will include Kyoto, Kochi, Kobe, and Aomori, while cruises between Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo will feature visits to Jeju Island, Fukuoka, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji.
North America Options Feature Alaska, Hawaii, Canada/New England
In the US, Celebrity Cruises’ guests have a wide choice of voyages to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada/New England.
Three ships will be deployed to Alaska for summer 2027 — Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Summit, offering departures from Seattle, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska. A series of cruise-tours also is offered, providing a land-side adventure to destinations like Denali, Anchorage, and Talkeetna.
Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice will sail Hawaii and South Pacific voyages. Destination highlights include Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Christchurch and Dunedin, New Zealand.
Photo Credit: Ian Dewar Photography / Shutterstock
On the US East Coast, Celebrity Silhouette will homeport at Cape Liberty, New Jersey, and operate a series of 11-night voyages to Canada/New England and 7-night cruises to Bermuda. Overnight stays on the Canada cruises are scheduled in Quebec City.
The Celebrity Cruises fleet will expand to 17 ships once Celebrity Xcel enters service in November 2025. While the cruise line, which is a brand of Royal Caribbean Group, eagerly awaits the ship’s launch, it has been contending with several operational challenges in recent weeks.
Celebrity Constellationtemporarily lost power in late July 2025 as she sailed off the Italian coast on a cruise from Ravenna to Rome. The technical malfunction lasted a few hours.
Celebrity Beyond has experienced recent engine problems that required an unscheduled emergency repair in the Bahamas in late July 2025. Propulsion issues have caused the cruise line to adjust some port arrival and departure times since the ship is still sailing at lower-than-usual speeds.
MSC Cruises is cancelling all MSC Meraviglia winter 2026-2027 sailings from New York and moving the ship to Miami.
Affected passengers have three rebooking choices, or can choose a future cruise credit or a full refund.
New itineraries will feature Caribbean ports, including Turks & Caicos and St. Maarten.
New York, New York. “If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere,” sang Frank Sinatra.
But MSC Cruises is leaving the Big Apple behind – at least for the winter 2026-2027 season – in favor of Miami’s year-round cruise hub.
Guests booked to sail from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in New York aboard the 171,598-gross-ton MSC Meraviglia in late 2026 received notice that their itineraries have been cancelled.
“MSC Meraviglia will now sail from Miami, Florida, during the Winter 2026/2027 season, offering 6- and 8-night cruises to the Caribbean and The Bahamas,” the cruise line stated in a letter notifying passengers their bookings from New York had been scrapped.
Although MSC Cruises has not officially announced the change, passengers have quickly been spreading the word and sharing similar cancellation notices, from one set to depart on November 8, 2026, to another on March 7, 2027.
“With the ship’s move to Miami, we will no longer offer sailings from New York,”letters clearly revealed.
Instead, MSC Cruises promised new itineraries to Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos, Philipsburg in St. Maarten, Basseterre in St. Kitts, and other Caribbean destinations, joining MSC Cruises’ competitors to keep ships in the No. 1 cruise destination in the world.
The cruises will feature stops at the company’s private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas, as was originally scheduled from the New York departures that would also have called in Port Canaveral, Florida, and Nassau, Bahamas.
New Options for Affected Guests
As MSC Cruises revealed the cancellations, the cruise line outlined new options for affected passengers, saying all choices will be available starting August 6, 2025, once the company updates its booking system.
None of the options include a New York departure. Instead, guests can choose an 8- or 6-night sailing on MSC Meraviglia from Miami in the same accommodation and month as their original departure.
The longer option comes with no change fees, one extra night free (cruise fare only, no extras), and a $50 per person onboard credit, up to $100 per cabin.
The shorter 6-night option provides $100 per person onboard credit, up to $200 per cabin.
MSC Meraviglia Cruise Ship in new York (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock)
On social media, some passengers voiced frustration about the compensation, noting the onboard credits offered aren’t as “generous” as other cruise lines who cancel voyages.
Those who feel the free night and onboard credit is worthy are still disappointed they need to rework their vacations plans, but considering the cancelled cruises are over a year away, it shouldn’t be too troublesome.
Guests are also given a chance to switch to any other 7-night MSC Cruises sailing from a US port – Miami, Port Canaveral, or Galveston, Texas – under the same rules for accommodation, month, and holiday restrictions.
If that option is not convenient, a Future Cruise Credit equal to the amount paid for the original MSC Cruises package would be available for use within one year of issue. Passengers don’t have to use the credit within a year; just make a new booking within that year.
The final option is a free cancellation with a full refund. Any passenger who does not choose another sailing or the Future Cruise Credit by September 30, 2025, will have refunds automatically processed to their original payment method.
Carnival Cruise Line is reminding guests that passport books or passport cards are required for Carnival Legend‘s February 2, 2026 departure.
That voyage is visiting both Colombia and Panama, which requires strict travel documentation, or guests cannot set sail.
Guests traveling with passport cards only can set sail, but will not be permitted to debark in Panama.
Packing for a cruise can be a stressful activity, especially if you’re like me and tend to pack not at the last minute, but at the last second. This raises the risk of forgetting something critical, such as appropriate identification.
Carnival Cruise Line is reaching out to guests booked on a special upcoming sailing of Carnival Legend to let everyone know what documents are necessary and what won’t quite work.
The affected sailing is the ship’s February 2, 2026 departure, a 14-night Carnival Journeys cruise that includes visits to both Colon, Panama and Cartagena, Colombia.
While the cruise is a closed-loop voyage roundtrip from Galveston, Texas, those special ports of call do have strict requirements for cruise visitors.
“In preparation for this memorable voyage, we have an important reminder regarding travel documentation requirements,”the cruise line said.“To comply with US Customs and Border Protection regulations, all guests (including infants) must carry a valid passport or passport card for this cruise.”
This means that a birth certificate and driver’s license will not be permitted for embarkation. The email goes on to note that permanent residents of the US must have both their Permanent Resident Card as well as a valid passport from their own country.
Furthermore, Panama’s requirements are even more strict.
“Although a passport card is an acceptable form of travel documentation for this voyage, to comply with guidelines for going ashore [in Panama], all guests (including infants) must carry a passport book,”the email explained.
“Guests with passport cards must remain on board when we visit the destination.”
The US Department of State notes that the current processing times for passports are 4-6 weeks, though expedited passports can be processed in just 2-3 weeks. With nearly six months before the cruise sets sail, guests have plenty of time to be sure their paperwork is in order.
While these documentation requirements are not new, Carnival Cruise Line is making a sincere effort to be sure all guests are aware and prepared for their unique voyage.
Guests can find thorough and updated travel documentation requirements for all sailings on Carnival’s website, with details for US citizens, permanent residents, and non-US citizens.
Cruise Does Not Include a Canal Transit
To prevent any disappointment, Carnival Cruise Line also clarifies that Carnival Legend is not, in fact, transiting the canal on this cruise.
“This voyage will dock in the Panamanian city of Colon. The cruise terminal is approximately 10 miles (driving distance) from the Canal,”the email explained.
Guests can purchase shore tours to visit the famed Panama Canal. If documents aren’t in order and guests aren’t permitted to debark in Panama, their tours will be refunded and a full day of activities will still be available onboard.
This will undoubtedly include entertainment and activities such as trivia contests, cooking demonstrations, music, games, dance lessons and other onboard fun.
If cruise travelers are interested in the once-in-a-lifetime experience of a Panama Canal transit, they will need to investigate one-way repositioning cruises when Carnival ships move between homeports.
That 16-night sailing will depart California, visit Cabo San Lucas in Mexico and Puntarenas in Costa Rica, then move through the iconic Panama Canal on October 16.
Visits to Colombia and Grand Cayman complete the itinerary before the ship will arrive in Galveston on October 22 to begin her Caribbean winter season.
Port authorities have required Celebrity Ascent to shorten her planned visit to Santorini on August 8, 2025, from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The change was made due to an increase in port traffic in the small tender port, with three other cruise ships also expected to be present that day.
Shore excursions booked through Celebrity Cruises will automatically be adjusted or refunded.
Guests onboard Celebrity Ascent have just learned that the final port call of the current cruise will now be three hours shorter than planned.
The current voyage, which is a 7-night sailing from Barcelona, Spain, to Athens, Greece, is saving Santorini for last as the grand finale of the trip on August 8, 2025.
For many cruise fans, making Santorini the final port call on a cruise akin to saving the best for last.
While the up to 3,950 passengers onboard will still get to visit the popular Greek island, their time in port will be cut short by three hours due to port congestion.
The 141,420-gross ton ship will now head back out to sea at 5 p.m. instead of the originally planned time of 8 p.m.
“Due to increased traffic conditions at the port in Santorini, Greece, local authorities have requested an adjustment to our departure schedule,”Celebrity Cruises notified guests.
“As a result, our time in Santorini will be updated, with our new departure time now set for 5:00 PM,”the notice continued.
The Edge-class shiphas already called on Valletta, Malta, on August 4, and there are no expected changes to the additional planned stops at Mykonos Island, Greece, and Kusadasi, Turkey.
In light of the change, all shore excursions that were booked through Celebrity Cruises will automatically be adjusted to accommodate the new timing. Any tours that can’t be adjusted will be refunded.
Even with the shortened time in port, cruise guests will still be required to pay the new port taxin full that went into effect in Greece on August 1, 2025, which is set at €20 ($23.13 USD) per person from June through September.
In addition to Celebrity Ascent, NCL’s Norwegian Viva, Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, and Star Clippers’ Star Flyer will also be in the port that day.
As Santorini is already a small cruise port, port authorities may have staggered ship departures for both efficiency and safety.
Santorini is also a tender port, which means all four ships will need to be transporting guests two and from the shore using smaller vessels simultaneously, which can also add to the congestion and possible navigational hazards.
Strategically timing arrivals and departures can help ease traffic by isolating peak times for when cruise ship tendering operations will be most in demand.
It’s unclear why Celebrity Ascent specifically had to adjust her schedule, or why the change wouldn’t have been made sooner, but the cruise line appreciated guests’ understanding.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding,”the cruise line wrote.
“While this change is beyond our control, please know that our commitment to your comfort and enjoyment remains unwavering.”
Celebrity Cruises also took this update as an opportunity to remind guests that the tender boats require at least some level of mobility, as guests must be able to handle a few steps and walk across the tender platform.
Guests who use full-time mobility scooters or non-collapsible wheelchairs will unfortunately not be able to venture ashore in Santorini or Mykonos, which is also a tender port.
Scarlet Lady is the first Virgin Voyages ship to call in Iceland, stopping in Akureyri on August 3, 2025.
The fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, is preparing for its inaugural U.S. sailings, starting in September from New York.
Virgin Voyages will enter the Alaska market in 2026 and expand its North American presence with four U.S. homeports.
Virgin Voyages continues its expansion and is becoming a major player in the cruise world.
On August 3, 2025, the cruise line visited Iceland for the first time, with Scarlet Lady arriving for her inaugural call in Akureyri.
The city is the island’s second-largest city outside of Reykjavik and considered the “Capital of North Iceland” due to its location at the base of Eyjafjörour fjord.
The 110,000-gross-ton ship began what is a new itinerary for the cruise line, a 10-night England to Iceland & Norway journey that departed from Portsmouth, England, on July 27, 2025.
Prior to her first visit to Iceland, Scarlet Lady brought nearly 2,700 passengers to Amsterdam, Bergen, Norway, and the Shetland Isles. She followed the first call with a visit to Isafjord, Iceland, and will conclude her voyage in Reykjavik on August 5.
“Scarlet Lady was the ship that started it all, and she’s still setting the pace,”said Virgin Voyages’ CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu.
He went on to say the ship’s arrival reflects a growing demand for the cruise line’s approach to cruises.
Scarlet Lady will follow up her maiden Iceland visit with an 11-night sailing back to Portsmouth, returning to each port for a second visit before moving on to more traditional ports in Scotland, Ireland, and Spain before summer comes to an end.
New Ship Nears Debut
As Scarlet Lady was making waves in the North Atlantic, eager Virgin Voyages guests have been watching with delight as the cruise line’s newest vessel, Brilliant Lady, wraps up her final preparations for an official debut.
The Fincantieri-built ship, also 110,000 gross tons and capable of accommodating 2,700 guests at double capacity, recently completed outfitting work in Palermo, Italy, and is en route to Lisbon and the UK for a series of onboard preview events.
Brilliant Lady is expected to launch her “MerMaiden” voyage from New York on September 3, 2025. The sailing will depart from Manhattan at 5 pm and spending an overnight call in Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard and enjoy two sea days.
Brilliant Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: UrAvgPhoto)
The call will give media, industry insiders, and cruise agents a chance to preview the ship and will return to New York on September 10.
The ship will follow that sailing with a second journey to Bermuda before a series of fall foliage cruises in Canada and New England into October.
“With each new ship, we’re listening more and refining faster,”said Michelle Bentubo, COO at Virgin Voyages.
She highlights that the company’s newest ship is evolving the guest experience by offering longer cruise itineraries to provide passengers more time “to relax and more space to explore.”
She added that passengers have an “appetite for grown-up experiences that feel effortless, immersive, and fun.”
“We’re delivering that across every part of our offering, from itineraries to on-board design,” she said.
Four US ports will house Brilliant Lady during her inaugural year, including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The latter of which will serve as a homeport as the ship becomes the first in the fleet to sail to Alaska.
Brilliant Lady’s Caribbean season will launch on October 16, 2025, and then the brand-new vessel will embark on the cruise line’s first-ever Panama Canal crossing in March 2026 as she travels to Los Angeles.
She will arrive in Seattle in May 2026 to begin her summer season in Alaska.
A new TSA program is offering dedicated security lanes for families with young children at select airports.
Orlando International Airport, the closest major airport to Port Canaveral, is one of the first to use the new program.
Other airports around the country will also be rolling out the “Families on the Fly” program in the coming months.
Traveling to or from a cruise homeport can be a nightmare of unwieldy luggage, crowded flights, and boring layovers. This can be even worse when juggling strollers, diaper bags, and worn out, cranky youngsters.
Families traveling to Port Canaveral, however, will have it just a little bit easier at Orlando International Airport (MCO), thanks to a new program to ease through security checks.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has rolled out the “Families on the Fly” initiative to smooth traveling family obstacles at major airports, including Orlando, the closest major airport to Port Canaveral.
The program was first announced in mid-July and Orlando International Airport is one of the first cities to have the initiative in place.
The new program features dedicated family security lanes for travelers with children under age 12. Agents have additional training for these lanes and can assist with strollers, car seats, and extra bags as needed.
“We understand that air travel can be challenging, especially for parents managing strollers, diaper bags, and young kids,”said Pete Garcia, TSA Federal Security Director for Orlando.
“This program goes beyond convenience; it’s about addressing the unique needs of traveling families to provide a smoother, more supportive experience at our security checkpoints. We’re dedicated to making travel smart, secure, and family friendly.”
The new lanes will be present at every security checkpoint, ensuring that families can move through security with a less stressful experience.
At the same time, offering families dedicated lanes will also help ease congestion for other travelers by ensuring that bulkier items such as strollers are scanned appropriately with fewer delays.
While Orlando was selected as one of the first program locations due to the major theme parks nearby, cruise passengers will also benefit from the convenience.
Security checkpoints are for outward travel and won’t impact guests arriving ahead of their cruise. Nevertheless, the Families on the Fly program can be a great advantage for guests when returning home.
Cruise Ships Docked in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Travelers can get even more assistance as the program offers discounted TSA PreCheck fees, ensuring an even faster and lower hassle trip through security.
This can be particularly helpful for guests who have tighter flight arrangements and earlier flights. Cruise lines typically recommend guests not book flights before 12-1 p.m.
Orlando International Airport is approximately a 45-60 minute drive from Port Canaveral, but traffic snarls, road construction, or poor weather can cause significant delays.
Other Airports Also Implementing the Program
In addition to rolling out the Families on the Fly campaign in Orlando, several other major airports are also launching the program.
This includes the following:
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) – Charlotte, North Carolina
John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA) – Los Angeles, California
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) – Honolulu, Hawaii
The program is also planned to be rolled out at other “select” airports across the country, including:
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – Jacksonville, Florida
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) – Providence, Rhode Island
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) – Sand Juan, Puerto Rico
Tampa International Airport (TPA) – Tampa, Florida
These cities ensure cruise families flying to and from different homeports, including Jaxport, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Port Tampa Bay can all enjoy a smoother, easier traveling experience.
This can impact thousands of cruisers for all different cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and more.
Additional cities to implement the program will be named in the coming months.
Texas’s Galveston Cruise Port is a convenient departure point for cruises sailing along the Gulf Coast and throughout the Caribbean as far as the Bahamas.
As the fourth busiest cruise port in North America, it serves more than just the locals of Houston. If you are planning on joining the over 1.5 million cruise passengers who pass through Port Galveston each year, this guide will help you enjoy a stress-free embarkation day.
Galveston Cruise Port, also known as Port of Galveston, is situated on Galveston Island along the Gulf Coast, approximately 51 miles south of downtown Houston.
The proximity to Houston means that it is located within a 300-mile radius of roughly 30 million people, so it’s no surprise that it is now the fourth-busiest cruise port in North America.
The port itself sits on the eastern end of Galveston Island, just off Harborside Drive. Its address is:
Port of Galveston 123 Rosenberg Avenue Galveston, TX 77550
From downtown Houston, the port is a straight shot down I-45 South. Since the mainland is connected to the island by the Galveston Causeway, which is considered part of the I-45, there is no need to take a ferry.
Once you arrive on Galveston Island, clear signage guides you right into the heart of the cruise terminals.
Galveston Cruise Port Piers and Terminals
Carnival Cruise Ships in Galveston, Texas (Photo Credit: NAN728)
The port spans approximately 840 acres and is operated by over 14,000 employees in direct and indirect roles. While Port Galveston features commercial shipping facilities, the cruise port is divided into three main cruise terminals: Terminal 25, Terminal 28, and the newly constructed Terminal 10.
(Terminal 3, also known as Pier 21 Harbor House Marina, is used for docking smaller passenger ships and private charters.)
For those traveling by cruise ship, here’s a quick breakdown of the three cruise terminals:
Terminal 25 (Previously Terminal 1)
Galveston Cruise Terminal 25
Located at 2502 Harborside Drive, Terminal 25, also known as the South Lot Cruise Terminal, is the largest of the three terminals. It can accommodate up to three large or mid-size vessels at its three piers: Piers 23, 25, and 25.
It primarily serves Carnival Cruises, but also hosts select ships from Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises. The terminal building itself underwent renovation in the years following Hurricane Ike. As a result, it is equipped with comfortable seating areas, modern restroom facilities, and offers free Wi-Fi to waiting passengers.
There’s also a VIP lounge, which can be accessed by suite passengers. Although luggage storage services are not available, the terminal offers ATMs, vending machines, and a small convenience store.
Terminal 28 (Previously Terminal 2)
Photo Credit: Port of Galveston
Terminal 28, also known as the North Lot Terminal, is situated just west of Terminal 25 at 2702 Harborside Drive. It features two cruise ship berths: one at Pier 27, and the other at Pier 28.
It has expanded baggage facilities, which can accommodate early pre-cruise check-ins. There are also two dedicated waiting areas for larger groups. Some cruise lines also allow suite guests to gain access to these exclusive private waiting areas.
Amenities include covered outdoor waiting areas, porters, and an enhanced shuttle services hub, which is located just outside the terminal doors. With accessible restroom facilities and the same complimentary Wi-Fi found in the other terminals, it’s a convenient departure point.
Terminal 10
Royal Caribbean’s Galveston Cruise Terminal
Terminal 10 is the newest addition, located at Pier 10, 1402 Harborside Drive. Hosting Royal Caribbean Ships, including Oasis-class vessels, it has a wide berthing area big enough to accommodate the world’s largest mega-ships, and is the world’s first net-zero terminal.
It’s a state-of-the-art facility, equipped with modern waiting facilities, advanced security measures, and outfitted with energy-efficient infrastructure throughout.
While it is exclusively used by Royal Caribbean, there are plans for it to accommodate ships from MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Terminal 16 (Coming Soon)
Construction of Galveston’s Cruise Terminal 16 (Credit: Port of Galveston)
There are also plans to construct a fourth dedicated cruise terminal, which will be known as Terminal 16. This $156 million project is slated to open in late 2025.
Cruise Lines That Use Galveston Cruise Port
The following cruise lines all offer departures from Galveston Cruise Port:
Carnival Cruise Line (Terminal 25)
Royal Caribbean (Terminal 10 and sometimes Terminal 28 during the busy season)
Disney Cruise Line (Terminal 25)
MSC Cruises (Terminal 28 with MSC Seascape using it as a homeport from November 2025. There are also plans for MSC to use Terminal 10 in the future.)
Princess Cruise Line (Terminal 25)
Norwegian Cruise Line (Terminal 25 and Terminal 28, with plans to also sail from Terminal 10 in the future)
While I’ve personally only visited Galveston Cruise Port once while traveling on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, the facilities at Terminal 1 (now Terminal 25) were excellent. The entire embarkation process was smooth and efficient.
I’m excited to book with MSC Seascape once it starts docking at Terminal 10 and try out the ship’s brand-new ROBOTRON, the only RoboCoaster on any cruise ship in the world!
Parking at Galveston Cruise Port
Galveston Cruise Terminals Aerial View (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
For Terminals 25 and 28, you can choose the Express Lot, which has 680 spaces. It is uncovered and there is no shuttle, so you’ll have to walk to your terminal.
There is also the six-level SMP Garage, which has 400 spaces. For those hoping to save money, there are also two Economy Lots (Lot A with 850 spaces and Lot B with 1,250 spaces). Both are also uncovered, but served by a free shuttle bus, which operates continuously from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm each day.
Terminal 10 guests can park just steps away in the covered North Premium Lot, which has car charging stations powered by solar. There’s also the North Lot with 550 uncovered spaces and the South Lot with another 660 spaces and a free shuttle.
All lots are patrolled 24/7, offer ADA-accessible spaces on a first-come basis, and spaces can be booked online through the port’s reservation platform. I recommend booking ahead of time, as cruise parking can fill up during the busy season.
Traveling from Nearby Airports
While its strategic location along the Gulf Coast is the primary reason for Galveston Cruise Port’s thriving status, another factor contributing to its growing popularity is its accessibility to several major airports. If you have to fly into Texas for your cruise like I do, here’s a quick breakdown of your options:
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Located about 70 miles northeast of the port, it will take you roughly 60 to 80 minutes to reach Galveston Cruise Port from IAH. Uber and taxis are both readily available and cost anywhere from $60 to $100. Another option is to rent a car and drive yourself.
Take the I-69 South for 4 miles until you see signs for the I-45
Take the exit for I-45 South and continue for 58 miles
The I-45 will take you across to Galveston Island via the Galveston Causeway
Exit onto Harborside Dr and look for signs pointing to the Port of Galveston
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
William P. Hobby Airport (Photo Credit: RebeccaDLev)
While it’s the smallest of the three main options, Houston Hobby Airport is also the closest. Located roughly 42 miles from the port terminals, it will only take about 50 minutes to arrive by taxi, Uber, or rental vehicle. Plus, a taxi will only cost about $50.
If you plan on driving yourself, here’s how:
Get on I-45 South from Airport Blvd and continue for 3 miles
Follow the I-45 for about 34 miles until you reach Broadway Street on Galveston Island via the Galveston Causeway
Take Exit 1C to Harborside Dr and arrive at your destination
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (Photo Credit: lorenzatx )
While it’s located 210 miles from the port in Austin, Texas, some international and out-of-state travelers will choose to fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
With over 500 daily flights arriving from cities throughout North America and Europe, many cruise passengers departing from Galveston will fly into Austin.
You should anticipate a 3-hour commute to the port, but if you do plan on driving from Austin, here’s how to do so:
Follow State Hwy 71 E to the I-10 East
After 80 miles, merge onto the I-45 South, which will take you across to the island via the Galveston Causeway
Continue to Broadway Street in Galveston
Take Exit 1C to Harborside Dr and arrive at your destination
How to Get to Galveston Cruise Port
Getting to and from the Galveston Cruise Port is both convenient and easy. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:
Taxi and Rideshare Services
I found taxis were plentiful, with cabs lining Harborside Drive throughout the day. With affordable rates from pretty much anywhere in Galveston, especially from the hotels, it couldn’t be easier to get to the port.
Both Uber and Lyft also operate in Galveston and from the airports mentioned above. Rates vary, but the port’s three main cruise terminals have designated drop-off zones for taxis and rideshare vehicles, so it’s super easy.
Shuttle Services
Port of Galveston Vehicles (Photo Credit: JSvideos)
While it’s not a guarantee, some of the hotels offer shuttle services to and from the port. The off-site parking lots also offer the same service, while some private services, such as Galveston & Houston Shuttle, provide private group transportation at rates ranging from $50 to $90 per person.
If you’re flying into one of the surrounding airports, you can also look into taking a cruise port shuttle. For example, Golden Adventures, LLC offers airport transfers from all three airports, including Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
With flat fees, regardless of the number of passengers, it can be a convenient way for groups to get to the cruise port from any of the airports.
If you are taking the private shuttle route, I highly recommend booking ahead of time and allowing extra time to arrive prior to embarkation.
Public Transportation
Port of Galveston, Texas (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
If you’re hoping to save a few bucks, the Island Transit Metro Bus runs between downtown Galveston and all three cruise port terminals. It’s only $1 for one-way transit.
Personally, I’d opt for a cab or Uber, especially on embarkation day. They’re affordable and can take you right to where you need to be from anywhere inside or outside of Galveston. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be late for your cruise.
With that said, if you have some time to kill in Galveston before departure, try out the historic trolley route that takes you through downtown and along the seawall.
Since the city operates it, the fee for adults is only $1 (kids are free), and taking the loop is a great way to see the city in a unique way. Just make sure you have the right amount of cash on hand.
Dining Near Galveston Cruise Port
Galveston Island is home to a vast array of restaurants and outdoor eateries, so I highly recommend allowing yourself some time to grab a bite before or after your cruise. Here are just a few of my top recommendations:
Brewchachos Tacos & Cantina Galveston
Brewchachos
Located less than a mile from the port, Brewchachos Tacos & Cantina is an amazing spot to stop for fresh tacos. This trendy cantina offers plenty of outdoor dining, a diverse selection of authentic and unconventional tacos, and a vast drinks menu featuring over 40 local and international craft beers.
With live music every weekend and free trivia on the patio, it’s really fun and ended up being one of the highlights of my day in Galveston. Oh, make sure you try one of their margaritas; they’re delicious!
If you’re willing to travel a little farther, Fish Tales is located 1.4 miles from the port along the Galveston Seawall. With a menu that is packed with locally caught seafood, as well as pastas, steaks, and much more, it’s a good option for indecisive groups that can’t decide what they want to eat.
The beachfront balcony on the upper level offers amazing views of the Seawall, and the restaurant’s lively atmosphere makes for a fun and memorable dining experience.
Plus, they have menu items to go, so you can munch on the beach after you finish your meal. Do yourself a favor and get some of their cookies to go!
Hubcap Restaurant and Grill
At just 0.4 miles from the port, The Hubcap Grill is one of your closest options for a sit-down restaurant. If you’re hungry, this classic Texas-style eatery is known for huge portions.
Their “Texas-sized” burgers steal the show, and with more toppings than any burger restaurant I’ve ever been to, even just browsing the menu is fun. While it may seem like a gimmicky restaurant, Hubcap Grill actually came in at number 5 of the top 50 burgers in all of Texas, so you know they’re bringing the goods to the table.
Shopping Near Galveston Cruise Port
Photo Credit: Kokoulina / Shutterstock.com
While the terminals themselves lack the vendor stalls and stores you sometimes see in the larger Caribbean cruise ports, a quick stroll will take you to a few prime shopping destinations.
The closest would be The Strand, which is a street that runs parallel to the cruise port terminals. Less than a five-minute walk from the port, this pedestrian-friendly street runs five blocks and is lined with shops.
As one of Galveston’s most historic areas, the shops are also built into Victorian-era buildings, so it isn’t just a great place to shop for souvenirs; it’s an enticing tourist attraction in itself.
Highlights along The Strand include Salt Water Soul, Admiralty on the Strand Home Goods, and Belle Lee’s Boutique. As a bonus, The Strand is also home to the Galveston Railroad Museum, the Grand 1894 Opera House, and many other historical buildings.
On weekends, it can get crowded and is usually lined with street performers, so it can be a lot if you’re not in the mood to deal with the crowds.
If you’re willing to travel to the far side of the island, Seawall Boulevard is another scenic shopping district. This historic seawall runs for 10 miles along the beach. Home to a variety of historic hotels, plenty of enticing restaurants, and lots of shops, it’s a great place to visit if you have the time.
Best Time to Visit Galveston
Cruise Ship Departing Galveston, Texas (Photo Credit: Jonathan C Wear)
Part of the reason Galveston Cruise Port is so popular is that Southern Texas offers warm weather year-round. With that said, summers can be pretty hot and humid, so keep that in mind if you plan any lengthy walks. Average daytime temperatures during the summer months sit around 90°F.
The port and the city itself tend to be at their busiest during the period that runs from November to April. Not only is this peak cruise season for the Gulf Coast and Western Caribbean, but temperatures also tend to cool down, sitting between the high 70s°F and mid-60s°F, making it a more pleasant time for non-cruise tourists to explore the city.
To get the most out of your visit, I highly recommend planning your cruise around Galveston’s Mardi Gras parade, which takes place annually between February 21 and March 4.
As a beach-lined tourist destination, both the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends are also big celebrations, with public fireworks displays and street party events. Traffic near the port is heavier during spring break and holidays, so plan accordingly.
A Carnival guest has raised the issue of whether it is butter or margarine served onboard, claiming cutbacks and a lack of service.
Brand ambassador John Heald has personally addressed the issue, confirming butter is served but margarine is available.
This is not the first time butter and other condiments have been at the forefront of Carnival Cruise Line dining discussions.
Sometimes the hard-hitting news stories grab headlines, but at other times, it’s important to remember that little details can make or break a cruise vacation.
It doesn’t get a lot littler than a controversy (really?) that has arisen on Carnival Cruise Line: butter or margarine. (Oh yes, really.)
An upset guest reached out to John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, with their ire. Heald often handles individual requests and addresses issues that might seem, well, a bit less than critical to other guests.
“John, you need to address the subject of butter on the tables in the Main Dining Hall,”the guest began.“It has been reported on [social media] that on the Carnival ships the pats of butter are not butter, but margarine.”
Okay, this could possibly, maybe, sort of be a real concern. The butter-or-margarine debate has raged for years, and just as guests are loyal to Coke or Pepsi, they can be equally loyal to their preference for butter or margarine.
“They are wrapped in a silver or gold wrapping and it doesn’t say butter anywhere on them. This is obviously margarine,”the guest continues.
I have not personally examined different brands and pats of butter or margarine to determine the labeling. It is entirely possible, however, that not all suppliers label their products the same way, particularly when individual pats would not be available for retail sales.
“This is a crazy cutback that Carnival has sneaked in,”the guest alleges.“Do we not deserve real butter? Everyone hates the hard pats and misses the real whipped butter. Now we find out it’s not butter at all but margarine.”
Let’s do some comparison, shall we? While different retailers and brands will have different prices, it’s true that margarine is typically sold for 7-30 cents per ounce, while butter retails for 24-65 cents per ounce. Incidentally, I was surprised to find my favorite brand is actually margarine, and I can’t believe it’s not butter.
Very bad joke there, but I’m not the only one that finds the story silly. Heald immediately pokes fun at the issue in his response.
“Yes, ladies and gentlemen, today, Monday the fourth of August, is officially the beginning of buttergate,”he said.
Buttergate on Carnival Cruise Line (Photo Credits: Just dance & Darryl Brooks)
Nevertheless, Heald goes on to confirm that yes, Carnival Cruise Line does serve butter across the fleet.
“It is absolutely, absolutely butter,”he said.“It is not margarine. … If you want margarine, you can ask for margarine, we have margarine, but it is butter you are provided with.”
He goes on to ask guests to help convey the truth so these accusatory rumors can stop.
“If you read this anywhere on social media, we serve butter, not margarine, so please spread this around,”Heald concludes.
His joke is worse than mine. I do, I admit, enjoy the baguette and Carnival’s various evening breads at dinner service. The butter or margarine? I honestly couldn’t care less, it is still delicious.
More About Butter and Other Condiment Quandaries
Ironically, this is not the first time butter (or margarine) has been a topic of discussion for Carnival Cruise Line.
In November 2024, Heald also addressed a guest who was upset at the temperature of the butter in the Main Dining Room, claiming it was too firm to spread smoothly across one’s bread.
Heald noted that guests can easily request that their servers put out the butter before the dinner service begins to ensure a more pleasant temperature.
In April 2025, mayonnaise was the subject of controversy as a topping for fries, which generated thousands of comments on what should be the ultimate pairing of potato and sauce.
Ambience is adjusting three port visits on her current Norway sailing to minimize the impact of Storm Floris.
No alternative ports are available to compensate for the cancellation, so the ship will spend extra time at sea.
Storm Floris is impacting the northern UK on Monday and will have its greatest impact on Norway on Tuesday.
Ambassador Cruise Line’s flagship Ambience has needed to shift her itinerary due to the influence of Storm Floris on the northern UK. This means one cancelled port, one shifted port day, and one extended port on the current 7-night sailing.
The 70,285-gross ton ship sailed from Tilbury on Sunday, August 3, on what was to have been a Norwegian fjord adventure. While Ambience will still be visiting Norway, her itinerary has now changed.
“Due to Storm Floris affecting the west coast of Norway, Ambience will now visit Bergen instead of Sandnes on 5 August, and will be extending her time in Alesund on 7 August,”the cruise line notified guests.
“Additionally, as no berths are available in Haugesund or Stavanger on 8 August, Ambience will sail home directly from Alesund to Tilbury.”
This means the ship’s itinerary has changed as follows:
Sunday, August 3 – Depart Tilbury
Monday, August 4 – Day at Sea
Tuesday, August 5 – Bergen (formerly Sandnes)
Wednesday, August 6 – Geiranger
Thursday, August 7 – Alesund (time extended)
Friday, August 8 – Day at Sea (formerly Bergen)
Saturday, August 9 – Day at Sea
Sunday, August 10 – Arrive Tilbury
While it may be disappointing to guests to have the itinerary so rearranged, safety is the most important concern. By sailing to Bergen earlier in the cruise, Ambience can better avoid the strongest winds and roughest waves generated by Storm Floris.
Ambience Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Kevin Shipp)
Ambience is not the only ship to be shifting course away from the severe storm and its very strong winds.
Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess is sailing a 12-night voyage around the UK and has had to cancel two port visits in Scotland in order to sail into more sheltered waters ahead of the storm. Regal Princess also moved another port call and was able to add an alternative port later in her cruise.
Undoubtedly, other ships on northern UK or Scandinavian itineraries will be keeping a close eye on Storm Floris and will make whatever itinerary adjustments are necessary to enjoy the smoothest sailings.
Storm Floris Moving East
The UK Met Office has continued issuing updates on Storm Floris as the rough weather impacts much of the UK on Monday and Tuesday.
On Monday, August 4, wind gusts of 50-70 miles per hour are expected across the region, with some gusts in coastal areas possibly reaching as high as 80-80 miles per hour.
On Tuesday, August 5, a yellow wind advisory is in effect for the Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands, just 210 miles west of Bergen, Norway.
Here is Storm Floris, an impressive deepening area of low pressure pushing over the UK 👇 pic.twitter.com/Q0Cnegm5pW
Similarly, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute has issued both orange and yellow wind warnings for the southern part of the country. Bergen is under a yellow warning, while Stavanger is under an orange warning.
“Early Tuesday strong wind gusts are expected from a southwesterly, later westerly direction, up to 30-35 m/s [67-78 mph]. The strongest wind is expected early Tuesday morning,”the warning notes.
Ambience was to have been visiting Sandnes, just eight miles south of Stavanger in the path of the strongest winds, on Tuesday. Now, the ship will be in Bergen in a more sheltered region with a lower wind advisory.
Whether it is hurricane season in the Caribbean, summer storms across the North Sea, or monsoons near Australia, poor weather can easily impact any cruise in any region.
Cruise lines keep close watch on all weather alerts that may impact their fleet and adjust itineraries as needed to ensure smooth, safe sailing.
