Ruby Princess set sail from Galveston yesterday, December 18, embarking on its first-ever voyage from Galveston to Mexico and the Caribbean. The departure marks Princess Cruises’ return to Texas after six years and the beginning of 16 sailings from Galveston for Ruby Princess this winter.
Ruby Princess is one of several cruise ships to operate from Galveston this winter, with significantly more options for cruisers from Texas on offer compared to previous years.
Princess Cruises Returns To Galveston for the First Time in Six Years
After a six-year hiatus, Princess Cruises returned to Galveston yesterday as Ruby Princess set sail from the port for the first time in history on an 11-day cruise to the Western Caribbean. The ship will call to Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.
Ruby Princess will operate from Galveston throughout the winter season, sailing on 16 cruises between now and April 2023. The schedule includes five to 11-day voyages, and two 16-day Panama Canal transits between Galveston and San Francisco.
It is estimated that the Ruby Princess will carry over 50,000 passengers from Galveston during its winter and spring schedule. With many passengers opting to extend their stay in Galveston before or after their cruise to explore the city, the arrival of Ruby Princess to Galveston provides a welcome boost to the local economy.
To celebrate the Princess Cruises’ return to Galveston, President John Padgett participated in a traditional plaque exchange with Galveston Port Director Rodger Rees before the ship’s departure.
Padgett emphasized the importance of the Galveston port to Princess Cruises, stating that it provides an easy-to-reach option for people in the southwestern United States to enjoy cruise vacations:
Princess President John Padgett: “Galveston is an important port for Princess Cruises and provides an exciting and easy-to-reach option for millions of people living in the southwestern U.S. to enjoy the ultimate in classic cruise vacations marked by our Princess MedallionClass service.”
“We appreciate the support of the Port of Galveston and the greater Galveston community for helping make this day possible.”
Galveston Becomes Increasingly Popular
Galveston is already the fourth-largest cruise port in the United States and is gaining popularity. The port is easy to reach and serves millions of people from the surrounding area, including Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas.
Galveston Port Director Rodger Rees expressed excitement at the addition of the Ruby Princess to the sailing schedule, calling it a spectacular sailing experience and a valuable addition to the port’s current offerings.
“Cruising from Galveston has never been better. Adding the first-class Ruby Princess to our sailing schedule, with its enticing itineraries, offers our cruise customers yet another spectacular sailing experience. These itineraries are a nice addition to our current ports of call. As the fourth most popular homeport in the U.S., we’re excited to welcome this beautiful ship to Galveston.”
Besides Ruby Princess, cruise ships operating from Galveston this winter include Allure of the Seas, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Vista, Carnival Dream, Disney Magic, and Adventure of the Seas.
The Ruby Princess is a 113,561 gross tons cruise ship and can accommodate 3,080 passengers across 19 decks. The ship boasts nearly 900 balcony cabins, a spa, a variety of dining options, and entertainment, as well as four pools and acres of deck space for sunbathing and relaxation.