Quick Pick
Don't want to scroll? Here are our top picks for Port of Galveston.
Want more options? Browse all restaurants and activities below.
1Where to Stay
Hotels near Port of Galveston for the night before
Moody Gardens Hotel
Stay at the attraction — wake up to the aquarium and pyramids
$$$
Holiday Inn Resort Galveston - On the Beach
Beachfront resort with lazy river pool — kids can swim before sailing
$$-$$$
SpringHill Suites Galveston Island
Spacious suites with free breakfast — room for the whole family
$$
Comfort Suites Galveston
Budget-friendly option with cruise package — all the essentials for families
$$
Avenue O Bed & Breakfast
Charming historic B&B with free cruise parking — a unique family experience
$$
Harbor House at Pier 21
Boutique hotel on the pier — walk to your ship in minutes
$$$
Tremont House Hotel
Historic charm in the heart of the Strand — rooftop bar with Gulf views
$$$
Hilton Galveston Island Resort
Upscale beachfront resort with pool and Park & Go package
$$$
Hotel Lucine
Stylish boutique hotel with rooftop pool bar — adult-focused atmosphere
$$-$$$2Where to Eat
Every restaurant worth eating at near Port of Galveston
Fisherman's Wharf
Longtime Galveston spot — casual seafood with harbor views that keep kids entertained
Seafood
The Spot
Beachfront food court with multiple restaurants — everyone picks what they want
Various
La King's Confectionery
Old-fashioned candy shop and ice cream parlor on the Strand — a sweet pre-cruise treat
Dessert
Shrimp N Stuff
Casual counter-service spot with fresh, affordable Gulf seafood the whole family will love
Seafood
Rainforest Cafe at Moody Gardens
Themed restaurant with animatronic animals — an adventure before the adventure
American
Willie G's
Galveston's most popular upscale seafood destination with waterfront views on Pier 21
Seafood
Saltwater Grill
Upscale Strand restaurant known for exceptional gumbo and fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood
Seafood
Leon's World's Finest Bar-B-Que
Well-regarded classic Texas BBQ with a loyal local following
BBQ
Hearsay on the Strand
Creative American cuisine and artisan cocktails in a historic downtown setting
New American3Things to Do
Things to do near Port of Galveston before you board
Moody Gardens
Aquarium, rainforest pyramid, and hands-on exhibits — a wonderland for curious kids
Families with kids who love animals and discovery
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Classic boardwalk with kiddie rides, carnival games, and ocean views
Young kids who love amusement rides and boardwalk fun
Galveston Children's Museum
Hands-on museum designed for kids under 10 — let them learn through play
Toddlers and elementary-age kids
La King's Confectionery
Watch taffy being made, sample old-fashioned candy, and get ice cream
Kids with a sweet tooth, candy lovers of all ages
Beach Time at Stewart Beach
Family-friendly beach with lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas
Kids who want to splash before boarding
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
Texas-sized waterpark with slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools
Teens who want non-stop water funGalveston-Port Bolivar Ferry
Free ferry ride where you might spot dolphins — surprisingly cool
Budget activity, wildlife watching, photo ops
Axecade
Axe throwing and arcade games — let teens blow off steam before boarding
Teens looking for something unique and active
The Strand Historic District
Victorian architecture, boutique shopping, and craft cocktail bars — Galveston's downtown gem
History buffs, shoppers, couples
Tall Ship ELISSA at Galveston Historic Seaport
Tour a beautifully restored 1877 tall ship at the historic seaport
History enthusiasts, maritime fans
Ghost Tour or Haunted Pub Crawl
Explore Galveston's paranormal history — known for its ghost stories
Couples, groups, anyone who likes a good ghost story
Seawall Urban Park
10-mile stretch of Gulf views — perfect for a sunset walk or bike ride
Anyone wanting fresh air and Gulf views4Getting to Your Ship
Cruise Terminal 10 (Royal Caribbean)
Cruise Terminal 16 (MSC & Norwegian)
Cruise Terminal 25 (Carnival & Princess)
Cruise Terminal 28 (Disney & Norwegian)
Passport & Documents
Closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port) technically only require a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. However, we strongly recommend bringing a valid passport — if there's a medical emergency or you miss the ship at a foreign port, you'll need one to fly home.
Need to apply? The nearest passport acceptance facility is the Cocoa Main Post Office (2000 State Road 524, Cocoa) — appointments recommended, call 321-632-7190.
Last-Minute Stops
Pick up anything you forgot before heading to the port.
Publix — Cape Canaveral
Groceries, snacks, water, sunscreen — closest grocery to the port
5645 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
DirectionsWalgreens — Cocoa Beach
Pharmacy, Dramamine, phone chargers, toiletries
4150 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
DirectionsWalmart Supercenter — Merritt Island
Everything last-minute — cheapest sunscreen and snacks
1500 E Merritt Island Cswy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
DirectionsUSPS — Cocoa Beach
Post office — drop mail before you sail
500 N Brevard Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Directions5Getting There & Parking
How to get to Port of Galveston — from the airport and beyond
From George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Most cruisers flying in nationally or internationally
From William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Southwest flyers, those wanting a shorter transfer
Driving from Houston or Nearby
Cruisers driving from Texas, Louisiana, or nearby states
Port Parking Options
Cruisers who want to park close to the terminal
Hotel Park & Cruise Packages
Cruisers who want a stress-free experience, especially those arriving the day before
Galveston Express Shuttle
Solo travelers or couples who don't want to rent a car
6What to Pack
The essentials you'll actually need — plus a few things most people forget
Carry-On Day Bag
Pack these in a bag you keep with you at boarding — your checked luggage won't arrive until 3-4pm
- Swimsuit and flip-flops — Head straight to the pool after boarding
- Phone charger and portable battery — You'll drain your battery exploring and taking photos on Day 1Amazon
- Medications — Both prescription and OTC — don't risk them being in delayed luggage
- Government-issued photo ID — Required for boarding — keep it accessible, not buried in a suitcase
- Snacks and water bottles — Kids get hungry in the boarding line. Sealed snacks are allowed through security
- Change of clothes for each kid — Pool splashes, spilled drinks, cruise ship excitement — be ready
Cruise Essentials
Things that make the whole trip better
- Magnetic hooks (for cabin walls) — Cabin walls are metal — these give you hanging space for hats, lanyards, wet swimsuitsAmazon
- Power strip (non-surge, cruise-approved) — Cabins have 1-2 outlets. A cruise-approved strip lets you charge everything overnightAmazon
- Insulated tumbler — Fill it at the buffet drink station — stays cold by the pool all afternoonAmazon
- Lanyard for cruise card — Your cruise card is your room key, ID, and payment method — keep it around your neckAmazon
Easy to Forget
The things people buy overpriced at the port gift shop
- Wrinkle release spray — Irons aren't allowed on cruise ships — this saves your formal night outfitAmazon
- Highlighter or pen — For marking up the daily activity schedule — old school but effective
- Small whiteboard for cabin door — Leave messages for teens: 'We're at the pool deck' — most cabins don't have cell serviceAmazon
7Boarding Tips
1. Download the Royal Caribbean app and complete online check-in
You'll get your boarding group assignment and can set up your on-board spending account ahead of time. This alone can save you 30+ minutes at the terminal. Upload your photo for facial recognition boarding — it makes the security line faster.
2. Arrive at your assigned boarding time — not earlier
They've gotten strict about this. Showing up early means waiting in the terminal with no access to the ship. Your assigned time gets you on the ship fastest. If you have Crown & Anchor status, you may have priority boarding — check the app.
3. Pack a carry-on bag with swimsuits, meds, and essentials
Your checked luggage won't reach your cabin until 3-4pm. Pack a day bag with swimsuits, medications, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and your phone charger so you can start enjoying the ship immediately.
4. Head straight to the pool deck or Windjammer for lunch
The main dining room is packed right after boarding. The Windjammer buffet and the pool deck grill have shorter lines, and you'll snag a good lounge chair while everyone else is still exploring.
5. Book specialty dining and shows on Day 1
Popular restaurants and shows fill up fast. Open the app as soon as you board and reserve your top picks. The chef's table and specialty dinner shows sell out first.