carnival singles cruise from galveston

• Cruise From

Galveston, TX

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Miracle

* Coming Soon

Set sail from a historic jewel in the Gulf of Mexico on Carnival cruises out of Galveston, Texas. Perched on the Gulf Coast, Galveston was a major commercial port in the late 1800s and has the restored architecture and proud history to show for it. Galveston’s long seawall stretches from beach to beach and offers gulf views the whole way. Sprinkle in a few museums, amusement parks, attractive beaches and tasty seafood restaurants, and you’ve got a great start to your cruise from Galveston.

• Shop for antiques in the historic Strand District, near where Carnival cruises from Galveston dock.
• Hear the sounds of a Central American rainforest at the gardens.
• Treat yourself to spa day at a historical hotel.
• Bike the length of the mural-adorned Seawall.

See it all from Galveston.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Cruises from Galveston, Texas: Gateway to Caribbean Adventures

Discover the best times to cruise from Galveston in 2024 with our month-by-month weather guide. Plan your ideal Western Caribbean voyage with ease.

Category: Carnival Jubilee

Carnival jubilee: a carnival of fun and adventure from galveston.

Essential Information about the Carnival Jubilee

Carnival jubilee: an overview.

The Carnival Jubilee stands out as a symbol of Carnival Cruise Line’s dedication to delivering exceptional cruising experiences. Step aboard the Carnival Jubilee and immerse yourself in its grandeur and innovation. This majestic ship boasts an impressive capacity, welcoming thousands of guests to enjoy its extensive length and breadth. The Carnival Jubilee is not just a cruise ship; it’s a floating resort that offers breathtaking views, spacious accommodations, and a plethora of activities designed to delight guests of all ages and interests.

Accommodation Types

The Carnival Jubilee offers various accommodation options, each designed for comfort and convenience:

• Luxurious Suites : These suites offer the ultimate in comfort and elegance, featuring additional amenities and personalized services for a luxurious stay.
• Balcony Staterooms : Providing guests with private outdoor space, these staterooms are ideal for enjoying fresh sea air and beautiful ocean views.
• Oceanview Staterooms : With large windows, these rooms offer guests delightful sea views.
• Interior Staterooms : Efficiently designed for comfort, these cabins offer a cozy and budget-friendly option for travelers.

Booking and Planning Your Cruise

Planning your cruise on the Carnival Jubilee is an enjoyable and seamless experience. The ship offers a variety of itineraries and packages, catering to different types of travelers. Whether seeking a family-friendly adventure, a romantic escape, or a journey of discovery, you’ll find an array of options, complete with unique onboard activities and shore excursions.

Onboard Experience on Carnival Jubilee

Amenities and facilities.

The Carnival Jubilee is equipped with a range of amenities and facilities designed for entertainment and relaxation. Enjoy the ship’s multiple pools, thrilling water slides, and a tranquil spa. The Carnival Jubilee also features various lounges, bars, and entertainment venues to suit all moods and preferences.

Dining and Cuisine

Dining aboard the Carnival Jubilee offers a delightful culinary journey, with a variety of dining options from casual to fine dining. Each restaurant and eatery provides a unique dining atmosphere, with menus designed to cater to all tastes and dietary preferences.

Entertainment and Activities

The entertainment on the Carnival Jubilee is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy clubs, and a lively casino. The ship’s daily schedule is full of activities and interactive experiences, ensuring fun and engagement for guests of all ages.

Health, Wellness, and Fitness

Stay active and rejuvenated on the Carnival Jubilee with its comprehensive health and wellness facilities. The fitness center, sports courts, and exercise classes cater to fitness enthusiasts, while the spa offers a serene environment for relaxation and a range of treatments.

Carnival Jubilee Ship Schedule

Cruising on the Carnival Jubilee from Galveston with Carnival Cruise Line promises an experience filled with excitement, comfort, and unforgettable adventures. Before embarking, seize the opportunity to explore Galveston Island ‘s historic charm, enhancing your overall cruise experience. Discover the latest itineraries and special offers for the Carnival Jubilee. Discover the latest information on upcoming cruises, and check out the Galveston Cruise Ship Schedule for 2024 and 2025 to plan your next extraordinary sea voyage.

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Singles Cruises From Galveston

More and more people are choosing cruises as a way to meet new friends. Passengers may choose to cruise with other single friends, or to go solo. Singles cruises are a great opportunity to get to know people in a short amount of time. With all of the amenities a cruise offers, new friends will always find something to enjoy. Carnival is the only cruise line offering singles cruises from Galveston.

Carnival Conquest

This seven-day cruise is offered all year long. It departs from Galveston and makes stops in the Eastern Caribbean ports of Key West, Freeport, and Nassau. There is also a Western Caribbean cruise option that hits the ports of Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. This cruise will cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on your accommodations.

Carnival Ecstasy

This cruise to the Western Caribbean is offered all year long. The ship has two Western Caribbean cruises, a four-day trip to Cozumel or a five-day trip to Cozumel and Progreso. This cruise will cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000, depending on your accommodations.

Booking the Cruise

To go on a singles cruise, do not book directly with the cruise ship. Singles cruises are ‘hosted,’ meaning a company is organizing events for singles while they are on the cruise. To attend the singles-only events, you must be registered with the host. Companies hosting singles cruises on Carnival are Vacations to Go and Singles Cruise (see References below).

• Cruise Mates: Singles Cruising
• Cruise Critic: Cruise for Single and Solo Travelers
• Singles Travel: Texas Departure
• Vacations to Go: Singles Cruises

Photo Credits

• cruise ship image by Nick Wade from Fotolia.com

The 5 best cruises from Galveston for every type of traveler

What are the best cruises from Galveston, Texas ? I've been on all the cruise ships that sail out of the fast-growing cruise port (and visited all the places they go), and I know which one I would pick: A seven-night sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima.

I'm a big fan of this new Norwegian vessel's stylish design and upscale feel, and I love its luxurious Haven suite complex. It also offers a solid itinerary out of Galveston that visits several of my favorite ports in the Western Caribbean.

That said, a seven-night Norwegian Prima sailing out of Galveston isn't necessarily the best Galveston cruise for you.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Whether you'll have a better time on one of the other seven cruise ships that regularly sail out of Galveston will depend a lot on the type of traveler you are. The best ship for a cruise out of Galveston with your family might not be your top pick for a couple's cruise or girlfriends' getaway.

Here we list our top picks for the best cruises from Galveston for five different types of travelers.

Best for families: Allure of the Seas

Looking for the best family cruise from Galveston? It's hard to go wrong with a sailing on Royal Caribbean 's giant Allure of the Seas.

Designed specifically to appeal to families, the world's fifth-largest cruise vessel is chock-full of more family-friendly activity zones than just about any other cruise ship at sea.

Thanks partly to its enormous size — it's 18 decks high and nearly 1,200 feet long — the 5,484-passenger Allure of the Seas has room for three separate main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that's just on its top decks.

Inside Allure of the Seas, you'll find all sorts of family attractions, including counselor-staffed play areas for kids, a teen club and an indoor ice skating rink. The ship also offers lots of family-friendly performances, such as ice skating shows at the rink and acrobatic and diving performances at an outdoor "Aquatheater." At the back of the ship, a New Jersey boardwalk-themed fun zone features rock-climbing walls and a hand-carved carousel.

In short, whether you have toddlers in tow or command a troop of teens and tweens, you'll find all sorts of activities to keep them squealing with delight — more than on any other ship that sails out of Galveston, including Disney Cruise Line's family-focused Disney Magic.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruises

Allure of the Seas sails out of Galveston every Sunday on seven-night voyages to the Western Caribbean. The ship stops at Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Note that in November 2023, Allure of the Seas will be replaced in Galveston with Royal Caribbean's slightly larger Harmony of the Seas. The two ships, both part of Royal Caribbean's groundbreaking Oasis class of vessels , are similar. However, the newer Harmony of the Seas has a couple more bells and whistles that will get your kids excited — most notably the Ultimate Abyss, a terrifying slide that drops nine decks. (Royal Caribbean says it drops 10 decks, but don't be fooled; the line is counting a nonexistent Deck 13.)

Harmony of the Seas also has a water park area, something that has yet to be added to Allure of the Seas.

If either of those two attractions is a must-have for your next cruise out of Galveston, you'll want to book the Harmony of the Seas sailings that start in November. Harmony of the Seas will operate the same itinerary as Allure of the Seas does now.

In addition, Royal Caribbean operates a second, smaller vessel out of Galveston: The 3,602-passenger Voyager of the Seas. The ship mostly sails four- and five-night trips to Mexico.

Best for Disney fans: Disney Magic

As noted above, our pick for the best family cruises out of Galveston are the sailings available on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. However, we say that with one big caveat: If your family is a Disney-obsessed family that can't imagine a vacation that isn't infused to the extreme with all things Disney, there is only one choice for your Galveston-based cruise: a voyage on Disney Magic .

Based seasonally in Galveston from December to April, Disney Magic offers the best cruises out of Galveston for the Disney fan. It is, for the record, the only Disney Cruise Line ship that sails from Galveston.

Disney Magic isn't a new ship. It dates to 1998 and is the oldest cruise ship regularly sailing out of Galveston. But it still feels modern, thanks to major makeovers in recent years.

One overhaul to Disney Magic not too long ago brought such cutting-edge features as the AquaDunk — a 37-foot-tall body slide that careens over the side of the vessel — and a new outdoor kiddie fun zone called AquaLab.

Disney Magic is also home to multiple pool areas and indoor children's zones that cover almost an entire deck, plus multiple themed restaurants that Disney fans will love. (In Disney Cruise Line tradition, passengers — and their waiters — rotate each night among three main restaurants.) The ship also has a large showroom for nightly Disney-themed shows.

Like all Disney ships, Disney Magic boasts many cabins with split bathrooms — a boon for families. That's not something you'll find on any of the other Galveston-based cruise vessels.

If you've tried Disney's newer Disney Wish or two Dream-class ships (Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream), you will notice that the 1,754-passenger Disney Magic is noticeably smaller — about 42% smaller than Disney Wish and 35% smaller than the Dream-class ships. That results in fewer and smaller attractions than the latter vessels. On the flip side, it has a much more intimate feel on board.

Related: The 3 types of Disney ships, explained

Disney Magic sails a mix of four- to six-night voyages from Galveston to Mexico. Shorter voyages typically visit Progreso, Mexico, while longer sailings add a stop in Cozumel.

Fares for off-peak sailings on Disney Magic often start around $800 per person for a four-night trip — significantly higher on a per-night basis than the lowest-cost sailings on many of the other ships sailing out of Galveston.

In other words, you'll pay a premium for that Disney magic.

Best for budget travelers: Carnival Breeze

Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Breeze is the Galveston-based ship to pick when you're looking for a quick and affordable getaway — something that isn't a big commitment and won't break the bank.

Based in Galveston year-round, the 11-year-old vessel operates short four- and five-night voyages to the Western Caribbean that are often on sale for under $500 per person or less. For off-peak travel, we sometimes see five-night sailings for sale for around $300 per person — or just $60 a night. This is a third of the cost of similar five-night sailings on Disney Magic.

Remember, the rates mentioned for Carnival Breeze above are not just for your room but for meals on the ship, too.

For would-be Galveston cruisers, Carnival Breeze serves as a sort of "test the port" ship. Its short sailings and low pricing mean you're not out a lot in time or money if you don't love the experience. It caters heavily to first-time cruisers, as well as Texas locals and Southerners who can book on short notice and drive to the port for a quickie escape.

One of three ships in the line's Dream class that date to the late 2000s and early 2010s, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze is no longer the newest or snazziest ship in the Carnival fleet. At around 130,000 tons, it's about 29% smaller than Carnival's newer Excel-class ships and has fewer venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces.

Related: The 8 types of Carnival ships, explained

That said, Carnival Breeze still has a huge amount to offer for all sorts of travelers, from couples to families with kids. The ship was, notably, the first Carnival ship to feature a 4D "thrill theater" and one of the first Carnival ships with a ropes course, both attractions that appeal heavily to teens and tweens.

Carnival Breeze also offers a water park with waterslides on its top decks, a miniature golf course, a sports court for basketball and volleyball, and multiple pools.

Interior venues on Carnival Breeze include a comedy club, piano bar, casino and showroom for big production shows. The dining options are similar to what you'll find on many Carnival ships, including an extra-charge steakhouse and Italian eatery, Cucina Del Capitano, as well as no-extra-charge main restaurants. It also has a sushi restaurant and a version of Carnival's Caribbean-inspired watering hole, RedFrog Pub.

Most Carnival Breeze sailings out of Galveston stop at Cozumel, with some adding a stop at Costa Maya, as well.

Carnival has two other vessels based year-round in Galveston: Carnival Vista and Carnival Dream. Both ships operate longer, generally more expensive sailings. Carnival Vista mostly sails seven-night trips out of Galveston, while Carnival Dream alternates between six- and eight-night voyages out of the Texas port.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Prima

There are no luxury-focused cruise lines, such as Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line , sailing out of Galveston. Still, you can get a luxury cruise experience on a voyage from Galveston by sailing on the one mainstream vessel based in the city that has a separate "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone: Norwegian Cruise Line 's new Norwegian Prima .

Hands down, the 3,215-passenger ship offers the best Galveston cruises for luxury lovers.

Unveiled in 2022, Norwegian Prima is the first of a new class of Norwegian vessel that the line has designed to be "elevated," in its words, as compared to earlier Norwegian ships. That is, it's designed to be more upscale.

The upscale turn included loading Norwegian Prima with an unusually large variety of suites (13 categories in all), including what the line says is the largest three-bedroom suites of any recently unveiled cruise vessel. If it's swanky digs you're after (and you have the money to spend), you'll find plenty of options on this ship.

Notably, the entire back of Norwegian Prima is devoted to an upscale luxury enclave for well-heeled travelers called The Haven. Rising eight decks high, it's home to 107 of the aforementioned suites, a sprawling private indoor lounge area, private outdoor lounge and pool areas, and a private restaurant — all exclusively for the use of those who pay up for one of its suites.

Related: The best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Outside of The Haven, the entire ship has a more elegant feel than you'll find on other Norwegian ships. It has more of the feel of the ships you find in the fleets of Norwegian's higher-end sister brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — albeit on a bigger scale.

Alas, Norwegian Prima only is based in Galveston seasonally for the winter, from December to March. It offers seven-night sailings to the Western Caribbean with calls in Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize.

Best for retirees: Regal Princess

Looking for a cruise out of Galveston that isn't jammed full of families with children? Look no further than the sailings out of the city on Princess Cruises ' Regal Princess.

Unlike the other major cruise ships that sail out of Galveston each year — operated by family-focused Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and Disney — Regal Princess wasn't built with families in mind as the core customer. As is the case with all Princess ships, it's more of a ship geared toward middle-aged and older travelers without kids, including lots of retirees.

Notably, the 3,600-passenger Regal Princess lacks nearly all the gee-whiz attractions for families found on the other ships that sail out of Galveston. You won't find big waterslides, kiddie splash zones, zip lines or go-kart tracks on this ship.

For the most part, the top decks of Regal Princess only offer pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for Princess ships. As a result, it draws far fewer families than the vessels above and caters more to an older crowd of mostly couples.

Related: The best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Regal Princess is based in Galveston on a seasonal basis from November to March. It operates some of the longest sailings from the Texas port, including 10- and 11-night trips to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Honduras, Belize and Mexico. They're the sort of sailings that generally appeal to a retired crowd because these trips require a long time away from home.

The shortest sailings that the 10-year-old Princess Cruises ship operates out of Galveston are seven nights in length.

Bottom line

Galveston, Texas, offers a relatively wide range of choices for cruise ships and itineraries. Five different cruise lines sail four- to 11-night voyages that visit such Western Caribbean ports as Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

What is the best cruise from Galveston for you? That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style, as there are cruises from Galveston that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Carnival Magic

Review Highlights

“ First off, This was my first cruise as well as several others in the group and it was wonderful!! ” in 13 reviews

“ I did a 6 day cruise out of Miami on the Carnival Magic that left 3/31/2024 and sailed to - Cozumel , Belize and Costa Maya. ” in 12 reviews

“ It rained the entire day we were on Grand Cayman , but it didn't seem to matter, we were on a semi-submersible anyway. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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48-2 23rd St

Galveston, TX 77550

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Overall rating

Enjoyed my first ever cruise with Carnival!! Everyone was so welcoming and energetic. Food was fantastic, and there were a ton of options. Many activities too, such as art shows, trivia, karaoke, musical theater performances, etc. Definitely a great deal given the food and board are included!

I did a 6 day cruise out of Miami on the Carnival Magic that left 3/31/2024 and sailed to - Cozumel, Belize and Costa Maya. I haven't cruised in over a decade so the new way of cruising was nice and I went solo. First tip - join the Facebook group with your fellow people that will sail on your date. Carnival now has an app and it makes It so easy to keep up with what's going on throughout the day, you can view the photos you take on the ship thru the app, whenever you pick activities you'd want to do it sends a reminder close to time, ship map on it and you can do your dining time and receive notification, daily Itinerary right there in your hand. Embarking was easy. Drop your luggage off and onboard. I'd recommend just getting a passport to bypass any issues. Next time I wont even stress about bringing a big carry on like I did. It took a few hours to get the luggage but no big deal. For us ladies- I'd recommend just wearing a swimsuit under your clothes when boarding because more than likely you'll be on the lido deck while leaving port. The ship is nice and easy to find things. Easy to navigate. I had an interior room and I know a lot of people dont like them but i have no issue with them. I am usually out and about throughout the ship until early am hours so i was only in my room to sleep. The bathroom shower was kind of small but otherwise no complaints. 2 people could occupy the space - theres ample storage - 2 closets, underbed storage and plenty of drawers. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. They have a big gym with a bunch of equipment- Elliptical, rowers, treadmill, balls, dumbbells, upper & lower body focus machines. There's a spa, kids club, arcade, billiards room, so much stuff. I enjoyed the entertainment - lady and the vamps, piano bar with Rodney, trivia and the other shows. I didn't find the comedy too funny. Food is plentiful and tasted great - restaurants that you can pay extra at - I didn't dine there. Several bars throughout. 2 casinos. Love, love the pizza. Ice cream available until 11pm I think. They had mexican, seafood, italian, guys burgers, dessert bars, and more. Lines are long for the meal buffets so be prepared to wait. I went during spring break so my only complaint was the teens/kids running around. I avoided any pools because of them and opted for the whirlpools instead and the inappropriate conversations I heard amongst these kids were appalling. I would recommend that their curfew be cut an additional hour than the 1 am. The staff were all polite and friendly. I didn't encounter any issues during my cruise. Shore excursions were handled without any issue and i made sure to return to ship way ahead of time. If you wait the line gets pretty long. I'd recommend wearing crocs thats what i wore the entire cruise. The floor is slippery and even wearing sneakers and water shoes didnt work. Disembarking was easy and seamless. I'd opt for allowing carnival to handle your luggage. A few travelers were anxious because Disembarking didn't happen right on time and they had flights (schedule your flights for later in the day if you fly). Overall, I'd recommend this cruise and Carnival. Loved the duck hunt on board. I want to participate and bring duckies next time!

See all photos from Toya C. for Carnival Magic

I have to preface this review with saying this was a "During COVID Cruise" so some issues hopefully will not be a problem in the future. Carnival Magic: April 2022. This was my 5th Carnival Cruise but the first one since 2018. As soon as we stepped on the ship, Robert and I both breathed in *that* scent of a Carnival Cruise ship and sighed as the scent of chlorine mixed with melted wax filled the air! THE GREAT: The BEST part of the Cruise was all of the hardworking and magical staff for Camp Ocean, the Kid's Club there. My daughter absolutely LOVED Camp Ocean. Every day we'd give her the option, "Okay Victoria, do you want to hang out with us and we can do XYZ or do you want to go to Kids Club?" It was ALWAYS Kids Club! The last night there was a Rock and Roll show on stage and we were excited to go. However, Victoria was relentless in asking to go to Kids Club for the last night. "Don't you want to go? It's going to be awesome and it's the LAST show on the cruise!" "NO! I wanna go to Camp Ocean!" And if you asked her what her favorite part *about* the cruise was---you guessed it! Camp Ocean! We played Trivia as much as we could and the hosts were funny and really tried to bring people together! There was just a lot of laughing, singing, and even dancing during the Music Trivia one. The host would PLAY the song after we had a few seconds to guess earlier and then everyone would join in and sing. It was fabulous to be a part of such a large Sing-A-Long!  Karaoke was a hit and my husband participated nightly. The entertainment staff really TRIED to bring as much fun and energy as possible too. After Robert sang Billy Joel's "You May Be Right" and Victoria enthusiastically danced next to him , they were such a hit that the host gave Victoria a special Carnival medal :) Besides Trivia and Karaoke, I loved sitting in the Red Frog Pub. It was themed like an Irish Pub set in the Caribbean. Polished light wood columns, LARGE wooden tables perfect for games, fun travel decor, and even foozball were inside! You could get both beer, cocktails, and little Caribbean snacks there. We played a lot of board games and I saw lots of other guests who had the same idea. Right around the corner from The Red Frog Pub was the Alchemy Bar which had the BEST cocktails on the ship! You can either order FROM the menu or just tell the bartender what you're feeling. I was missing Whiskey because all the drinks on board were either Rum, Tequila, or Vodka. My bartender had psychic vibes with me and she would make me cocktail after cocktail that was on par with New Orleans! The NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED: -Dinner Wait Staff: They were SEVERLY short staffed for the dinner service. In the past with Carnival you'd have a waiter check on your meal and if you didn't like it--they'd WHISK it away and replace it expediently with another choice. Nearly every night the waiter was so SLAMMED he didn't have a spare second to check on us. Unfortunately as well, Dinner options were hit or miss and there were times I definitely wanted my meal whisked away with a replacement! I BELIEVE the shortstaffed problem is strictly COVID related and hope that soon the staff will be back up to normal numbers. -Balcony doors: While we were lucky enough to be able to have a balcony room, it was difficult taking a nap onboard because the doors would SLAM shut so often! It was very LOUD and annoying. I purposely choose the Mardi Gras as our next ship because of the special sliding release for the balcony door. The shows nightly were great! The food at The Blue Iguana for breakfast was beloved and you can't go wrong with Guy Fieri's Burgers! We loved the ports, especially Carnival's own Island Half Moon Cay. My brain still feels like it's floating in this haze and it's swaying back and forth. We had an AMAZING time! It was SO non-stop that it really wasn't very relaxing nor as adventurous as I wanted it to be. We were SO active we really didn't have a chance to STOP and get FOMO. It might have been the best family vacation we've taken together. EVERYONE got along and we didn't have one single fight. It might have been the best family vacation we've taken together as well has having plenty of romantic and special times for me and my husband.

See all photos from Jo El S. for Carnival Magic

I am definitely a fan of the party ships better known as Carnival. However, I think I prefer the smaller more intimate ships. This ship seems to already be in need of a dry dock to give it a thorough cleaning. It was launched in 2010, but it seems to be a bit worn out. The menu for food was exactly the same as on other Carnival cruises; however, the tandoori bar up on the lido deck (outside) was a nice addition. I could eat there every day, and I might have except it wasn't always open when I wanted food. The Thirsty Frog was a great place to meet up with my family and play cards. Staff in the main dining were very good and our room attendant was excellent. Of course, being Platinum cruisers, we have perks (early boarding, which means early to the food frenzy; priority tendering, which makes a big difference with this many guests; and free laundry). Oh yeah, it also includes a small intimate party with the captain and other Platinum and Diamond guests; that includes free drinks and free appetizers (sushi). I had my first ever Mudslide! That party used to be for Gold members too, but Carnival decided to cut them off with just one drink coupon. Carnival ships have a lot of activities or you can just hang out. I'll probably not be back to the Magic again unless its itinerary includes Cuba.

How many crew members does it take to fix an engine? Hmmm. 6-28-15. Galveston.

The table next to us! Lol.

This was my second cruise ever, but it's been 6 years since my first. I have to say this cruise was beyond amazing. My review couldn't do this ship and trip justice, so I'll just stick to giving you my short advice. Book a trip on this ship! The food buffet is wayyyyyyyyy more than adequate, no need to pay for a special plan or service. Be sure to book nice shore excursions. It's worth the money. Don't cheap out and get the least expensive one that includes a beach stop....you can end up at some super low end shack serving dinner with a rocky ugly "private" beach. Do the dress up dinner at least once, it's a fun experience, but too boring for everyday dining. Go to the events on the ship...you can win some cool stuff, buy don't buy any carappy gold ish jewelry onboard. Have fun and I hope to cruise again soon!

We sailed the 7 day Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruise last January on the Carnival Magic. We met friends from a prior cruise and had a fabulous time. We had a Cove Balcony which is just above the water line and happens to be one of our favorite locations. It is a perfect location to quickly reach the gang way when in port. The ship is very similar to other Carnival ships in all of the unique restaurants and bars are on the Magic. It is a large ship that carries almost 3,700 passengers and over 1,300 crew. We prefer dining in the main dining room and the waiters quickly learn what you prefer to eat and drink and they work very hard to make sure your dining experience is over the top. The food has changed a lot over the years. You can get many styles of food and each meal has a vegetarian option. The fish and shrimp are always excellent and lobster is served at least once usually on formal night. Formal night has become a lot more relaxed. You see very few tuxedos now which is a bit sad. We enjoy dressing up and will continue to do so on formal nights. The ship has a fabulous Serenity Deck for adults only which we love. Carnival Cruise Line vacations are the best with no worries and no stress.

See all photos from Janet V. for Carnival Magic

Great times. This was the best vacation ever for me. The ship has a new cruise director as of August '15, the "Rev. Dr. E". He made the cruise very entertaining, with his good morning songs and hilarious shows. Our cabin steward and wait staff asked our names the first night and remembered them throughout the cruise. The staff was very helpful and friendly most of the time. The ship itself is very nice, there was always something going on somewhere, several live music performances, games and of course the beach pool and tides pool. We were also able to find hideaways where my wife and I could be alone in the hot tub, despite the ship's size, which was nice. The kids had a fantastic time at Camp, both of them wanted to be there every day and couldn't wait to go. That meant lots of alone time for me and the wife. The food was hit or miss. At first I was worried due to the reviews, but I had some very good food on board, and great desserts. We also had a few bad items, however. This is a cruise ship, though, so if you don't like it you can send it back and get something else! The lido marketplace buffet was about what you might expect from the Golden Corral or similar. They sometimes had some decent items and sometimes not so much. I loved the Oceanside BBQ on sea days. One bad thing about this ship is the layout of the elevators. They have 10 forward elevators but only 4 mid ships and 4 aft. You will spend a lot of time waiting for elevators due to this poor layout. The mid ship elevators seemed to be the busiest and many times we gave up and opted for the stairs. Fine for us on deck 6, not a great option if you are on deck 1 or 2. Also there are very few drink stations to fill up on free drinks. I'm sure this is planned, but I don't think it's necessary to get people to order drinks this way. Also, the drink cups are very small. We brought our own water bottles, and next time I'll bring a coffee cup. Definitely annoying, but not enough of a negative to detract from the great time we had. We were all gloomy the last night, none of us wanted it to be over!

Had a great time 7-12-15/7-18-15 with our Magic staff taking care of us the entire time. Made was in charge of keeping our room nice n tidy while updating us with all information needed. Francisco and Connie on wait staff providing excellent dinner service. My favorite team was the Casino team that included Ronniel, Irma, Paul, Pit Boss Dennis, Anna and server Ari! This are the type of staff that makes me coming back every year. Few hiccups keeping from a 5 star was my card on file getting disconnected with the bank causing to be declined. I spent $20 on the phone trying to get through USAA to fond out that my card was fine and it was on Carnivals end. This money didn't get credited back to me when brought to Carnivals attention. I'm also waiting to get off ship with faster to fun priority debarkation and my non priority group is already off waiting outside :/

Interior Cloud 9 room

My second time on the Carnival Magic. It's one of the newer and bigger ships by Carnival. The cruise staff are all very accommodating and do their best to make your trip comfortable. Almost all are from foreign countries and live on the boat for much of the year. They make very little money and work long hours, and appreciate any tips you can give. The Magic has plenty of entertainment options from pool, evening shows and karaoke, shopping, gambling, and a nauseating amount of food. Fortunately you can take advantage of the fitness facility and outdoor track, sky obstacle course, and basketball court to try to offset what you eat. The gym is nice, on the top level of forward. Gives you a view while exercising. The food: It's impossible to go hungry on the ship. Food is available any hour of the day. You can eat in the main dining area with set times for group dinners, visit the buffet during meal times, or make reservations at one of two restaurants. A high end steakhouse is $35/person and Italian restaurant $15. I didn't see a need for it as the main restaurant's food is decent and is no extra cost. If you want a snack, you can get pizza made of you at any hour. And the soft serve ice cream is really good! Carnival is the lower end of cruise lines but I like it. Good for families, singles, people of all ages. There are nicer cruise lines with better food and amenities, but for the value, entertainment, and fun crowd I enjoy Carnival.

The cruise was fun, the staff was great. This was my first cruise, and my husbands first cruise on carnival. Our room attendant was spot on, she took care of anything we needed. The twice a day cleaning was great, we loved seeing the towel animals in the evenings. Our dining room staff was the best, in fact I almost hated not eating there when we went to the steak house and the Italian restaurant. The other cruisers treated the ship as a party ship, it could get very loud in the evenings.... That was my only frustration but I was warned ahead of time carnival is known for that. I was not as impressed with the upgraded restaurants.... As I mentioned we ate at the steak house and the Italian options. The service at both was mediocre at best and the food was not great in my opinion. Lots of lines and waiting! Getting on and off the ship.... Waiting for elevators... Waiting for food.... Waiting to be sat. Our excursions were though carnival, we had a lot of fun and made memories we won't forget. Swimming with the Dolphins was great!!! I was really not happy with the billing procedures in the spa, my mother-in-law had to speak to them multiple times to get the bill correct. I did get a massage, and it was great but I needed a second one by the time the billing issues were fixed. Also I was left waiting for 30 minutes before the spa manager even realized that I was there for a massage, after I had checked in. My massage therapist called in sick that day, I understand illness but tell me when I check in not 30 minutes after the appointment when I arrived 15 minutes early to begin with. I also really enjoyed the onboard gym and yoga classes.

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Cruise from Galveston, Texas

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GOOD TIMES IN GALVESTON 

Galveston Island is a gem for Texas tourism — and it’s easy to see why. Fascinating history, well-preserved 18th century architecture, gorgeous beaches and thrilling outdoor adventures. Experience all this and cruise out of Galveston with Travel Weekly’s Best Cruise Line Overall 21 years running.

Go Bold From Galveston

Unlock the shores of the western Caribbean on our award-winning ships — sailing out of Galveston. From Cozumel to Costa Maya , wander through top-rated, sun-soaked ports. And discover some of the most brag worthy white-sand beaches, exotic jungles and thrilling adventures.

ADVENTURE JUST GOT BIGGER IN TEXAS

Oasis Class flavors, thrills and beats go full-throttle on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail from Texas — Harmony of the Seas®. Twist, shout and let it all out down the tallest slide at sea. Over 20 dining venues take you from Italy to Wonderland. And when the sun goes down, head to the AquaTheater or experience the Broadway hit Grease. All while maxing out memories onshore in Mexico and Roatán .

EXPLORE HARMONY OF THE SEAS

MARINER OF THE SEAS

Set out on Texas-sized adventures for just a few days onboard Mariner of the Seas®. Hang ten on the FlowRider® surf simulator or race down The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides. And challenge your crew to an epic glow-in-the-dark laser tag faceoff. Max more moments with one-of-a-kind experiences on every deck.

EXPLORE MARINER OF THE SEAS

Galveston Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in galveston.

SALTWATER STALWARTS

Gulf Beach, Galveston, Texas

Unwind along Galveston’s 32 miles of sun-drenched shoreline at one of the many county beach parks lining the Gulf of Mexico. Galveston Island State Park offers quiet seclusion and Stewart Beach is a great family-friendly option, while East Beach is a popular gathering space for livelier beach crowds.

HEAD TO THE PIER

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas

Say hello to the thrills and excitement of the massive amusement park at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Galveston cruises give the opportunity to experience all that the pier has to offer. Enjoy the rides before playing all of the classic carnival games — there's even a roller coaster on Pleasure Pier!

BUILDING BLOCKS

Stroll past well-preserved Victorian-era buildings in the old Strand District during your Galveston cruise. Once called the “Wall Street of the South”, this charming commercial hub, along with the neighboring East End Historic District, is home to mansions-turned-museums, the Grand 1894 Opera House, plus loads of unique shops and cozy cafés.

LOCAL CUISINE

Seafood is king on Galveston Island— Gulf shrimp, blue crabs, snapper and grouper come fresh off the boat. But the signature Tex-Mex cuisine equally impresses with sizzling fajitas and tequila-laced margaritas. Old Strand Emporium scoops out ice-cream parlor charm, while La King’s Confectionary is where local candy makers craft saltwater taffy in-house. Don’t miss a drive-through daiquiri stand for a frozen cocktail on-the-go.

The Strand Historical District is the town’s prime shopping spot, where 19th-century storefronts now house a quirky collection of locally owned gift shops and antique stores. Here you can pick up beachwear, whimsical gifts, model ships, used books, Southwestern turquoise jewelry, and Texas-inspired home décor.

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11 Reason To Sail on Cruises From Galveston

I n no uncertain terms, a cruise port makes all the difference regarding your entire vacation. After all, the location of your departure sets the tone for your trip moving forward, determining which destinations you’ll reach once you’re on the high seas.

While specific destinations like Miami or Canaveral boast unique strengths, something might also be said for the Port of Galveston, Texas. A smaller port overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston may not be the largest or busiest destination from which to depart. Yet, there are plenty of amicable reasons to look into this idyllic Texan island for your next cruise-going experience.

1. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Offer Cruises From Galveston

Looking at it plainly, Galveston has three cruise terminals making up its port. In contrast, far larger alternatives, like the Port of Miami, have eleven terminals. Because of this, Galveston unfortunately cannot house many of the industry’s prestigious cruise lines. However, the port’s terminals support several large-scale cruise corporations, with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, MSC, and Disney Cruises departing from Galveston regularly.

2. The Nearby Cruise Destinations Are Well Worth It

Admittedly, inevitable drawbacks are attached to cruises from Galveston. Considering how much farther west it is than ports in Florida or along the East Coast, most cruise lines out of Galveston cannot travel to their company’s private islands as many are in the Eastern Caribbean. However, Galveston’s location along the Gulf of Mexico has its distinct perks, including ready access to the Western Caribbean and parts of South and Central America. Though some guests might regret losing a chance at CocoCay, it’s hard to be upset when trekking along the shores of Mexico, Honduras, or Belize.

3. It’s Easier To Navigate Than Larger Ports

There’s no simple answer when it comes to determining the total cost of cruises from Galveston over any other port in the U.S. Like most ports, the final cost of the cruise depends on numerous factors, including the time of year you’re sailing, the location of your cabin, and the cruise line you plan on traveling with. However, the convenience of navigating the port itself makes Galveston a perfect option for anyone new to cruise vacations. Avoiding the large-scale crowds and tedious boarding lines as other major ports, Galveston remains a hassle-free destination for most novice travelers out there.

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4. galveston is conveniently located in the central u.s..

Given Galveston’s distinct location in eastern Texas , it’s one of the most readily accessible ports for travelers across the U.S. Located in the heart of America, travelers from the Western U.S. will have just as easy time reaching it as vacationers from the Midwest or East Coast. After all, who wants to sit on a lengthy plane ride to reach their port of call? Also, Galveston lacks the same high value of traffic as Miami or other popular ports, making it relatively hassle-free to reach.

5. The Port Terminal Is Reasonably Close to the Airport

Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport is the closest airport to Galveston. Roughly 41 miles northwest of the port, travelers can easily navigate from the airport to their cruise terminal in under an hour. Galveston is also close to several major cities, making it an option, albeit a farther one, for anyone flying into Austin or Dallas. However, given Houston’s short driving distance to Galveston, William P. Hobby Airport is your best bet for air travel.

6. The Boarding Process Is Quick and Seamless

As mentioned above, Galveston doesn’t have the same volume of passengers flooding through its port as Miami, Canaveral, or Port Everglades. As a result, boarding a ship is comparatively tamer—especially since the port opened up its third and latest terminal in 2022. Having been constructed in the past two decades and carefully refurbished, these terminals are in fantastic shape, making the onboarding process much more efficient for vacationers. The terminals also come equipped with innovative new features, with Terminal 3 offering mobile check-in and state-of-the-art facial recognition devices.

7. There Are Plenty of Hotels Nearby

Another notable feature of Galveston is the number of hotels near the port. (Because let’s face it: what’s more accessible than simply waking up, hopping in your car, and practically walking onto the ship without worrying about losing track of time?) What’s more, many of the hotels in the Galveston area have special offers for anyone traveling onboard a cruise ship. These offers include free or discounted parking rates and a helpful shuttle that ferry passengers back and forth from the hotel to the ship. While several hotels in Galveston have these amenities, some of the best include the Hilton Galveston Island Resort and the San Luis Resort .

8. Parking Is Easy

Don’t let Galveston’s size fool you—the port itself has plenty of options when it comes to parking. As previously suggested, anyone staying at a nearby hotel might want to consider leaving their car parked there and taking a shuttle, taxi, or Uber over to their terminal. Additionally, travelers can reserve a space in the port’s parking lot ahead of their trip. These parking spaces are safe and secure, and port employees will assist with any luggage brought aboard on cruises from Galveston.

9. Galveston Itself Is a Beautiful Place To Visit

The main reason we believe you should depart from Galveston on your next cruise is the opportunity you’ll have to see what it has to offer. Like most major cities, there’s plenty to do and see around town, with every prospective sight catering to travelers’ interests. For those interested in shopping, the Strand Historical District has plenty of independently owned stores that feature everything from odd tchotchkes to essential beach items. Galveston’s famous Moody Gardens is an educational park built around natural wonders such as exotic sea life, immaculate flowers, roaming monkeys, and sloths.

10. You’re Bound To Find Some Great Last-Minute Deals

As previously mentioned, Galveston is a more scaled-down port than Miami or Port Canaveral, but its three terminals still receive cruise ships constantly. Because of this constantly moving schedule, most travelers will find it incredibly easy to find last-minute deals on select cruises from Galveston—often days before the ship is booked to leave. Sure, it may not be practical for those traveling from longer distances to book something last-minute. Yet these last-minute deals are well worth it for anyone within a short distance of Galveston.

11. Galveston Is Steeped in Rich Maritime History

Galveston is a city rich in history, having first been settled by Indigenous Natives of the Akokisa and Karankawa tribes before the Europeans arrived in the 1600s. Over the next several centuries, Galveston became a hub for maritime trade, eventually attracting such notable figures as French buccaneer Jean Lafitte. All that being said, history buffs will delight at the chance to visit Galveston, taking in some of the numerous historical sights around town—like Lafitte’s personal hideaway at Maison Rouge or the Michael B. Menard House, named after one of Galveston’s original American settlers. Even those who don’t care for history will find these areas fascinating.

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