Galveston processes a huge number of cruise passengers each year. In fact, in 2024, Galveston Wharves set a new record, with more than 3 million cruisers setting sail from this Texas destination near Houston.
That said, you might be surprised to know that, for all these people, Galveston only has three cruise terminals (much less than, say, Port Everglades, which has eight terminals to handle its near-same number of cruisers).
If you’re planning on cruising from Galveston soon, here’s everything you need to know about these three terminals, for the most convenient, easiest embarkation possible.
A Quick Overview of Galveston’s Three Terminals
In 2024, Galveston remained the fourth most popular cruise port in North America, as well as the eighth busiest cruise port in the world, with nearly 400 sailings and the aforementioned 3 million-plus cruisers hitting the open seas from Galveston Island, heading to popular cruise ship ports of call like the Western Caribbean, Cozumel and Costa Maya.
The Galveston Cruise Port’s three cruise terminals are Cruise Terminal 10, Cruise Terminal 25, and Cruise Terminal 28.
From these three terminals, the following cruise lines offer service: Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
Cruise Terminal 25 primarily hosts Carnival Cruise Line ships. Cruise Terminal 10 hosts primarily Royal Caribbean ships. Cruise Terminal 28 hosts the remaining lines.
The Future of the Port of Galveston
It’s expected that even more passengers will sail from the Galveston Port in 2025. Current projections anticipate 3.6 million passengers will cruise from this already thriving maritime commercial center in 2025, with more than 400 sailings. This is partially the case because the port will open a new, fourth terminal in 2025.
The new Cruise Terminal 16 is anticipated to cost more than $150 million and will be primarily dedicated to MSC Cruises, which currently doesn’t even serve Galveston, making this an especially exciting development.
MSC Cruises plans to base MSC Seascape here, year-round, when the terminal begins operations. The terminal, when it opens hopefully in November 2025, will measure in at about 165,000 square feet and will also bring with it a new, adjacent parking garage, adding to the already plentiful Galveston parking options.
Renderings of the anticipated new terminal show very large, spacious embarkation and disembarkation areas capable of accommodating large crowds, and sleek, contemporary décor.
Galveston Cruise Terminal 10
Galveston’s Cruise Terminal 10 opened in 2022, so it’s still relatively new. Made possible via a partnership with Royal Caribbean — the main cruise line to use this terminal — it cost an impressive $125 million to build. It accommodates well over half-a-million cruise passengers per year.
Since the terminal is only a few years old, it still feels modern and up-to-date inside. You’ll see Royal Caribbean branding on the exterior, which features a contemporary blue, geometric motif. The interior is very spacious, and offers lots of seating and décor in Royal Caribbean-familiar shades of blue.
The artistic flair from the exterior continues on past the terminal entrance, with art installations like “The Galveston Beach Trio,” a series of instrument-playing animals.
The terminal is also capable of hosting some of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships, such as those within the Oasis class: Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.
The majority of these ships have set size records as they’ve debuted in past years and, as such, haven’t always been able to sail from just any port.
While Terminals 25 and 28 are relatively close to one another, this terminal sits quite a ways away, about a mile from Terminals 25 and 28.
Amenities
The 200,000-square-foot terminal complex on 10 acres of land is the world’s first zero-energy cruise terminal, as well as the first terminal in Texas to achieve LEED Gold certification.
You can see this commitment to sustainability through the terminal’s solar panels, bike racks, EV charging stations and more. Additionally, the terminal incorporates a large degree of tech-savvy amenities, including facial recognition and mobile check-in capabilities.
Designed to somewhat mimic an airport terminal, Terminal 10 has similar amenities and a similar layout, with “arrivals” on the terminal’s first floor and check-in on the terminal’s second floor. There are multiple lounge areas to sit and wait for embarkation.
Drop Off and Pick Up
There is a pick-up and drop-off ground transportation area right next to the Cruise Terminal 10 pier, off Royal Caribbean Way. Private cars, as well as Lyft and Uber services, can easily access this drop-off/pick-up point.
You’ll want to use the below address (1028 Harborside Drive) to get there, but the small loop road where you’ll be dropped off or picked up is technically Royal Caribbean Way if you look at a map, either Google Maps or one of the port’s official parking maps.
Read Also: What You Need to Know on Galveston Cruise Parking
Speaking of parking, there are several parking lots nearby, within walking distance, including the port’s North Lot and North Premium Lot (the premium lot is just “premium” because it’s covered). If you’re driving your own car, you can park at either of these lots for under $30 per day.
Terminal Quick Info:
- Total square footage: 200,000 square feet
- Location: 1028 Harborside Drive, Galveston, Texas 77550
- Cruise Lines at This Terminal: Royal Caribbean
Galveston Cruise Terminal 25
This terminal, formerly known as Terminal 1, was expanded in 2010, for Carnival Cruise Line’s usage and the line’s older Dream-class ships. As such, it’s quite a bit older than Cruise Terminal 10.
However, in 2023, it did receive some further renovations to better serve Carnival Cruise Line’s newer ships, including the line’s Excel-class ships (which currently include Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee).
These most recent renovations totaled an estimated $53 million, and renovations included improving border patrol facilities, erecting new gangways, expanding passenger and luggage areas, building a new roof, redesigning the terminal’s interior, adding nearby parking spots and adding escalators and elevators.
The result is a terminal that can handle far more passengers, more efficiently and more comfortably.
That said, while the “new” Terminal 25 certainly feels fresh, some of the décor choices do feel like a bit of a throwback to Carnival Cruises’ earlier years, with, for example, a color palette that’s a mix of bright orange, blue and mustard yellow.
Drop Off and Pick Up
Passengers can be picked up and dropped off right at Terminal 25, at 2502 Harborside Drive. If you need to park, parking attendants will direct you to a lot, but otherwise porters will help you with your luggage, if needed.
If you decide to park a long distance away from the terminal, shuttle services are available. Shuttles run regularly during embarkation hours.
Terminal Quick Info:
- Total square footage: 70,000 square feet
- Location: 2502 Harborside Drive, Galveston, Texas 77550
- Cruise Lines at This Terminal: Primarily Carnival, but also could include Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruises depending upon scheduling
Galveston Cruise Terminal 28
Formerly known as Terminal 2, this terminal was once primarily used by Royal Caribbean until the cruise line established its own dedicated terminal with the newer Terminal 10.
With infrastructure originally designed to accommodate Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class ships (Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas), the cruise line’s larger group of newer ships have far surpassed this class in size, requiring more space as can be found at Terminal 10.
Drop Off and Pick Up
Cruise travelers can be picked up and dropped immediately in front of Terminal 28, at 2502 Harborside Drive. Parking lots are nearby, but porters will be there to help you with your luggage, if needed.
Terminal Quick Info:
- Total square footage: 150,000 square feet
- Location: 2502 Harborside Drive, Galveston, Texas 77550
- Cruise Lines at This Terminal: Carnival, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruises
