Cruising from Galveston is one of our favorite ways to get out to sea. Why some may ask? Because we like millions of others are within a reasonable drive to the port. In the post 9/11 days flying is far more difficult, and if you are heading to a ship where you will want formal, casual, and work-out clothes along with your swimwear with you. That usually means checking luggage if you are on more than a three or four night cruise. With the luggage come fees unless you have the right credit card, fly the right airline, or have enough miles on the airline where you are considered an elite member of the frequent flyer program.
For those from Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Ft. Worth, and some areas of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana getting to Galveston is a matter of a few hour drive. For us, it is almost exactly one hour from the house to the cruise port terminal. With several parking options available both at hotels with stay and cruise packages as well as cruise port parking lots getting to and leaving your car at the Port of Galveston area is so simple.
Of course Galveston is a great destination unto itself as well. With so many historic sites and specifically buildings to see there are a few days of sightseeing available. There is a railroad museum very close to the port that reopened not too long ago. I tried to see it with my daughter but they were a couple weeks away from opening once again. There is an air museum at the airport. Also, out at the airport for those who like to see folks flying in and out to the oil patch in the Gulf of Mexico there are at least two separate helicopter companies flying crews every day of the week. Last but not least I will mention the beaches on the Gulf Coast. There are miles of beach from which to choose to set up your spread while you bake in the sun.
Aside for the ships pulling in an hour from our front door, we like to sail to Grand Cayman, Roatan, and Belize City. Cozumel and Falmouth, Jamaica are also acceptable ports of call. I really like Stingray City offshore Grand Cayman. I like the snorkeling and scuba opportunities in Honduras and Belize since I love to see the beautiful coral and fish. In Cozumel the most exciting excursion I have taken is a Salsa making class (you make margaritas as well…and taste test many of them).
Not having to fly in the night before saves a day from travel and at times saves enough to pay for another cruise. Departing the house right before the cruise and getting back home early in the morning after the cruise are definite plusses for us.
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