A Disney Cruise from Galveston is the perfect cruise for the whole family! Imagine sailing around the Gulf of Mexico with Captain Mickey. It will be a vacation your entire family will remember for a lifetime.
Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas, is a fascinating coastal resort city with a rich history and a vibrant culture, located on Galveston Island and Pelican Island off the Southeast Texas coast. The city was named after Bernardo de Gálvez, a Spanish military and political leader, and has a storied past that includes its role as a major historic port, temporary capital of the Republic of Texas, and the center of the impact of the devastating 1900 hurricane, the deadliest in U.S. history.
Galveston is celebrated for its 32 miles of beaches, making it the perfect place for those looking to enjoy the Gulf Coast. Beyond the beach, it’s a place full of art, historic architecture, chic boutiques, and ghost legends. The city has been a hub for various industries throughout its history, with current economic focuses on tourism, healthcare, shipping, and finance. It’s also known for the University of Texas Medical Branch, which is a significant economic force in the city.
The city’s historical significance is reflected in its six historic districts and over 60 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing one of the largest collections of 19th-century buildings in the U.S. Galveston’s early settlement began with the Galveston City Company in 1834, and it played critical roles during the Texas revolution against Mexico and the American Civil War. The Galveston hurricane of 1900 is a pivotal moment in its history, leading to significant city planning and protection measures against future storms.
Today, Galveston continues to thrive as a tourist destination, offering a blend of historical experiences, cultural activities, and recreational opportunities that attract visitors year-round. From its unique museums and architecture to the vibrant arts scene and beachfront attractions, Galveston embodies a distinctive mix of Texas history and coastal charm.
The Port of Galveston is located near Downtown Galveston, with convenient parking lot nearby. The Disney Cruise Line terminal is currently Terminal 28, located at 2702 Harborside Drive. If you have been to the Port Canaveral cruise terminal, you will notice the Galveston version is not Disney themed, it is a shared cruise terminal with other cruise lines that sail from Galveston. However, on your day of departure, Disney will be the only cruise line using the terminal that day.
The Port of Galveston is a significant cruise hub, ranked as the 4th busiest cruise port in the USA by annual cruise shipping traffic, with about 1 million embarking passengers. In addition to Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess and Norwegian Cruise Lines sail from Galveston each year.
Galveston is a natural cruise departure port, with proximity to many major cities (50 miles to Houston, 215 miles to Austin, 250 miles to San Antonio, 290 miles to Dallas and 330 miles to New Orleans). About 35 million people live within a 4-hour drive of Galveston!
Getting to the Port of Galveston
Depending on your location, there are a few ways to get to Galveston for your Disney Cruise.
By Air
For travelers flying in, the closest commercial airports are in Houston:
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), located about 70 miles north of Galveston. It’s one of the nation’s busiest airports, serving many domestic and international flights.
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), about 40 miles north of Galveston and closer than IAH, primarily serves domestic flights and some international connections.
From either airport, you can reach Galveston by rental car, Uber/LYFT, shuttle service, or taxi. Shuttle services like Galveston Express offer direct transportation to Galveston. Disney also offers shuttle service directly from IAH to the cruise terminals (for a cost).
We strongly suggest that you fly into Houston the day before your cruise. If your flight is late, Mickey will not wait for you. Flying after the cruise, plan your flight for noon or later.
By Car
If you’re driving to Galveston:
- From the North or West: Take Interstate 45 South directly to Galveston Island. I-45 ends in Galveston, turning into Broadway Avenue once you cross the causeway onto the island.
- From the East: If you’re coming from areas east of Galveston and the Louisiana border, you might use State Highway 87 and the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry to reach the island.
Parking
If you are driving to Galveston, you will need somewhere to park your car during your cruise.
- Find a hotel that offers cruise parking. There are several hotels that offer both cruise parking and a shuttle to the terminals. Please check with each hotel directly to confirm pricing and availability.
- There are several dedicated parking lots and parking garages near the terminal. Considering using EZ Cruise Parking Galveston or Cruise Park, both conveniently located within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Parking at either lot should be in the range of about $80 to $100 for a 7-night cruise.
Disney Cruise Ships in Galveston
While the schedule changes from time to time, the Disney Magic has been the ship seen in Galveston over the last few years, and for the foreseeable future. The Magic is one of Disney’s smallest ships, but no less magical than the newer ones. In the past, the Disney Wonder has sailed out of Galveston as well.
Launched in 1998, the Disney Magic was the first ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, marking the entertainment giant’s entry into the cruise industry. The ship is designed with families in mind, featuring the distinctive Disney-themed entertainment, dining, and amenities that the brand is known for. Here are some key features and aspects of the Disney Magic:
Disney Magic Design and Specifications
- Tonnage: Approximately 84,000 gross tons.
- Length: About 964 feet.
- Passenger Capacity: The Disney Magic can accommodate approximately 2,700 passengers in around 875 staterooms.
- Crew: Approximately 950 members.
Disney Magic Amenities and Entertainment
- Theming: The Disney Magic features a classic early 20th-century design, inspired by the golden age of ocean travel. Its interiors and exteriors are adorned with Disney characters and motifs.
- Family Entertainment: The ship offers a variety of live shows, movies, and character meet-and-greets featuring beloved Disney characters. Broadway caliber entertainment can be found in the Walt Disney Theater.
- Dining: There are multiple dining options onboard, including themed restaurants that offer unique experiences, such as Animator’s Palate, where the dining room comes to life with Disney animation and Rapunzel’s Table, where you will enjoy a feast fit for royalty.
- Pools and Recreation: The ship features family pools, an adults-only pool, and Aquaduck Water Coaster.
- Youth Clubs: There are clubs and lounges for different age groups, from toddlers to teens, offering activities and entertainment tailored to each age range.
- Adults-Only Areas: The Disney Magic includes spaces exclusively for adults, such as bars, nightclubs, and an adults-only pool area, ensuring that adult passengers can find their own spaces for relaxation and entertainment.
Notable Features
- Innovations: The Disney Magic introduced several cruise industry firsts, including the first ship to have an almost entire deck dedicated to children’s activities and the first to offer rotational dining, where guests rotate through a series of themed restaurants with their service staff following them.
Disney Cruise Line has expanded its fleet since the launch of the Disney Magic, but the Magic remains a beloved ship for its charm, family-friendly atmosphere, and the quality of its amenities and services. It is considered one of Disney’s classic ships. Whether you’re a Disney fan or just looking for a family-oriented cruise experience, the Disney Magic offers a memorable and magical journey on the high seas.
Currently, the Disney Ships include the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder (Disney Magic’s sister ship), Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream and Disney Wish. Disney Cruise Line has announced two new Disney Cruise line ships, the Disney Treasure will launch in late 2024, and the Disney Adventure will launch in 2025, which will be based in Singapore. These new cruise ships will expand Disney’s reach, and may mean more cruises from Galveston in the future.
Current Disney Cruises from Galveston
Disney Cruise Line has announced cruises through the end of May 2025, including quite a few from Galveston, Texas. Here are the current options:
4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Disney Magic from Galveston, TX
2024 SAIL DATES: March 31, November 21, December 11, 15, 19 and 29
2025 SAIL DATES: January 2, 6, 15 and 29, February 12, 16 and 20, March 2, 6, 16 and 20
Stops include: Progreso, Mexico, 2 days at sea
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Disney Magic from Galveston, TX
2024 SAIL DATES: December 1 and 6
2025 SAIL DATES: January 10, 19 and 24, February 2 and 7
Stops include: Progreso, Mexico, Cozumel, Mexico, 2 days at sea
6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Disney Magic from Galveston, TX
2024 SAIL DATES: March 25, November 25 and December 23
2025 SAIL DATES: February 24 and March 10
Stops include: George Town (Jamaica), Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Mexico, 3 days at sea
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Disney Magic from Galveston
2024 SAIL DATES: March 18
Stops include: Falmouth (Jamaica), Grand Cayman, Cozumel, 3 days at sea
6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Disney Magic from Galveston to San Juan, PR
2024 SAIL DATES: April 14
Stops include: Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth (Jamaica), San Juan (Puerto Rico)
7-Night Bahamian Disney Cruise
Disney Magic from Galveston, TX ending in San Juan, PR
2025 SAIL DATE: March 24
Stops include: Disney Castaway Cay, Nassau, Bahamas, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, 3 days at sea
Galveston Very Merrytime Christmas Cruises
Disney’s Very Merrytime cruises are fantastic! Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at sea with a captivating blend of festive entertainment, activities, and decorations. Revel in the enchanting atmosphere created by a towering 24-foot Christmas tree, intricate garlands, vibrant poinsettias, and twinkling lights. Engage in a variety of cheerful events designed to bring joy to the whole family, creating unforgettable memories amidst a sea of holiday wonder.
In addition to incredible Christmas decorations, a Christmas tree in the lobby, Santa Clause on the lose, a specal Mickey & Minnie Holiday party, all of your favorite Disney characters will be decked out in their finest Holiday attire.
Several Very Merrytime cruises will sail from Galveston. On the Disney Magic from Galveston, all cruises between November 21 to December 23, 2024 will be Very Merrytime cruises. The schedule for 2025 has not been announced yet.
Booking your Galveston Disney Cruise
Whether this is your first time and your frist cruise or 100th, you can use the help of a travel agent. Here at Tiki Room Travel, we have sailed from Galveston as well as Disney Cruise ports around the world. We have sailed on all the cruise ships with large family groups, toddlers, teens and everything in between.
Using Tiki Room Travel will never cost you more than booking directly with DCL. Often, we will even save you money. We never charge any fees, and are here to make sure you have the perfect Disney Cruise.
Take a few minutes to sumbit a free, no-obligation price quote for your next Disney vacation.
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