Learn more about the historic Galveston, Texas.

One of the oldest ports on the gulf coast, the city is located around 50 miles south of Houston, Texas. The city takes up most of Galveston Island, which is approximately 27 miles long and 3 miles at its widest point.

Local Culture and Flavor
With the second busiest port in America, Galveston has been coined the "Queen of the Gulf." Seafood lovers will covet the oyster and shrimp culinary specialties of this island with over 30 miles of sandy beaches. Keep your eyes on the water! Bottlenose dolphin sightings are quite common in Galveston Bay.

A strong sense of community is shared by the locals who take pride in their town and cultural festivities. Galveston is home to an impressively large collection of 19th-century buildings and the city is awash with restored homes from the Victorian era, in addition to nature parks and colorful oleanders. 

Past and Present
The island was originally home to the Karankawa and Akokisa Indians before the French claimed it in the 1600s. When Galveston was incorporated in 1839, it became Texas' largest city. As its port thrived, the economy surged and the city became the first in the entire state to lay claim to a hospital, post office, streetlights, trolleys, telephones and telegraphs.

Today, when you set sail on a Galveston cruise, you can expect to enjoy a city that flourishes with charming shops, diverse entertainment, cultural museums and fantastic restaurants.

There's something to entertain every family member in Galveston.

The Strand Historical District in downtown Galveston boasts one of the largest selections of 19th-century buildings in the U.S., attracting visitors the world over. The city's sunny beaches, southern charm and sizzling nightlife bring tourists year round.

Perched on the northwestern-most tip of the island, the city offers a temperate climate that's perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities. Delight in beautiful beaches that offer breathtaking sunsets, abundant fishing and playful waves for swimming and surfing.

Shopping
The city has a bevy of boutiques, galleries and retail stores for shoppers to peruse. Saunter through the streets of Galveston’s historic downtown area to discover 70 blocks bearing culinary, vintage, jewelry, apparel and other shopping delights. Just blocks away is the Post Office Street Arts & Entertainment District, brimming with works of art, historic buildings and antique shops.

Moody Gardens
Family-friendly attractions abound in this non-profit landmark featuring educational, wildlife and nature exhibits—in addition to a golf course, zip line, ropes course and more.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
A dazzling array of rides, eateries, carnival games and shopping is yours to explore at this charming waterfront destination.

What to know before you go to Galveston, Texas.

Language
The primary language spoken in the United States is English.

Weather
Galveston has a temperate climate, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the low 60s in winter and rising to 90°F in summer. The area sees rainfall throughout the year, with September historically being the area’s wettest month, so packing a light umbrella is advised.

How to Pay
The U.S. dollar is the currency used in Galveston, Texas.

How to Get Around
Galveston is a small island that is easily navigated by foot, taxi and public island transit buses. The island also offers a working trolley system that runs along Seawall Boulevard to the Strand District. For those wishing to rent a vehicle, Enterprise is the only rental car service on the island, located on Broadway Avenue J.

Safety in Galveston
Galveston is a popular travel destination and considered very safe, but Disney Cruise Line Guests are always advised to follow safety precautions to protect valuables.

Instances of pickpocketing activity may increase in busy tourist areas and outdoor festivals. Always be conscious of your personal belongings and surroundings. It is a good practice to keep your wallet in your front pocket and all bags securely zipped.

Learn about departure port details such as driving directions, parking and onboarding information.

Galveston Port Terminal

Address

Port of Galveston
2702 Harborside Drive
Galveston, TX 77550

Upon arriving at the port, please follow the signs directing you to the Disney Cruise Line ship and terminal.

The April 5, 2026, sailing will disembark at the Port of San Diego in San Diego, California.

Ferry Information

• The Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry is free and open to the public
• A ferry operates 24 hours a day
• Starting at 6:30 AM each day, a second ferry operates for 8 to12 hours, depending on traffic
• The ferry ride is approximately 18 minutes. Vehicles should not exceed 80,000 lbs. Vehicles are allowed a maximum length of 65 feet, a maximum height of 13.5 feet and a maximum width of 8.5 feet

For additional ferry information and special requests, Guests should call the ferry office at (409) 795-2230. Additional information and wait times can be found on the Houston Transtar website.

Parking
There are multiple options for Guests to park at the Port of Galveston.

The Economy lot is located near the cruise terminal and serviced via a shuttle service. The Express lot is located next to the cruise terminal, and the parking garage is located close by. Both are within walking distance and no shuttle service is provided.

Reservations may be made online at Port of Galveston Cruise Parking.

Parking prices are set by the Port of Galveston and subject to change at any time. The Port of Galveston accepts the following forms of payment: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Google and Apple Pay. Cash is not accepted. A valid disability parking permit is required for accessible parking.

Luggage Handling and Port Arrival Times
Disney Cruise Line representatives will be at the terminal to meet, greet and check in Guests starting at 11:15 AM. Guests are allowed to enter at their scheduled Port Arrival Time. Guests who do not have a Port Arrival Time or have not had an opportunity to complete their Online Check-In should arrive after 2:00 PM. Porters will be on hand to assist with luggage.

Note: All Guests must be on board the ship no later than the published All-Aboard time.

Youth Activities
Wristbands will be distributed to Guests during Youth Activities registration on board the ship.

ATMs & Currency Exchange
There are no ATMs in the terminal, but you can cash personal checks and exchange currency at the Guest Services desk on board the ship with a valid photo I.D. The various ports of call have ATMs as well.

Wheelchair Accessibility
The cruise terminal building and parking areas are wheelchair accessible. If you require temporary use of a wheelchair at the pier upon embarkation or debarkation, please request one upon arrival at the cruise terminal.

Providing a welcome retreat, the Houston Airport Marriott hotel at George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers a relaxing environment after the rigors of travel. During your stay, enjoy convenient access to popular sites in and around the Houston area via underground tram service.

Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental
18700 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77032
Telephone: (281) 443-2310

Check-In: 3 PM | Check-Out: 11 AM

The hotel is approximately 71 miles from the Port of Galveston.

Walking Directions
Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental is located within the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Take the complimentary underground tram located one level below baggage claim in all terminals. The hotel is located between Terminals B and C. The tram operates between 3:30 AM and 12:30 AM. After hours please contact the hotel at (281) 443-2310 for shuttle service.

The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center is located on 30 acres of beachfront property near downtown Galveston. Featuring lavish, state-of-the-art accommodations for the entire family, the hotel offers breathtaking Gulf of Mexico views and personalized service.

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
5222 Seawall Boulevard
Galveston, Texas 77551
Telephone: (409) 744-1500

Check-In: 4 PM | Check-Out: 11 AM

The hotel is approximately 71 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, 45 miles from William P. Hobby Airport and 3 miles from the Port of Galveston.

Relax in elegance and comfort at the Hilton Galveston Island Resort, located just steps away from the beach. You’ll also find yourself within walking distance of multiple restaurants, shops and family attractions along historic Seawall Boulevard. Inside the hotel, accommodations are both spacious and luxurious with all of the amenities needed for a memorable stay.

Hilton Galveston Island Resort
5400 Seawall Boulevard
Galveston, Texas 77551
Telephone: (409) 744-5000

Check-In: 4 PM | Check-Out: 11 AM

The hotel is approximately 75 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and 50 miles from William P. Hobby Airport. The cruise terminal is located approximately 4.5 miles from the hotel.