Galveston Cruise Port: Best Stays Before or After Your Trip

As a destination, Galveston offers an endless array of beautiful beaches, delicious dining, and exciting attractions. But Galveston’s unique location— perched on the shores of the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico— makes it a picture-perfect port town, too. Historically, the Port of Galveston has been a designated customs entry point since the 1830s and the home base for the Texas Navy. These days, Galveston offers an idyllic spot to launch unforgettable cruises to the Bahamas, Key West, and Mexico.

Galveston’s new state-of-the-art cruise terminal makes it one of the top 5 biggest cruise ports in the U.S., and a great place to start your next cruise.

An Array of Cruise Ship Excursions

To celebrate this brand new terminal in style, some of the most luxurious cruise lines in the world are launching some extraordinary excursions from Galveston. 

This year, the popular Carnival Cruise Line is offering three separate seven-day itineraries from the Port of Galveston, all beginning on Saturdays. The first itinerary stops in Cozumel and Belize, the second itinerary makes stops in Montego Bay and Grand Cayman, while the third itinerary drops anchor in Freeport and Nassau. Carnival also offers several four and five-day packages, too.

The Disney Cruise Line continues to set sail from the Port of Galveston in 2025, with the beloved Disney Wonder offering magical getaways to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and more. Families can enjoy both short and extended cruises filled with Disney magic, all departing from Galveston's state-of-the-art terminal.

Finally, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has two exquisite ships leaving from the Port of Galveston this year. The Independence of the Seas will offer four and five-night cruises to the Yucatan and Cozumel, while the Liberty of the Sea will host seven-night cruises to Jamaica, Belize, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands.

Stay With BeachBox Before or After Your Cruise

And although the whole point of a cruise is to be relaxing and refreshing, these days cruises are so jam-packed with activities that they can sometimes be a bit tiring, too. At BeachBox, we understand the need for some downtown before or after your cruise, and we have some perfect spots for your family to gather together on the Texas Gulf Coast. 

Plan a stay with us a few days before your cruise— so everyone has a chance to gather together before you board. Or, reserve a BeachBox house for after your cruise— so you all have a few days to kick back and relive all the amazing memories you made. We offer anywhere from quickie one-night stays to weeklong holidays. Either way, a BeachBox stay before or after your cruise is the perfect beginning (or ending) to an unforgettable family getaway.

So Many Ways to Escape

Here are a few homes that are waiting to host your whole crew— either before you set sail or after you return from your cruise.

Seawall Sunrise is located in Galveston’s East End, just off Seawall Blvd. With charming shops, local restaurants, and the exciting Pleasure Pier nearby, there’s something here for everyone. Perfect for families or groups looking to relax before setting sail, our home offers a warm and memorable stay just minutes from the cruise terminal—your ideal launch point for a Galveston getaway.

If you're a mid-size group planning a Galveston cruise, Cruzing Galveston – Downtown is the ideal place to stay. This spacious 3-bedroom loft offers a relaxed southern vibe, perfect for families or friends looking to explore the city before or after their cruise. Located just two blocks from the Galveston Cruise Terminal, you’ll enjoy easy walkability to The Strand’s vibrant shops and restaurants—no need to worry about long travel times before boarding or after docking.

For couples or small families setting sail on a Galveston cruise, League Lofts 304 offers a stylish, stress-free start to your getaway. Just a short 5-minute drive from the Galveston Cruise Terminal, this cozy loft features a plush king bed and a full sleeper sofa—perfect for up to three guests. With its comfortable layout and prime location, it’s a great spot to recharge before boarding or unwind after your return.

And another one is, Home Sweet Home Away is a cozy 1-bed, 1-bath condo on the 3rd floor with views of the complex and the Seawall—perfect for families, couples, or business travelers cruising from Galveston. With a central location, you’re just minutes from the Galveston Cruise Port and surrounded by local dining, shops, and attractions. Guests can enjoy a shared pool and easy beach access right across the street, making this charming condo an ideal spot to unwind before or after your Galveston cruise adventure.

So Much To Do & See

Our beautiful Texas Gulf Front homes make it easy to rest, relax, and simply do nothing. But when your group is ready to explore, there’s plenty to do and see, too. A recent article in Cruise Critic Magazine laid out some of the best activities to do— either before or after your cruise. You could be a beach bum for a day. Or take a ride on the wild side at a local amusement park. History buffs will love to take a tour— and maybe get a little lost— in the blocks and blocks of Victorian and gothic homes in the historic district. Or you could explore the distinctive triple pyramids— one housing a gigantic aquarium— that grace Galveston’s skyline. 

But as we said before, a cruise can sometimes be so packed with activities that you want to take a little breather either before or after your cruise. And if that’s what you’re looking for, BeachBox has your back there too. Simply drop us a line or give us a call. We love to hear from you and we love to help people just like you plan their perfect Gulf Coast getaway. Let us know how we can help.