Disney Cruise Line has several Ports of Call, including Galveston, Texas. For those unaware, a port of call is simply a stop on the itinerary of your cruise.
The length of your stay in port varies, but usually your ship docks for anywhere from a half-day to a full day. Be sure to check the itinerary pages for estimated onshore and reboarding times for your cruise.
There should also be updated information about your port of call in your daily Personal Navigator Newsletter and Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
Galveston, Texas isn’t only a port of call, but it’s also a Disney Cruise Line home port, meaning it serves as a departure port. We discuss more about the Galveston departure port on another page. (Coming soon!)
When you embark on a Disney cruise from Galveston, you’ll head to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Keep reading to learn more about Galveston as a port of call and what you can expect during your cruise!
In this article (click for table of contents)
What Is Galveston Known For?
Galveston is located on an island (it’s about 27 miles long and 3 miles wide) around 50 miles south of Houston.
Not only is it one of the oldest ports on the gulf coast, but it’s also the second busiest port in America and has been nicknamed the “Queen of the Gulf.”
There are over 30 miles of sandy beaches, but the island city isn’t just known for its oceanic views. Galveston has a lot of history and culture. The city was actually the first in the state to lay claim to a hospital, post office, streetlights, trolleys, telephones, and telegraphs.
What Travel Information Should I Know?
From maps, to weather, to currency, to language, there’s different pieces of information you may want to know prior to visiting the Texas city.
Port Map
Here’s a map (courtesy of Google Maps) of Galveston for you to browse.
Average Weather
Here is a chart of the average annual weather for Galveston, Texas via Weather.com.
Image: Courtesy of Weather.com
Typically, Galveston’s temperatures during the day range from the low 60s in winter all the way to the 90s in summer. September is usually the wettest month.
Language
Galveston is primarily an English-speaking city.
Currency
The U.S. dollar is the main form of currency.
Port WebCam
You can visit Galveston.com for real-time footage of the port.
Which Ships Sail Here?
The Disney Wonder sails in and out of Galveston, Texas for excursions to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.
How Do I Get Around?
There are several ways to get around Galveston, including walking, public transportation, and renting vehicles.
Walking
Galveston is very accessible by walking, so this is always a good option when exploring.
If you’re concerned about safety, the official Disney Cruise Line website states that the city is “very safe,” but, as always, guests are encouraged to follow safety precautions, protect valuables, and be aware of their surroundings.
Taxi
If you get sick of walking or would rather use transportation, there are several taxi companies to choose from:
- Busy Bee — (409) 762-8429
- Yellow Cab Company — (409) 763-3333
- Jeff’s Cabs and Shuttle Service — (409) 621-5333
- Tropical Taxi — (409) 621-4000
Rideshare
Rideshare services are another option, including Uber and Lyft. Depending on the route and services, rates varies for rideshare and taxi companies.
Galveston Island Trolley
The Galveston Island Trolley is a part of the island city’s history. The streetcar system is currently under renovation due to Hurricane Ike severely damaging the steel wheel trolleys.
However, the city has several rubber tire trolleys that travel around 25 square miles of the city. There are also two routes: Downtown Route and Seawall Route. The trolleys pass each route about every 30 minutes.
The price of the trolleys is $1 for adults. Minors who are accompanied by adults travel for free. The trolleys take cash only and the drives cannot make change, so you must bring the exact amount. Transfers to both Downtown and the Seawall loops are included in the price.
Until Memorial Day, the trolley runs Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. After Memorial Day, hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Island Transit
In addition to the trolleys, there’s also a public bus system. The Island Transit covers pretty much the same area as the streetcars and also has similar prices.
Adults must pay $1 to ride and children under 6 who are accompanied by an adult will ride for free. Children between 6 and 11 who ride without an adult must pay 50 cents. You must also present the exact amount of fare, because drivers will not make change.
You can view the Island Transit bus route and map online.
Dial-A-Ride Transit Service (DART)
For anyone who cannot access fixed route buses due to a disability, they can use the Dial-A-Ride Transit Service.
The price is $2 per trip each way. DART runs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you want more information or to schedule a pick-up, phone (409) 797-3909.
Rent A Car
The only care rental service available on the island is Enterprise. It’s located on Broadway Avenue J. You make a reservation online or call (409) 740-0700.
What Are The Port Must-Dos?
There are all kinds of things to see and do in Galveston. Here are just a few must-dos:
- The Strand Historical District: The district has one of the largest sections of 19th-century buildings in the entire nation. You can find this across the Port of Galveston.
- Post Office Street Arts & Entertainment District: A district filled with art, historic buildings, antique shops, and dining.
- Moody Gardens: From nature exhibits, to wildlife, to a golf course, to a zip line, to ropes course, and so much more, this is a great educational destination for families.
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Think Santa Monica Pier, but in Galveston. There are rides, dining, carnival games, shopping, and views of the beaches and water.
- Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark: A fun water park with all kinds of thrilling attractions.
- R. A. Apffel Park (East Beach): If you want to visit the beach, East Beach has water equipment rentals, bars, live music, and more. Take note: this beach is closed October through February.
- Galveston Island State Park: This state park is, obviously, all about nature. You can explore trails, the beach, go biking, and check out campsites.
If you’re interested in visiting Galveston via the Disney Cruise Line, you can see which cruises depart from the home port on the official website.
