Destination Guides - Southpoint.com Blog

New cruise ship sails into Galveston

The cruise lines have had a positive impact on Galveston Island in recent years for cruise vacationers to flock to and depart on cruises to fun places like Cozumel, Mexico, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and the Grand Caymens. We noticed that the historic Strand area was busy, with shops and restaurants buzzing with tourists on our recent visit. Many of the area bed & breakfasts also offer free parking for guests who stay and then go on a cruise.

One of the world's largest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean International's Voyager of the Seas now departs from the port of Galveston with cruises to the western Caribbean.

The 138,000 ton cruise ship can carry more than 3,000 passengers, has 14 decks, and is currently the 3rd largest cruise ship in the world (see recent new ship coming in 2008). While on board, you may choose from ice skating, playing video games, watching movies in a two story theater, shop in a shopping district, casino gambling, go night clubbing, or dine in a three story restaurant.

Another big news item for Royal Caribbean is the debut of their newest cruise ship in 2008, Independence of the Seas, which is anticipated to take to the waters for an inaugural voyage May 2, 2008. This ship will be larger than the Voyager (160,000 tons), and be able to carry 3,600 passengers at a time. Royal Caribbean will now have the top 4 largest cruise ships in the world.
Independence of the Seas will cruise initially in Europe during summer 2008, with Ft. Lauderdale the port for destinations to the Caribbean during the winter season.

We will have more details in our upcoming new Galveston segments on fun cruises now available and things to do around the island.