Carnival recently announced that it would reposition two of its ships to Galveston, Texas. Beginning early next year, the Carnival Liberty will service Western Caribbean itineraries with stops in Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico, as well as other coastal destinations. The Carnival Breeze will sail from Texas to a variety of Caribbean ports in Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Barbados, the US Virgin Islands, and others starting at the end of 2016.
The repositioning has drawn attention to one of the lesser-known embarkation port cities in the US. Not as famous as the ports in Miami or New Orleans, the small city of Galveston has plenty of big attractions, and is worth a few extra days of exploration before or after a relaxing cruise.
A historic and trendy city, Galveston offers visitors a range of fascinating sights and fun things to do. Galveston’s picturesque downtown is right across the street from the cruise terminal, thus making it one of the most accessible port towns to explore. In fact, a number of historic districts, boutiques, and fine restaurants are within a short walk of the docks.
Galveston’s famous Strand District is the destination for avid shoppers and art lovers. The area hosts a number of exquisite galleries and artisan workshops, as well as a variety of stores where cruisers can pick up a unique souvenir or two.
History buffs will enjoy the city’s many museums. Moody Mansion and Bishop Palace highlight some of the area’s stunning architecture and give visitors a glimpse into the lives of the city’s most influential families. At the Texas Seaport Museum, ship lovers can visit the Elissa, a Scottish 430-ton square-rigger built nearly 140 years ago. The Lone Star Flight Museum and the Galveston Railroad Museum chronicle the history of transportation in its many forms.
Nature lovers should head to Moody Gardens to enjoy the amazing Rainforest Pyramid and the IMAX Theater. For some fun in the sun, Galveston Island State Park offers plenty of seaside hiking trails, while East Beach is the destination for the party crowd.
