Located in the Gulf of Mexico, a mere two miles off the coast of Texas, is Galveston Island – a Texas treasure. Galveston features 32 miles of beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, top-notch resort hotels, spectacular shopping opportunities, amazing art galleries, exciting entertainment, and some of the most well-preserved 19th century Victorian architecture in the country. What better way to experience the small, romantic island of Galveston, than by traveling there on a Galveston cruise?
Galveston currently offers two main cruise lines options including Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean. Passengers can hop aboard Carnival’s Ecstasy and cruise the Mexican coast while enjoying everything from bars and casinos to restaurants and spacious accommodations. Carnival Ecstasy sails on four and five-day cruises along the Mexican coast, so there’s plenty of time to explore the offerings on Galveston Island, and stops along the Mexican coast.
With two ships to choose from Royal Caribbean International adds a hint of variety into the mix. Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas features an impressive day spa, swimming pools galore, relaxing whirlpools, and a whopping eight lounges where you can enjoy your favorite cocktails while enjoying magnificent ocean views. Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas sails on seven-day cruises from Galveston to destinations such as Key West, Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands, and Cozumel, Mexico.
Before you board Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, be sure to spend some several hours exploring one of Galveston’s many beaches such as Stewart Beach or Galveston State Park, museums such as Lone Star Flight Museum, Texas Seaport Museum, or Moody Mansion Museum, and art galleries such as Buchanan Gallery (contemporary) or E Street Gallery. Once on board the fun and excitement continues with plenty of ice-skating, rock-climbing, dining, and lounging to go around. Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas sail from Galveston on seven-day cruises alternating to various ports including: Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Roatan Honduras and Progresso, Costa Maya, and Cozumel Mexico.
While Carnival and Royal are Galveston’s most popular (or main) cruise lines options, you can also check out offerings through Princess Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruises. Specials are quite common when it comes to Galveston cruises, so the budget-conscious or those who just want to save a buck will have numerous price options to choose from. Specials range from $249 up to $664, depending on cruise line or the type of cruise (standard, moderate or luxury).
If you want to save on a Galveston cruise, there are a several tricks and tips that can help you maximize savings. Cruise lines love advance booking, so you may enjoy special incentives, credits, and cash back just for booking far in advance. If you’re one to procrastinate – no worries, there are benefits for you too! If a cruise isn’t completely booked several weeks or so before the cruise is set to sail, prices are slashed. If you book last minute, you may enjoy savings up to 75 percent. Cruise lines will do anything to fill up those last few rooms!
Other ways to enjoy additional savings on Galveston cruises include: booking with a group/family, taking advantage of package deals, booking online, and booking with popular cruise lines.
Besides special rates for groups and families, just about every cruise line has special rates for seniors. A senior is typically defined as a person who is 55 or older. The only drawback is, to lock in the special rates you can’t book online. You must call a cruise travel specialist or book directly with the cruise line. Keep in mind that proof of age is required.
For more discounts and deals on Galveston cruises, visit any of the following websites or contact a cruise travel specialist: Kayak.com, Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com or VacationsToGo.com.