Need a family trip that’s fun for everyone? A cruise out of Galveston is the way to go
What if I tell you that traveling with your family doesn’t have to feel like you’re pulling your hair out?
Luckily for Texans, Galveston port in Houston is a hub for cruise lines that go to Mexico, the Caribbean or Bahamas. This gives families the perfect opportunity to avoid the cost and business of airport travel, as well as explore multiple places while keeping all your luggage in one spot.
Galveston is about a five-hour road trip from Fort Worth. For those who don’t want to be in the car with your family for that long, you can take an hour-long flight from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Note that when you drive to the port, you will need to account for parking your car for a week. This will cost $25 a day if you book through the port of Galveston, for a total of $200 for the week, which would still be cheaper than a round-trip plane ticket.
U.S. World and Report compiled their ranking of the best cruise lines for families, and the best cruise lines for your money. They rank cruise lines based on expert opinion, traveler opinion, and their health rating.
So whether you are looking for a more affordable family vacation, or the best experience for your kiddos, there are plenty of options of cruise lines to choose from.
Travel agent advice on cruises
Alyssa Maisano, travel agent and owner of Picture It Travel Co., specializes in Disney cruises and North Texas family travel. She most commonly recommends her customers to Royal Caribbean.
“Royal Caribbean out of Galveston is my go-to for families because the ship is always new and it accommodates all generations,” said Maisano.
Norwegian Cruise lines are more directed at teenagers and adults. Where Carnival is good for younger kids and families, but can have the rep of being “the party boat.” If you go on Carnival, Maisano stresses that you should choose a newer ship. Maisano recommends the Jubilee or Mardi Gras ships when cruising with Carnival.
Maisano has a few rules of thumb when it comes to booking a cruise. Here’s what you need to know:
Never take an old ship. Old ships can have sewage, smoke, and creaks at all times. Maisano recommends not booking ships older than ten years. Always take note of how new your ship is and when its last refurbishment was done before booking.
The cheapest rooms are often the ones without windows. A detail that may be important to note for those who have a tendency to get sea sick.
Always show up the day before your ship takes off. If you are cruising out of Galveston on August 5, you need to be in Galveston by August 4 in a hotel so you do not risk missing take off.
Always book travel insurance. If you happen to miss the ship at one of the ports, or experience delays and cancellations, insurance will cover you.
If taking excursions booked with a third party that is not the cruise line, check with the third party to make sure their times are correct and are strictly enforced to prohibit delays. Otherwise your ship may sail off without you.
Booking Galveston often gives you seven- to eight-day travel options whereas booking out of Port Canaveral or Miami, Florida, gives you shorter (five days) options.
To book the most affordable cruise, book almost a year in advance. Right now, some cruise lines even have itineraries up for 2026.
U.S. World and Report best cruise lines for families
Disney Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Carnival Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruise Lines
U.S. World and Report best cruise lines for your money
Virgin Voyages
Celebrity Cruises
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Holland America Line
MSC Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Cunard Line
Costa Cruises
