A new, family-friendly Caribbean cruise comes to Galveston this holiday season
A new family-friendly MSC Cruise option will be available out of Galveston beginning in November for families who are looking for a holiday getaway,
The new trips out of Galveston offer seven-night options to the Western Caribbean from Galveston, with stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan.
So if you are looking to use some vacation time for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s, here’s which cruises you can book out of Galveston.
About MSC Seascape cruises from Galveston
The MSC cruise line was voted as the best cruise ship for families by Forbes and Travel Weekly Magellan Awards.
The MSC Seascape is a 2,270-cabin ship with more than 7,500 square feet of dedicated kid and family space. There are 30 dining venues and bars, six swimming pools and an amusement ride called the Robotron.
The best price for a MSC Seaquest trip out of Galveston is $466 per person for seven nights spread across Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan beginning on Jan. 11, 2026.
In addition to the seven-night itinerary, there is also a five-night option starting at $538 per person that visits only Costa Maya and Cozumel for October 2026.
When booking on MSC, the website will show you which dates offer the best price option. However, trips are available for booking as early as Nov. 8. The starting price for a November 2025 voyage is $510 per person for the seven-night trip.
MSC Cruises will be located at Galveston Wharves Pier 16. Parking is available for $23 a day at an uncovered lot and $28 a day in a covered garage.
Other cruise options out of Galveston
Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Lines are the other cruise line offerings out of Galveston. All of these cruise lines out of Galveston only offer Western Caribbean and Bahamas destinations.
- Disney offers four- to seven-day adventures starting at $1,280 per guest.
- Norwegian Cruises offers seven- to 14-day trips from $799 per person.
- Royal Caribbean offers four- to 10-day cruises starting at $444 per person.
- Princess Cruises offers five- to 16-day trips starting at $429 per person.
- Carnival Cruises offers two- to 14-day trips starting at $384 per person.
Travel expert tips for booking a cruise
Travel agent and owner of Picture It Travel Co., Alyssa Maisano, recommends cruises for families because of the cost value for visiting multiple destinations. A cruise out of Galveston also eliminates the price and stress of flying to different countries with possible layovers. Galveston is a five-hour road trip from Fort Worth or an hour-long flight from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
“Royal Caribbean out of Galveston is my go-to for families because the ship is always new and it accommodates all generations,” Maisano told the Star-Telegram last year.
Norwegian Cruise lines are directed at teenagers and adults. Carnival is good for younger kids and families, but can have the reputation of being “the party boat.” If you go on Carnival, Maisano stresses that you should choose a newer ship, like the Jubilee or Mardi Gras ships.
Maisano recommends a few other tips, no matter which cruise line you book with:
- Never take an old ship. Old ships can have sewage and/or smoke issues and creak at all times. Maisano recommends not booking ships older than 10 years old. 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 June 5, you need to be in Galveston by June 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.
- To book the most affordable cruise, book almost a year in advance. Right now, some cruise lines even have itineraries up to 2027.