Sail from Galveston, Texas, into the Western Caribbean on a cruise ship.
Cruisers in Texas near the port of Galveston will find two cruise terminals with a total of 220,000 square feet of space to move passengers onto or off of Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise ships, the two cruise lines that serve the port. Both cruise lines offer itineraries sailing out of Galveston and into the Western Caribbean, where adventures in zip-lining, beach horseback riding, rum tasting, animal encounters and shopping await.
Carnival
Even if you only have a short amount of vacation time to spend, you'll find a Carnival cruise to fit your needs. Look for an itinerary shipping out of Galveston and into the Western Caribbean for a four-day sail. The Carnival Ecstasy ship travels to Cozumel, Mexico, and includes two days at sea. While in Cozumel, try excursion options such as a Harley Davidson motorcycle tour, snorkeling, Snuba (a combination of snorkeling and scuba), the Chankanaab Marine Park, clear kayaking, zip-lining, swimming with the dolphins and a certified two-tank dive.
During your two days at sea, take advantage of onboard activities such as a casino, nightly shows, piano bar, nine-hole mini golf course, water park, pool, salon, fitness center, aerobics, kids' club and arcade. Dine around the clock with 24-hour room service, three daily buffets, two upscale restaurants and a pizzeria. Select from four cabin styles aboard the Ecstasy, including interior (no window), ocean view, balcony and suite.
Carnival
888-227-6482
carnival.com
Royal Caribbean
You don't have to be actual royalty to receive the royal treatment on a seven-night Royal Caribbean cruise. Journey from Galveston to the Western Caribbean with stops in Roatan, Belize City and Cozumel, plus three days at sea. Adventures in port include a historical walking and shopping tour, calypso train tour, stingray swimming, volunteering with the Red Cross to perform a landscaping project, three-reef snorkeling, Gumbalimba Preservation Park and a glass-bottom boat tour.
The Voyager of the Seas ship becomes your home for the week and offers four cabin styles: interior, ocean view, balcony and suites. During your days at sea, stay active with the ship's rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, golf simulators, nine-hole golf course, fitness center, spa and basketball court. Enjoy dining options such as Italian restaurants, themed bars and a 1950s-style eatery.
Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
866-562-7625
royalcaribbean.com
Carnival
Spend more than a week on board the Carnival Magic ship as the Carnival cruise line takes you from Galveston into the Western Caribbean, where you'll sail for eight days into Costa Maya, Belize, Isla Roatan and Cozumel. Carnival shore excursions include the Chacchoben and Kohunlich Mayan Ruins, snorkeling, dune buggy, catamaran sailing, two-tank scuba dive, clear bottom kayaking, fishing tour, off-road ATV trip and an airboat tour. During your days at sea, you'll find activities such as a waterpark, fitness center, salon, whirlpools, dance clubs, Internet cafe, adults-only retreat area and casino to keep you busy.
Select from four cabin styles on the Magic: inside, ocean view, balcony and suite. The Magic offers 24-hour dining options including three daily buffets, a steak house, 24-hour room service, pizzeria, coffee bar, two upscale restaurants and a pastry shop.
Carnival
888-227-6482
carnival.com
Tags: Western Caribbean, into Western, into Western Caribbean, Royal Caribbean, cabin styles
