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Disney Cruise Line announces magical new voyages from Galveston to Caribbean

Travel with Mickey from Galveston to the Caribbean.

Houstonians ready to cast off with Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, and more friends can look forward to Disney Caribbean cruises from Galveston in early 2023, the company announced.

Travel + Leisure first reported the news, noting that the Disney Magic liner will set sail from Galveston before “going down the bayou” for its debut season in New Orleans.

Bookings for 2023 itineraries open on October 21, Disney Cruise Line notes on its site. Early booking for Disney travel club members ranges from October 14 to October 18.

Cruises from Galveston to the Western Caribbean run four to seven days. For example, a four-night cruise to the Western Caribbean, sailing to Cozumel, Mexico runs January 2-6, 2023.

Other Galveston-Cozumel dates include January 19 - 23, 2023 and January 27 - 31, 2023. Prices range from $1,930 for inside to $5,018 for concierge for two passengers.

Another four-night cruise to the Western Caribbean, sailing to Progreso, Mexico, runs January 23-27, 2023. Prices start at $1,722 for inside to $4,018 for concierge for two passengers.

Meanwhile, a seven-day cruise from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, sailing to Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Falmouth, Jamaica launches January 6 - 13, 2023. Prices run from $2,974 for inside to $7,538 for concierge for two passengers.

Disney Cruise Line mandates that travelers aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated and take a COVID-19 test upon embarkation, according to the company. Passengers under 12 are not required to be vaccinated, but must take a pre-trip test as well as a rapid COVID-19 test upon embarkation.

As Travel + Leisure notes, this policy is in line with a mandate set by the Bahamas in September. Ship captains must submit passenger manifests with each passenger's vaccination status, including when a ship stops at a cruise line's private island in the country.

Stay up-to-date on the Disney Cruise Line Galveston trips here.

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New Vegas-inspired Carnival cruise ship to dock in Galveston in 2028

Carnival Tropicale to homeport in Galveston in 2028

Photo courtesy of Carnival

Galveston will be home to two of Carnival's three newest ships when the Carnival Tropicale docks in 2028.

A new massive Carnival cruise ship — the Carnival Tropicale — will bring "old-Vegas flair" and tropical charm to Galveston in 2028. The Carnival Tropicale will join a fleet of four other Carnival cruise ships currently homeporting in the coastal city.

The Excel-class ship was named after Carnival's original 1982 cruise ship, MS Tropicale, which defined the cruise line's "Fun Ship" era that made "entertainment and shared joy as central as the destinations themselves," according to a release.

The Carnival Tropicale also serves as an embodiment of the cruise line's 26-year history in partnership with the Port of Galveston. In 2024, Carnival celebrated a maritime milestone as the first cruise line to bring over 10 million guests to Galveston in 2024.

"Carnival’s continued investment in the Port of Galveston is a big reason why we’re the cruise port of choice for a growing number of Americans and why we’re setting new growth records year over year," said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. "Carnival has been a valued partner for this port and this community for 26 years. We look forward to many more years of growth together."

Carnival Tropicale to homeport in Galveston in 2028 TBD if the Carnival Tropicale will actually have horns.Photo courtesy of Carnival

Carnival Tropicale will accommodate more than 6,000 guests and feature showstopping experiences typical of Carnival's Excel-class ships. The iconic Sunsation Point top deck entertainment zone and the Carnival WaterWorks Ultra will offer all-day and all-night fun with six waterslides, two splash pads, a mini golf course, outdoor games, an arcade, and much more.

The Carnival website also teases vibrant live performances inspired by "the golden age of show business" in Las Vegas.

The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas to reflect Carnival's "focus on innovation and sustainability" and take some inspiration from its sister ship, Carnival Festivale, which will dock in Florida's Port Canaveral in 2027.

Carnival Tropicale is expected to sail year-round after it ports in Galveston in 2028, and reservations and trip itineraries are expected to be released later in 2026. Those who want to be first in line for updates and promotions can register online at carnival.com.

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