Galveston, Texas, is an island located in South Texas near the Gulf of Mexico. Many cruises during the holidays, including Christmas, depart from Galveston to the Caribbean. These destinations are popular for families who wish to tour the islands or relax on the many beaches. Since winter is the high season for these destinations, large crowds should be expected.
Carnival Conquest departs during the Christmas holidays, generally either right before Christmas or the day after, for a seven-day cruise to the Western Caribbean, with stops at Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.
There are at least three days at sea during the voyage. On-board amenities include an outdoor movie screen, swimming pools, a fitness center, a jogging track and a spa room. The ship also features boutique shopping, dance clubs, piano bars, casinos and a number of restaurants.
Carnival's recommendations for shore excursion activities include off-road buggy or ATV adventures, snorkeling, tours of the islands, horseback riding or parasailing. Visitors may also relax on one of the many beaches in these Western Caribbean destinations.
Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178
888-227-6482
carnival.com
Carnival Cruise Lines hosts a five-day cruise to the Western Caribbean on the Carnival Ecstasy, with stops in Progreso and Cozimel. The ship departs Galveston usually on or right before December 25th. Cozumel is popular for diving and snorkeling with its diverse reefs. On-board activities include casinos, lounges, live music and karaoke. Other on-board amenities include a beauty salon, six Jacuzzis, swimming pools, two children's playrooms and a jogging track. There are also a number of games onboard, including Ping Pong, Shuffleboard and mini-golf.
On-shore excursion activities include off-road adventures through backcountry trails to Mayan ruins and caverns. Visitors can also spend the day at one of the luxury resorts in the area. Family-friendly activities include tours to Chankanaab National Park and ancient ruins.
Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178
888-227-6482
carnival.com
The Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas accommodates 3,000 people, and sets sail from Galveston right before or right after Christmas. The timing depends on which cruise is booked. This seven-day cruise to the Western Caribbean stops in Roatan, Belize City, Cozumel, George Town and Montego Bay, again depending on the cruise booked.
Port activities include snorkeling, swimming with stingrays, touring the local rainforests, touring the reefs via a glass-bottom boat and visiting Mayan Ruins in Conzumel. Visitors can also spend the day on Royal Caribbean's private guest destination, the floating Aqua Park in Labadee.
The Voyager of the Seas offers amenities for all ages including an on-board ice-skating rink, shopping, in-line skating and a rock-climbing wall. Other onboard amenities include mini-golf, Johnny Rockets 50s-style restaurant, the Royal Promenade, spa and fitness center, casinos and a basketball court. Golf simulators also are on board.
Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132-2096
800-398-9819
royalcaribbean.com
