By Anne Wilson
The Port of
Houston is a large one: 25 miles composed of several departure points, including the Port of Galveston, located in Galveston Bay at the outermost point of the Port of Houston. As of 2009, the recently built, $81 million cruise terminal is in talks to add several cruise brands to its partnerships. In the meantime, look into
cruises at the Galveston Bay departure point, where three cruise lines are based: Royal
Caribbean International, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy.
The Royal Caribbean
The Royal Caribbean International offers seven-day cruises to destinations like Mexico and the Western Caribbean as well as trans-Atlantic cruises to Barcelona, Spain. Its ship, Voyager of the Seas, holds 3,114 passengers and boasts an ice rink and climbing wall among its amenities. It began cruising on November 1999. Find a perfume shop and a Ben & Jerry's on the Royal Promenade. Next to Ben & Jerry's, satiate that sweet tooth at Sprinkles, a frozen yogurt joint open 24 hours.
For dining, reservations are required, but a flex dining arrangement allows you to choose which time to dine. Restaurants include a three-deck one named after famous operas: La Boheme, Carmen and the Magic Flute. Portofino is an Italian restaurant, Johnny Rockets is a '50s-style diner, The Windjammer Cafe offers casual dining and the Cafe Promenade serves up sidewalk fare such as pastries, breakfast, pizza and sandwiches.
The Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
(800) 256-6649
royalcaribbean.com
Carnival Conquest
Try the Carnival Conquest cruise line for seven-day cruises around the Caribbean. Cruise to destinations in the Western Caribbean, including Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico. The Conquest took her maiden voyage in 2002 and is a family-friendly cruise ship, with a space dedicated to 12-to14-year-olds. Catch a flick at the Seaside Theatre above the main pool area or stroll the Promenade Deck, where captain's cocktail parties take place.
The Conquest's main dining room is actually two, named for impressionist painters, the Monet and the Renoir. Also find grill, seafood and Asian food stations around the ship. Try the buffet Restaurant Cezanne. On the second tier of Restaurant Cezanne, sample the homemade chips. The Point is another dining option. For a flat fee, you get sommelier service and a live pianist and singer.
Carnival Cruise Line
3655 NW 87th Ave.
Miami, FL 33178
(800) 929-6400
carnival.com
Carnival Ecstasy
The Carnival Ecstasy cruise line offers four- and five-day cruises to Mexico and around the Western Caribbean. This impressive ship cost $315 million and set sail in 1991. Its trips depart port Galveston on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
This family-friendly cruise line offers youth-oriented programs but keeps adults happy and worry-free with the adults-only sunbathing deck. Check out the mini-golf course and large swimming pool with water slides. It also offers activities like bingo, ice carving and "The Newlywed Game."
Wind Star and Wind Song are the ship's main dining options; it boasts a highly rated smoked duck dish. Anytime you're hungry, the buffet Panorama Bar & Grill awaits with its 24-hour pizza, yogurt and ice cream selections. You also will find breakfast, lunch and dinner fare. Prefer to relax in your cabin? Room service is available 24 hours. A sushi bar is open on the Promenade Deck before dinner starts being served at 6 p.m.
Carnival Cruise Line
3655 NW 87th Ave.
Miami, FL 33178
(800) 929-6400
carnival.com
Resources
About the Author:
Anne Wilson is a writer and editor covering business and finance news, politics, issues affecting women and minorities, health, gardening, fashion and the environment. Most recently an associate editor for a nationally acclaimed magazine, Wilson also worked for The Associated Press and as a daily news reporter for several years. She has lived in California her entire life.
