Galveston is a picturesque city in the great state of Texas, located on a barrier island just off the Gulf Coast. It is a fascinating spot, home to one of the best animal sanctuaries in the country in the form of the unique giant glass pyramids of Moody Gardens, and has retained a charming, laid-back, and pleasingly retro atmosphere.
Galveston is also one of the biggest cruise and cargo ports in the Lone Star state, shipping over 4 million tons of cargo every year, and with luxury liners sailing off to gloriously exotic ports every day. Whether it is sunny beaches or beautiful port cities, a cruise from Galveston is a great opportunity for a fantastic vacation.
So if you are planning something special for your next getaway, consider cruising out of Galveston. Here are some of the best destinations to visit on a cruise adventure from this charming Gulf Coast city.
Cozumel, Mexico
Set in turquoise waters just off the coast of Mexico’s gorgeous Riviera Maya, Cozumel is a popular cruise destination known for its remarkable coral reef (part of the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere) and white sandy beaches. It’s home to the Chankanaab National Park, where you can snorkel, dive, and see a variety of marine life, as well as ancient Mayan ruins, mysterious cenotes, and great nightlife in the lively town of San Miguel de Cozumel.
Progreso, Mexico
Progreso is the nearest beach town to Merida, the capital of Mexico’s Yucatan state. It is a bustling port city with gorgeous beaches that stretch out from the center of town along a causeway separated from the mainland by mangroves full of flamingos. Progresso itself is a great place to relax and enjoy Mexico’s Gulf Coast, while Merida makes a magnificent day trip
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay is one of the best-known and most exciting places to visit in Jamaica, which makes it one of the standout destinations in the entire Caribbean. Home to stunning beaches, an incredible live music and dance scene, and mouthwatering Jamaican cuisine, it is a wonderful place to let your hair down and enjoy yourself in a truly exquisite location.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
The quintessential tropical paradise, Grand Cayman is everything you want in a beautiful beach vacation destination. Golden sands, shallow, warm, calm waters, and world-class diving and snorkeling, alongside some of the best spa hotels and resorts in the world. This is about as good as it gets when it comes to luxury travel.
Belize City, Belize
Belize City is often overlooked by travelers and cruise tourists, but it’s a wonderful little spot on the eastern coast of Central America. The gateway to some of the most amazing rainforests, Mayan ruins, and wildlife on the continent, it also has a unique charm all of its own, with clapboard houses built on stilts in a variety of pastel colors giving it a wonderful ambiance. Whether you stay in the city, head off into the jungle, or jump on a tiny plane to visit one of the breathtaking cays, it’s a wonderful place to visit.