It was just about 15 years ago when the Port of Galveston stepped onto the scene as a cruise port. Since then, it has grown by leaps and bounds, inviting larger ships, more cruise lines, and more cruises to the island port.
Now there appears to be a sign that Galveston is no longer a “secondary” port, but a major player in the U.S. cruise industry.
Carnival Vista appears to be coming to Galveston.
Carnival Vista is Carnival’s newest and largest ship. She launched in 2016, measures more than 1,000 feet and can carry up to 4,000 passengers. Right now it is the crown jewel in Carnival’s fleet and is sailing regular trips from Miami.
A recent search for upcoming cruises shows Vista now scheduled to sail from Galveston starting September 23, 2018. The ship will seemingly replace the Carnival Breeze, sailing week-long Caribbean trips to ports ranging from Grand Cayman to Cozumel to Roatan to Belize.
As the fleet’s newest ship, this is major news for Galveston and a sign of just how important the port is to Carnival. However, we have yet to see official word of the repositioning.
An immediate email to Carnival wasn’t returned to confirm that Vista is in fact coming to Galveston. We will update when we hear definite word.
Update: Carnival has contacted us and confirmed that Vista will be sailing from Galveston. Here is their statement:
“Carnival Vista to Offer Two Week-Long Caribbean Itineraries from Galveston”
“Beginning Sept. 23, 2018, the newest ship in Carnival’s fleet, the 133,500-ton Carnival Vista, will begin sailing from Galveston and offer two different seven-day western Caribbean itineraries departing every Sunday and visiting the region’s most popular destinations. The first itinerary includes calls at Montego Bay; Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, while the other features visits to Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan); Belize; and Cozumel.
“Designed to connect guests to the ocean with sweeping views and plenty to do both outdoors and in, Carnival Vista offers an exciting array of groundbreaking features including SkyRide, a suspended open-air cycling experience; the world’s first IMAX Theatre on a ship; an expansive water park featuring the colorful Kaleid-o-slide, the line’s first tube slide; RedFrog Pub & Brewery featuring the first brewery on a North American-based ship; and Family Harbor with family-friendly staterooms, a family concierge, the Family Harbor Lounge and more.
“Carnival Vista, which debuted in 2016, will join Carnival Freedom and Carnival Valor sailing year-round from Galveston.”
What’s happening to Carnival out of Galveston. Starting April 2019 I only see one ship available, the Dream. The Valor, Freedom and Vista do not list?
John — for April 2019 we see all three ships available. For April 2020, we see only the Dream. Given that’s so far out, our guess is that the schedule simply hasn’t been completely updated for 2020. Maybe Carnival will bring a newer sister ship to the Vista to Galveston? There are two such ships being built right now!