Cruising from Galveston - Questions

We are looking to book a mid-Dec cruise from Galveston on Carnival Vista.

Travelling from Toronto.

How cold doe sit get in Galveston mid-Dec? Is it cold the first few days out to sea as well?

We have cruised from San Juan and Fort Lauderdale. Would prefer not to deal with any cold days.

Thanks!

Coming from Toronto, it will not be cold at all.

Expect highs in the 50s (Fahrenheit), lows in the 40s.

There is a possiblility of a cold or warm snap (here in Texas, if you don't like the weather just wait 5 minutes), but it will still be a nice temp for you.

By the next morning, you should be in warmer climes.

Will be chilly, possibly damp. That's about it.

that is prime fog season down there so it will be damp and chilly. it can and does often make for delays coming and going from the port.

Thanks for the info so far!

If you had a choice between Miami / Fort Lauderdale and Galveston, which one would be better?

I personally prefer Galveston just because I hate flying and enjoy not having to pay airfare. And it's not a bad drive for me. Also from what I'm hearing Galveston just might be getting an Oasis Class ship in 2020..We do love the big ships.

I would prefer Galveston over Miami and FLL for several reasons -- it is close to me, has a nice shopping area right outside the port, parking is inexpensive, hotels are inexpensive.

That fog in the winter, though, can be a deal killer. Your ship may be late, anywhere between a couple of hours to a couple of days, both for departure and arrival.

Our preference would be Miami or Ft. Lauderdale - usually warmer and fog is not an issue. Transport from the airport to port is easier in Florida than coming out of Houston. Also, if there were non-stop flights that would be a consideration for me. Finally, which ports are of interest to you as itinerary would be our first consideration. Good Luck.

Thanks for the info so far!

 

If you had a choice between Miami / Fort Lauderdale and Galveston, which one would be better?

Galveston would always be in last place (for us) among all US Ports. Why? Location! We have been to Galveston for both land and a cruise embarkation. The island is a nice resort place (but not in the winter) but as a port it leaves something to be desired. The weather/fog can too often lead to delays. There are also issues with those of us who would prefer to use a rental car to get to the port as the one-way drop issues are much worse then at nearly any other US embarkation port.

Miami and Ft Lauderdale are ideal because you have two major airports that handle many airlines. And moving between the airports, hotels and cruise port is quite easy (and inexpensive) in both ports. Ft Lauderdale and Miami also have many more cruise options in terms of cruise lines, ships, frequency and itineraries.

Hank