Carnival Warns Galveston Cruisers of Traffic Snarls Impacting Two Sailings

Key Aspects

Road closures and construction at the Port of Galveston will significantly impact two Carnival ships this weekend. Guests for both Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Breeze should be aware of traffic congestion as they head to the port. There is no embarkation or departure change for either ship and guests must be on time to set sail on their cruises.

The Port of Galveston has been undergoing road construction and other local projects for some time, with varying impacts on cruise guests trying to reach different terminals. This weekend will be particularly challenging and Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Breeze with details for smoothing embarkation.

Traffic Advisory Details

Carnival Jubilee's Saturday, May 16 departure and Carnival Breeze's Monday, May 18 departure will both be impacted by traffic difficulties. Guests have received detailed emails about the roadwork now going on at the Port of Galveston.

"Construction is underway along sections of Harborside Drive (the main road by the cruise terminal)," the email stated. "Consequently, there will be lane closures. Please check traffic conditions of the area on embarkation day, so you may adjust your route accordingly."

Parking and Drop-Off Instructions

Guests are advised that if they plan to park at the port, they should go directly to the parking area rather than drop off luggage at the cruise terminal. A complimentary shuttle will be ferrying guests from the parking area to the cruise terminal.

Important Note: No shuttle will be available from the Express Lot or the SMP garage. The Express Lot is adjacent to Cruise Terminal 28, while the SMP garage is just across Harborside Drive at Cruise Terminal 25.

Terminal Information

Both Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Breeze will be departing from Cruise Terminal 25, but Carnival Breeze is scheduled to return to Cruise Terminal 28 at the end of her 5-night sailing. Together, the two ships can welcome more than 10,000 guests at once. The two terminals are just one-quarter mile apart.

Cruise guests frequently park at either location when their ship may be using one terminal or the other.

Rideshare and Drop-Off Routes

If guests are being dropped off by rideshare services, taxis, or friends, they should enter the terminal from 22nd Street and exit at 23rd Street. Using any other route may cause delays due to road closures and traffic rerouting.

Signage and local authorities will be on hand to help direct cruise traffic to the appropriate location, whether for drop-offs or parking.

Cruise Itineraries

Both cruise ships are offering Western Caribbean itineraries:

• Carnival Jubilee: 7-night voyage to Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan
• Carnival Breeze: 5-night itinerary to Cozumel and Progreso

No Embarkation Time Changes

Despite the convoluted traffic patterns and potential delays due to congestion and road closures, there is no change to the embarkation or departure times for either Carnival cruise ship. The cruise line is reminding guests to stick to the terminal arrival appointment they selected when checking in for their respective sailings. This will help smooth traffic flow and minimize frustration.

Important Policy Reminder

Cruise Hive has previously reported that Carnival will not offer refunds or other compensation if guests are late and miss embarkation due to traffic problems. This is standard policy across all cruise lines, and guests are responsible for arriving at the cruise terminal on time, regardless of traffic delays.

Local Events May Cause Additional Congestion

Guests heading to the Port of Galveston this weekend should also be aware that May 14-18 is "Go Topless Weekend," which may create additional traffic in the Galveston area beyond port-related construction.

More From Cruise Hive

• Carnival Alerts Guests to Embarkation Terminal Change
• Carnival Cruise Line Opens New Cruises Out of Galveston, Texas
• Carnival Bringing Two New Ships to Texas in 2027
• Temporary Traffic Changes for Port of Galveston Road Construction
• Carnival Cruise Line Alerts Guests to Traffic Problems

FAQ

Q: Will my embarkation time change due to the traffic construction? A: No, there are no changes to embarkation or departure times. You must arrive by your scheduled embarkation appointment time.

Q: Where should I park if I'm driving to the port? A: Drive directly to the parking area. A complimentary shuttle will transport you from the parking area to the cruise terminal. Avoid using the Express Lot or SMP garage, as no shuttles will operate from these locations.

Q: How should rideshare guests access the terminal? A: If being dropped off by rideshare, taxi, or a friend, enter the terminal from 22nd Street and exit at 23rd Street. Other routes may cause delays.

Q: What if I'm late due to traffic? A: Carnival will not offer refunds or compensation for missed embarkation due to traffic delays. Guests are responsible for arriving on time regardless of traffic conditions.

Q: Which terminals are Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Breeze using? A: Both ships depart from Cruise Terminal 25. Carnival Breeze returns to Cruise Terminal 28 at the end of the sailing.

Q: What construction is taking place? A: Lane closures are underway along Harborside Drive, the main road by the cruise terminal. Guests should check traffic conditions on embarkation day and plan accordingly.