Galveston Carnival Guests Advised to Adhere to Arrival Times Due to Port Issues
Carnival Cruise Line has informed travelers set to depart this weekend on both Carnival Dream and Carnival Jubilee about a significant issue at their homeport. The Port of Galveston is experiencing limited air conditioning in some terminals due to required repairs after Hurricane Beryl.
This situation may affect over 20,000 passengers when considering both those embarking and debarking from the two Carnival cruise ships.
Guests are advised to strictly adhere to their scheduled arrival times for embarkation. If they arrive outside their allotted time, they may be turned away and asked to return at the correct time.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests to update them on the cruise terminal’s condition to ensure they are prepared.
The email sent to Carnival Dream guests reads: “The ship will depart tomorrow as scheduled from Terminal 28. Areas of the terminal remain without air conditioning, and the temperature may be less than ideal during check-in. To ensure a smooth embarkation, please adhere to your pre-selected terminal arrival appointment. Guests who arrive earlier will be asked to return later.”
The 128,250-gross-ton Carnival Dream will embark on an 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise, stopping at Key West, Freeport, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau in the Bahamas.
Similar messages were sent to guests on the 183,521-gross-ton, Excel-class Carnival Jubilee, which will depart from Terminal 25 for a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, visiting Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.
During the standard check-in and embarkation period from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., temperatures in Galveston are expected to be in the mid- to upper-80s or even low 90s.
This can feel even hotter inside an enclosed terminal with limited airflow, especially for guests from cooler climates who may not be accustomed to the Texas heat and humidity.
While the Port of Galveston has fully reopened for cruise operations, the port administrative offices are still closed “due to storm damage.” Although the specifics of the damage have not been disclosed, the air conditioning issue is likely the reason for the administrative closure. Repairs are ongoing.
The Port of Galveston stated in a social media update: “Port staff is working with CenterPoint Energy to restore power today at cruise terminals 25 and 28 to be ready for arrivals of four cruise ships this weekend.”
Besides Carnival Dream and Carnival Jubilee on Saturday, July 13, Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas will also depart on Saturday, albeit later due to an unrelated delay. Harmony of the Seas will depart on Sunday, July 14.
Both Royal Caribbean ships will depart from Terminal 10, which has been fully operational since Tuesday, July 9, and is not affected by the air conditioning problems.
Beating the Texas Heat
The Houston and Galveston area has been under frequent heat advisories recently, with heat index values making it feel hotter than the actual recorded temperatures.
To manage the heat, cruise travelers should stick to their arrival times for both Carnival Dream and Carnival Jubilee. This will help ensure minimal crowds in the terminal and reduce the time spent in hot conditions.
Guests are also encouraged to wear light clothing and stay hydrated. Using porter services can help to avoid carrying heavy bags through the terminal. Families should be particularly cautious with very young or elderly cruisers, who may be more susceptible to heat-related issues.
