Galveston Departure, first time cruiser

[roxiesworld]

I am considering a cruise to celebrate my 50th birthday - I will be traveling alone, so safety is a concern. I would like to depart from Galveston. I am worried also about the cruise "problems" that have made the news although I know there are hundreds of cruises that go smoothly and do not make the news. Any advice on cruise lines departing from Galveston, what to avoid, advice on traveling alone?

[Keith1010]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

You are somewhat limited by your choices from Galveston to Royal Caribbean (RCI) and Carnival. I would select RCI.

 

News stories tend to focus on the exception because drama brings ratings.

 

We love cruising as do millions and millions of people.

 

I hope you give it a try.

 

Keith

[paul929207]

Traveling alone on a cruise is not a big problem nor is it unique.

 

Once you book your cruise, you can join the Roll Call for it and meet others sailing with you. There will likely be singles in the group. Either there or once you board, you can find people to tour with. You can also take the ship tours where they will keep you safe.

[againin13]

I think Norwegian Cruise line also started departing pretty close to Galveston

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[packedandready]

RCI and Carnival depart from Galveston. NCL and Princess from Houston. I live within an hour to both ports but have not sailed from Houston. As a female I wouldn't have any concerns about Galveston.

[SPacificbound]

I'm your neighbor. :)

 

Cruise lines out of the Port of Houston:

http://www.portofhouston.com/cruise-information/

The port is actually in Pasadena.

 

Cruise lines out of Galveston are:

http://www.galvestoncruises.com/

 

As with any city, use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

As a woman by myself, I would not go walking around at night in either city.

 

On the ship, again, common sense. I really wouldn't be concerned on the ship based on these guidelines:

 

Be aware of alcohol consumption.

Don't go with anyone to their stateroom, male or female.

Don't take anyone to your stateroom, male or female.

Don't open the stateroom door to anyone.

 

These are all the same things I would apply to hotel rooms in any city I have ever been.

 

I have only cruised with Royal Caribbean so far, so I can't comment on the other choices.

 

If I were picking between all of them it would be Royal Caribbean or Princess. :)