Cruise travelers urged to follow arrival times amid construction

Carnival Cruise Line has initiated direct communication with passengers regarding the ongoing road construction near the Port of Galveston. Travelers are being advised to anticipate delays and to closely follow their scheduled arrival times.

Notifications have been dispatched to guests scheduled to sail on May 16 aboard the Carnival Jubilee and on May 18 aboard the Carnival Breeze, according to travel industry sources. The alerts highlight significant construction activities along Harborside Drive, also known as State Highway 275, and on the internal roadways that provide access to cruise terminals 25 and 28.

The Texas Department of Transportation initiated a project in November to repair severely deteriorated roadways and improve traffic flow in the vicinity of the port. Work is set to commence on replacing damaged concrete and rebar along the stretch between 14th and 37th streets. Officials have indicated that heavy truck and port traffic has severely impacted these areas.

“Currently, the contractor is operating solely during daylight hours and is making efforts to open lanes that have not been milled excessively,” stated Danny Perez, a public information officer for TxDOT’s Houston District. This project may also involve diamond grinding to address roughness in concrete pavement.

Construction has significantly impacted passenger logistics. Shuttle service has been modified and is now exclusively available after passengers have parked and collected their luggage. It is important to note that the service is not currently operating from the Express Lot or the SMP Garage adjacent to Terminal 25. Drop-offs for rideshare, taxi, and private vehicles have been rerouted to specific locations on 22nd and 23rd streets, away from Harborside Drive.

Parking demand continues to surge as the date for upcoming sailings approaches. On-site parking for a four-night cruise departing May 28 aboard the Carnival Breeze is priced between $104 in Lot A and $130 in the Express Lot, according to port listings. Private parking operators are offering alternatives, as several lower-cost lots remain accessible to the public.

Requests for additional comment from Carnival and port officials regarding whether similar notifications will be issued for future sailings went unanswered. Officials have confirmed that construction will proceed throughout the summer months.

Perez announced that the project is expected to be completed in July, depending on weather conditions.

“We recognize that this work may have a temporary effect on port and cruise traffic,” he stated. Officials announced that the project aims to extend the roadway's lifespan while significantly reducing the need for future maintenance.