Galveston is more than the embarkation port for the Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™. It is the birthplace of Juneteenth and a city whose history is inseparable from the story of freedom commemorated by this sailing.
Explore Galveston's Juneteenth legacy, historic downtown, island attractions and practical cruise-port information as you prepare to board Carnival Jubilee®.
Board Carnival Jubilee® in Galveston, Texas. The Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ is scheduled to depart at 3:30 PM.
Carnival Jubilee® is scheduled to return to Galveston at 8:00 AM, completing the six-night 2027 journey.
The story commemorated aboard the Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ begins on the streets and waterfront of Galveston.
On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Order No. 3, announcing that enslaved people in Texas were free. The announcement came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect.
The first Juneteenth anniversary celebrations followed in Texas in 1866. Over generations, the tradition grew through family gatherings, worship, music, food, education and community celebrations, eventually spreading across the United States.
Texas recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday in 1980, and Juneteenth National Independence Day became a federal holiday in 2021.
Beginning the Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ in Galveston creates a direct connection between the birthplace of Juneteenth and a journey centered on heritage, culture, education, celebration and legacy.
Consider arriving early enough to experience the places that connect Galveston directly to Juneteenth and African American history.
Visit the powerful 5,000-square-foot public artwork near the historic site associated with General Order No. 3 and explore the story of freedom represented through the mural.
One of the historic Galveston locations connected to the reading and posting of General Order No. 3, Reedy Chapel remains an important landmark in the city's Black and Juneteenth history.
Explore one of Galveston's historic landmarks and its connection to the city's Juneteenth commemorations. The grounds also feature The Legislator statue honoring State Representative Al Edwards.
Located by the Absolute Equality mural, the Nia Cultural Center serves as a hub for African American art, culture, history and Juneteenth-focused community work.
The historic Custom House is among the Galveston locations associated with the dissemination of General Order No. 3 and is included in the city's Juneteenth Freedom Walk.
Explore Galveston's waterfront history and a site that helps interpret the island's connection to the transatlantic slave trade and the larger African American story.
If your travel schedule allows, make Galveston part of your vacation before you ever step aboard the ship.
Explore historic architecture, shops, restaurants, galleries and attractions in one of Galveston's best-known downtown districts.
Enjoy Gulf views, amusement rides, games and waterfront entertainment extending over the water along Galveston's Seawall.
Discover one of the island's major attractions, with educational, nature and family experiences that can be incorporated into a pre-cruise Galveston stay.
Your trip to the cruise terminal is part of your embarkation plan. Build in enough time for transportation, parking, check-in and unexpected delays.
Guests flying to the region commonly use William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) or George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Neither airport is located in Galveston.
Plan your transportation between the airport, hotel and cruise port before travel day.
Guests traveling a significant distance should consider arriving in the Galveston/Houston area before embarkation day rather than depending on same-day long-distance travel.
Port of Galveston
123 Rosenberg Avenue
Galveston, Texas 77553
Your final Carnival cruise documents should be used to confirm your assigned cruise terminal and arrival instructions.
Official Port of Galveston parking includes multiple parking options, including economy facilities with shuttle transportation serving cruise terminals. Parking arrangements can change by ship and sailing.
Reserve and verify current parking instructions before departure.
Complete the important pre-cruise steps before arriving at the Port of Galveston.
Important: Cruise schedules, terminal assignments, parking procedures, attraction operations, admission requirements and transportation information are subject to change. Always verify current information with Carnival Cruise Line, the Port of Galveston or the applicable attraction before travel.
From Galveston to Cozumel and Isla Tropicale, see how the full Juneteenth Freedom Cruise™ journey comes together.
