Houston Cruise Ship Embarkation Port

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Port of Houston, TX

Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest city in the United States.

The Port of Houston is a 25-mile long complex of diversified public and private facilities located just a few hours sailing time from the Gulf of Mexico.

Terminal Information

Port of Houston

111 East Loop North, Houston, TX 77029
Houston Port Authority

Located on the western shores of Galveston Bay, Bayport Cruise Terminal’s proximity to fine restaurants and hotels and access to both regional airports make it an ideal point of disembarkation.

Passenger access from parking and drop-off areas is immediately adjacent to the front of the terminal. Covered walkways connect the building to bus and private passenger drop-offs and taxi stands. Valet parking and other VIP services are available.

The Bayport terminal was used for cruise ships after Hurricane Ike damaged the Port of Galveston.  As of 2009 however, the cruise terminal is not in use.   

Texas State Taxes

Effective January 4, 2014, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) will collect tax from all Texas residents and non-Texas residents staying in the state for any length of time (seasonal resident).

For those that the tax applies to, it is applicable to all liquor and tobacco that enters the state of Texas via the cruise terminal. Therefore, all purchases made on the islands, as well as onboard, will be taxed upon debarkation in the cruise terminal. These duties will be in addition to whatever taxes may be imposed by US Customs. 

A letter and form will be distributed to all staterooms before embarkation commences. Guests will need to complete the form and carry it with them when they disembark. 

Things to do in the area

Houston Visitors Bureau

Kemah Boardwalk

Kemah Boardwalk is about 20 miles from downtown Houston offers a Ferris wheel, train and various other amusement rides, interactive fountain, an interactive Sting Ray Reef where you can touch and feed live stingrays. Enjoy public entertainment every weekend on the Plaza. 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX. 877-AT-KEMAH. Website

San Jacinto Monument & Museum of History

Located at the site of the battle that won Texas' independence from Mexico in 1836, this towering monument is the world's largest masonry structure- 3523 Highway 134, La Porte, TX.  Website

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Core activities include a boardwalk through the forest and marshes, live animal displays, bison and prairie platforms, butterfly gardens and a 1800's farm site.  Website

Sam Houston Boat Tours

Embarking from the port's Sam Houston Pavilion, visiting sightseers aboard the M/V Sam Houston can enjoy passing views of international cargo vessels, and operations at the port's Turning Basin Terminal. The 95-ft. vessel has capacity for up to 90 passengers and features air-conditioned lounge seating as well as standing room outside on the boat's rear deck. The M/V Sam Houston has been operating as the Port of Houston's public tour vessel since its first voyage on July 30, 1958. The tour is free. Reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis are required at least 24 hours in advance. Register online any time, or call 713-670-2416, Mondays through Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Houston Events

Annual Jazz Festival at the Kemah Boardwalk

Enjoy a phenomenal line up of the nation's best in Jazz performers at the Kemah Boardwalk. September event.

Annual South Shore Dockside Food & Wine Festival

The League City Rotary and Destination League City present distinctive cuisine, wine tasting (showcasing over 60 wines), grape stomp, culinary demonstrations, high end exhibits, high performance boat & luxury yacht displays, art show, fashion shows, classic & foreign car displays, live music and unique interactive exhibits. Ongoing entertainment and a laser light show will please the crowd and set the mood for a spectacular festival. South Shore Harbour Resort.