Icon of the Seas is officially saddling up and preparing to move to the Lone Star State.
Royal Caribbean's latest deployment confirms that Texas is finally getting an Icon Class ship — something fans have been begging for.
Icon of the Seas will leave Miami, Florida, in August 2027. The mega ship will depart on a one-way cruise on Aug. 7, calling at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Curaçao, and Aruba before arriving in Galveston.
After that, the 248,663 gross-ton vessel will offer 6-, 7-, and 8-night cruises to the Western Caribbean through at least April 2028.
The voyages will primarily focus on visiting Royal Caribbean's new private destinations, including Perfect Day Mexico and the Royal Beach Club Cozumel.
Icon's deployment in Texas isn't necessarily a surprise. Executives have been hinting at the news for a while.
In September, Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said he wouldn't be surprised if there was an announcement about Galveston cruises on the horizon.
"I'm not saying we're putting an Icon Class there. But if I [were] a gambling man...," he added.
Not only that, but Galveston itself has been transformed into a massive cruise hub, with lines such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises investing in multi-million-dollar terminals. It's now the fourth-busiest port in the United States.
Adding to the appeal, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship that launched in 2023, was built specifically for the Texas market.
Here's what to know about sailing on an Icon Class ship out of Texas.
Read more: Look out, Florida! This Texas port is poised to become a top cruise spot
How to get to the Galveston cruise port
Galveston is situated on an island roughly two miles off the coast of mainland Texas and an hour away from Houston.
Unlike popular cruise ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the closest airport isn't a short drive down the interstate. Rather, the closest major airport is William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). It can be reached in about 50 minutes by car.
That said, it's a smaller airport compared to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which is about an hour and 15 minutes from Galveston. As such, travelers will find fewer nonstop and international flight options.
If you're flying, you can get from either of the major airports to the Galveston cruise port via a private car, ride-share service, third-party shuttle bus, or cruise line-provided transportation.
Driving is always another option if you live close enough to the port. With roughly 46 million people living within a day’s drive of Galveston, it’s a convenient choice for many cruisers looking to hit the high seas.
As of Nov. 2025, parking for a 7-day cruise costs anywhere from $180 to $225 when booked in advance on the Port of Galveston's website.
Where to stay in Galveston before a cruise
Galveston might not be as picturesque as South Florida, but it doesn't lack coastal charm and pre-cruise appeal.
The island offers a range of accommodations, from luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly hotels near the port.
Staying in Houston is an option. However, you'll want to budget enough time to make the hour-long drive on boarding day.
Plus, if you're already in Galveston, you can take advantage of the local attractions before enjoying a leisurely embarkation morning.
Here are some top picks for a pre-cruise stay in Galveston, Texas:
- The San Luis Resort: a 32-acre beachfront resort with a full-service spa, two pools, and upscale dining. About 10-12 minutes from the cruise port.
- Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21: located steps from the Strand Historic District with great harbor views and on-site boat rentals. Less than one mile from the cruise port.
- Hotel Lucine: a boutique hotel with a fun retro vibe, a rooftop bar, and a pool that's close to the iconic Seawall. About 8-10 minutes from the cruise port.
- The Tremont House: a luxury hotel situated in the heart of the Strand Historic District with spacious, elegantly designed rooms. Less than one mile from the cruise port.
Where will Galveston cruises on Icon of the Seas go?
Icon of the Seas will sail primarily to the Western Caribbean, calling at ports like Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico (soon to be Perfect Day Mexico in 2027); and Roatán, Honduras. The longer, 8-night cruises will also visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
At the time of publication, certain cruises from Texas on Icon of the Seas cost less than $1,000 per person. The Sept. 19, 2027, sailing, for example, starts at $854 per person for a standard inside cabin.
Select 7-night voyages are also under $1,000, including the Nov. 14, 2027, cruise to Honduras and Mexico.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
