New Orleans vs Galveston

[dave_k58]

We have sailed out of both Galveston and NOLA, because the ports are roughly the same distance from our home in Texas. It seems, though, that the Dream and Elation have none of the advantages or perks that the Freedom, Triumph or Magic have. The prices are about the same and I was just curious.

[AngAndBoys]

I usually find t h at processor of NOLA are a little lower. I don't know anything about Dream, but will agree for the shorter cruises, Triumph and Freedom have more amenities than Elation. Balconies, just for a start.

[HollandAvery]

I sailed out of NOLA as a kid on Royal Caribbean (I'm sure that makes a little difference) and I will say that I much prefer sailing out of Galveston than from NOLA.

 

We have the Freedom booked and are super excited...I have read up on the other two ships and I think the Freedom and Magic do sound a bit better. I would pick Galveston if I were in your shoes, as both are the same distance.

[k2excursion]

New Orleans is very interesting, a nice & unique city to check out before a cruise. Galveston is more of a simple town. Some people prefer the simple. Galveston has a beach, although not a good one. Galveston has cheaper parking. I think that Galveston draws the friendliest crowds of people. But, I think Dream is the best ship sailing out of either port (or any port for that matter). Dream has most of what Magic has. There are only a few differences.

[ejchron]

We're in the same boat (pun intended): NOLA and Galveston are the same distance from our home. We've sailed from both multiple times. It's generally a toss-up for us, but lately NOLA fares seem to save us a couple hundred dollars (at least on the ones I've checked). If it was less expensive in Galveston, we'd sail from there.

 

That said, if the price is the same, I'll take NOLA (no offense, Galveston). For us, NOLA is just more fun. The food, attractions and entertainment can't be compared - sorry, but Galveston is just boring (remember, it's just my experience/opinion).

 

FWIW, normally, we only sail in balconies so I'm not considering the smaller ships.

 

ejchron

[texast518]

Sailed NOLA 4 times last 2 years on NCL Star & Jewel on 7 day. What I liked is they made 4 ports instead of 3, added Costa Maya which we like, quite, laid back time to unwind @ end of cruise, always go to Mauhaul ? beach. $2 cab ride, nice white beach with cabanas , good food & drinks esp Fernandos

[Luluwa]

Love sailing from NOLA!

 

 

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[EZ4]

NOLA!! Galveston can't even compare. Dream and Magic are pretty much the same, all things considered.

[laurantwins]

I've always sailed out of Galveston (closer to where I live), but am planning to try sailing out of NOLA. I think it's worth it to spend a few days in NOLA!

Edited January 17, 2015 by laurantwins

[bptex]

If you play in the casino then NOLA wins pretty easily. They can open it as soon as they leave port while in Galveston they have to get into open water (12 miles I believe).

 

For me Galveston is a few hours closer so it wins out. If the price difference will cover a hotel room though I'll take New Orleans. NOLA is a way more fun town.

[talkorpi]

Having only been on two cruises, with one departing out of each port, this is the perfect thread for me to help you out in your predicament (which, I must say, is an awesome predicament to have :D). It just all depends what you're looking at.

 

If you're looking at which one has a better cruise, I would go with Galveston. The handling process is so much better at the port, and the parking is cheaper. We were off the ship and in the car withing 30 minutes, versus over an hour from New Orleans. I personally prefer the Magic over the Dream, but you may not.

 

If you're looking for a pre/post cruise stay, definitely choose New Orleans. I love NOLA like you wouldn't believe. Trust me, Galveston is still better then where I live, but New Orleans just has so much more to offer. The food is some of the best in the country, they have better accommodation options, and more culture.

 

Hope this helps, and whatever you choose, I hope you have a fabulous cruise!

Edited January 19, 2015 by talkorpi

[dadroy]

Another vote for NOLA, can't beat the trip down the river, just beautiful.

[Taters]

New Orleans has so very much to offer in the way of music, history and culture! And what a great place to look for art!

 

Galveston is simply not as nice. JMHO.

[pusywillow]

New Orleans has so very much to offer in the way of music, history and culture! And what a great place to look for art!

 

Galveston is simply not as nice. JMHO.

 

You can say that again! Make sure to stay a few days before/and or after your cruise.

 

Sue

[winddawn]

I agree that NOLA is lots of fun. And if you like to gamble, Harrah's New Orleans is right next to the cruise port. That area of NOLA downtown has a lot of offer. And New Orleans is a very walkable city in the daytime. The food is phenomenal too. NOLA has so many cultural influences, you can find almost anything to eat. If you can go in a day or two early, I vote for NOLA.

[GranthamMommy]

Cannot wait for April and our first cruise on the Dream and our first trip to NOLA. We're celebrating our 30th anniversary. Now that we're empty nesters, we're trying to visit all the cities on our bucket list.

 

I've sailed out of Galveston, but we didn't venture out much from our hotel....which was a cruise for our 20th Anniversary.

 

Can't lose if you're cruisin'

[cruiser fanatic]

I have done the Dream, Magic, Triumph, and Elation and I plan to do the Freedom when she gets to Galveston. Out of those 4 ships I would rank them in this order.

1: Magic

2: Triumph

3: Dream

4: Elation

 

I hope this helps!!

[dave_k58]

THanks for all the responses. As I said - I have previously sailed out of both ports. We loved the city of New Orleans more than Galveston. I was just thinking the ships in Galveston have more to offer. THere are a lot of differences in the Dream and Magic - although both are the same class ship. I am leaning towards the Freedom.