Start Your Cruise Here

We'll Take Care of the Details

Your cruise vacation begins the moment you arrive in Galveston. Instead of rushing to the terminal on embarkation day, spend a night or two at The 1890 Freeman House and enjoy everything our historic island has to offer. Stroll through The Strand, savor fresh Gulf seafood, browse unique shops, or simply relax in one of our beautifully restored Victorian suites. Better yet, make it a two-night stay and discover why Galveston is more than just a cruise port. Explore historic neighborhoods, museums, beaches, waterfront attractions, and outstanding local restaurants—all at a relaxed pace. We'll take care of the details with convenient cruise parking, trusted transportation, and personalized local recommendations, so you can arrive at your ship on time, relaxed, and already feeling like your vacation has begun.

Getting to Galveston: Whether you're driving or flying, getting to Galveston doesn't have to be difficult.

• By Car: Guests arriving by car are welcome to park on our quiet residential street using the complimentary parking permit we provide during your stay. If you've reserved cruise parking, we'll direct you to our secure garage before you set sail.

• By Air: Galveston is served by two major airports:

  • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): Approximately 70 miles (1¼–1½ hours), depending on traffic.
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): Approximately 40 miles (45–60 minutes), depending on traffic.

  To reach Galveston, you may choose from:

  • Airport shuttle services
  • Uber and Lyft
  • Our trusted independent drivers, who provide personalized transportation directly to the Freeman House or the cruise terminal

Easy, Flexible Check-In:  Your arrival should be stress-free. We understand travel plans don't always go exactly as expected. All guests check in online and receive personalized arrival instructions and a private access code before arrival. Whether you arrive at 3:00 p.m. or after midnight, you can check in at your convenience and come and go as you please.

Enjoy Your Evening: One of the best parts of staying at The 1890 Freeman House is that you can simply park your car and enjoy the evening on foot. Walk to The Strand, restaurants, museums, antique shops, and historic landmarks, or spend a quiet evening relaxing on the porch before a restful night's sleep. Guests arriving without a vehicle truly don't miss out on anything. Those staying an extra day can hop on a trolley or hire a driver and explore the rest of Galveston. 

Cruise Morning: Start your morning with complimentary coffee or tea in our guest kitchen before getting ready for the day. Since most Galveston cruises begin boarding by late morning, many guests either enjoy a pastry or breakfast at one of the cafés just a short walk from the inn or simply plan to have their first meal aboard the ship. When you're ready, our trusted local drivers will take you—and your luggage—directly to the correct cruise terminal.

Cruise Parking: If you've reserved cruise parking with us, simply park your vehicle in our secure private garage and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind. Conveniently located behind the inn, our self-service garage features keypad access, allowing you to come and go as needed before your cruise. No need to leave your keys with us. Because we have just two parking spaces, we encourage guests to reserve early to ensure availability.

Bon Voyage!

As you set sail, we hope your cruise is filled with wonderful memories, new adventures, and smooth seas. Thank you for choosing The 1890 Freeman House to begin your vacation. We hope to welcome you back to Galveston again soon.