Thanks to its characteristic desert landscapes and wide-open ranges, Texas is not usually the first place one thinks of for cruising. However, the Lone Star State offers many options for anyone seeking a single-day voyage across the water. Choices not only vary by city, but also by length, style and amenities offered.
Kemah
The resort town of Kemah lies within the greater Houston metropolitan area and plays home to the 60-acre Kemah Boardwalk entertainment complex. Several one-day cruises depart from the town every day to explore Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. The Boardwalk FantaSea is a two-story charter yacht that offers coastal sightseeing trips, themed dinner cruises and weekend party voyages complete with booze and a DJ. The interior boasts hand-crafted cabinetry, 42-inch plasma TVs and room for 140 guests. Another operator, Star Fleet, maintains four different cruisers for a variety of occasions and can host anywhere from 12 to 150 people. They offer a murder mystery dinner cruise where guests are treated to a theatrical performance while they enjoy gourmet cuisine, as well as an intimate 'water limo' that pub crawls to local seaside bars and venues.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island, just outside Brownsville, offers an array of one-day seafaring adventures. Murphy's Law, from Isla Tours, is a 67-foot double-decker offering 90-minute eco-tours during the day; guests can glimpse bottle-nosed dolphins as they cruise the water. Weekend nights between Memorial Day and Labor Day are reserved for fireworks cruises while party music plays. For the active sportsperson, full- and half-day fishing charters in the Gulf of Mexico are available on the 49-foot Hard Bottom Too; all bait and tackle is provided. As another alternative, Osprey Cruises has a fleet of six boats for various adventures, from deep-sea fishing to speedboating to sea life safari trips. One vessel, the Black Dragon, resembles a 17th-century pirate ship and is perfect for a day out with the kids.
.Benefits are good for you and a travel companion (assigned to the same room). Carnival Corporation reserves the right to change or discontinue any events, promotions and benefits at any time and without notification. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to play the tables and the slot machines; guest un. Images of complimentary cruise offers directly from the cruise line’s casino department. Comp cruise certificates offered from land-based casinos.An invitation to a certificate event at a casino can be accepted in lieu of the actual certificate. Images of complimentary room + free play offers from land-based casinos.
Galveston
The coastal community of Galveston provides several cruise choices. Those seeking a historical experience will enjoy the Colonel, a stately three-level paddle wheeler with a 650-person capacity. The boat takes hour-long jaunts around Offatts Bayou. Everything from the decor to the uniformed staff is meant to evoke America in the late 18th century. Daytime cruises are open to all guests, while the more extensive evening dinner cruises require reservations. For a more modern experience, the family owned and operated BayWatch Dolphin Tours takes out a jet-drive boat with no propellers that can get riders within earshot of dolphins. The boat can hold 36 passengers; infants and pets ride free.
Austin
Austin is known for its cruising options on Lady Bird Lake. The Lone Star Riverboat offers scenic sightseeing trips each weekend afternoon, accompanied by a detailed commentary from the boat's captain. One-hour bat-watching tours at dusk and nighttime moonlight cruises are also available March through October. Holiday-themed cruises are held on New Year's Day, Valentine's Day and the Fourth of July. Another operator, Capital Cruises, is the largest all-electric fleet in the area, hosting lunch and dinner cruises, weddings and other corporate events. They also rent water sports equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards. In addition, the Meadow Center at Texas State University, just south of Austin in San Marcos, offers 30-minute glass-bottom boat tours across the ecologically diverse Spring Lake.
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About the Author
Casino Cruises From Galveston Tx
Casino Cruises From Galveston
Mark Heidelberger has been writing for more than 22 years, from articles and short stories to novels and screenplays. He is a consummate foodie, loves to travel and has run several businesses, all of which influence his work. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from UCLA.