Good morning everyone
Considering 6-to 8-day cruises departing from Galveston, Texas, to any destination in the Bahamas. Two adults, two 9-year-old children. From December 26 to January 5, the current pricing through a travel agent is slightly over $5,000. Any advice on this concept? Would it be more cost-effective or preferable to go to Miami, Orlando, etc. instead of Houston?
That’s going to be an expensive time of year to cruise. You might consider flying to Orlando (Port Canaveral), Fort Lauderdale or Miami and cruising from there. We’ve done this several times. A lot of people complain about them, but we’ve found some inexpensive flights on Spirit and they haven’t let us down. You will need to fly in the day before and get a hotel to be on the safe side in case of flight delays which can be common on all airlines that time of year. Also, take a look at Cruiseplum.com and consider talking to a travel agent. Most don’t charge anything for their services and can sometimes get you some extra credits all at the same price.
Remember that short cruises can be booze cruises, holidays are expensive, and almost nobody goes to the Bahamas exclusively on a week-long cruise; if you’re avoiding Mexico, you want to look at Miami or Ft Lauderdale for some of the newer ships that still go to the Bahamas. Galveston to the Bahamas is a haul and probably will only be older ships.
Emphasize hand washing and set low expectations.
@Camilla Why? Because it’s Carnival?
@Mboks All the families onboard with tiny ones touching everything. 
I will be happy to assist you if you would need a different TA viewpoint. Pricing varies throughout agencies; some (not mine) charge a research fee. Some provide fantastic promotions, onboard credit, reserved group spaces, etc. There should still be something available, even during the Christmas break.
P.S. My twins were big fans of carnival rides; we took two of them. Even though they are 19 now, they had a great time when they were younger.
Taxes and port fees are now included in the price of Carnival. Prices have also increased significantly. The pricing range indicated is within practical limits. I have an 8-day cruise that goes from Galveston to Key West, Freeport, Bahamas, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas, and back to Galveston on a high-tier balcony. The cruise fare is $1,700 per person, plus taxes, fees, insurance, and other expenses.
To arrange a cruise, visit the websites of the cruise lines or give them a call.
If you are a Costco or Sam’s Club member, check the prices on their travel website.
Affinity groups for airline frequent flyers may also offer cruise discounts.
@Dacosta Inside room, actually we’re open to traveling to Miami or Orlando if it doesn’t add a lot of $ and want to vacation anywhere but Mexico. We’re in Houston.
@Dacosta 5k for a shared interior sounds costly for 4 pax to me. Check out New Orleans Eastern Caribbean for more possibilities.
Edit: Since New Year’s Eve falls on your dates, that would help to explain part of the cost, but it’s still expensive.