Freight News, Sea

Port of Galveston opens 4th Cruise Terminal

[ November 25, 2025   //   Gary Burrows ]

The Port of Galveston celebrated the opening of its fourth cruise terminal on Nov. 7, with a terminal ribbon-cutting and welcoming ceremony for MSC Seascape, the first ship to homeport at the new terminal.

“This is a tremendous milestone in the port’s history as a major U.S. cruise port. We welcome MSC Cruises as a new cruise partner, as well as a Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), which has committed to more sailings from Galveston,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.

MSC Cruises and NCLH signed long-term contracts with the Galveston Wharves in 2024, making it possible for the port to fund the $156 million project. The port broke ground in summer 2024 to convert a cargo warehouse into the cruise complex, which features a 165,000-square-foot terminal, a $55 million parking garage, and two custom-built boarding bridges.

The port celebrated the opening with executives from MSC Cruises, NCLH, elected officials, community leaders and other port partners. In addition to MSC Seascape, which arrived on Friday, Nov. 7, Norwegian Viva will sail seasonally from the terminal beginning in December.

MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line entering the Galveston market. With the addition of the fourth terminal, Rees said that he expects the port to reach 445 sailings with almost 2 million passengers, or 4 million passenger movements, in 2026.

Rees said, “We’re growing year over year due to our large drive-to market, our focus on customer service and the growing popularity of cruise travel.”

During her comments, Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, said, “MSC Seascape is arriving in Galveston with true Texas flair, adding to the blend of European style and American comfort our guests love.

MSC Seascape is one of MSC Cruises’ largest and most innovative ships, boasting new entertainment and dining options inspired by the Lone Star State, along with a range of existing high-tech activities and international cuisine.

Beginning this December, one of our newest ships, Norwegian Viva, will debut in Galveston Dec. 13, offering seven and 14-day itineracies to the Caribbean through April 2026 and will return for sailings October through April in 2026 and 2027. A total of 38 initial voyages with a capacity of over 250,000 guests at double occupancy are scheduled currently. 

During her first 14-day sailing, Norwegian Viva will visit NCL’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, which will feature a new multi-ship pier and 1.4-acre pool area by the end of this year, with additional family attractions opening through next summer, including the all-new Great Tides Waterpark.

The port is the fourth-ranked cruise home port in the U.S. with four cruise terminals. In 2026 the port projects 445 sailings and 3.9 million passenger movements, a new record for the port.

Tags: MSC Cruises, Nrwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Port of Galveston