GALVESTON, Texas (Sept. 7, 2012) –Texas is a major contributor to North America’s cruise industry according to a report published by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Texas ranked as the fourth largest U.S. cruise market last year. The State’s economic contributions are driven primarily by cruise operations from the Port of Galveston.

The Port of Galveston, Texas’ only major cruise port serves as the primary point of embarkation for cruises to the western Caribbean and the Bahamas and welcomed an estimated 655,000, passengers and crew visits in 2011 which is 3 percent of all passenger and crew visits in the United States. These visits are estimated to have produced $45.2 million in passenger and crew onshore spending, or nearly $69 per person per visit.

The Port of Galveston experienced a 5.5 percent increase in passenger embarkations due to the largest-ever capacity commitment by the cruise industry to Texas. These deployments are expected to carry over 1 million passengers annually from the Port of Galveston.

This year will prove to be even better for Galveston’s cruise business, with the arrival of two new cruise ships, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic and Princess Cruises Crown Princess. Disney Magic will offer cruises to the Caribbean out of Galveston beginning September 22, 2012. Crown Princess will offer Caribbean cruises starting December 22, 2012.

“The Port of Galveston is committed to remaining one of the top 20 cruise home-ports worldwide. We are dedicated to increasing the economic impact and benefits to the local community, Texas, and North America,” said Michael Mierzwa, Port of Galveston Port Director.

To ensure that the Port of Galveston remains one of the top cruise ports in the world, the Port has invested more than $65 million in its cruise facilities since 2000. Terminal 1, measuring 257,657 square feet, is the largest single berth cruise facility in the world.

Due to the increase in size of ships and growing number of ships calls, the Port of Galveston Board approved a conceptual study of a third cruise terminal. With a study, the port can determine what improvements will be needed in order to accommodate three ships sailing on the same day.

As Texas’ Star Cruise Port, the Port of Galveston is Texas’ gateway for cruise sailings and international trade. Four cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean, sail from Texas’ only cruise port. The Port is a self supporting enterprise fund with annual operating revenues of approximately $25 million. For more information please visit www.portofgalveston.com.
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