November 7, 2025
Galveston, TX (Nov. 7, 2025) – The Port of Galveston celebrated the opening of its fourth cruise terminal on Friday, Nov. 7, with a terminal ribbon-cutting and welcoming ceremony for MSC Seascape, the first ship to homeport at the new terminal.
Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, told the crowd of more than 200 attendees, “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 Gaveston.”
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.
During the ceremony, Wharves Board Chairman Vic Pierson commented, “We want to give a warm Texas welcome to MSC Cruises as the world’s third largest cruise line enters the Galveston market. Having MSC and Norwegian Cruise Line homeporting in Galveston says a great deal about our position in the U.S. and global cruise markets.”
Craig Brown, Galveston mayor and Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees member, told the crowd, “Today we’re celebrating a major port milestone and what it means to our community, cruise guests and port partners. This new terminal will generate jobs and economic growth for the region, exciting new cruise choices for our market, and growth opportunities for our port partners.”
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.”
‘A Game-Changer for Galveston’
U.S. Congressman Randy Weber told the crowd: “Today’s opening of Cruise Terminal 16 is a game-changer for Galveston. This project has already put hundreds of people to work and now it’s set to bring in more visitors, more business, and more revenue for our local economy. Every investment like this strengthens Galveston’s place as a premier gateway for America’s cruise industry. I will continue to fight for our ports in Congress to ensure they get the support they deserve!”
MSC’s Expanding US Footprint
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. Expanding our North American footprint to Galveston and cutting the ribbon on the port’s brand-new Cruise Terminal 16 are exciting steps for us on our path to making MSC Cruises a household name in the North American market. We’re grateful for the partnership we have with the Port of Galveston, which makes it easy and convenient for millions of new guests to enjoy the MSC Cruises experience. MSC Seascape offers the ultimate vacation at sea, and we look forward to welcoming guests and travel advisors from the region onboard to discover what makes a holiday with us so special.”
MSC Seascape is one of MSC Cruises’ largest and most innovative ships, boasting a variety of new entertainment and dining options inspired by the Lone Star State, along with a range of existing high-tech activities and international cuisine. Guests will find everything from family-friendly offerings to exclusive luxury on board, showcasing MSC Cruises’ signature blend of European style and American comfort.
NCLH Expanding Sailings from New Terminal
Daniel Farkas, NCLH executive vice president and general counsel, remarked, “Galveston continues to be a key hub for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and the opening of this new state-of-the-art terminal marks a milestone in our long-standing partnership with the port and community.”
“Beginning this December, one of our newest ships, Norwegian Viva, will sail from Galveston to the Caribbean, expanding access to our world-class cruise experiences for millions of people. This will create a sustained economic impact and a long-term partnership that continues to deliver for this vibrant community.”
Norwegian Viva will debut in Galveston Dec. 13, offering 7- and 14-day itineraries 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 featuring a dedicated kids splash pad, dynamic river, cliff jumps, 19 waterslides and more.
About the Port of Galveston
Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel, the Port of Galveston has been a thriving maritime commercial center since 1825. Just 45 minutes from open seas, the 840-acre port has infrastructure and assets to serve growing cruise, cargo and commercial businesses.
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.
Galveston also leases and maintains a wide range of cargo facilities on the deep-water Galveston Harbor, which is ranked among the top 40 busiest U.S. cargo waterways. The Galveston Wharves is a self-sustaining city entity whose mission is to generate and reinvest port revenues to benefit the Galveston community with economic growth, jobs and sales tax revenues.
About MSC Cruises
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately-owned MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America.
A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.
For more information visit MSC Cruises.
About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH)
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company that operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With a combined fleet of 34 ships and more than 71,000 berths, NCLH offers itineraries to approximately 700 destinations worldwide. NCLH expects to add 13 additional ships across its three brands through 2036, which will add over 38,400 berths to its fleet. To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.
###
