Galveston, TX (Sept. 23, 2018) –The Port of Galveston is pleased to announce that Carnival Cruise Lines newest, largest, and most innovative ship, Carnival Vista, sailed on its first voyage from its new homeport today.
The arrival of the 133,500-ton Carnival Vista – the largest Carnival Cruise Line ship ever homeported in Galveston – was celebrated today. The event was highlighted by Galveston Mayor Pro-Tem Craig Brown presenting Carnival President Christine Duffy with a key to the city and proclaiming Sept. 23, as “Choose Fun Day” in recognition of the line’s new campaign that the brand lives by each and every day. In addition, Port of Galveston CEO/Port Director Rodger Rees presented a plaque commemorating Carnival Vista’s maiden voyage to Captain Andrea Catalani.
Choose Fun is a key component of the ongoing Homeport Advantage campaign designed to heighten awareness of new ship deployments and raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A bumper sticker adorned with the Choose Fun tagline was unveiled on Carnival Vista’s stern, as well, during the event.
“After 17 years of cultivating the cruise business in the State of Texas, we are thrilled to welcome Carnival’s largest class ship to her new home. As one of Carnival’s most successful homeports their decision to re-position their newest ship is a testament of their confidence in the port’s continued success as one of the nation’s top cruise ports. We look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial partnership,” said Rodger Rees, Port Director/CEO.
“Carnival Vista brings Texas-sized fun to Galveston for guests of all ages and today’s event was an excellent way to celebrate the arrival of the port’s newest and largest ship and show our appreciation for the local community,” said Duffy. “Carnival is Texas’ number one cruise operator and positioning Carnival Vista to Galveston underscores our commitment to our confidence in growing this key market.”
The Carnival Vista will offer two distinctly different week-long western Caribbean itineraries from the Port of Galveston, visiting the region’s most popular destinations. The first itinerary includes calls at Montego Bay; Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, while the other features visits to Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan); Belize; and Cozumel.
Carnival Vista, which debuted in 2016, will join Carnival Freedom and Carnival Valor sailing year-round from Galveston. Together, these three ships will operate more than 200 sailings each year carry more than 650,000 guests annually from Galveston – the most of any cruise operator.
About the Port of Galveston
The Port of Galveston is the region’s gateway to the Gulf for cruise ships and international trade. Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay, the Port leases and maintains facilities on both Galveston Island and Pelican Island. The Galveston Island operations are a diversified mix of cargo including Roll-on Roll-off cargo, dry bulk, export grain, refrigerated fruit, general cargo, and project cargo. In addition, the Port handles over 1.8 million cruise passenger movements annually. The Port’s Pelican Island facilities comprise a combination of undeveloped property, an active ship and rig repair facility, and liquid bulk operations. The Port is a self-supporting enterprise utility with operating revenues of approximately $38 million. It does not rely on tax dollars for operations.