(Galveston, TX) Dec. 10, 2018 – The Port of Galveston is excited to announce that on Sunday, December 9, 2018, it welcomed its 10 millionth passenger to embark from the port’s cruise terminal. The Port began cruise operations in 2000.
The lucky 10 millionth passenger was Yingtao Liu who drove from Norman, OK with his parents, wife, and three children. Upon checking in for his cruise yesterday he and his family were informed that they were the 10 millionth passenger by Port of Galveston CEO Rodger Rees, Carnival Vista Hotel Director, Pavol Drimaj and other representatives from the cruise line were on hand to personally welcome Mr. Lui and his family. The Lui family were embarking on their first cruise EVER!
“I am privileged to welcome our 10 millionth cruise passenger to embark from the Port of Galveston today. It’s a very proud milestone to reach after 18 years of cultivating the cruise business in the State of Texas. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Port staff in particular for their hard work and support in achieving this significant milestone. We look forward to the Port’s continued success as we expect millions of more travelers will continue to embark on cruises from Galveston,” said Rodger Rees, CEO, and Port Director. “I’d also like to wish Mr. Lui and his family a Bon Voyage.
To celebrate the milestone the Port of Galveston, Carnival Cruise Lines, Galveston Convention, and Visitors’ Bureau and Island Bay Resort contributed several gifts to the lucky winning family. These included a three-night stay at Island Bay Resort, a bountiful basket full of delicious treats from the Port, a specially designed gift bag of Galveston swag from the CVB, and a beach bag bursting with vacation essentials from Carnival Cruise Lines to mark the occasion. The cruise line also extended some onboard courtesies and VIP treatment during the 7-night voyage.
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.
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