(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 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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