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, according to a press release.

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 Galveston.”

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 the MSC Seascape, which arrived on Friday, Nov. 7, the 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, added: “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.

“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,” Rees noted.

U.S. Congressman Randy Weber added: “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!”

During her comments, Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, noted: “The 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.”

Daniel Farkas, NCLH executive vice president and general counsel, said: “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.”