The port of Galveston has confirmed plans to build a fourth cruise terminal in partnership with MSC Cruises. The new terminal is to be built at Piers 16 through 18, and the construction is expected to start around April 2024.
The port authority and the MSC Group signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding on December 7th, fleshing out the conditions for the development and operation of the new terminal.
On December 22nd this year, the port of Galveston celebrated its millionth cruise passenger. The port has not only managed to recapture the pre-covid passenger market share, but they are also expecting to break through the 2022 record next year.
In November, the port celebrated the opening of its third cruise terminal. The $125 million terminal situated at Pier 10 measures 161,334 square feet and has been built to handle the largest cruise ships in the world. This terminal is expected to handle more than 630,000 passengers per year.
Big-name cruising brands such as the Carnival Cruise lines, Royal Caribbean International, Disney, and Norwegian will sail ships from Galveston in 2023. There are a total of 362 cruises planned to depart from the port in 2023 as major cruise brands continue expanding their presence in the port.
