The Galveston Wharves, renowned as a pivotal USA cruise embarkation point, and MSC Cruises (subsidiary of MSC Group/Mediterranean Shipping Company SA), have signed a terminal concession deal for Port Galveston's 4th/newest cruise ship terminal complex.
Starting November 2025, MSC Seascape ship will be homeported in Galveston docking at this novel facility.
Initiating from early 2024, the Port will undertake the development of this grand venture, encompassing a US$100 million cruise terminal, a US$42 million parking garage, internal road enhancements, and assorted infrastructural upgrades at Pier 16.
This ambitious US$142 million endeavor is slated for financing through port reserves and revenue bonds. The conversion of an existing cargo warehouse into a sprawling 165,000-ft2/15330-m2 terminal is among the prominent facets of this maritime transformation.
The 20-year concession deal is inclusive of 4 optional 5-year extensions. MSC will be allocated a fixed cruise schedule upon the terminal's inaugural in 2025-Q4. Concurrently, the port retains the prerogative to engage with other cruise vessels for terminal utilization, contingent upon availability.
MSC, ranked as the world's third-largest cruise shipowner, has strategically steered its growth trajectory towards the North American realm. Upon the terminal's fruition, Galveston shall emerge as the 4th home port within this domain for the esteemed cruise line. MSC Seascape, christened in 2022, epitomizes the latest addition to MSC Cruises' Seaside class of vessels, meticulously crafted for Caribbean voyages, accentuated by expansive and enriched outdoor amenities. With a capacity to accommodate 5,632 passengers and a crew complement of 1,648, MSC Seascape stands as a beacon of maritime excellence.
The Port of Galveston, ranking as the nation's 4th most cruise homeport/embarkation point, witnessed a remarkable surge in its cruise passenger volume, welcoming 1.49 million travelers in 2023, marking a substantial 43% surge over 2022.