Port Galveston's cruise shipping business reached 1 million passengers within a year. The lucky millionth cruiser was Mark Martin. He and his wife, Laurie Steele Martin, from Mission Viejo CA, were boarding Enchantment Of The Seas for the 4-night itinerary on Wednesday, December 4, when port officials greeted them with special gifts.
Galveston TX is the country's 4th-busiest cruise terminal. According to a recent report from CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), the global cruise industry contributed USD 1,5 billion to the economy of Texas in 2018. The direct expenditures of the cruise industry in Texas supported a total of 26,241 jobs and USD 1,75 billion in wages and salaries.
Voyages started sailing from Galveston TX in 2000, and the port has 2 active terminals. Terminal 1 is exclusively used by Carnival Cruise Line; Terminal 2 is shared by Disney, Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
Royal Caribbean is currently finalizing a long-term contract with port officials to construct a 3rd cruise terminal and said it would invest around US$100 million into the project.