Two CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's ships returned to Port Galveston Texas on Sunday, May 2.
After more than a year away, the liners' return is a glimmer of hope for the industry, which was hit hard during the health crisis.
The two ships - Breeze and Vista, arrived at the Port at ~12-noon. Port officials had invited the public to celebrate the return.
The two boats left their homeport Galveston in April 2020.
Galveston TX is North America's 4th most popular cruise port in and currently the only one in Texas - excluding Houston, which currently homeports only riverboats.
Suspension of ex-Galveston cruises resulted in huge losses for the state's economy and all families who rely on the cruise shipping industry. Based on historical economic impact annual statistics, statewide losses were estimated at USD 1,2 billion in direct spending, ~23,000 jobs, USD 1,6 billion in wages.
Carnival's Breeze and Vista ships will undergo maintenance while they are waiting at the Port for guidance from the CDC.