In Texas, everything is larger, including the cruise experience! After months of negotiations, Norwegian Cruise Line and Galveston Wharves have secured a long-term deal allowing Norwegian ships to operate from the new cruise terminal at the port, set to open in November 2025.
This news was shared during the annual Galveston Economic Development Partnership event on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, where over 300 local leaders, industry executives, and port representatives gathered.
“They say, ‘Build it and they will come.’ We’re thrilled that this prominent global cruise line is expanding its presence in Texas, operating from our new cruise terminal,” stated Rodger Rees, CEO and port director of Galveston Wharves.
Norwegian Cruise Line has been conducting limited seasonal sailings from Galveston for the past two years, beginning with Norwegian Prima in October 2022.
This new agreement is formalized as a 10-year contract with options to renew for additional deployments beyond the initial term. Not only will ships from Norwegian Cruise Line be based in Galveston, but vessels from the entire Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) will also call the port home. This includes Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“Galveston is a vital hub for NCLH. We appreciate not only its strategic location but also the warmth and hospitality offered by the local community,” said Dan Farkas, NCLH executive vice president. “This long-term agreement signifies our commitment to growing with Galveston, investing in its future and delivering exceptional cruise experiences through our award-winning brands.”
The new terminal will be located at Pier 16, which recently began construction under an agreement with MSC Cruises back in August. Both Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises are set to utilize this new facility for their operations in Texas.
The first Norwegian Cruise Line vessels to set sail from Galveston will be sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, initiating Western Caribbean itineraries in November 2025. These cruises will take passengers to popular destinations such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Harvest Caye, Norwegian’s exclusive island in Belize.
Growth of Galveston’s Cruise Industry
The proposed cruise terminal, with a development cost of $156 million, will feature not just the fourth terminal—reconfigured from an existing cargo warehouse—but also complementary structures and improved infrastructure.
The 165,000-square-foot terminal will provide cutting-edge facilities for passenger processing, complemented by a nearby $55 million parking garage designed to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.
This expansion will not only serve ships from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings but will also support sailings from MSC Cruises’ MSC Seascape.
Officials at Galveston Wharves anticipate that once the new terminal is operational, the port will welcome over 2 million passengers annually, beginning in 2026. This milestone will celebrate 24 years of the port’s cruise vacation history.
Read Also: Galveston Cruise Port – The Essential Guide for Your Cruise
The cruise port serves as a significant economic asset for the local community, supporting 4,547 jobs and generating $732.5 million in business revenue—spanning hotels, restaurants, transportation, and attractions—in 2023. This effort contributes $25.3 million in state and local taxes, which in turn funds additional community projects.
The opening of the fourth cruise terminal is projected to create an additional 925 jobs and generate $177 million in yearly local business revenue. Galveston will directly benefit from passenger and parking fees, enhancing the community’s profile as more cruise sailings take place.
As various cruise lines increase their operations at the Texas port, Galveston’s cruise market is expected to keep flourishing. Notable deployments include Carnival Cruise Line’s four-ship deployment—a first for the cruise port—as well as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessel, the Harmony of the Seas.
Additionally, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises are all set to have ships currently or soon homeported in Galveston, offering a range of Texas-sized adventures suitable for varied cruise travelers.
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