Galveston Wharves kicked off construction with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new MSC cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston. Construction on the port’s fourth cruise terminal marks a significant expansion for the Texas cruise port and MSC Cruises.
The $151 million project transforms an old cargo warehouse at Pier 16 into a state-of-the-art, 165,000-square-foot terminal, expected to open in November 2025. This development is expected to boost local employment and economic growth and continue Galveston’s growth as a key player in the global cruise industry.
MSC Cruises’ U.S. chairman, Rick Sasso, highlighted the importance of this new terminal for MSC’s U.S. expansion, noting, “The groundbreaking for Cruise Terminal 16 marks a significant milestone in MSC Cruises’ ongoing U.S. expansion. Adding Galveston as our fourth homeport will make it even easier for travelers from the central and western parts of the country to enjoy our distinctive mix of European style and American comfort.”
Over 100 people attended the ceremony on August 20, 2024, including MSC executives, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) members, and local officials. The highlight was the unveiling of a large-scale rendering of the terminal, showcasing the MSC Seascape docked alongside the new terminal.
The project also includes a $55 million parking garage, adding convenience for passengers.
Rodger Rees, port director and CEO of Galveston Wharves, emphasized the terminal’s potential to generate significant economic benefits for the region, creating jobs and attracting more than 2 million passengers annually by 2026.
“We have so much to celebrate today with this milestone and what it means to our community, cruise guests and port partners. This beautiful new terminal will generate jobs and economic growth for the region, an exciting new cruise choice for our market, and growth opportunities for our port partners.” Rees added, “We also want to take this opportunity to give a warm, Texas welcome to MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise line. Having a cruise line of this stature homeporting in Galveston says a great deal about our position in the U.S. and global cruise markets.”
The Port of Galveston already homeports ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises. MSC Cruises’ investment and partnership in Galveston, becoming its fourth homeport, continues Texas’ growth in the cruise market.
