Key Aspects:
- MSC Cruises says demand for MSC Seascape has been strong during its first six months sailing from Galveston.
- The cruise line customized dining and entertainment aboard the ship to appeal to Texas passengers.
- Galveston officials say the new Cruise Terminal 16 is helping fuel growth at the port.
MSC Cruises says its move into Galveston is gaining traction six months after the cruise line launched its first year-round sailings from Texas.
The cruise line marked the milestone on May 7, 2026, following the November 2025 arrival of MSC Seascape and the opening of Cruise Terminal 16 at the Port of Galveston, a major expansion project designed to handle larger ships and growing passenger traffic.
MSC Cruises said passengers have responded strongly to changes made specifically for the Texas market as the line works to establish itself in one of the U.S.’s fastest-growing cruise regions.
“In our first six months of operations, we are seeing strong momentum and clear validation of our approach to the Galveston market,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America.
Torrent said guests are responding well to the Texas-inspired dining, entertainment, and MSC Yacht Club experience aboard the 5,877-passenger MSC Seascape.
The 170,412-gross-ton ship sails 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries every Sunday from Galveston with stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.
To appeal to Texas passengers, MSC Cruises adjusted several onboard offerings aboard MSC Seascape, including Southern- and Gulf Coast-inspired menu items, regional cocktails, and entertainment such as country music performances, line dancing lessons, and a “Big Texas Sailaway Party.”
Galveston city officials have also said the cruise line has had a positive impact, with Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees singing MSC Cruises’ praises.
“As we mark this six-month milestone, we couldn’t be more pleased with MSC Cruises and our new terminal. This world-renowned cruise line has proven to be a great port partner every step of the way,” he said.
Galveston’s Growth
MSC Cruises entered Galveston at a time when the Texas cruise market is rapidly expanding.
The Port of Galveston is the fourth busiest cruise port in the United States outside of Florida, with cruise lines continuing to add newer ships, bigger terminals, and more year-round sailings.
Port officials forecast nearly 2 million cruise passengers – roughly 3.9 to 4 million passenger movements – in 2026 across almost 450 sailings.
Passenger traffic has climbed steadily in recent years, with Galveston handling roughly 3 million passenger movements in 2023, 3.4 million in 2024, and about 3.6 million in 2025.
Projections by Galveston Wharves say passenger movements could exceed 9 million annually by 2045, supported by additional terminals, parking garages, and expanded port infrastructure.
MSC Cruises’ Terminal 16 was a major piece of that expansion. Opening in late 2025 as Galveston’s fourth cruise terminal, the $156-million facility serves both MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
According to Galveston Wharves, the terminal contributes more than $138 million annually to the regional economy and supports more than 1,000 jobs.
