The $151 million cruise complex at Pier 16 will include a 165,000-square-foot terminal and a $55 million parking facility. The terminal will be home to the MSC Seascape when it opens in November 2025.
Galveston Wharves celebrated the start of construction on August 20 at a ceremony at Pier 16 with executives from MSC Cruises and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), elected officials, community leaders and other port partners.
During the ceremony, Rodger Rees, Port Director and CEO of Galveston Wharves, and Rick Sasso, President of MSC Cruises USA, pulled back a curtain to reveal a full-scale rendering of the terminal complex with MSC Seascape docked alongside, to applause from a crowd of more than 100.
Rees said: “We have much to celebrate today with this milestone and what it means for our community, cruise passengers and port partners. This beautiful new terminal will bring jobs and economic growth to the region, an exciting new cruise option for our market and growth opportunities for our port partners.
“We also want to take this opportunity to extend a warm, Texas-style welcome to MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise line. The fact that a cruise line of this calibre is homeported in Galveston speaks volumes about our position in the US and global cruise markets.”
With the opening of the fourth terminal, Rees added that he expects the port to reach more than 2 million passengers a year beginning in 2026, which would be a new milestone in Galveston’s 24 years as a cruise homeport.
During his remarks, Sasso said: "The opening of Cruise Terminal 16 marks a significant milestone in MSC Cruises' ongoing expansion in the United States. 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 blend of European style and American comfort.
“This state-of-the-art terminal will set the standard for a memorable cruise experience. We are delighted to work closely with Galveston Wharves to shape the future of cruising in Texas, offering extraordinary vacations and unforgettable moments on board the beautiful and modern MSC Seascape.”
“A radical change for the community”
U.S. Congressman Randy Weber told the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony, “I am thrilled to be opening our fourth cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston. This type of investment is a game-changer for our community, and it’s all thanks to Rodger Rees. His leadership is putting Galveston on the map as a premier cruise destination and keeping our port bustling with activity. I will continue to fight for our ports in Congress to make sure they get the support they deserve.”
Regional economic benefits
The local impact of the port’s cruise activity in 2022 included 3,500 jobs, $568 million in local business revenue and $73.5 million in local purchases by passengers and crew. The fourth cruise terminal is projected to generate an additional 925 jobs and $177 million in local business revenue annually.
The City of Galveston will directly benefit from passenger fares and sales tax revenue from cruise ship parking.
Source: MSC Cruises.