Major Cruise Homeport is booming with big numbers

The Port of Galveston is experiencing unprecedented growth in its cruise industry, with new terminals and an increase in sailings driving economic growth and job creation. This upswing in the cruise sector is coupled with strong cargo performance, contributing to an overall successful start to 2023.

It promises to be a big year for the Port of Galveston in general. It will be the first full year of operation for Royal Caribbean’s new cruise terminal. carnival anniversary will be the first LNG-powered cruise ship to call at its homeport of Galveston in December, and the port hopes to receive final confirmation for a new terminal with MSC Cruises later this year.

Galveston cruises are reaching new heights

The Port of Galveston has got off to a strong start to 2023. Cruise statistics for February 2023 show significant growth compared to the same month last year, with the port hosting 71 sailings, a 22% increase and a staggering 123% increase in passenger movements (embarkation and disembarkation).

Additionally, port cruise customers saw a 154% increase. The Port of Galveston estimates a total of 355 sailings in 2023, setting a new record in its 22-year history as a cruise home port. All of this not only leads to more cruise ship passengers in Galveston, but also creates a multitude of jobs.

Rodger Rees, Port Director and CEO of Galveston Wharves: “With all of this applying to our port, it’s no surprise that popular cruise lines Carnival and Royal Caribbean, both longtime port cruise partners, are investing in cruise terminal infrastructure and newer and larger ships for Galveston.”

“This cruise and cargo growth is creating new jobs and more hours for union workers. Experts are forecasting more than 650,000 union hours on the Galveston coast in 2023, the highest in years.”

The booming cruise industry is due to the increasing popularity of cruises, Galveston’s position as the fourth most popular US cruise port, its prime location within a day’s drive for over 30 million people, and the opening of new cruise terminals.

Port of Galveston terminal expansions to increase traffic

The cruise industry in the Port of Galveston is thriving, thanks in part to new, burgeoning and repurposed cruise terminals and cruise lines that are hosting a significant number of new and larger ships in Galveston.

In November 2022, Royal Caribbean International opened a new $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston. powered entirely by solar panels. The terminal is expected to boost traffic to Galveston by up to 630,000 travelers this year.

It is home to 5,400 guests fascination of the seas Cruise ship, currently the largest ship in Texas. Royal Caribbean offers 7-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston to destinations such as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico and Roatan in Honduras.

The port is also planning one public-private project with MSC Cruises to build a new $110 million cruise terminal and parking garage. The terminal, which is estimated to cost $70 million, with an additional $40 million for the parking garage, will be built in a warehouse currently used by Del Monte Fresh Produce.

If all goes according to plan, construction could begin in 2024 when Del Monte’s lease ends, and cruises could potentially begin in 2025.

Renovations were also carried out at Cruise Terminal 25 to accommodate the new space LNG powered carnival anniversaryscheduled to arrive in December 2023. carnival anniversary is an Excell-class cruise ship with 182,800 gross register tons and a capacity for 5,400 guests and 1,700 crew members. The ship will operate seven-day itineraries in the Western Caribbean and will have features such as the BOLT roller coaster on the upper deck.

Collectively, the three terminals are expected to welcome millions of guests, confirming Galveston’s position as a major player in the US cruise industry. The influx of guests will create new employment opportunities and contribute to the region’s economy while spurring the growth of the Port of Galveston.