Construction Begins on New MSC Cruises Terminal in Galveston

Construction has officially started for MSC Cruises’ new terminal at the Port of Galveston. The port will convert an existing cargo warehouse into its fourth cruise terminal, Pier 16. When complete, the $151 million cruise complex will include a 165,000-square-foot terminal and a $55 million parking garage. The terminal will be home to MSC Seascape come November 2025.

Galveston Wharves celebrated the construction start with a ceremony attended by executives from MSC Cruises and the Cruise Lines International Association, elected officials, community leaders, and other port partners. Featured in the ceremony was a large-scale rendering of the terminal complex with MSC Seascape docked alongside to applause from a crowd of more than 100.

“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. We also want to take this opportunity to give a warm, Texas-sized 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,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO. 

Rees added that they anticipate the port to reach more than 2 million passengers a year beginning in 2026, a milestone for Galveston as a cruise home port.

“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. This state-of-the-art terminal will set the tone for a memorable cruise experience. We are thrilled to work closely with the Galveston Wharves to shape the future of cruising in Texas, delivering extraordinary vacations and unforgettable moments aboard the beautiful and modern MSC Seascape,” said Rick Sasso, MSC Cruises U.S. Chairman. 

Jason Park, with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) added, “We are thrilled about breaking ground on this new, state-of-the-art terminal, a direct result of the successful, ongoing collaboration between the Port of Galveston, policymakers, and the cruise industry. The addition of this new terminal will significantly enhance our collective ability to serve cruise guests and reinforces Galveston’s status as a premier cruise destination. We eagerly anticipate continuing our partnership with the port, which benefits both cruise travelers and Galveston residents.”

The local impact of Port of Galveston’s 2022 cruise activity 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 forecasted to generate an additional 925 jobs and $177 million in local business revenue annually. The city of Galveston will benefit from passenger fees and sales tax revenues from cruise parking.

Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel, the Port of Galveston has been a thriving maritime commercial center since 1825. It is currently the fourth most popular cruise home port in the U.S. 

The first ship to sail for MSC Cruises from Gavelston will be MSC Seascape. The vessel will offer 7-night cruises starting on November 9. 2025, to ports in the Western Caribbean including Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel. 

Bookings are now open for all of MSC Seascape’s cruises from Galveston through November 2026. 

Explore all MSC Seascape Cruises from Galveston

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MSC Cruises Announces New Homeport in Galveston 

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Homeport Destination Guide: Galveston, Texas