The Port of Galveston opened its fourth cruise terminal, Cruise Terminal 16, on Friday, November 7, 2025. The port officially opened the terminal with a ribbon-cutting ceremony as it welcomed MSC Seascape as the first ship to homeport at the new terminal at 1602 Harborside Drive. Executives from MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, elected officials, community leaders and other port partners were on hand for the celebration.
Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, stated, “This is a tremendous milestone in the port’s history as a major U.S. cruise port. We welcome MSC Cruises as a new cruise partner, as well as a Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), which has committed to more sailings from Gaveston.”
Both MSC Cruises and NCLH signed long-term contracts with Galveston Wharves in 2024 making the $154 million terminal possible. The port converted a cargo warehouse into the cruise complex with its 165,000-square-foot terminal, a parking garage, and two boarding bridges. Not only will MSC Seascape sail year round from the terminal, but Norwegian Viva will sail seasonally beginning in December.
“We want to give a warm Texas welcome to MSC Cruises as the world’s third largest cruise line enters the Galveston market,” commented Vic Pierson, Galveston Wharves Board Chairman. “Having MSC and Norwegian Cruise Line homeporting in Galveston says a great deal about our position in the U.S. and global cruise markets.”
With the addition of Cruise Terminal 16, the Port of Galveston is expected to welcome 445 sailings and nearly two million cruise passengers in 2026. Not only will this be a new record for the port, but it also will bring jobs and economic growth for the region.
MSC Seascape will begin sailing 7-day round trip Western Caribbean itineraries with ports of call at Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.
Norwegian Viva will begin sailing 7- or 14-day round trip Caribbean itineraries beginning December 13, 2025. Depending on the sailing, ports of call will include Cozumel, Harvest Caye, Roatan, Costa Maya, Great Stirrup Cay, San Juan, St. Johns, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Amber Cove, or Grand Cayman. She will remain in Galveston through April 2026.