$156 Million Texas Cruise Terminal Set to Open This Fall: What to Expect

Galveston’s Port is undergoing significant transformation with the construction of its new Cruise Terminal 16, set to cost $156 million. Located on more than 25 acres, the terminal will expand the port’s capacity, which is rapidly growing due to its strategic position in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly for access to Western Caribbean voyages.

The Port of Galveston is planning to welcome ships from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and MSC Cruises as the terminal is expected to open this fall. Rodger Rees, the port director and CEO of Galveston Wharves, expressed satisfaction with the progress: “Our new $156 million Cruise Terminal 16 is on track to open on schedule this fall thanks to great work by our port Engineering staff and experienced port partners.”

The development involves transforming two existing cargo buildings into a modern 160,000-square-foot cruise terminal, equipped with a “vertical core” to facilitate passenger movement with elevators, escalators, and ramps. A newly constructed concourse will lead to boarding bridges designed specifically for passenger convenience.

Additionally, the terminal complex will include a parking facility featuring 733 spaces and a seven-story garage with the capacity for over 1,600 vehicles, all connected to a dedicated transportation area for buses, shuttles, taxis, and rideshares.

Construction began in August 2024, and milestones are falling into place with the parking garage scheduled for completion in April 2025, while the full terminal is expected to be operational by September 2025.

Once operational, Cruise Terminal 16 will accommodate the MSC Seascape for 7-night round-trip voyages to various Caribbean destinations, ensuring the port continues to thrive as a significant player in cruise travel. Norwegian Cruise Line’s vessel Norwegian Viva will also be homeported there starting in December 2025, further enhancing the port’s attractiveness.

This expansion reflects the port’s ambition to surpass its previous passenger records, building on the success of 1.6 million cruise guests in 2024 with expectations for 1.75 million in 2025.

For more information on the port, you can visit the Port of Galveston.

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