MSC Cruises, less than a decade after entering the U.S. market, has set a southern course to Galveston—the nation’s fourth busiest cruise port—by establishing its fourth American homeport. This venture includes a US$156 million terminal, slated to open in November 2025, marking a strategic expansion beyond MSC’s traditional East Coast operations.
Galveston was chosen for its vast drive market, appealing to families and multigenerational travelers. According to Lynn Torrent, MSC Cruises North America’s president, this port offers an ideal springboard into the vibrant Texan market and surrounding regions.
Port executive Tony Lyle projects that over US$150 million invested in the terminal will yield economic gains for the city, leveraging Galveston’s annual 1.5 million passenger base and increasing overnight stays.
The inaugural vessel, MSC Seascape, will debut on November 9 with 7-night Western Caribbean voyages departing from Pier 16. Ports of call will include Costa Maya, Isla de Roatán, and Cozumel.
Designed for nearly 5,900 passengers, Seascape brings upgraded entertainment—such as the new Robotron thrill ride, VR attractions, multiple pools, a spa, and the luxurious Yacht Club—with over a dozen dining venues and nearly twenty bars.
Port of Galveston CEO Rodger Rees noted that the new terminal conversion began in mid‑2024, converting two cargo warehouses into a 160,000 sq ft passenger complex, complete with boarding bridges, a 7‑story garage, and enhanced mooring facilities for large cruise vessels. He anticipates the terminal will enable Galveston to exceed two million passengers in 2026.