12/21/2022
Galveston, TX (Dec. 21, 2022) – The Galveston Wharves, a major U.S. cruise homeport, and MSC Cruises, a leading international cruise company, are negotiating the development of a fourth cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston. The entities signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Dec. 7 outlining parameters of a potential agreement for the development and operation of a terminal at piers 16-18.
Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO, said, “We’re excited about the huge potential of this mutually beneficial public-private partnership. Adding MSC to our family of cruise lines would offer our cruise guests an elegant, European-style cruise experience. It would elevate our status as a top U.S. cruise homeport, boost the regional economy and allow MSC to reach a new market of millions of cruise passengers in the Central U.S.”
Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said, “The prospect of developing a new homeport in Galveston is exciting because it represents a big step in our ongoing North American expansion. Bringing our modern, glamorous ships to Texas would provide even more access and opportunities for guests and travel advisors to experience the future of cruising with MSC Cruises and our unique European style. We look forward to productive discussions with the Galveston Wharves as we chart MSC’s future in the U.S. market.”
MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest and fastest-growing cruise brand. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately held company employs a staff of more than 30,000 globally. It is the market leader in Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf region and Southern Africa, with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and Far East markets.
The Port of Galveston is the fourth most popular cruise homeport in the U.S., hosting more than 1 million cruise passengers a year. MORE https://www.portofgalveston.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=245