MSC Cruises is expanding its footprint in the U.S. again, announcing plans for its fourth U.S. homeport. Port of Galveston, TX will join MSC homeports in Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), as well as New York City, which launches in APR, 2023.
The cruise line is in negotiations with the Galveston Wharves on the development of a fourth terminal at the port, with timing of launch, the name of the ship to homeport on the Gulf Coast and its itineraries coming in the new year.
“The prospect of developing a new homeport in Galveston is exciting because it represents a big step in our ongoing North American expansion," said Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA.
"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 US market.”
MSC is the latest cruise line to commit a ship to homeport in Galveston, which is fast-growing in popularity.
“Adding MSC to our family of cruise lines homeporting from Galveston would continue to elevate our status as a top U.S. cruise port and boost the regional economy," Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, said.
"It also allows MSC to reach a new market of millions of cruise passengers in the Central U.S. We’re excited about the huge potential of this mutually beneficial public-private partnership.”
“Our popularity as a cruise homeport is reflected in the growth of our passenger counts and sailings. In 2023 we forecast a record 362 sailings, the highest in the port’s 22 years as a cruise port,” Rees added. He noted that a fourth cruise terminal is included in the port’s 20-Year Strategic Master Plan.
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