MSC Cruises is expanding its U.S. presence with plans for a new homeport at the Port of Galveston, marking a big step in the company’s ongoing North American expansion. The cruise line is currently negotiating with the Galveston Wharves on the development of a fourth terminal at the port, with both parties signing a non-binding memorandum of understanding outlining parameters of a potential agreement for the development and operation of a terminal at piers 16-18.
Rubén A. Rodríguez, President of MSC Cruises USA, stated that the prospect of developing a new homeport in Galveston is exciting because it represents an opportunity to bring modern, glamorous ships to Texas and provide more access and opportunities for guests and travel advisors to experience the future of cruising with MSC Cruises and its unique European style.
Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO, Rodger Rees, added that adding MSC to their family of cruise lines would continue to elevate their status as a top U.S. cruise port and boost the regional economy. It also allows MSC to reach a new market of millions of cruise passengers in the Central U.S. The port’s 20-Year Strategic Master Plan includes a fourth cruise terminal, designed to guide major capital and maintenance projects to maximize assets and optimize the port’s cruise, cargo, commercial, and lay business sectors.
MSC Cruises currently sails from Miami and Port Canaveral, with year-round service from New York City beginning in April of 2023. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and 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 regional economic benefits of the port’s 2022 cruise activity include 3,500 jobs, $568 million in local business revenue, and $73.5 million in local purchases by passengers and crew. A fourth cruise terminal is forecast to generate an additional 925 jobs, $177 million in revenues, and $21 million in local purchases. This is great news for the port and the region, as the cruise business is a major revenue and jobs generator.