In case you haven’t noticed, the Port of Galveston is absolutely booming. This Gulf Coast port is quickly becoming a major hub for cruise lines, with more ships docking year-round to meet the skyrocketing demand for Texas-based sailings.
Galveston has long been a departure point for western Caribbean getaways, but lately, cruise lines are paying more attention and adding more ships year over year. With new terminals, bigger ships, and more cruise lines jumping on board, Galveston is proving it’s not just a seasonal stop—but is becoming a year-round base for many ships. The port’s location, just an hour from Houston, makes it accessible for folks across the central and western U.S., and cruise lines are taking notice.
Disney’s Big Plans (Rumor Alert!)
Let’s start with one of the rumors floating around: Disney Cruise Line might be gearing up to sail year-round from Galveston starting in 2027. Right now, the Disney Magic calls Galveston home seasonally, offering 4- to 7-night Western Caribbean cruises between November and April. These sailings visit spots like Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica, and even include themed Marvel Day at Sea cruises. But word on the street (or rather, the dock) is that Disney’s planning to make Galveston a permanent homeport with a larger ship as part of a $200 million port expansion.
MSC Enters the Chat
Another big player joining the Galveston party is MSC Cruises, set to launch year-round sailings in November 2025 with the MSC Seascape. This ship is moving from PortMiami to Galveston, marking MSC’s first-ever year-round operation from Texas. The Seascape is no ordinary ship—think 11 dining venues, 12 pools and whirlpools, 19 bars and lounges, and the thrilling Robotron, a robotic arm ride that flips you 175 feet above the sea. Expect 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries hitting Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Roatán, Honduras. Plus, MSC’s investing in a new $151 million terminal at Pier 16, complete with a $55 million parking garage, to make your embarkation as smooth as it is at the new terminal in Miami.
Side note, I’ve sailed on Seascape many, many times and you folks in Texas are going to love her! Be sure to check out my latest review of the Seascape, here.
MSC Seascape 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise Review: Day 1 – April 20, 2024
Carnival Jubilee: Texas Pride
Carnival Cruise Line is no stranger to Galveston, and they proved it by basing their newest Excel-class ship, the Carnival Jubilee there year round. The ship, which proudly sports a Texas star on her bow, has been based in Galveston since it entered service in December 2023. And here’s some fresh news: starting in 2026, the Jubilee will offer 8-day cruises to the Bahamas for the first time! These itineraries include stops at Nassau, Carnival’s brand-new private destination Celebration Key (opening in 2025), and Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island, which is getting a major facelift with a new pier and an exclusive area for Carnival cruisers.
Carnival Jubilee to Offer Bahamas Cruises from Galveston in 2026
Margaritaville at Sea: A Parrothead Can Dream, Right?
Now, here’s where things get even more intriguing. Ever since announcing a third ship, there’s been buzz that Margaritaville at Sea might be eyeing Galveston as a homeport for their new ship, the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber. This ship, set to join the fleet in 2026, is actually the Costa Fortuna, purchased from Carnival-owned Costa Cruises. While nothing’s confirmed, the idea of Margaritaville’s debut in Galveston is definitely interesting.
Margaritaville at Sea Expands Fleet with Acquisition of Costa Fortuna
What Ships Sail from Galveston in 2025?
Galveston’s cruise lineup offers a mix of year-round and seasonal sailings. Here’s a quick rundown of the ships currently calling the port home and their status:
Carnival Cruise Line
- Carnival Jubilee: Year round
- Carnival Breeze: Year round
- Carnival Dream: Year round
- Carnival Miracle: Seasonal (Jan – March 2025)
- Carnival Legend: Seasonal beginning October 22, 2025
Royal Caribbean International
- Harmony of the Seas: Year round
- Mariner of the Seas: Year round
- Jewel of the Seas: Seasonal (Jan – April 2025)
Disney Cruise Line
- Disney Magic: Seasonal (Jan – March, Nov – Dec, 2025)
Norwegian Cruise Line
- Norwegian Prima: Seasonal (Jan – March 2025)
- Norwegian Viva: Seasonal beginning December 13, 2025
Princess Cruises
- Regal Princess: Seasonal (Jan – March, Oct – Dec, 2025)
MSC Cruises
- MSC Seascape: Year round beginning November 7, 2025
With millions of passengers passing through, local businesses like restaurants, shops, and hotels are more than likely welcoming the news that more ships are going to be sailing year round. The port’s new infrastructure, like the fourth cruise terminal opening in fall 2025, means more capacity for bigger ships and, who knows… maybe even one of Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships may call it home soon.
Time will tell!