The Port of Galveston in Texas is nearing completion of its $156 million Cruise Terminal 16, a key infrastructure expansion designed to boost the city’s role as a major cruise embarkation point in the Gulf of Mexico.
Scheduled to open in November 2025, the new terminal will initially serve MSC Cruises’ MSC Seascape, with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings ships also operating from the site.
Why It Matters
The cruise terminal expansion is a critical development for Galveston’s economic and tourism footprint. According to the port, more than 1.49 million cruise passengers moved through its terminals in 2024, a record year for the port. With the new terminal, Galveston aims to boost that number and attract additional cruise lines and routes to the Texas Gulf Coast.
What To Know
Terminal 16 will include a newly constructed two-story vertical core connecting the buildings with elevators, escalators, stairs, and a passenger ramp.
The complex will also include two passenger boarding bridges and the port’s first on-site parking garage with more than 1,600 spaces across seven floors.
Also part of the plan are 733 new surface parking spaces, a ground transportation area, landscaping, a public plaza, and roadway upgrades.
Port of Galveston
The port’s marine infrastructure is also being improved to support vessels with up to 5,500 passengers, including new mooring foundations, bollards, and fenders.
Construction began in July 2024, with the list of things left to complete including foundation work, air conditioning and generator installations, and structural enhancements.
Hensel Phelps, the terminal’s construction manager, has managed other significant projects at the port, including Royal Caribbean’s Terminal 10 and renovations at Carnival’s Terminal 25.
What People Are Saying
Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, said in a statement: “Our new $156 million Cruise Terminal 16 is on track to open on schedule this fall thanks to great work by our port Engineering staff and experienced port partners, including architects Bermello Ajamil and contractors Hensel Phelps and Orion Marine Services.
“Our hardworking port Engineering staff is coordinating and overseeing this project, along with five major construction projects to expand our West Port Cargo Complex. Congratulations to everyone on the progress to date, and keep up the good work!”
What Happens Next
Construction is expected to wrap up by September 2025, with key remaining steps including installation of elevator systems and bringing permanent power online. The terminal is slated to begin operations in November, when the MSC Seascape makes its inaugural call.
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