As MSC Cruises charts its expansion in the U.S., the cruise line is negotiating with Galveston Wharves about the development of a new terminal in the Texas port.
If a deal is struck, Galveston would become MSC's fourth U.S. homeport after Miami, Port Canaveral and New York City, which is launching in April 2023.
MSC Cruises and Galveston Wharves have signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding outlining the parameters of a potential agreement for the development and operations of a terminal at piers 16 through 18.
Royal Caribbean opened a $125 million "zero energy" cruise terminal in Galveston in November, cementing its presence in the Lone Star State. The Allure of the Seas will homeport there for the winter and summer 2022-23 seasons before repositioning to Florida. The Harmony of the Seas will sail from Galveston in 2024,
After a six-year hiatus, Princess Cruises is also turning its attention to the Lone Star State. Last weekend, the line returned to Galveston, where the Ruby Princess will take up residence through April sailing a series of five- to 11-day cruises mostly in the Western Caribbean, along with two 16-day Panama Canal voyages between Galveston and San Francisco.