Tourexpi
The $151
million cruise complex at Pier 16 will include a 165,000-square-foot
terminal and a $55 million parking garage. The terminal will be home
to MSC Seascape when it opens in November 2025.
Galveston
Wharves celebrated the construction start on Aug. 20 at a ceremony at Pier
16 with executives from MSC Cruises and the Cruise Lines International
Association (CLIA), elected officials, community leaders and other port
partners.
During
the ceremony, Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO,
and Rick Sasso, MSC Cruises U.S. chairman, drew back a curtain to debut a
large-scale rendering of the terminal complex with MSC Seascape docked
alongside to applause from a crowd of more than 100.
Rees
said, "We have so much to celebrate today with this milestone and what it
means to our community, cruise guests and port partners. This beautiful new
terminal will generate jobs and economic growth for the region, an exciting new
cruise choice for our market, and growth opportunities for our port partners.
"We
also want to take this opportunity to give a warm, Texas-sized welcome to
MSC Cruises, the world's third largest cruise line. Having a cruise line of
this stature homeporting in Galveston says a great deal about our
position in the U.S. and global cruise markets."
With
the opening of the fourth terminal, Rees added that he expects the port to
reach more than 2 million passengers a year beginning in 2026, which would be a
new milestone in Galveston's 24 years as a cruise home port.
During
his comments, Sasso said, "The groundbreaking for Cruise Terminal 16
marks a significant milestone in MSC Cruises' ongoing U.S. expansion.
Adding Galveston as our fourth homeport will make it even easier for
travelers from the central and western parts of the country to enjoy our
distinctive mix of European style and American comfort.
"This
state-of-the-art terminal will set the tone for a memorable cruise experience.
We are thrilled to work closely with the Galveston Wharves to shape the future
of cruising in Texas, delivering extraordinary vacations and unforgettable
moments aboard the beautiful and modern MSC Seascape."
'A
Game-Changer for the Community'
U.S.
Congressman Randy Weber told the crowd at the groundbreaking
ceremony: "I'm thrilled about the groundbreaking of our fourth cruise
terminal at the Port of Galveston. This kind of investment is a
game-changer for our community, and it's all thanks to Rodger Rees. His
leadership is putting Galveston on the map as a top cruise
destination and keeping our port bustling with activity. I will continue to
fight for our ports in Congress to ensure they get the support they
deserve."
Regional
Economic Benefits
The
local impact of the port's 2022 cruise activity included 3,500 jobs, $568
million in local business revenue, and $73.5 million in local
purchases by passengers and crew. The fourth cruise terminal is forecast to
generate an additional 925 jobs and $177 million in local business
revenue annually.
The
city of Galveston will benefit directly with passenger fees and sales
tax revenues from cruise parking.
Image Credit: © MSC Cruises USA
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