The fast-growing port of Galveston now has a fancy new home for MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line – Terminal 16. Opened on November 7, the $156 million terminal was finished in 15 months, just in time to welcome the arrival of MSC to Galveston for the first time as the company’s fourth U.S. port.

For the first time ever in Galveston, the construction of the new terminal will allow cruise passengers sailing on MSC and Norwegian to be able to park in a garage located just a few steps from their cruise ship.

This is an important benefit since the majority of cruise passengers out of Galveston drive to the port from destinations around Texas, Louisiana, and other states. The seven-story garage includes 1,600 parking spaces, with an additional 700 spaces available on new surface lots.

A pedestrian area landscaped with palm trees stretches between the parking garage and the new terminal, which is located just two blocks from Galveston’s famous historic Strand district.

The 160,000-square-foot terminal itself was transformed from two former Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. shipping warehouses for bananas and other fruit.

Now, modern light fixtures, walls coated with vibrant blue paint, oversized video displays, and polished floors provide a fresh, relaxing entryway for passengers to go through lines for security screening and check in before boarding their cruise ship.

A separate VIP entrance at the other end of the terminal is appointed with modern couches and chairs to relax. MSC will utilize this space for its MSC Yacht Club guests.

Christening Proves Galveston's Growth

A gathering of cruise industry professionals, local and state politicians, and media gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the terminal on Friday. A steel pan band performed on the sunny and breezy fall day.

“Thank you for your warm welcome to this wonderful community,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, told the crowd. “We’re so honored to call this terminal home. As we looked to expand across North America, the decision for Galveston was an easy one.”

As the fourth largest cruise port in the U.S. that is expected to continue to grow, cruise lines have been investing in Galveston heavily over the past few years. Royal Caribbean opened a new terminal here three years ago with capacity for the line’s largest ships, while Disney Cruise Lines will make Galveston a year-round port starting in 2027.

Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and chief executive officer, said the evolution of the Port of Galveston just 25 years ago has been profound. Approximately 46 million people live within a day’s drive of the port, with more than 50 percent of cruises coming from Texas.

Local and state government officials at the event touted that the new cruise terminal and combined tourism business from MSC and Norwegian will generate $138 million worth of economic impact in 2026, providing more than 1,000 jobs. The cruise industry’s economic impact for Galveston is currently estimated to approach $1 billion.

Ships That Will Be Using Terminal 16

MSC Seascape, which began its first sailing from Galveston today, will continue to offer seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries. Look for Cruise Critic's coverage of the ship, which has received a Texas makeover, to come.

Starting Dec. 13, Norwegian Viva will begin its sailings out of Terminal 16, and in 2027, the cruise line will offer cruises year-round from the Texas port city.

“MSC Seascape’s arrival to Galveston is a powerful symbol of our commitment to our continued growth in America, not only to bring but to keep our most innovative and advanced ships right here in North America,” said Torrent.