Galveston is cruising toward a milestone, poised to become the third-busiest cruise port in the U.S. with the opening of a new terminal and expanded offerings from top cruise lines in 2025.
.jpg)
Galveston’s cruise port is experiencing remarkable growth, with officials forecasting it will rank as the third-busiest in the U.S. by 2025. In 2024, the port achieved remarkable records with 1.5 million passengers and anticipates surpassing 1.75 million in 2025, driven by the introduction of new ships and the upcoming opening of a fourth terminal at Pier 16 in November.
Galveston will proudly host MSC Cruises at the new terminal for the first time, featuring the MSC Seascape with 52 seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries. Travelers have the opportunity to explore locations such as Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Isla de Roatan, all while experiencing attractions like the Robotron ride, theatrical performances, and a stunning aft infinity pool. Starting at $548 per person, there are also options available for kids to sail at no cost.
Carnival Cruise Line is set to enhance its Galveston presence with four ships, featuring voyages to the Southern Caribbean and an exclusive destination, Celebration Key. Carnival offers seven-day trips starting at $704 per person.
Disney Cruise Line provides enchanting adventures on the Disney Magic, featuring itineraries that span four to seven nights to destinations like Mexico and Puerto Rico. The starting price for seven-day trips is $3,539.
Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean will maintain their operations from Galveston, providing fresh experiences for cruise lovers.
Featuring a variety of destinations, modern amenities, and options suitable for families, Galveston establishes itself as a top choice for cruise travel in 2025.
.png)
The Netherlands’ iconic orange double-decker fan bus has arrived in Galveston ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where it will anchor fan marches and travel across host cities during the tournament.
.png)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a statewide investigation into school districts’ compliance with laws on Ten Commandments displays and school prayer votes. Galveston ISD is among the districts under scrutiny following a key federal appeals court ruling.
.png)
Galveston's oldest gay bar may close unless it can raise an additional $5,000, affecting local residents and businesses. Robert’s Lafitte, the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in Texas and a longtime fixture in Galveston, could close within weeks unless it raises thousands of dollars for required repairs. Community members say the potential loss would deeply impact a vital safe space.