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    now boarding the seascape

    Global cruise line set to launch from Galveston with beachy trips to Mexico and Honduras

    Steven Devadanam
    Feb 9, 2024 | 7:45 pm

    Galveston’s cruise boom in clearly full steam ahead, with news of a new global liner now sailing from the island, and its own dedicated terminal.

    Swiss-based MSC Cruises has opened sales for new itineraries out of Galveston, with seven-night trips destined for Mexico and Central America beginning in late 2025. Voyages will take place via the MSC Seascape, the ship that MSC says its most technologically advanced and one of the most environmentally friendly to date.

    In a major get for the MSC, the world’s third largest cruise line, the company’s Seascape will homeport in its own, dedicated terminal, marking the fourth at the Port of Galveston. Plans call for a $100 million cruise terminal, $42 million parking garage, internal roadway and other improvements at Pier 16 beginning in early this year. An existing cargo warehouse will be repurposed for the 165,000-square-foot cruise terminal.

    MSC Seascape is slated to homeport at this new terminal beginning in November 2025, when its trips will begin.

    As for those trips, the MSC seven-night itineraries include popular destinations such as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Isla de Roatan, Honduras. MSC promises a range of shore excursions, including tours of the ancient Mayan Ruins, shipwreck snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and museum tours.

    Specifically, the MSC itineraries will include:

    Costa Maya, Mexico
    Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the area’s 4,000-year history in ancient Chacchoben and the Kohunlich Mayan Ruins. Wildlife enthusiasts can trek guided tours from the ocean to the jungle; Jaguar Truck rolls through various rainforests. Travelers can also dive into a Cenote, an ancient, naturally occurring swimming holes.

    Cozumel, Mexico
    More Mayan journeys include snorkeling trips through an ancient Mayan cave and tours of nearby Mayan Ruins. One of the world’s favorite snorkeling destinations, divers can float along with friendly dolphins, manatees and other wildlife. Clear bottomed kayaking trips also bring the sea below above.

    Isla de Roatan, Honduyras
    Renowned for its stunning barrier reef, Isla de Roatan is a largely untouched island boasting white sand beaches. Visitors can plunge into shipwreck snorkeling tours and take in glass bottom-boat excursions. Serious active types can gear up for hiking and archaeology tours through ancient Mayan lairs and the capital city of Coxen Hole.

    A little about the MSC Seascape: The large liner has a focus on design and plentiful outdoor spaces. Guests can look forward to award-winning children and family programming, interactive activities, cutting-edge technology, and myriad entertainment options. Highlights, per MSC, include:

    • ROBOTRON, an amusement ride that blending the thrill of a rollercoaster at sea combined with a personalized DJ music.
    • Six theater productions and 98 hours of exclusive onboard entertainment featuring interactive elements.
    • 7,567 square feet of dedicated kids’ space and cutting-edge amusement options, with separate spaces for ages 1 to 17.
    • 2,270 cabins, featuring 12 different kinds of suites and staterooms with balconies — including the iconic aft suites featured on all Seaside class ships.
    • 11 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges, and numerous al fresco dining and drinking spots.
    • Six swimming pools, including an aft infinity pool with sweeping ocean views.
    • One of the largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club facilities in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with approximately 32,000 square feet of exclusive space and unparalleled water views.
    • An expansive, 1,772-foot waterfront promenade that brings the ocean even closer.
    • A glass-floored Bridge of Sighs, offering a unique view of the water.

    Stay up to date on MSC Galveston cruises online.

    MSC Cruises Seascape
      

    Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises

    MSC Cruises Seascape will sail out of Galveston starting in 2025.

    news/travel

    Where to travel right now

    Hill Country's historic spa reopens + 10 more Texas travel ideas for June

    Amber Heckler
    Jun 3, 2025 | 9:15 am
    Ottine Mineral Springs pool
    Photo by David Brendan Hall
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    Texas, it's time to make those summer vacation plans. June is shaping up to be a big month full of travel ideas, from fun wine tastings in Austin to a lively mural festival on the coast. There's also plenty to explore at home in Houston, such as a Japanese culture festival. Here are our top picks for summer travel events, hotel deals, and more in June.

    Austin

    The Loren Hotel is introducing two new wine programs this summer, open to all visitors. The "Boxed or Bougie" wine tastings will be offered on the first Saturday of each month, starting June 7, where guests can taste different wines to discover if fine wine is worth the price tag. On the second and third Saturdays of each month, the hotel will host "Varietal Wine Tastings" with different themes to spotlight wine regions, flavor profiles, and winemaking styles. Since June 14 is National Rosé Day, the first varietal tasting will focus on rosés. Both programs are free to the public and events will be held from 3-5 pm in the hotel lobby.

    Nearly 30 participating Texas Hill Country Wineries will hit the highway for an Austin Road Show at the Austin Central Library. Attendees will get to meet the owners, winemakers, and managers behind some of the Hill Country's most successful vineyards while tasting new wines and dining on charcuterie. Guests will also receive a take-home event wine glass. The Austin Road Show event will be held from 5:30-8 pm on Friday, June 27. Tickets are $60 per person.

    Central Texas

    Floating down the Comal, San Marcos, or Pedernales Rivers while enjoying the scenery and the cool water is a perfect way to spend a hot afternoon this summer. People travel to the Central Texas area every year to tube, and locals love it, as well. However, it's not without dangers, rules, and guidelines that should be observed. Before setting off down the river, check out CultureMap's five essential tips for tubing this summer.

    There's a unique new spa making a splash in the small town of Gonzales: Ottine Mineral Springs is finally celebrating its grand reopening after undergoing an extensive renovation. The 40-acre historic site was previously home to two private mineral-fed pools, but now the property is dotted with five new pools of varying adjustable temperatures, outdoor dining options, saunas, cold plunges, cabanas, fire pits, and much more. Day passes are $65 on weekdays and $75 on weekends.

    Fredericksburg's beautiful new Albert Hotel, whichopened in January, is adding a new barbecue restaurant inspired by the area's German heritage. Junebug's BBQ will open Friday, June 6, serving barbecue classics such as brisket, pork ribs, house-made sausages, and more. Junebug's BBQ will have limited hours from June 6-9, serving food from 2 pm until it’s sold out. Starting June 12, Junebug’s will operate regular hours from Thursdays through Sundays, from 11 am until sold out.

    Junebug's BBQJunebug's BBQ is ready to open at the Albert Hotel. junebugsbbq.com

    TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines' signature restaurant Magnolia Table in Waco has introduced a new summer menu, featuring dishes like a brunch slider flight and a spicy peach fizz mocktail. The nearby Silos Baking Co. and Magnolia Press café have also added new items on their seasonal summer menus, including a peaches and cream cupcake and a ham and cheddar croissant sandwich. Reservations for Magnolia Table can be made via OpenTable.

    Houston

    Texas-based luxury bus service Vonlane will debut daily service between Dallas and The Woodlands on Friday, June 13. The new route will pick up travelers at Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center and drop off at Dallas' Doubletree Love Field hotel. The ride will take 3 hours and 15 minutes. This will be a second Houston-area destination for Dallas, as Vonlane already offers service to downtown Houston. Tickets can be booked online; fares are a flat rate of $125 for one-way trips with advance purchase. No taxes, baggage fees, or change fees apply.

    Tokyo X, one of Houston's premier celebrations of Japanese culture, is returning to NRG Center from June 14-15, promising celebrities, food, martial arts, anime, and more. Highlights of the festival include the Hot Import Nights Japanese car show series, a ramen showdown, and an anime convention featuring cosplay contests, panels, and voice actor appearances. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite. Saturday tickets are $36.22 per person, Sunday tickets are $ 30.48 per person, and two-day badges are $59.21 per person.

    Along the Gulf Coast

    The coastal city of Corpus Christi will celebrate its annual Mural Fest during the first week of June, showcasing its colorful large-scale murals in the Marina Arts District. During the Artist Week days from June 2-5, visitors can take self-guided tours to watch artists paint murals live throughout downtown, and collect "artographs." The festival will draw to a close on Saturday, June 7, with a block party on South Chaparral Street from 3-9 pm. More information about daily events during Mural Fest can be found via Visit Corpus Christi.

    Mural Fest in Corpus ChristiMural Fest will take place during the first week of June in downtown Corpus Christi. Photo courtesy of Visit Corpus Christi

    Across Dallas-Fort Worth

    A long anticipated Fort Worth hotel and restaurant have arrived: The Nobleman Fort Worth, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and the hotel’s in-house restaurant Duchess, have opened at 503 Bryan Ave., with fabulous accommodations and food from celebrity chef Casey Thompson. The property has 121 guest rooms and 32 extended-stay suites with kitchenettes. Hotel amenities include a pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and 2,000 square feet of meeting and outdoor event spaces, along with terraces. Nightly rates begin at $162 in June.

    Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science recently reopened the Moody Family Children's Museum, unveiling an extensively renovated 11,000-square-foot space sprawling with educational and science-centered activities. Among the new areas for children to explore are an immersive multi-sensory Imaginarium, an expanded toddler area, a hands-on maker area, an open-air outdoor space, and a fiber art playscape created by Toshiko MacAdam. Non-member general admission to the Perot Museum ($15 for children aged 2-12, and $25 for adults and children 13 and older) also includes access to the children's museum.

    summer vacationtraveltexasdallasfort worthhotelsfestivalsspashill countrywineries
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