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.
Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises
