Galveston Cruiser

It will be a new structure. There is no terminal at Pier 16.

The article is from the Galveston County Daily News. I did not put the link as one must be a paid subscriber to our newspaper. The MSC terminal will be new as no structure at Pier 16; Just as the RCL terminal at Pier 14 was new construction.

New terminal at Pier 16 at MSC's cost. GALVESTON MSC Cruises said Thursday it would would begin booking 2025 sailings from the Port of Galveston. The sailings would redefine the cruising experiences in the region with the modern amenities available on MSC Seascape, one of the newest and most environmentally friendly ships in the company’s fleet, the line said. The news comes as the Port of Galveston irons out an agreement to bring the company to its planned $140 million fourth cruise terminal, which could be complete by 2025. “MSC’s announcement to open sales for the MSC Seascape is an exciting day for our port and our cruise market,” Port Director Rodger Rees said. “It indicates how close we are to executing an operating agreement with MSC Cruises to bring this world-class cruise experience for the first time to Galveston. Once the operating agreement is finalized, we’ll announce the port’s plans for a proposed fourth cruise terminal at Pier 16.” Seascape would offer seven-night sailings to Mexico and Central America beginning in late 2025, according to the company. “Expanding to Galveston with the magnificent MSC Seascape is a pivotal moment for us at MSC Cruises and for our guests,” Rubén Rodríguez, president of MSC Cruises, said. “Expanding our U.S. footprint makes our unique cruise experience more accessible to travelers in the central and western parts of the country and it illustrates our commitment to providing families in the region with unparalleled vacation options.” Starting Nov. 9, 2025, MSC Seascape will set sail from the Port of Galveston to destinations including Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Isla de Roatan, Honduras. The Seascape is equipped with 7,500 square feet of dedicated children’s space and other amusement options. The ship features about 2,200 cabins and 12 different kinds of suites, with 11 dining venues and 19 bars and lounges, according to the company.

Always available at the port

$400 for an annual policy that covers anywhere over 100 miles from home is not expensive. It covers all travel, not just cruises.

I don't know where you see that. We are 78 and 80; annual policy is $400. I increased this year to to cover trip cancellation from $2,000 ($400 annually) to $10,000 as we have a large number of cruises planned. Total cost was $1,050. We have carried Allianz since 2011.

Best cabins!!!

State Hotel Tax is 6%; City of Houston Hotel Tax is 7%, Galveston Hotel Tax is 9%. Total - Houston: 13%; Galveston:15% Galveston's hotel tax pays to refurbish, clean beaches, provide life guards, support tourism through marketing and advertising and the convention center.

And I prefer Harmony over Allure:)

Read your cruise documents. RCL did what they were supposed to do. This is the very reason travel insurance is important. Not that expensive and so worth it.

Traffic is negligible on Sunday before noon, Will take about an hour from the Galleria area (50 miles to port).

Results vary from kitchen to kitchen, ship to ship. Had the Duck on Allure and Harmony; melt in your mouth tender and so tasty.

Appears to be only the Voyager and the Quantum. We have Utopia -10/20, Adventure 10/25. Voyager 11/9, Jewel 1/23/25 and Radiance 5/25

We moved to the Quantum then will pick up Radiance in Vancouver.

Mosquito Cafe on 14th St is wonderful. 14th is the road to RCL terminal.

No need for reservations for breakfast or lunch. Do not understand why they ask for dinner reservations as we have found the restaurant to be more than half empty in the evening,

Weather is weather and can vary. Typically is warmer the further south the ship sails. Don't count om less children; it's spring break.

coffee is free unless you want specialty coffee, which has a cost, We found the coffee on the Harmony very good as we prefer strong dark coffee. The best was in the Crown Lounge (D, D+ and Pinnacle only).

No there isn't a separate seating area. We arrive at terminal between 12:30 and 1 PM, cabins open at 1 PM, and have never experienced any wait time.

I agree with your comment on transportation but I don't see anything changing in the near future. Yes, there is demand but the majority look for the cheapest and, with costs what they are today, it is unaffordable for businesses. They have performed due diligence and find it not profitable. We are an island with limited resources. Local businesses struggle to find and keep employees.

We have sailed several repositioning cruises in and out of Galveston, Spring was Panama Canal up to Alaska. May of this year sailing the Voyager to Europe for a total of 33 days. Also have sailed from Quebec and New York several times. I really don't care for the mega ships; preferring Vision and Radiance class. Leaving Sunday on Harmony for DH's birthday cruise with friends. The ports are not important on this itinerary as we just like to be at sea.

Be it Galveston, Florida, West Coast or Alaska, itineraries remain the same for those cruise ships unless a repositioning. It's all about choices; Galveston has proven to be very profitable.

Coffee comes in a small carafe. We always order 2 to have 4 cups of coffee.

Just turn it off when through. Too many times we have been next to a cabin that left light on all night which is very intrusive to surrounding balconies. Many of would like to enjoy the night sky or leave the drapes open