MSC Cruises Makes Bold Texas Entry With MSC Seascape, New Terminal in Galveston
MSC Cruises has officially debuted in Texas, marking a significant step in the company’s U.S. market expansion. The cruise line celebrated at the Port of Galveston, where the MSC Seascape welcomed travel advisors, media and industry partners before departing on its first sailing from the newly inaugurated Terminal 16. The ship will now operate seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries, with weekly departures and stops in Costa Maya, Cozumel and Isla de Roatán. According to Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, establishing a presence in Texas reinforces the brand’s mission to make MSC a household name in the United States.
The arrival of MSC Seascape follows the launch of the new MSC World America in Miami earlier this year. The Seascape previously sailed out of Miami, but MSC strategically moved it to Galveston so that World America could take center stage and support its first large-scale U.S. marketing campaign, “Let’s Holiday.” The Galveston deployment now carries its own version of that campaign: “Let’s Holiday – But Make It Texas.” Torrent said Galveston was the “easy decision” for expansion, citing millions of potential passengers within driving distance and strong demand for more cruise options in the region.
Travel advisors see the new homeport as a massive advantage for both clients and MSC’s brand visibility. With so many Texans able to drive to the port, avoiding airports is a huge convenience, especially amid travel uncertainties. Advisors believe that once travelers experience MSC’s blend of European style and American comfort, the line will gain customers not just in Texas, but for its global itineraries. As one advisor noted, sailing from Galveston gives first-time MSC guests the confidence to explore future cruises, including those to Europe.
To embrace its new market, MSC Seascape is incorporating Texas flair into its onboard experience. The ship now features country music, line dancing lessons, Southern-style cuisine, and themed events like the Big Texas Sailaway party. Guests will find local touches throughout the ship: expanded beer selections, Southern-inspired cocktails, and food offerings ranging from Texas ribs to pecan pie. Yet, MSC maintains its signature European ambiance—a blend that has impressed travel advisors, who enjoy the mix of local culture and international style.
The milestone also includes the opening of the brand-new Terminal 16, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by port officials, politicians and MSC executives. The Port of Galveston—now the cruise line’s fourth U.S. homeport—is already the fourth-busiest cruise port in the country. By 2026, the port expects significant growth: 3.9 million passenger movements and 445 annual sailings across its terminals. In addition to MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line will begin using the new terminal seasonally in December and year-round by 2027.
Local travel advisors emphasize that Galveston itself benefits from the port’s expansion and encourage visitors to spend time in the city. With strong tourism, rich history, excellent dining, and coastal attractions, they say guests should arrive at least a day early to experience what Galveston has to offer. For MSC Cruises, the Texas expansion represents more than just a new homeport—it is a strategic step toward strengthening its presence in the growing U.S. cruise market and building new loyal cruisers nationwide.
