Texan port achieved pre-pandemic levels of cruise traffic and opened new Royal Caribbean terminal
By
Amber Hickman |
The Port of Galveston in Texas, USA, welcomed one million cruise passengers in 2022, marking the first time it has achieved this milestone since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The port reached the milestone on 22 December, demonstrating that the Galveston cruise business is recovering from the setbacks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the related 15-month suspension of cruising that ended in July 2021.
“Never has the port, in its 22-year history as a cruise port, seen such strong interest by cruise passengers and the cruise industry,” said Rodger Rees, port director and CEO of Galveston Wharves. “With the addition of newer and larger ships and more diverse offerings, the port is more popular than ever.”
Port of Galveston also celebrated other significant achievements in 2022, including opening a new $125 million Royal Caribbean International cruise terminal in December and welcoming back Princess Cruises, which offered 16 sailings out of the port on Ruby Princess. In addition, the port began planning a fourth cruise terminal in collaboration with MSC Cruises and started discussions with stakeholders to develop its shore power project.
“It was a year of major accomplishments and growth,” said Rees. “I’m incredibly proud of my dedicated staff, visionary Wharves Board and committed port partners.”