Norwegian Expands Operations in Galveston with New Terminal

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is set to expand its presence in Galveston through a long-term agreement with Galveston Wharves. The deal, approved by the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees, will see NCLH operating from the port's upcoming cruise terminal, set to open in November 2025, according to a joint press release.

“We’re honored that this leading global cruise company is expanding its offerings in Texas. After limited sailings from Galveston over the last two years, NCLH has committed to a 10-year contract with renewal options well into the future at our beautiful, new $100 million cruise terminal,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.

Following three years of seasonal sailings, NCLH will now homeport full-time at the new terminal. Two of the company's newest ships, the *Norwegian Prima* and *Norwegian Viva*, are set to sail from Galveston in the coming years.

Juan Kuryla, senior vice president of Port Development & Construction at NCLH, shared his excitement, saying, “We’ve been working with the Galveston Wharves team for several months, and we’re excited to announce this expanded long-term contract that will also introduce our new Saturday sailings from Galveston. This development allows us to continue serving our guests in the region and surrounding areas, further strengthening our presence in this important market.”

He added, “By leveraging Galveston’s strategic position as a key turnaround port, we’re not only expanding opportunities for all three of our brands—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises—but also creating meaningful benefits for the local community, supporting jobs, tourism, and economic growth.”

The agreement will be officially signed during a ceremony at the Galveston Economic Development Summit on October 16.

In August, the Port of Galveston broke ground on the $156 million project to convert a cargo warehouse at Pier 16 into the port's fourth cruise terminal. The complex will feature a 165,000-square-foot terminal and a $55 million parking facility.

Rodger Rees expects the port to handle more than 2 million passengers annually by 2026, a significant milestone in Galveston's 24-year history as a cruise home port.

Currently ranked as the fourth most popular cruise port in the U.S. and the only one in Texas, Galveston's cruise operations in 2023 contributed to 4,547 local jobs, $732.5 million in business revenues, and $25.3 million in state and local taxes.