Big things are happening in Galveston… literally. Two massive passenger bridges built in Spain have just arrived in Texas, signaling the final phase of construction for Galveston’s brand-new $156 million Cruise Terminal 16.
Once complete, this state-of-the-art facility will become the new home of MSC Seascape, marking MSC Cruises’ first-ever deployment from the Lone Star State. It’s a milestone not just for MSC, but for Galveston, which continues to grow as one of America’s most in-demand cruise homeports.
A New Era for Galveston Cruising
The two passenger boarding bridges are engineering marvels – designed to automatically align with the ship’s doors and compensate for Galveston’s tidal variations. They’ll connect directly from the terminal’s upper floors to MSC Seascape, ensuring quick and comfortable embarkation no matter the weather.
The bridges were built in Spain and shipped across the Atlantic specifically for this project. According to port officials, their arrival marks one of the final steps before Terminal 16 opens later this year.
When it does, MSC Seascape will take the honor of being the first ship ever to sail from the new facility, beginning November 9, 2025, with a mix of 7-night Caribbean itineraries. These will visit destinations such as Costa Maya, Cozumel, Belize, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island paradise in the Bahamas.
Why MSC’s Move to Texas Matters
For MSC Cruises, Galveston represents something bigger than just another port – it’s a bridge to a new audience. The Texas market brings millions of travelers within easy driving distance of a world-class cruise experience.
Until now, most MSC sailings in the U.S. have been concentrated in Florida. This move gives Midwest and Central U.S. guests a more accessible option to try MSC’s distinctive, European-style cruising – without a flight to Miami or Orlando.
It also positions MSC head-to-head with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, who have long dominated the Texas cruise scene. With MSC Seascape – one of the line’s newest and most tech-forward ships — the company is clearly aiming to make a strong first impression.
Inside Terminal 16: High-Tech and Built for the Future
Terminal 16 isn’t just another cruise terminal. The 165,000-square-foot facility has been designed from the ground up for efficiency, sustainability, and passenger comfort. Highlights include:
- Automated gangways with weather protection and smart alignment sensors
- Faster check-in and security flow using updated screening systems
- Modern baggage handling to reduce port congestion
- Expanded parking and smoother traffic flow around the pier
The project is a joint effort between Galveston Wharves and MSC Cruises, marking the port’s largest single investment in cruise infrastructure to date.
As Port Director Rodger Rees noted earlier this year, “The arrival of MSC Cruises in Galveston marks a new chapter for our city and the state. It brings more visitors, more economic impact, and more choice for travelers.”
What This Means for Cruisers
For travelers, this expansion is good news all around. Galveston’s new MSC terminal will:
- Shorten travel time for cruisers coming from the Central U.S.
- Offer new itineraries focused on the Western Caribbean and Ocean Cay
- Bring a premium ship (MSC Seascape) to a region that loves large, activity-packed vessels
This also adds variety to the growing list of ships sailing from Galveston, including vessels from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. With MSC now joining the lineup, it becomes one of the few ports in the world to host all four of the industry’s biggest brands.
Looking Ahead
Construction is on track for completion this fall, with final testing and operational readiness checks expected in late October. Once complete, Terminal 16 will be able to process more than 7,000 passengers per day – a game-changer for the port’s cruise capacity.
For MSC fans, this is the clearest sign yet that the line is serious about its long-term U.S. presence. Between Miami, Port Canaveral, and now Galveston, MSC is planting its flag firmly in North American waters.
So if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to try MSC without heading to Florida – your ship is literally about to come in.
