MSC Cruises Debuts in Texas, Marking Milestone in Company’s U.S. Market Expansion

GALVESTON, TX – Cowboy hats, country music, and cocktails flowed through MSC Seascape on Friday, Nov. 7 as MSC Cruises celebrated its big Texas debut, a milestone for the company as it charts its continuing U.S. expansion.

Travel advisors, media, and other industry partners spent the evening onboard the ship while it docked in Port of Galveston, just before it set sail on its first cruise out of the brand-new Terminal 16. The Port of Galveston is MSC Cruises’ fourth homeport, and the Seascape’s seven-day Western Caribbean sailings – leaving every Sunday – are now underway, with stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Isla de Roatan, Honduras.  

“We are steadfast in our mission to make MSC Cruises a household name here in the U.S.,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, “and Galveston is a big part of our story.” 

MSC’s Westward Expansion 

The cruise line’s arrival in Texas comes after the brand-new MSC World America began sailing out of Miami in April. Previously, MSC Seascape sailed out of Miami and makes the move westward as MSC lets World America shine in Miami, on the heels of its very-first large scale U.S. marketing campaign “Let’s Holiday.”  

Now, that branding strategy extends to the MSC Seascape with “Let’s Holiday – But Make It Texas.”  

“With millions of travelers within driving distance, Galveston is the perfect home for the award winning MSC Seascape,” Torrent said. “It was an easy decision when we thought about what home port to add next as we continue to bring our product, our unique European style and American comfort, to new advisors in this part of the country and new guests that can enjoy what we have to offer.” 

During a panel discussion onboard, Wendy Whitener, MSC Cruises’ vice president of field sales, spoke with Texas-based travel advisors about how MSC’s arrival in Galveston will help introduce the MSC brand to more clients. 

“The ability to drive to Galveston is just a huge benefit that our clients are really going to appreciate,” said Elizabeth Jones, vice president of operations at Vacations to Go in Houston. “They don’t have to worry about airports, especially right now.”   

Not only will guests be inclined to sail with MSC Cruises out of Galveston, but travel advisors said it could also help get them on voyages worldwide. 

“We’re going to introduce MSC to so many new people and new clientele,” said Naushad Kermally, owner of Cloud 9 Travels in Fort Bend, TX. “Once one of our clients gets on an MSC ship –  understands the brand, feels comfortable with the amazing dinners and their cabin – they just know what to expect. They go on this cruise, they have an amazing time, and all of a sudden, you know, maybe going to Europe isn’t as scary as they once thought.” 

“It gives people the confidence to be able to travel, and then MSC has the opportunity with all of the destinations that MSC offers,” he continued. “I really think that that’s just going to build so many more MSC clients worldwide by just having a ship here in Galveston.” 

Bringing Texas Flair to the Seascape 

“Sea-haw!” Erin Douglas, MSC Cruise’s senior vice president of trade sales, said on stage during the media and trade presentation on board, before outlining how MSC Cruises is bringing Texas flair to the Seascape, mainly through dining and entertainment, all catering to the American market. 

Notably, there is now a Big Texas Sailaway party, performances by the Lone Star resident country band, line dancing classes, more American football played in big screens at the bars and lounges, and new Southern-style dining.

There are also more local beers on tap, with the option for a cowboy boot souvenir cup, and Southern-inspired cocktails, including spicy Mexican margaritas. In the wine cellar, there are also new tasting experiences, such as the bourbon and bacon experience. 

“We’re excited to unveil our expanded food and beverage offerings, highlighting southern Texas and Gulf Coast flavors, with everything from Texas rib, we have Cajun spice pork,” Douglas said, “and I think we have the best biscuits and pecan pie.” 

While on board, Travel Market Report saw MSC’s more Americanized approach to dining and entertainment, with staff sporting cowboy hats, country bands playing throughout the day, and even a lasso performance during the variety show at the Le Cabaret Rouge Lounge. 

At the same time, MSC Seascape retains its classic European style, which advisors seemed to appreciate. 

“Us Texans, we like to have a little bit of home wherever we go, but along with, we like to try something new sometimes, too,” Jones said. “We also can go country line dancing and then sit down and see an amazing show. We have a spicy Margarita and then a nice champagne.” 

A New Cruise Terminal in Galveston 

Earlier that day, officials at The Port of Galveston, joined by local politicians and cruise executives, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Terminal 16.  

The Port of Galveston is the fourth-busiest cruise port in the U.S. and the only cruise port in Texas. By 2026, it will welcome an additional 3.9 million passenger movements and 445 sailings at its four cruise terminals. 

“Welcoming MSC Seascape to our new cruise terminal is a major milestone for our growing cruise port,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. “It also elevates our status as a top U.S. cruise home port and spotlights us in the global market.” 

In addition to MSC Cruises, beginning December, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)’s Norwegian Viva will sail seasonally out of the new terminal, and by 2027, NCL will sail out of the terminal year-round.  

Amy Overton, president of Cornerstone Travel and based in Galveston, noted that Galveston itself is a great destination for pre- and post-cruise experiences and is a community reliant on tourism. She encouraged advisors to keep that in mind when booking cruises out of the port. 

“Make sure you get your clients here a day or two before because they need to experience Galveston,” she said. “Our food here is absolutely amazing, we have an amazing history. There’s just so much for people to do.”