Port of Galveston hits 1.5m cruisers, on track to 1.6m in 2024Port of Galveston hits 1.5m cruisers, on track to 1.6m in 2024

Port of Galveston welcomed its 1.5-millionth cruise passenger of 2024 on Dec. 6, breaking its 2023 record and putting it on track to exceed 1.6m by year's end.

Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, congratulated Katrular Buchanan and her family of Amite, Louisiana., at Cruise Terminal 28 before they embarked on a four-night Disney Magic cruise.

 New terminal in 2025

Newer and larger ships are sailing to more destinations from the Port of Galveston, which plans to open its fourth cruise terminal in November 2025. The $156m cruise complex includes an onsite parking garage and interior roadway.

Rees said this growth benefits travelers, with more choice, and locals who work in cruise-related jobs including suppliers, maritime services, hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses.

1.75m cruisers forecast next year

Galveston expects to chalk up more than 380 cruise departures this year. In 2025, the forecast goes up to more than 400 cruises carrying 1.75m passengers.