Norwegian Cruise Line Expands Operations in Galveston with New 10-Year Contract and Cruise Terminal

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is expanding operations in Galveston with a new 10-year contract, homeporting at the port’s $100 million terminal opening in November 2025. This move includes full-time operations, new Saturday sailings, and ships like Norwegian Prima. The expansion supports local jobs, boosts tourism, and strengthens NCLH’s presence in the Texas cruise market.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is set to expand its operations in Galveston, Texas, following a long-term agreement with Galveston Wharves. Approved by the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees, the contract includes NCLH operating from a new $100 million cruise terminal, scheduled to open in November 2025.

Rodger Rees, port director and CEO of Galveston Wharves, expressed excitement about the expansion: “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 terminal.”

Starting in 2025, NCLH will homeport full-time in Galveston after three years of seasonal sailings. The Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, two of the company’s newest ships, will be among the vessels sailing from the port in the coming years.

Juan Kuryla, NCLH’s senior vice president of Port Development & Construction, noted the importance of the contract. “We’re excited to announce this expanded long-term contract. It will also introduce new Saturday sailings from Galveston. This development allows us to continue serving our guests in the region. It also helps further strengthen our presence in this important market.”

NCLH plans to leverage Galveston’s strategic location as a turnaround port. This will expand opportunities for all three of its brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This move will bring significant benefits to the local community, supporting jobs, tourism, and economic growth.

The Port of Galveston recently broke ground on a new $156 million cruise terminal at Pier 16. It will include a 165,000-square-foot facility. There will also be a $55 million parking garage. This will be the port’s fourth terminal. It’s expected to help Galveston surpass 2 million passengers annually by 2026. This marks a new milestone in the port’s 24-year history as a cruise home port.

Now the fourth busiest U.S. cruise port and the only one in Texas, Galveston’s cruise activity in 2023 contributed to 4,547 jobs, $732.5 million in local business revenue, and $25.3 million in state and local taxes.