MSC Seascape arrives in Galveston, begins Texas sailings

MSC Seascape arrived at its new homeport in Galveston ahead of MSC Cruises' first sailings from the Texas port. 

Starting Sunday, the ship will operate year-round seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from the port's new Cruise Terminal 16, with stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico and Isla de Roatan, Honduras. 

Departures are scheduled every Sunday.

MSC Seascape features Texas-inspired entertainment and dining options, including The Lone Star resident country band, duelling pianos, country line dance classes and a Big Texas Sailaway party. 

Food and beverage offerings highlight Southern, Texan and Gulf Coast flavours across the ship's five specialty dining venues and bar program.

"MSC Seascape is arriving in Galveston with true Texas flair, adding to the blend of European style and American comfort our guests love. Expanding our North American footprint to Galveston and cutting the ribbon on the port's brand-new Cruise Terminal 16 are exciting steps for us on our path to making MSC Cruises a household name in the North American market," said Lynn Torrent, president, MSC Cruises North America.

"We're grateful for the partnership we have with the Port of Galveston, which makes it easy and convenient for millions of new guests to enjoy the MSC Cruises experience. MSC Seascape offers the ultimate vacation at sea, and we look forward to welcoming guests and Travel Advisors from the region on board to discover what makes a holiday with us so special."

Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, added: "Welcoming MSC Seascape to our new cruise terminal is a major milestone for our growing cruise port. Adding MSC Cruises to our family of cruise lines offers our cruise guests an elegant, European-style family cruise experience. It also elevates our status as a top U.S. cruise home port and spotlights us in the global market, while paving the way for MSC Cruises to reach millions of cruise passengers in the Central U.S."

NBC TODAY partnership

MSC Cruises has partnered with NBC's TODAY to install a "Read With Jenna" reading space aboard MSC Seascape, along with a Read With Jenna Jr. children's book nook. 

Both spaces feature selections from Jenna Bush Hager's book club.

Jenna Bush Hager, Host of Jenna and Friends on NBC's TODAY, said: "I'm so thrilled to bring Read With Jenna to MSC Seascape! Guests will be able to peruse 20 of my favorite page-turners, chosen from six years of my Read With Jenna book club. They're all ready to be your next beach read! Younger readers can check out my Read With Jenna Jr. picks, with options from elementary to high school-age books. For me, reading is the ultimate vacation — so enjoy!"

Ship features

MSC Seascape offers a Formula 1 racing simulator, Robotron amusement ride and over 7,500 square feet of dedicated children's space. 

MSC Yacht Club, the line's ship-within-a-ship concept, features a private restaurant, lounge, outdoor bar and grill, sun deck, pool, priority embarkation and disembarkation, 24/7 butler service and VIP seating in entertainment venues.

Economic impact

The Port of Galveston, the fourth busiest cruise port in the U.S. and the only cruise port in Texas, provides 4,547 jobs, $291 million in personal income and $733 million in business revenue. 

With the opening of Terminal 16, the port is projected to welcome an additional 3.9 million passenger movements and 445 sailings at its four cruise terminals in 2026.

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