Port of Galveston Sets Record with 1.5 Millionth Cruise Passenger

The Port of Galveston, the fourth most popular cruise home port in North America, celebrated its 1.5 millionth cruise passenger of the year on Dec. 6, breaking its 2023 record and putting it on track to reach more than 1.6 million passengers by the end of the year.

Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO congratulated Katrular Buchanan and her family of Amite, La., at Cruise Terminal 28 before they embarked on their 4-night Disney Magic cruise. 

“We’re very happy for the Buchanan family and thank them for sailing from Galveston. We’re also excited to celebrate this milestone with long-time cruise partner, Disney Cruise Line. Thanks to the support of our cruise partners and loyal cruise customers, cruising from Galveston has never been better!”

Due to Galveston’s growing popularity as a cruise home port, newer and larger ships are sailing to more destinations. The port will open its fourth cruise terminal in November 2025. The $156 million cruise complex includes an onsite parking garage and interior roadway.

Rees said, “The port’s continued growth as a home port is great news for avid cruise travelers, for local people who work in cruise-related jobs, and for the entities that benefit economically, including suppliers, maritime services, hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses.”

Based on this growth, the port expects to set a new record with more than 380 cruise sailings in 2024, the 24th anniversary of Galveston’s home port operations. In 2025 the port forecasts more than 400 cruise sailings and 1.75 million passengers.

Passengers choose Galveston, the only home port in Texas, for its convenience and great sailing experience to Western Caribbean destinations and beyond, Rees said. More than 30 million people live within a 300-mile radius, making Galveston the prime drive-to cruise market for the central U.S., including Houston, Austin, Fort Worth, Dallas, Oklahoma City and Little Rock.

Note: Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees congratulates the port’s 1.5-millionth passenger of 2024, Katrular Buchanan and her family of Amite, La., at Cruise Terminal 28 before they embark on their Disney Magic cruise.  Photo courtesy of Port of Galveston.