GALVESTON

Fueled by a nationwide surge in cruise demand and a slate of new local investments, the Port of Galveston is preparing for another year of record-breaking passenger traffic in 2026, officials said.

AAA projects 21.7 million Americans will cruise in 2026, up from 20.7 million this year, continuing a trend of historic growth for the industry. And as demand climbs, Galveston — the fourth busiest cruise port in the United States — is positioning itself to capture even more of that market.

Port officials expect 3.9 million cruise passengers and 445 sailings in 2026, an increase of about 300,000 passenger movements over this year.

Most of that jump will come with the port’s latest expansion: the opening of Cruise Terminal 16 on Nov. 7 , which will homeport both MSC Cruises and No

See Full Page