By
Elizabeth Robinson |
The Port of Galveston in Texas, USA, embarking a record-breaking 113,488 passengers in December 2017, making it the busiest month since the port began its cruise business in 2000.
The port also welcomed its nine millionth cruise passenger since beginning cruise operations and received a record number of cruise ship calls in one month, with 33 visiting the port, breaking the previous record of 29 in December 2005.
“The month of December was the most successful in terms of both passenger throughput and cruise sailings in the seventeen-year history of cruise operations from the Port of Galveston, and all indications suggest that we will continue to surpass records throughout 2018,” said Peter Simons, interim port director. “Thanks to the strategic direction provided by the Wharves Board of Trustees, we look forward to continuing the success of our cruise operations with our cruise partners. The Port’s success is also due in large part to the hard work of the longshoremen and cruise terminal staff and the support of the local business community, Park Board and Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and City council. Their efforts have helped make Galveston Island an exciting destination to cruise from.”
The port is anticipating another record year in 2018 as Carnival Cruise Line will reposition Carnival Vista to Texas in September, joining Carnival Freedom and Carnival Valor.
With Carnival Freedom, Carnival Valor and Carnival Vista, Galveston will be home to three of the line’s most innovative ships. In 2018, these three ships are predicted to carry over 650,000 passengers annually from Galveston.