Ports & destinations

Prince Rupert Cruise Port marks record-breaking season and sets the stage for significant growth in 2026

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 18 November 2025 18 November 2025

Prince Rupert Cruise Port has officially wrapped up the 2025 season, marked by major milestones, strong passenger growth, and strengthened partnerships across the community and cruise industry.

This year, the port welcomed 68,443 passengers, a remarkable achievement that reflects the destination’s rising profile along the North Coast. Looking ahead, 2026 is set to be a transformative year, with forecasts projecting more than 150,000 passengers – more than double this season’s volume.

The 2025 season also saw key cruise line developments, including the introduction of Royal Caribbean International to Prince Rupert’s roster of visiting brands. The port hosted two notable inaugural calls: Holland America Line’s Noordam and Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, each marking meaningful expansion in the diversity of ships calling at the destination.

Steve Finnigan, Prince Rupert Cruise Port General Manager commented: “This has been a truly outstanding year for Prince Rupert’s cruise sector. Our community came together to deliver unforgettable experiences. The positive response from guests has been inspiring, and as we look ahead to welcoming even more visitors next season, the sense of pride and collaboration across our community has never been stronger.”

This season’s success was defined not only by numbers, but by the warmth and authenticity of local engagement. Through a dynamic range of shore excursions, Prince Rupert’s community shared its stories, flavours, and traditions with guests from across the globe. From Indigenous cultural experiences and local culinary highlights to encounters with the region’s rugged coastline and unforgettable adventures, visitors were offered a true sense of what makes the North Coast extraordinary.

The momentum continues into next year, with Prince Rupert set to welcome Virgin Voyages to its shores for the first time, bringing 11 calls in 2026. This addition reflects growing industry confidence in Prince Rupert as a unique and high-potential destination along the Alaska cruise route.

Port of Galveston opens fourth cruise terminal

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 08 November 2025 08 November 2025

The Port of Galveston celebrated the opening of its fourth cruise terminal on Friday, Nov. 7, with a terminal ribbon-cutting and welcoming ceremony for MSC Seascape, the first ship to homeport at the new terminal.

Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, told the crowd of more than 200 attendees, “This is a tremendous milestone in the port’s history as a major U.S. cruise port. We welcome MSC Cruises as a new cruise partner, as well as a Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), which has committed to more sailings from Gaveston.”

MSC Cruises and NCLH signed long-term contracts with the Galveston Wharves in 2024, making it possible for the port to fund the $156 million project. The port broke ground in summer 2024 to convert a cargo warehouse into the cruise complex, which features a 165,000-square-foot terminal, a $55 million parking garage, and two custom-built boarding bridges.

The port celebrated the opening with executives from MSC Cruises, NCLH, elected officials, community leaders and other port partners. In addition to MSC Seascape, which arrived on Friday, Nov. 7, Norwegian Viva will sail seasonally from the terminal beginning in December.

During the ceremony, Wharves Board Chairman Vic Pierson commented, “We want to give a warm Texas welcome to MSC Cruises as the world’s third largest cruise line enters the Galveston market. Having MSC and Norwegian Cruise Line homeporting in Galveston says a great deal about our position in the U.S. and global cruise markets.”

Craig Brown, Galveston mayor and Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees member, told the crowd, “Today we’re celebrating a major port milestone and what it means to our community, cruise guests and port partners. This new terminal will generate jobs and economic growth for the region, exciting new cruise choices for our market, and growth opportunities for our port partners.”

With the addition of the fourth terminal, Rees said that he expects the port to reach 445 sailings with almost 2 million passengers, or 4 million passenger movements, in 2026.

Rees said, “We’re growing year over year due to our large drive-to market, our focus on customer service and the growing popularity of cruise travel.”

U.S. Congressman Randy Weber told the crowd: “Today’s opening of Cruise Terminal 16 is a game-changer for Galveston. This project has already put hundreds of people to work and now it’s set to bring in more visitors, more business, and more revenue for our local economy. Every investment like this strengthens Galveston’s place as a premier gateway for America’s cruise industry. I will continue to fight for our ports in Congress to ensure they get the support they deserve!”

During her comments, Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, said, “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. 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 onboard to discover what makes a holiday with us so special.”

MSC Seascape is one of MSC Cruises’ largest and most innovative ships, boasting a variety of new entertainment and dining options inspired by the Lone Star State, along with a range of existing high-tech activities and international cuisine. Guests will find everything from family-friendly offerings to exclusive luxury on board, showcasing MSC Cruises’ signature blend of European style and American comfort.

Daniel Farkas, NCLH executive vice president and general counsel, remarked, “Galveston continues to be a key hub for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and the opening of this new state-of-the-art terminal marks a milestone in our long-standing partnership with the port and community.”

“Beginning this December, one of our newest ships, Norwegian Viva, will sail from Galveston to the Caribbean, expanding access to our world-class cruise experiences for millions of people. This will create a sustained economic impact and a long-term partnership that continues to deliver for this vibrant community.”

Norwegian Viva will debut in Galveston Dec. 13, offering 7- and 14-day itineraries to the Caribbean through April 2026 and will return for sailings October through April in 2026 and 2027. A total of 38 initial voyages with a capacity of over 250,000 guests at double occupancy are scheduled currently.

During her first 14-day sailing, Norwegian Viva will visit NCL’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, which will feature a new multi-ship pier and 1.4-acre pool area by the end of this year, with additional family attractions opening through next summer, including the all-new Great Tides Waterpark featuring a dedicated kids splash pad, dynamic river, cliff jumps, 19 waterslides and more.

NYCEDC unveils transformative Manhattan Cruise Terminal Master Plan

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 17 November 2025 17 November 2025

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) last week unveiled an ambitious Master Plan for the redevelopment and modernization of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal (MCT), a landmark project that will secure New York City’s place as a global leader in cruise travel and tourism industries. This will all be delivered with sustainable infrastructure that includes much needed quality-of-life improvements for residents and visitors to the west side of Manhattan. Following a 12-month community engagement process, the Manhattan Cruise Terminal Master Plan addresses critical infrastructure challenges, including the replacement of 90-year-old piers and facilities, increases public access, and introduces a fully electrified port with shore power infrastructure and integration with the surrounding Hudson River Park and neighboring community. These upgrades will accommodate current and future cruise ships while significantly reducing emissions and enhancing local air quality. Across the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals, the cruise industry welcomed upwards of 1.5 million passengers to New York City in 2024, generating half a billion dollars in local economic impact, and supporting nearly 3,000 local jobs.

“The Manhattan Cruise Terminal Master Plan is a bold, forward-looking vision that will redefine the future of cruising in New York City,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “By modernizing and electrifying the terminal, this plan will meet urgent industry demands, grow economic impact and tax revenue for the City, and deliver on the community’s longstanding goals for a safer, more sustainable terminal with public access to the waterfront.”

For nearly a century, the Manhattan Cruise Terminal has served as a gateway to New York City, welcoming millions of passengers from around the world. The MCT Master Plan builds on that history by starting a completely new chapter in the life of this Terminal. The plan outlines a comprehensive path for replacing aging infrastructure, accommodating the cruise vessels of today and tomorrow, and delivering a world-class all electric environmentally responsible facility that benefits all New Yorkers.

As customer demand for cruises reaches new annual records, the cruise industry continues to be a major economic engine for New York City, welcoming nearly 1.5 million passengers in 2024 through the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals and generating an estimated $500 million in economic activity across the city. This activity supports nearly 3,000 local jobs, more than 2,000 of which are in tourism-related sectors such as hotels, restaurants, retail, and transportation.

The Master Plan envisions the Manhattan Cruise Terminal (MCT) as a modern, resilient waterfront hub that meets the evolving needs of the cruise industry and New York City. By replacing aging infrastructure with new, expanded piers and a single terminal structure, the plan will enable MCT to accommodate the next generation of cruise vessels – serving up to two 8,000-passenger ships and one 6,000-passenger ship simultaneously. A phased redevelopment ensures continuous cruise operations while minimizing community disruption, positioning MCT as a vital engine of economic growth and opportunity for decades to come.

Shore power and sustainability

At the heart of the Master Plan is a commitment to sustainability and New York City’s broader decarbonization and climate resilience goals – from the implementation of shore power availability for all cruise and harbor vessels calling the facility to raising the piers to meet FEMA flood elevation standards. The Master Plan includes an initial commitment of $20 million for shore power at MCT. The expansion of shore power capabilities at MCT through the contemplated Master Plan investments will finally allow cruise vessels to connect directly to the onshore New York City electric grid and turn off their engines while berthed. Harbor vessels including tugs will now be able to connect to shore power to allow them to recharge their batteries and allow the tug fleet to begin the conversion to Hybrid and fully electric propulsion through the use of on-board battery storage. The incorporation of shore power at MCT builds on NYCEDC’s recent shore power infrastructure enhancements at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (BCT), announced earlier this month, which allows more ships to connect to shore power and reduce cruise ship emissions when docked.

The new MCT will incorporate on-site renewable energy to its fullest potential, integrating solar panels and other innovative energy sources including thermal exchange systems that use the cold waters of the Hudson River for efficient cooling.

The release of the MCT Master Plan comes as NYCEDC doubles down on investments to modernize the New York waterfront. In September, after more than a year of extensive engagement with community members and stakeholders, the Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) Task Force passed, by two-thirds majority, a historic vision plan to turn BMT into a fully electric, modern maritime port and vibrant mixed-use community. The BMT plan will also include the redevelopment of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

A working waterfront with multimodal uses

Beyond cruise operations, MCT will serve as a dynamic multimodal hub for transit and freight delivery. A new Blue Highways landing will support sustainable marine freight distribution, reducing overall city truck traffic and supporting zero-emission last-mile delivery. The plan also integrates a ferry stop for potential Hudson River service, expanding access for passengers and reinforcing the terminal’s role as a regional mobility center. These elements create a flexible waterfront supporting both passenger and freight movement.

The MCT Master Plan is also a major step forward in the effort to build the Harbor of the Future – a reimagined network of innovation and growth across New York City’s waterways. The site will be an important cog in the Blue Highways Action Plan which identified potential activation sites, including MCT, to revive short sea shipping and maritime freight movement throughout New York City waterways.

During this administration, progress on the Blue Highways program has accelerated rapidly. In the past two years, more tangible steps have been taken than in the previous two decades, including the creation of pilot routes using existing City assets, the announcements of a new Hunts Point Marine Terminal, a micro-freight facility at Downtown Skyport, as well as the recently approved and historic Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) redevelopment project. which will transform BMT into a fully electric, modern maritime port and vibrant mixed-use community.

Enhanced public access and community engagement

Informed by extensive and long-standing community engagement, the Master Plan prioritizes vibrant, accessible public spaces, improved pedestrian and cyclist pathways, and expanded connections to the Hudson River waterfront. The project will create promenades, plazas, and terraces, giving residents and visitors unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the city’s iconic shoreline. These spaces will be integrated into the existing transportation network, improving north-south connections and providing direct access to public spaces throughout the site – including a new pedestrian bridge that would link the terminal with DeWitt Clinton Park, enhancing walkability and safety by eliminating the need for pedestrians to navigate across the West Side Highway. Additionally, widened sidewalks and high-visibility crosswalks will further enhance safety and the pedestrian experience while activating the waterfront for community use year-round.

As part of the commitment to delivering long-asked for wins to the community, NYCEDC will continue to engage with stakeholders, elected officials, and residents throughout the design and construction process, ensuring the project remains responsive to community needs and local priorities.

“We applaud New York City’s bold and forward-looking vision to transform the Manhattan Cruise Terminal into a modern, sustainable maritime hub,” said Dan Farkas, Executive Vice President, chief development officer and general counsel at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “New York has been one of our most important homeports for decades, and this plan, along with continued investment in the redevelopment of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, strengthens the City’s position as a premier global cruise destination. As we continue to invest in new innovative ships and more sustainable operations, we’re proud of our shared commitment with the City to drive industry growth at and enhance the guest experience. Across our three award-winning brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, we look forward to welcoming even more guests to begin their journeys from the heart of New York Harbor.”

“Carnival Corporation and its cruise lines that call New York in both Manhattan and Brooklyn fully support the modernization of infrastructure across the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals,” said Karin Plettner, Vice President, global ports and destinations strategy, Carnival Corporation. “These improvements, including capabilities for shore power and other future-ready technologies, will allow our fleet to continue calling on New York well into the future while supporting long-term sustainability goals.”

“The Manhattan Cruise Terminal is one of the jewels along the Hudson River, bringing traditional maritime uses and community to the urban waterfront. This new plan expertly blends preservation of historic operation and jobs with robust integration of public access and public use opportunity, allowing the community and visitors to enjoy the waterfront and the beautiful ships arriving to the Greatest City,” said Luis Ajamil, Principal, Bermello Ajamil. “We are delighted to have worked with EDC on balancing sometimes competing demands in crafting this exciting and visionary plan. This is like nothing ever done before and will be accomplished in iconic fashion for an international port of entry serving the largest metropolitan economy in the world.”

“Cruise Canada New England is proud to see New York City advancing a bold, future-ready vision for the Manhattan Cruise Terminal,” said Cruise Canada New England Co-Chair Sarah Rumley. “The Master Plan reflects the region’s shared commitment to sustainable growth, world-class passenger experiences, and seamless connectivity across our cruise ports. As a gateway to our itineraries, New York’s modernization strengthens the entire CCNE network and reinforces the region’s leadership in responsible, resilient tourism.”

“The Maritime Association of the Port of New York & New Jersey welcomes New York City’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal Master Plan, a transformative redevelopment plan outlining a modern, fully electrified, and resilient terminal,” said Executive Director of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York & New Jersey Stephen Lyman. “By upgrading marine infrastructure, expanding shore power, and integrating community-focused improvements, the plan strengthens New York Harbor’s position as a global maritime hub while advancing the future needs of port operations. We look forward to continued partnership to ensure these investments deliver long-term economic benefits for the region.”

“Moran Towing is enthusiastic to support the plan for the transformation of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal,” said President & CEO of Moran Towing Corporation Ted Tregurtha. “The vision for the facility provides innovative and sustainable solutions that increase safety and environmental stewardship – aligned with our own goals and those of our mutual customers.”

“Metro Pilots commends the City of New York to stay competitive in the cruise industry,” said President of the Metro Pilots Association Jon Miller. “Although with any major change we anticipate challenges, as a port community we look forward to working together to stay relevant.”

“The Shipping Association of New York & New Jersey applauds the Manhattan Cruise Terminal Master Plan as a transformative investment in our region’s maritime infrastructure and workforce,” said John J. Nardi, President of the Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey. “This plan strengthens New York City’s position as a premier global cruise destination while supporting the longshore men and women of the ILA who help make cruise operations possible. The Master Plan also contributes to a revitalized working waterfront that will benefit all sectors of New York Harbor, from passenger operations to marine freight.”

“The Manhattan Cruise Terminal Master Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform MCT into an innovative, world-class facility that serves both the City and the cruise industry,” said Hatch’s Global Managing Director, Transportation, Water, and Tunnelling, Robert Francki. “Hatch is proud to have worked alongside NYCEDC and our teaming partners to bring this vision to life with a smart solution that will generate economic benefit for New York City while representing a leap forward in decarbonizing the maritime industry.”

The announcement marks a major step forward in the New York City’s efforts to build the Harbor of the Future – a reimagined network of innovation and growth across the city’s waterways. In addition to a modern maritime port and vibrant mixed-use community hub at , the Harbor of the Future includes emerging innovation centers such as the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx; the newly-announced climate innovation hub “BATWorks” at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park; the country’s largest offshore wind port at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal; the Science Park and Research Campus in Kips Bay in Manhattan; new sustainable housing and public space on the North Shore of Staten Island; and an anchor research and educational partnership with the New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island.

Cruise the Great Lakes forecasts record growth in 2026

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 07 November 2025 07 November 2025

Cruise the Great Lakes, the region’s cruise marketing program, announced recently its forecast for the 2026 cruising season at a press conference in Green Bay that featured remarks from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. The 2026 season continues the long-term growth of Great Lakes cruising, delivering more passengers, port visits, and record-breaking $300 million (US) economic impact on large and small regional destinations.

The economic impact of cruising on the Great Lakes is expected to exceed $300 million (US) in 2026, a 25% increase from 2025. More passengers, more port visits, higher shoreside spending, and a rising price premium for Great Lakes cruises are critical drivers of this growth. The ongoing expansion of Great Lakes cruising continues to bring significant economic benefits to both large and small port communities throughout the region.

Cruise lines and ships

A new cruise line will enter the Great Lakes market in 2026 – American Cruise Lines will bring ships to U.S. ports in the region. The itinerary highlights the growing variety of travel options.

In total, seven cruise lines are scheduled to operate on the Great Lakes in 2026, including:

– Pearl Seas
– Ponant
– St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
– Victory
– Viking
– Hapag-Lloyd
– American Cruise Lines

These lines will operate 10 ships cruising the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River in 2026:

– Pearl Mist (Pearl Seas)
– Canadian Empress (St. Lawrence Cruise Lines)
– Viking Octantis (Viking)
– Viking Polaris (Viking)
– Le Bellot (Ponant)
– Le Champlain (Ponant)
– Hanseatic Inspiration (Hapag-Lloyd)
– Victory 1 (Victory)
– Victory 2 (Victory)
– American Patriot (American)

Passenger visits

In 2026, Great Lakes cruises are projected to welcome over 23,000 individual passengers, a 5% increase from 2025. More than 800 port visits are planned, which is nearly 15% higher than last year. And the total number of cruise passenger visits across the region is estimated at nearly 175,000, up nearly 15% from 2025.

“Great Lakes cruising is vitally important to Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. It’s a major economic driver and job creator for our port communities and the state,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “I commend Cruise the Great Lakes for playing a key role in promoting the Great Lakes as a world-class destination.”

“Great Lakes cruising does more than delight passengers. It drives dollars to shorelines across the region,” said Wisconsin Tourism Secretary and Cruise the Great Lakes Chair Anne Sayers. “The expected growth means more travelers making lifelong memories, more passengers visiting businesses in port cities, and more economic impact in Wisconsin and across the Great Lakes region.”

“As we look to 2026, we’re excited to see continued growth in the Great Lakes cruise sector,” said Sally Davis Berry, Tourism Director of Cruise the Great Lakes. “We forecast this upcoming season to be even stronger than 2025, both in terms of passenger numbers, destinations visited, and economic impact, which underscores the appeal of cruising in the Great Lakes.”

“Being part of Cruise the Great Lakes is a tremendous opportunity for Green Bay,” said Brad Toll, CEO of Discover Green Bay. “Each ship that visits introduces travelers from around the world to our community while generating meaningful economic benefits for local businesses. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum in 2026 and to showcase all that Green Bay has to offer cruise passengers.”

2026 season statistics at a glance:
– Economic impact over $300 million (US), an expected increase of nearly 25% from 2025.
– 10 cruise ships will operate on the Great Lakes in 2026.
– 148 itineraries (trips) are planned by the 7 cruise lines
– Over 23,000 passengers will cruise on the Great Lakes.
– Cruise ships will make more than 800 visits to Great Lakes ports, a 15% increase.
– Total cruise passenger traffic at ports will total over 175,000, up 15% from 2025.