MSC CRUISES FURTHER EXPANDS U.S. FOOTPRINT WITH OPENING OF NEW HOME PORT - GALVESTON, TEXAS

• MSC Cruises adds fourth U.S. home port ? Galveston in Texas, further expanding its choice of itineraries and ships from U.S. ports
• Departures begin November 2025 with seven-night sailings on MSC Seascape ? now available to book
• Destinations highlights include Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico) and Isla de Roatan (Honduras)

GENEVA, Jan. 11, 2024 /CNW/ - MSC Cruises, the world's third largest cruise brand, today announced another milestone in its ongoing U.S. expansion with the opening of a brand-new home port for the line. Galveston, Texas, on the south coast of the U.S. will become the home for MSC Seascape from November 2025, becoming MSC Cruises' fourth U.S. home port.

The line today opened sales for year-round sailings from the port, offering seven-night itineraries with Sunday embarkation. Guests will be treated to a unique itinerary sailing to stunning destinations in the Caribbean including Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico) and Isla de Roatan (Honduras) with the first departure set for November 9, 2025.

Marking a significant milestone in its ongoing U.S. expansion, MSC Cruises' CEO Gianni Onorato commented, "This announcement is the latest step in our strategy to continue to grow our U.S. footprint. Earlier this year we began operations from our third U.S. home port, New York City, where we now sail year-round, and we are proud to add Galveston to that growing line-up alongside PortMiami and Port Canaveral.

We are committed to bringing our newest, largest, most innovative ships to the U.S. and are pleased that MSC Seascape will be more easily accessible to guests in central and western parts of the U.S. through Galveston, as well as to our guests internationally via the well-connected international airport hub of Houston."

The innovative MSC Seascape elevates the family experience on board with an astonishing 7,500 square feet of dedicated kids' facilities and cutting-edge amusement options. Guests can indulge in the state-of-the-art ROBOTRON robotic arm ride, two LEGO® rooms for ages 3-6 and 7-11, three different concept spaces for teens, a VR 360° Flight Simulator, VR motorcycles and the immersive MSC Formula Racer, perfect for racing enthusiasts ready to get their adrenaline fix.

MSC Cruises offers a range of shore excursions to immerse guests in these culturally renowned, vibrant coastal destinations, from tours of the ancient Mayan Ruins and shipwreck snorkeling to glass bottom boat rides and museum tours.

To find out more about MSC Seascape and sailings out of Galveston, please click HERE.

MSC Seascape Itinerary Highlights include:

• Costa Maya, Mexico ? Home to the ancient Chacchoben and Kohunlich Mayan Ruins, guests can uncover Costa Maya's 4,000-year history, the story of the Mayan population, and thriving wildlife with guided tours from the ocean to the jungle. On the Jaguar Truck, guests can immerse themselves in nature as they journey through rainforests to explore an open Mexican cenote.
• Isla de Roatan ? Off the coast of Honduras is Ilsa de Roatan, a largely untouched island known for its incredible barrier reef. Guests will find white sand beaches, shipwreck snorkeling tours and glass bottom boat excursions. For the more adventurous traveller, guides offer an extensive hiking and archaeology tour through the ancient world of Mayan culture and the capital city of Coxen Hole.
• Cozumel, Mexico ? Globally recognized for its incredible diving excursions, Cozumel offers snorkeling trips through an ancient Mayan cave, clear bottomed Kayaking and snorkeling and up-close-and-personal experiences with dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife. Guests interested in a robust learning experience can take part in tours of the city or nearby Mayan Ruins.

MSC Seascape offers an immersive experience that connects guests with the sea through her beautiful design and her impressive outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed for relaxation, dining and entertainment.

Some of the key highlights include:

• Technologically advanced onboard entertainment options, including ROBOTRON ? a thrilling amusement ride that offers the breath-taking thrill of a rollercoaster at sea combined with a personalized DJ music experience
• Awe-inspiring entertainment, with six fantastic theatre productions and 98 hours of exclusive onboard entertainment featuring interactive elements
• 7,567 square feet of dedicated kids' space and cutting-edge amusement options, with separate spaces for ages 0 to 17
• 2,270 cabins, featuring 12 different kinds of suites and staterooms with balconies (including the iconic aft suites featured on all Seaside class ships)
• 11 dining venues, and 19 bars and lounges, with many options for 'Al Fresco' dining and drinking
• Six swimming pools, including a stunning aft infinity pool with incredible ocean views
• One of the largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club facilities in MSC Cruises' fleet, with approximately 32,000 square feet of exclusive space featuring sweeping ocean views from the front of the ship
• An expansive 1,772-foot-long waterfront promenade that puts guests closer to the ocean
• A spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs at deck 16 with a unique view of the sea

MSC Cruises is the world's third largest cruise brand as well as the leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa, with more market share in addition to deployed capacity than any other player. It is the fastest growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets.

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is one of the two brands that sit within the Cruises Division of MSC Group, the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. MSC Cruises ? the contemporary brand - has a modern fleet of 22 vessels combined with a sizeable future global investment portfolio of new vessels. The fleet is projected to grow to 23 cruise ships by 2025, with options for six more vessel orders in place through 2030. 

MSC Cruises is the only international cruise company to operate a permanent office in Canada. The fully bilingual Toronto office provides Canadian sales and marketing services to better serve the Canadian market. 

Learn more about itineraries and experience on board MSC Cruises' ships; its commitment to the health and safety of its guests, crew, and the communities at the destinations its ships serve; its commitment to environmental stewardship and the MSC Foundation that focuses on its advancing conservation, humanitarian and cultural commitments.  

For more information on MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruises.ca. 

SOURCE MSC Cruises (Canada) Ltd.