The Port of Galveston announced today that it has finalized a new agreement with Disney Cruise Line extending preferential berthing agreement rights at the Port for an additional 10 years with an option to renew for two additional five year periods effective November 1, 2018.
The new agreement outlines plans for a shared cruise terminal that will accommodate a ship equal to or larger than the Disney Magic/Disney Wonder class of vessel. Additionally, it is projected that over the first five years of the potential 20 year agreement, Disney will nearly double its sailings. Disney Cruise Line has orders on the books for three new cruise ships.
“September 22, 2012 marked the first time
ever that a Disney Cruise Line ship set sail from the State of Texas with the
maiden voyage of Disney Wonder. The Port has been seasonal homeport to both
Disney Wonder and Disney Magic ever since. We are thrilled to be able to
continue to give Texas and the southwest region of the United States the
opportunity to experience Disney cruise vacations from their own backyard,”
said Port of Galveston CEO/Port Director, Rodger Rees. “We are proud to be one
of the few selected homeports for Disney Cruise Line.”
“Our guests have loved visiting
Galveston and setting sail from this historic port to the western Caribbean,
Key West and the Bahamas,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Disney Signature Experiences
and Disney Cruise Line. “As we plan to expand our fleet and introduce new
experiences and entertainment aboard our ships, we couldn’t be more excited to
extend our commitment with the Port of Galveston.”
About the Port of Galveston
The Port of Galveston is the region’s gateway
to the Gulf for cruise ships and international trade. Located at the entrance
to Galveston Bay, the Port leases and maintains facilities on both Galveston
Island and Pelican Island. The Galveston Island operations are a diversified
mix of cargo including roll-on-roll-off cargo, dry bulk, export grain,
refrigerated fruit, general cargo, and project cargo. In addition, the Port
handles over 1.8 million cruise passenger movements annually. The Port’s
Pelican Island facilities comprise a combination of undeveloped property, an
active ship and rig repair facility, and liquid bulk operations. The Port is a
self-supporting enterprise utility with operating revenues of approximately $38
million. It does not rely on tax dollars for operations.
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