Carnival ’ s Latest And Greatest Ship , Carnival Vista , To Call Galveston Home In 2018
After 16 years of cultivating the cruise business in the State of Texas , the Port of Galveston is pleased to announce that Carnival Cruise Lines will homeport their newest , largest , and most innovative ship , Carnival Vista , in Galveston .
The Carnival Vista will operate year round service to the Caribbean beginning September 2018 .
“ 16 years ago Carnival pioneered yearround cruising from Galveston . Over the years they have dramatically increased their presence at the port with newer and larger ships and a greater variety of itineraries . The Port ranks as one of Carnival ’ s most successful homeports and their decision to deploy their newest ship is a testament of their confidence in the port ’ s continued success as one of the nation ’ s top cruise ports ”, said Peter Simons , Interim Port Director .
Beginning September 23 , 2018 , the 133,500-ton ship will offer two distinctly different week-long western Caribbean itineraries from the Port of Galveston , visiting the region ’ s most popular destinations . The first itinerary includes calls at Montego Bay ; Grand Cayman ; and Cozumel , while the other features visits to Mahogany Bay ( Isla Roatan ); Belize ; and Cozumel .
“ We ’ re delighted to continue our expansion at the Port of Galveston with the spectacular new Carnival Vista , which is a wonderful addition to our Texas fleet ,” said Christine Duffy , president of Carnival Cruise Line , who added that Carnival has extended its contract with the Port of Galveston through 2025 .
“ Deploying our newest , largest and most innovative ship to Galveston clearly demonstrates our confidence in the market and the popularity of Carnival Cruise Line in Texas . The port has done a fantastic job accommodating our growth and we ’ re sure our guests sailing from Galveston will absolutely love Carnival Vista ,” she added .
Carnival Vista , which debuted in 2016 , will join Carnival Freedom and Carnival Valor sailing yearround from Galveston . Together , these three ships will carry more than 650,000 guests annually from Galveston – the most of any cruise operator .
( Port of Galveston )
MOMENTUM / February 2017 31