Galveston leaders confident new cruise ship will bring economic boost to city

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Carnival Cruise Line's fifth Excel-class ship, the Carnival Tropicale, is scheduled to homeport in Galveston starting in 2028.

"I think you know it. Texas people jump in their car, and they'll drive to the port," Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line President, said. "You know, Carnival Cruise Line, 50% of the U.S. population could drive to one of our ships in 5 hours or less."

SEE ALSO: Carnival Cruise Line to homeport newest ship in Galveston in 2028

City leaders, including Galveston Mayor Craig Brown, say that people driving to the port will help boost the local economy.

He told ABC13 this will bring more visitors to local hotels, shops, and restaurants.

"It brings income to the city. It brings sales tax to the city," Brown said. "We're probably going to experience our 2 millionth cruise passenger this coming year."

The cruise line says the ship can carry over 6,000 people, and Brown believes many of them will spend time on the island.

"Right now, we're experiencing close to 30% of those people that come on the island to go on the cruise ships are staying on the island, are coming here after or coming and staying before the cruise," Brown said.

The arrival of the Carnival Tropicale means both the cruise industry and the local job market are growing.

"It's also great for the community of Galveston," Duffy said. "There's also 4,500 jobs that support the cruise industry and with this growth, more time to come."

In 2024, the Carnival Jubilee became the first brand-new ship to debut at the Port of Galveston.

Carnival and city leaders are confident that when the Carnival Tropicale sets sail in 2028, it will be another success for Galveston.

"I saw an energy that started because they brought their biggest and most luxurious ship here to Galveston," Brown said. "When they brought that here, that also added to our community here and gave us a benefit that we really appreciate."