Carnival Returning to Galveston on November 1

In one of the largest steps toward Galveston's tourism recovery efforts, Carnival Corporation yesterday announced they will be returning to the Port of Galveston on November 1. As you may remember, Galveston was hit by Hurricane Ike early in September, and the port facilities required significant repair. In the meantime, the affected ships have been sailing from Houston.

While this is good news for Galveston, I'm sure it serves as a huge disappointment to the Port of Houston, which had an unexpected opportunity to showcase its brand new Bayport Cruise Terminal. By all reports, this new facility functioned beautifully, even with the difficult circumstances and very short notice, and hopefully other cruise lines will take a look at basing a ship here, at least seasonally, in the future. By stepping up in this way, both by building the terminal without a contract with a cruise line, and hosting the displaced cruise ships, Houston has earned a shot at future business.

The Carnival Ecstasy will resume year-round four- and five-day cruises from Galveston with a five-day voyage departing on Saturday, Nov. 1. The Carnival Conquest will begin year-round seven-day service from Galveston Sunday, Nov. 2. Up until that time, the ships will continue to operate round-trip from the Port of where they were shifted temporarily following Hurricane Ike. The Carnival Ecstasy cruises on October 23 and October 27; and the Carnival Conquest cruise on October 26 will operate round-trip from Houston.

“We are extremely pleased to be resuming service from the Port of Galveston and extend our congratulations and appreciation to the port and the Galveston community as a whole for enabling us to return so quickly,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

“We would also like to express our gratitude to the Port of Houston for their tremendous efforts in accommodating our ships and being such exceptional partners. Their support enabled these ships to remain Texas based while Galveston worked through its recovery process,” Cahill noted.

According to Steve Cernak, director of the Port of Galveston, “We took a hit however we rapidly rebounded. We had our first cargo ship in nine days after the storm. Now, six weeks after Hurricane Ike, we are fully operational. The Port, as well as all of Galveston Island, is excited to welcome home both Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest."