After nearly 10 years of cultivating cruising from Texas, the Port of Galveston is pleased to announce that Carnival Cruise Lines has decided to homeport  their newest ship, the 3,960 passenger Carnival Magic and reposition the Carnival Triumph to Galveston.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the Carnival Magic will operate seven-day Caribbean cruise from Galveston beginning Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the largest cruise ship based at the Port year-round.

Carnival Triumph will reposition from New Orleans to Galveston and operate year-round four and five day Caribbean cruises beginning Oct. 6, 2011, becoming the newest and largest ship to offer a short cruise itinerary from Galveston.

Home porting both ships represents the largest-ever capacity commitment by a cruise line to Texas. These deployments are expected to carry more than 450,000 passengers annually from Galveston.

“To be selected as homeport for this new “Dream Class” ship and the repositioning of the Carnival Triumph clearly speaks to the relationship the Port of Galveston has developed with Carnival Cruise Lines and demonstrates strong confidence in the Texas travel market,” said Steven M Cernak, Port of Galveston Port Director.

“Deploying the new Carnival Magic to Galveston and increasing capacity on our popular short cruise program with the Carnival triumph is a clear indication of the tremendous appeal and growth of this key homeport, which consistently earns high marks from our guests,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

The Port of Galveston is Texas’ gateway for cruise sailings and international trade. Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay, the Port leases and maintains facilities situated on the north side of Galveston Island and on adjacent Pelican Island. The Galveston Island operations are a diversified mix of traditional and non- traditional cargo operations including roll on-roll-off cargo, dry bulk, export grain, refrigerated fruit, general cargo, and project cargo. In addition, the Port handling over 600,000 cruise passengers 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 served by both major western railroad operators and contributes significant economic impact and job creation to the region.