The Wall Street Journal recently "discovered" that Galveston, Texas, is a central cruise hub, treating the news like a shocking revelation. Texans, however, are rolling their eyes—Galveston has been a top cruise destination for years.
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Texans are accustomed to the media from the East and West Coasts portraying their state as if it belongs in a Western film. Still, the most recent instance of disconnected reporting originates from The Wall Street Journal.
In an article published Tuesday, the WSJ conveyed surprise that Galveston ranks among the busiest cruise hubs in the nation. The headline—"Your next tropical vacation may begin in…Galveston?"—exudes an air of astonishment and doubt, suggesting that the idea of departing from Texas for a getaway seems almost implausible.
The article's opening line leaves something to be desired: "The cruise-ship industry is embracing a destination that might surprise you: Galveston, Texas."
Naturally, Texans are not taken aback. Galveston has long been a popular destination for cruises, highlighted by Royal Caribbean's inauguration of a third passenger terminal in 2019. The city has become the fourth-busiest cruise port in the U.S., with an anticipated 1.7 million passengers to be handled this year.
Although the WSJ characterizes Galveston as "not synonymous with luxury travel," Texans know the island has historically served as a vibrant gateway to the Caribbean. The national media may be on the same page. However, today is not that day.
