A white elephant turned green last week. The much-maligned, little-used cruise port terminal in Houston is going to get busy. More importantly, it's going to get cruise ships that will make it busy.
For three years, the state-of-the-art terminal has been empty. When something costs more than a $100 million and it's empty, this is not good business. Nor is it good for the public coffers that paid for it. Why this has suddenly happened with not just one but two cruise lines is a mystery…did Houston sweeten the pot for them?
The first cruise line to sail under the new arrangement will be Princess. The inaugural sailing from the Bayport Terminal in nearby Pasadena will take place in 2013…the Caribbean Princess on November 5. This first "cruise for a cause" by Princess, a fund-raiser for veterans, was originally reported to be departing from Galveston. Instead, it will be the first of 27 Princess 
departures from Houston in the 2013-14 season.
Then Norwegian steps up to the plate.
Beginning late in 2014, Norwegian is committed to 75 departures over three years. The cruise line also has an option to extend the agreement for two years beyond the contract.
Coincidentally or not, the port celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2014.
According to Norwegian, the 96,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility "combines visual appeal, passenger convenience, accessibility and innovative security systems. Passenger access from parking and drop-off areas is immediately adjacent to the front of the terminal. Covered walkways connect the building to bus and private passenger drop-offs and taxi stands. Once inside the terminal, passengers’ first-class experience continues in the expansive area. The cruise terminal’s proximity to fine restaurants and hotels make it an ideal point of disembarkation."
The ship based from Houston will be the Jewel, the first Norwegian ship based there since the Norwegian Dream in 2007. The Jewel will sail 7-day trips to the Western Caribbean.
The financial facts being reported included the creation of 100 new jobs, economic benefits of $50 million and state and local taxes of $941,000.
Considering this is a $108.5 million nut, it's a good start.
Meanwhile, down the freeway, the cruise honeymoon is over. Galveston has company again.
Sapphire Princess
7 nights
January 12, 2013
Los Angeles (return): Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada
Inside: $599
Cost per day: $85
www.princesscruises.com