Galveston breaks ground for $125m Royal Caribbean terminal

The terminal is now described as a $125m facility, up from the $100m announced in December 2019 and the more recently stated $110m.

Galveston Port Director/CEO Rodger Rees said the project will bring 800 new jobs, $1.4bn in local business services revenue, $5.6m in state and local taxes and 'incredible business development opportunities.'

Future home to Allure of the Seas

To be completed in fall 2022, the port’s third cruise terminal is being built by Royal Caribbean to homeport Allure of the Seas on weekly cruises.

Currently, Royal Caribbean’s Independence and Liberty of the Seas are the largest cruise ships based at the port.

Significantly enhanced guest experience

Royal Caribbean's Josh Carroll, VP destination development, said the terminal will have a 'stunning, bold architectural design and technological advancements that will significantly enhance the experience for our guests.'

The 161,300-square-foot terminal will cover 10 acres at Pier 10 in the easternmost area of the port on Galveston Island. The port will build and operate a 1,800-space cruise parking lot at the terminal.

The facility, designed by Miami-based Bermello Ajamil & Partners to LEED sustainability standards, will feature technology to enable mobile check-in and facial recognition.

Partner Ceres Terminals

Ceres Terminals, Royal Caribbean's partner in the project, will operate the terminal, providing services including stevedoring, passenger luggage services and provisioning.

According to the port, the construction project will generate an estimated 400 Texas construction jobs and 400 local operations jobs.

Galveston Wharves signed a long-term contract with Royal Caribbean for the new facility in December 2019. The cruise giant will build the terminal, then lease it from the port for an initial 20-year term with four 10-year options.

Royal Caribbean began sailing from Galveston in 2020 with Rhapsody of the Seas.

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