by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 9:45 AM ET, Thu August 27, 2026
Royal Caribbean Group is looking to expand its presence in Galveston with a second cruise terminal, as the cruise line and Galveston Wharves negotiate a potential development at Pier 14.
The proposed terminal would give Royal Caribbean Group another facility at the Texas port, which has become an increasingly important cruise gateway for the Gulf Coast and Central U.S.
Galveston Wharves and Royal Caribbean Group are currently negotiating the terms of a development agreement for the project. The final agreement would address the development, financing, construction and operation of the proposed cruise terminal and cruise berth.
At a meeting this week, the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees deferred approving a non-binding memorandum of understanding outlining preliminary terms for the project. The deferral allows port staff and Royal Caribbean Group to continue negotiations before the MOU is brought back to the board.
If the project moves forward, it would mark the latest expansion of Royal Caribbean Group's footprint at the port.
The company already operates a cruise terminal at Galveston's Pier 10, which was developed through a public-private partnership with the port. Completed in 2022 at a cost of $125 million, the complex includes a cruise terminal, pier improvements, parking and roadway infrastructure.
Royal Caribbean Group was the first cruise line to build a new terminal at the port, according to Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and chief executive.
"Royal Caribbean Group has been a great port partner since they first sailed from Galveston 25 years ago," says Rees. "As the first cruise line to build a new terminal at the port, Royal Caribbean partnered with the port to build a terminal that is not only beautiful but also receives great passenger reviews and is environmentally sustainable."
Rees says the port is also looking forward to welcoming Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, one of the company's largest and most prominent ships, to Galveston.
"We’re excited to be included in the company’s expansion plans and will be honored to receive Icon of the Seas, one of the boldest and most exciting cruise ships sailing today," he adds.
A second Royal Caribbean terminal would also expand the economic contribution of Galveston's cruise industry, which already supports thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in regional business activity.
According to the Galveston Wharves, cruise operations currently generate more than 4,547 jobs for Galveston-area residents, along with $733 million in business revenue, $291 million in personal income and $25 million in state and local tax revenue.
An economic impact study commissioned by the port estimates that a fifth cruise terminal at Galveston would generate an additional 1,500 jobs and $91.5 million in personal income.
The study also projects $278 million in direct business revenue and $7.9 million in additional state and local tax revenue.
Galveston currently has four cruise terminals. The proposed Pier 14 facility would become the port's fifth terminal if the project receives final approval and is constructed.
For now, however, the project remains in the negotiation stage. A final development agreement must be completed before the proposed terminal can move forward. Once the terms are finalized, a draft operating agreement will be presented to the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees for approval.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
