Construction of Port of Galveston’s 3rd cruise terminal progresses at Pier 10.
The 68-ft/ 21-m-tall terminal building front is to be faced with colorful blue panels, vertical accent windows, and the RCI-Royal Caribbean's anchor logo, according to Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves Port Director & CEO.
Mr. Rees added that the landmark project was a game-changer for their port and regional economy. It was "creating 400 construction jobs, 400 permanent operations jobs, $1.4 billion in local business services revenue, $5.6 million in state and local taxes, and incredible business development opportunities."
Construction started in 2021 August and is currently scheduled for completion in 2022 November.
"We’re just 8 months away from celebrating the terminal’s opening and the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ship, Allure of the Seas, from its new island home.”
The US$125 million project is a collaboration between RCI, Ceres Terminal Holdings LLC, and Galveston Wharves. RCI is building the 161300-ft2/14985-m2 facility on 10 acres/4 hectares in the port's easternmost area.
RCI unveiled interior renderings showing the soaring, sun-lit space in vibrant, tropical colors.
Galveston's newest cruise terminal will boast state-of-the-art technology, such as mobile check-in & facial recognition for expedited boarding/disembarking. In line with the Port's Green Marine initiative, RCI designed the terminal to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards.
The Port is investing ~US$20 million in associated infrastructure improvements, such as an interior roadway, utilities, landscaping, cruise parking. The 1550-lots car parking is expected to be a new revenue source for the port.
US$4,5 million have been budgeted "to replace an 80-year-old pile-supported wharf and make concrete repairs on Pier 10, the wharf being repurposed for the new cruise terminal."
"The port and Royal Caribbean are sharing the anticipated $15 million cost for pier improvements, including berthing and mooring structures to accommodate one of the world’s largest cruise ships.”