Royal Caribbean Group's US$125 million cruise ship terminal in Galveston TX, which is opening on November 9, is expected to become the first cruise ship terminal to generate 100% of its needed energy via on-site solar panels.
This makes the terminal, which will be used by the company's RCI-Royal Caribbean brand, the world's first LEED Zero Energy facility. The LEED Gold is an industry-leading certification expected to be received within the first 2 quarters of 2023.
In developing the new cruise terminal, RCG approached design strategies that aligned with the company's holistic environmental goals, its focus to advance the development of sustainable infrastructure, and its decarbonization strategy called Destination Net Zero, including improved sustainability in construction, renewable energy and carbon reduction, regional and global environmental benefits, community connectivity.
The 161334-ft2 Galveston terminal significantly expands the brand's presence in the port, increasing Royal Caribbean's ability to accommodate up to 630000 passengers annually.
When completed, the facility will welcome the largest passenger ship to ever come to Galveston - Allure OTS.
Construction of the building (on Pier 10) started in August 2021. The front design of the 68-ft-tall building includes vertical windows, colorful blue panels, and the Royal Caribbean logo. The sunny spot will be decked out in vibrant, tropical colours as a sneak peeks of what is to come on the Galveston voyage.
When finished, the terminal building will become one of the most technologically advanced cruise embarkation/disembarkation facilities in the United States. Mobile check-in and facial recognition to allow passengers to board as quickly and easily as possible are among the features that will enhance the guest experience.
Galveston port is investing ~US$20 million in improvements associated with the terminal, including an inland road, landscaping, cruise ship parking, and utilities. Parking at the terminal with a total of 1,550 spaces will serve as a new income source for the port.
In addition to the Oasis-class Allure of the Seas (among the world's current top 5 largest passenger ships), the new terminal will also be home to RCI's liners Adventure of the Seas (from November 2022) and Radiance of the Seas (from January 2023). All the 3 boats will operate Western Caribbean itineraries with lengths from 4 to 10 nights.