By
Alex Smith |
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) is to construct a new US$100 million cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston in Texas, US and lease it from the port for an initial term of 20 years. The agreement also offers the possibility of four 10-year options.
The new terminal will cover around 170,000 square feet of land in the southeast section of the port known as Pier 10. It will feature technology that enables mobile check-in and facial recognition to ensure expedited arrival for guests. The facility will be constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building standards and is expected to be complete by autumn 2021.
The Port of Galveston will be responsible for making improvements to the pier bulkhead and apron to allow safe accommodation of the cruise company’s biggest ships. In addition, it will construct a staging and loading area, bus and taxi areas, and substantial parking. The port will also manage maintenance and parking.
“This is history in the making. This partnership will bring both larger class ships, as well as more visitors to the City of Galveston and the region,” said Rodger Rees, director and CEO of the Port of Galveston. “This long-term lease agreement represents Royal Caribbean’s confidence in the Port of Galveston’s efficient cruise operations and the ability to attract passengers on its current and future sailings.”
Two of RCL’s ships, Enchantment of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas (from the Royal Caribbean International brand), are currently homeporting in Galveston. Once the cruise terminal is completed, it will welcome Allure of the Seas following her US$165 million upgrade as part of the ‘Royal Amplified’ programme.
“We are excited to partner with the Port of Galveston to develop a world-class facility which will allow us to sail our newest, largest and most innovative ships from Texas,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “The new terminal will allow us to bring over a million guests to the region driving a significant economic impact in the years to come.”