Galveston, Royal Caribbean Continue Pier 14 Terminal Talks
The proposed fifth cruise terminal remains uncommitted, with negotiations allowed to continue until January 2027.
The Port of Galveston is negotiating with Royal Caribbean over a proposed fifth cruise terminal at Pier 14. The Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees postponed a vote on an initial project agreement at its August 25, 2026, meeting, according to the port.
Under the proposal, Royal Caribbean would construct the terminal. The port would fill the neighboring slip, build a pier and berth capable of serving Icon-class ships, develop passenger parking and make changes near Cruise Terminal 16.
Neither party has committed to developing the terminal. Negotiations may continue through January 2027, when the agreement is expected to return to the board for consideration. The proposed facility is not expected to open before 2030.
Icon of the Seas is scheduled to begin operating from Galveston in August 2027. Because the Pier 14 terminal would not be ready by then, the ship would initially use Royal Caribbean’s existing terminal at Pier 10.
A traffic study found that a Pier 14 terminal would have minimal effects on surrounding roads. However, the study indicated that motorists could encounter minor delays at 14th Street and Harborside Drive during peak periods.
