Royal Caribbean talks continue for fifth Galveston cruise terminal
Port trustees unanimously backed further negotiations as a broad traffic study proceeds.
Royal Caribbean Group remains in negotiations with the Port of Galveston over a proposed fifth cruise terminal at Pier 14, next to Battleship Texas, according to Galveston officials. The Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees voted unanimously to continue the discussions while a mobility study is underway.
Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees said the study includes traffic counts at more than 40 intersections and is expected to be completed in early 2027. If Royal Caribbean proceeds with the partnership, Rees said the terminal could begin operating as early as the first quarter of 2028.
A Port of Galveston economic impact study estimated that a fifth terminal could support about 1,500 jobs, $91.5 million in personal income, $278 million in direct business revenue and $7.9 million in state and local taxes.
The proposal follows the port’s expansion at Piers 16 to 18. Negotiations for that project began with MSC Cruises in 2022 and later expanded to include Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Terminal 16 opened in November 2025 as a $156 million, 165,000-square-foot facility serving both cruise companies.
