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August 26, 2026
Icon Class Ship to Homeport at Pier 14 Terminal
GALVESTON, TX (Aug. 26, 2026) – The Galveston Wharves, a major U.S. cruise home port, is in discussions with Royal Caribbean Group to develop of a new cruise terminal at Pier 14. A final development agreement will include terms for the development, financing, construction and operation of the new cruise terminal and cruise berth. Once finalized, a draft operating agreement will be brought to the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees for approval.
On Aug. 25, the Wharves Board voted to defer a non-binding memorandum of understanding that outlined preliminary terms and gave staff feedback for further negotiations.
Through a similar public/private partnership agreement in 2022, Royal Caribbean Group and the port built a $125 million cruise terminal complex, including a terminal, pier improvements, parking and roadways, at Pier 10.
Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, said, “Royal Caribbean Group has been a great port partner since they first sailed from Galveston 25 years ago. As the first cruise line to build a new terminal at the port, Royal Caribbean partnered with the port to build a terminal that is not only beautiful but also receives great passenger reviews and is environmentally sustainable.
“We’re excited to be included in the company’s expansion plans and will be honored to receive Icon of the Seas, one of the boldest and most exciting cruise ships sailing today,” Rees said.
Regional Economic Impacts
Galveston’s cruise industry is a major economic engine for local and regional businesses. Cruise operations generate more than 4,547 jobs for Galveston area residents, $733 million in business revenues, $291 million in personal income, and $25 million in state and local taxes.
An economic impact study shows that a fifth cruise terminal will significantly boost the regional economy with the following:
About the Port of Galveston
Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Wharves has been a thriving maritime commercial center since 1825. Just 45 minutes from open seas, the 840-acre port has infrastructure and assets to serve growing cruise, cargo and commercial businesses. As the fourth busiest U.S. cruise port, Galveston will welcome almost 2 million cruise passengers in 2026, a new record for the port. As one of the busiest cargo ports in Texas, Galveston also moves about 3 million tons of cargo annually.
