The Port of Galveston announced on December 5 that it signed an MOU with Royal Caribbean Cruises for the development and operation of a new cruise terminal. The new facility is expected to start operations in fall 2021.
Namely, the long-term lease negotiations could lead to a 60-year transaction: a 20-year initial term and four 10-year options.
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What’s more, information about the cost and design haven’t been announced yet. However, details concerning the terminal were published and focused on the terminal’s coverage which will be about 200,000 square feet on ten acres of land in the southeast section of the Port known as Pier 10.
Also, some improvements to the pier bulkhead and apron will be made to safely accommodate the cruise line’s largest vessels. In addition, a staging and loading area, bus and taxi staging areas and substantial parking will be constructed.
According to Rodger Rees, Port Director,CEO, this collaboration will attract larger class ships and more visitors to the City of Galveston.
Finally, Royal Caribbean currently has two ships that sail out of Galveston, Liberty of the Seas, the largest cruise ship to sail from the State of Texas and Vision of the Seas. The Port expects the new cruise terminal to generate an additional 1.0 million passengers halfway through the term of the contract.