A state-of-the-art terminal is coming to Galveston in time for a (hopeful) return to serious cruising. Royal Caribbean International recently broke ground on a new, $125 million cruise terminal to serve as homeport for its award-winning Oasis Class ship, Allure of the Seas.<\/p>\n
The techy new terminal is set to open by fall 2022, the company notes.<\/p>\n
Those familiar with the cruise line will recognize Allure as one of the brands largest ships. The first of its kind to sail from Galveston, Allure will sail seven-night western Caribbean itineraries starting November 2022, per an announcement.<\/p>\n
Royal Caribbean hopes to lure Allure guests with myriad entertainment options, including a zip line that flies across the ship 10 decks high, a pair of FlowRider surf simulators, dedicated spaces for kids and teens, entertainment across four stages air, ice, water and stage and the open-air AquaTheater.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Houston and Texas cruise travelers concerned about the COVID uptick can take comfort. A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirms to CultureMap that Galveston cruises are still on; four-day western Caribbean itineraries sailing in September 2021 can be found here.<\/p>\n
As for the terminal, the facility will boast mobile check-in and facial recognition features to speed up guests arrival. Extra attention was paid to environmental concerns; the terminal is designed to meet global LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental) health, efficiency, and sustainability standards, a release notes.<\/p>\n
Currently, Galveston, the sole cruise port in Texas, houses Royal Caribbeans Independence and Liberty of the Seas, which are the largest cruise ships homeported in the area.<\/p>\n
This new cruise terminal is a game-changer, said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO at the recent groundbreaking. This much-anticipated project will bring 800 new jobs, $1.4 billion in local business services revenue, $5.6 million in state and local taxes, and incredible business development opportunities.<\/p>\n
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Royal Caribbean announces fall cruises and breaks ground on techy new Galveston terminal - CultureMap Houston<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A state-of-the-art terminal is coming to Galveston in time for a (hopeful) return to serious cruising. Royal Caribbean International recently broke ground on a new, $125 million cruise terminal to serve as homeport for its award-winning Oasis Class ship, Allure of the Seas Continue reading