Port of Galveston confirmed on August 26, 2026 that it is in negotiations with Royal Caribbean Group over a proposed Cruise Terminal 14, which would become the port's fifth cruise terminal. The facility is designed to handle Icon-class ships and approximately 2 million passenger movements annually. Under the framework, the port would build the pier, berth, and parking while Royal Caribbean would construct the terminal and receive seven-day preferential berthing. On August 25, the Wharves Board voted to defer a non-binding memorandum of understanding that outlined preliminary terms, giving staff feedback for further negotiations.
In a separate but same-day vote, the port locked in a brand-new cruise line. The Port of Galveston welcomed Margaritaville at Sea as its seventh cruise line, with the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees voting unanimously on August 25 to accept an agreement covering weekly sailings from Cruise Terminal 28, with an initial one-year term and options to renew for two additional five-year terms. Margaritaville at Sea will announce the specific ship and itineraries during a special event at the port in September.
Galveston currently ranks as the fourth-busiest cruise port in the United States, forecasting 446 sailings and a record 3.9 million passenger movements in 2026. Margaritaville at Sea would guarantee at least 200,000 passenger movements during the initial term, rising to 210,000 in the first renewal and 220,000 in the second.