This was a moment as big as Texas.
Royal Caribbean made history this week with the official opening of the world’s first zero-energy cruise terminal. On Nov. 9, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to open Royal Caribbean International’s new $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas.
(Courtesy Royal Caribbean)
The arrival of the state’s largest cruise ship yet, Allure of the Seas, was celebrated with a grand ribbon covering ceremony with notables Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees Chairman Harry Maxwell, State Senator Mayes Middleton, U.S. Congressman Randy Weber, City of Galveston Mayor Craig Brown, Galveston Wharves Port Director Rodger Reese, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, and CERES Terminals CEO Craig Mygatt.
“We are thrilled to take family vacations to a whole new level in Texas. Our new, 161,334-square-foot terminal opens up a world of vacation possibilities for families in the Southwest,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Now our unmatched Oasis Class ships, known as the best family vacations in the industry, can set sail from Galveston. Allure of the Seas is just the beginning, and we thank the Port of Galveston, Ceres and all the teams involved for making this bold vision a reality.”
On the special day guests arrived for the groundbreaking departure on Allure of the Seas to Cozumel, Mexico. The Texas debut of the revolutionary Oasis Class – the world’s largest cruise ships – was something of a fairy tale.
From the moment you set foot in the area you were greeted with warm smiles and staff wanting to help you every step of the way. Even if you were a family with three young children, a group following a young bride to be, or a person needing mobility assistance they were there for you in grand style.
The terminal itself is well-established and a perfect way to start your journey. The layout is full of easy turns and there is no question about where you are going to check-in. Bold colors and bright decor welcome guests with glory. Incredibly organized, the procedure for scanning your app to start your entry way onto the boat could not be better. This was a much-anticipated launch in Texas and it was only smooth sailing.
Wait time is less than a few minutes. In fact, it was probably the quickest travel check-in process in recent memory. Royal Caribbean’s International’s new cruise terminal is a 161,334-square-foot facility and it’s the starting point for the action-packed Oasis Class ship’s 7-night Western Caribbean cruises to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.
A perfect staring point for a memorable vacation, Galveston launches a dream come true for cruise takers getting on board Allure of the Seas. The incredible vessel features seven signature neighborhoods with a lineup of breathtaking suites for accommodations, show-stopping entertainment, dazzling restaurants and more.
From thrills with nine-story-high zip line to two FlowRider surf simulators to pools that allow you to sit back and drink a Pina Colada while taking in the glorious views of the water surrounding you, this is one cruise that can only be described as magical.