Galvestonvacay

03/19/2022

01/10/2020

Sail to Royal Caribbean's private island from Galveston beginning Summer 2020!

12/20/2019

3rd Cruise Terminal Game Changer for Galveston
by Rodger Rees Galveston Wharves Port Director and Chief Executive Officer

By now you’ve probably heard about the $100 million investment that Royal Caribbean will make in Galveston to build a new cruise terminal. This project will stimulate major economic benefits for the port, the city and the community.

The annual impact from this terminal includes:

1,320 new jobs
$60.7 million in personal income
$1.4 billion in local business services revenue
$5.6 million in state and local taxes
This new business will also generate millions of dollars in direct revenue for the port and the city of Galveston.

It’s a gamechanger for the port and the city, but Galveston residents and businesses may ask “How does it benefit me?”

A MAJOR REVENUE GENERATOR

First, the new terminal will generate millions of dollars in ground rent and other revenues for the port, which we’ll reinvest in infrastructure and capital improvements as outlined in our Strategic Master Plan. These investments will grow our port business, create more good-paying jobs and stimulate the local economy.

Second, the city will receive new, unrestricted revenue that would give the city the opportunity to lower property taxes, a move that all property owners would support.

The port will pay the city at least $300,000 a year. Based on passenger volume, we expect this amount to increase if annual passenger numbers at the new terminal grow beyond 600,000.

In addition, we estimate that port-operated cruise parking sales tax revenue paid to the city will grow from $600,000 a year to more than $1 million. This doesn’t include sales tax that the city receives from privately operated cruise parking businesses.

Third, local stores, restaurants, hotels, attractions and services businesses will benefit as more cruise passengers and crew members buy goods and services in Galveston. This will generate more jobs, sales and hotel tax revenues and business growth.

WHAT ABOUT TRAFFIC?

We plan to divert cruise passenger traffic to a new east end interior roadway to minimize traffic congestion on Harborside Drive. We’re conducting a $177,000 traffic study now to develop the details.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Royal Caribbean and Galveston Wharves share common values around environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Royal Caribbean will put those values into practice by building a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified terminal. LEED is a globally recognized set of green building standards. To receive LEED certification, the terminal must meet certain environmental sustainability criteria, such as waste reduction and efficient use of energy and water.

AND IF YOU LIKE TO CRUISE …

Royal Caribbean will bring its newest, largest and most innovative ships to the new terminal, beginning with the Allure of the Seas, the largest cruise ship to ever to set sail from Galveston. Cruise passengers will travel from around the U.S. to cruise the Caribbean on these luxurious ships. But it will be just a short drive to the terminal for those of us who live in Galveston County.

Rodger Rees is Port Director and Chief Executive Officer for the Galveston Wharves.

12/13/2019

12/13/2019

11/20/2019

Willie Nelson is in the HOUSE - The Grand 1894 Opera House that is! 😁

11/05/2019

There's plenty to see and do in these cruise-port destinations visited by millions a year.

11/02/2019

Moments like these are what make Galveston Island one of the best places in the world. 🖤

10/30/2019

Beginning Thursday, October 31st, the Galveston Trolley will offer a special event route designed for the Lone Star Rally to connect event-goers from downtown activities to the Seawall. The trolley will operate its regular fixed routes from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., though riders should anticipate some delays with the increased traffic on the island. (See map below for route details) The cost is $1 per rider. For more information, please visit www.galvestontrolley.com.

Also, there will be trolley service running along 25th Street. The pickup and drop-off points are at 25th and Postoffice and 25th and Seawall. The trolley bus will be free and will run every 30 to 40 minutes. Lone Star Rally encourages “Don’t Drink & Ride.”

For more information about Lone Star Rally 2019, please visit www.galvestontx.gov/lsr2019

10/28/2019

Get from Downtown to the Seawall and back with ease thanks to our title sponsor Progressive - FREE Trolley service will run 1p-11p Th, Fri & Sat along 25th Street from Mechanic to Seawall.

10/28/2019

It’s Rally Time! LIVE MUSIC Budweiser Stage Saengerfest Park, 2300 Strand Blvd., Downtown Thursday, October 31st 2pm: The Merle Travis Band 4pm: Zach Tate 6pm: ZZ3 8pm: Piedmont Boys 10pm: Bobby FrissFriday, November 1st 2pm: Zach Tate 4pm: The Merle Travis Band 6pm: Stone Senate 8pm: Miss Intent ...

10/27/2019

October in Galveston 🌞

10/24/2019

If you've never been out on one of the rock groins along our coast, we highly recommend it! Bring a chair and enjoy the sounds of the sea - it's a great way to unwind!

10/24/2019

The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. Our nationally recognized programs bring awareness to Texas' architectural, archeological, and cultural landmarks.

10/23/2019

Blue skies with mid-70 temps - doesn't get much better than that! What do y'all think?

10/22/2019