Galveston: $11M upgrades Cruise Terminal No. 2

GALVESTON – The Port of Galveston’s governing board awarded a contract worth about $11 million to Webber LLC for the expansion of Cruise Terminal No. 2 to accommodate more and larger passenger vessels planning to sail from the island.

Plans call for expanding the 90,000-sf terminal by 60,000 sf on two stories — 30,000 sf on each floor. The expansion would accommodate ships carrying more than 4,000 passengers and allow for seating for at least 2,000 people.

As it stands, the terminal can accommodate seating for only about 700 people.

Plans also include expanding areas for passenger screening, baggage handling and customs enforcement. It also would ease long lines that force passengers to wait outside in the heat or inclement weather, Port Director Michael Mierzwa said.

In January, the wharves board approved a five-year agreement with Royal Caribbean Cruises that would mean more island sailings this year and next.

Royal Caribbean also promised to bring a larger vessel to Galveston if the port improved Cruise Terminal No. 2 to accommodate more passengers.

Also this year, Carnival Cruise Lines announced it would bring a third ship to Galveston if the terminal was improved and expanded. Carnival’s announcement marked the first time a cruise line had decided to deploy three ships in Texas.

Webber is expected to begin work by late October or early November and should be done before the summer cruising season, Mierzwa said.