Travel
NEW ROYAL CARIBBEAN TERMINAL OPENS, WELCOMING LARGEST CRUISE SHIP AND THE BEST FAMILY VACATIONS IN TEXAS
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the biggest, boldest adventure has arrived. Today, Royal Caribbean International’s new $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, opened its doors and welcomed the Lone Star State’s largest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas.
Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Daily News Staff
The $125 Million Terminal in Galveston, Texas, is Home to the State’s First Oasis Class Ship, Allure of the Seas
GALVESTON, Texas /PRNewswire/ — Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the biggest, boldest adventure has arrived. Today, Royal Caribbean International’s new $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, opened its doors and welcomed the Lone Star State’s largest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas. The cruise line held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Port of Galveston to mark the state-of-the-art facility’s opening and the Texas debut of its revolutionary Oasis Class.
Royal Caribbean executives, government and port officials and partners celebrated the milestone achievement, including U.S. representative Randy Weber, Federal Commissioner Louis Sola, Mayor Craig Brown, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley and Port Director Rodger Rees. The city of Galveston also marked the day with a proclamation, recognizing the cruise line’s commitment to the city and the successful partnership started more than 20 years ago when Royal Caribbean first set sail from Galveston. With the introduction of the Oasis Class, the world’s largest cruise ships, it’s estimated the new terminal will welcome as many as 630,000 vacationers each year.
“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.”
Allure of the Seas at sea. 
Allure of the Seas’ AquaTheater located in the ship’s Boardwalk neighborhood. 
The next big, bold family vacation in Texas kicked off with the opening of Royal Caribbean International’s new $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston and the arrival of the state’s largest cruise ship yet, Allure of the Seas. The 161,334-square-foot facility will be the world’s first zero-energy cruise terminal, 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. 
On Wednesday, Nov. 9, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to open Royal Caribbean International’s new $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, and the arrival of the state’s largest cruise ship yet, Allure of the Seas. From left to right: 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.
Royal Caribbean’s Galveston facility is as bold in its sustainable design as the bold adventures that vacationers have in store. The terminal will break even more new ground as the first LEED Zero Energy facility in the world, generating 100% of the energy it needs through onsite solar panels. From the start, the design strategies used to develop the terminal were aligned with parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s wholistic environmental goals, its focus to advance the development of sustainable infrastructure as well as its decarbonization strategy – Destination Net Zero.
“This new cruise terminal is a gamechanger for the port and the region,” said Rodger Rees, Port Director, Port of Galveston. “This $125 million investment, in collaboration with Royal Caribbean, the port and Ceres, is expected to 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. And, of course, Allure of the Seas means more cruising adventures for our Texas cruise guests.”
Welcoming vacationers in the terminal as they make their way to Allure is a new, dynamic art sculpture named the Galveston Beach Trio by Texas-based artists Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin of Brad Oldham Sculpture. The cruise line selected the husband-and-wife team for their one-of-a-kind concept that’s inspired by Galveston’s rich musical heritage, which includes the likes of Galveston-native and Grammy Award-winning, bass-baritone singer and songwriter Barry White. As the embodiment of the city’s island time spirit, the stainless steel and lost-wax bronze sculpture is the perfect backdrop for the start of vacationers’ getaways.
Allure will set sail from the new homeport on its first cruise on Sunday, Nov. 13. The Oasis Class ship has in store a lineup of thrills, ways to chill, restaurants, nightlife, entertainment and more across seven signature neighborhoods, including the open-air Central Park with thousands of real plants and the Boardwalk neighborhood filled with ways to play and the one-of-a-kind AquaTheater entertainment venue that comes alive with high divers, acrobats, aerialists and more. From a nine-story-high zip line and two FlowRider surf simulators to rock climbing, ice skating, and original productions that span four stages – air, ice, water and theater – there’s adventure from end to end.
When it comes to refueling in between the action, the 30-plus restaurants, bars and lounges on board serve up a range of flavors like family-style Italian classics at Giovanni’s Table, American steakhouse favorites at Chops Grille and fresh sushi and sizzling hibachi at Izumi. New concepts and dishes are coming to Allure as well, including Wipeout Cafe featuring El Loco Fresh. Fitting for the ship’s new home in Texas, the venue will serve up El Loco Fresh’s popular, grab-and-go Mexican delights like made-to-order quesadillas, tacos, nachos and more. Plus, joining the staples guests know and love at Giovanni’s Table will be menu items such as crispy calamari, eggplant parmigiana and caprese salad.
Every member of the family can make memories together and on their own adventures any day of the week on Allure.
Vacationers can enjoy all that Allure has to offer on the new 7-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston and visit sun-soaked destinations, such as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras, for the winter 2022-2023 season.
About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International, owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel that features the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 19 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.
Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.
SOURCE Royal Caribbean International
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Cruise travel is having more than a moment. It’s having a decade.
(Tiffany Miller) The cruise industry is not waiting for travelers to come around. By most measures, they already have. A projected 21.7 million Americans are expected to cruise in 2026, a record high and a 4.5 percent increase over last year, according to AAA.
“Cruising has come a long way since The Love Boat,” said writer and travel expert Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, aka JetSetSarah. “Pull up to the port, unpack once and have the world come to you.”
This April, more than 11,500 attendees and 650 exhibitors gathered at Seatrade Cruise Global to map out what comes next.
Dining as the main event
Food has always been part of the cruise experience. The question the industry is now asking is what happens when it becomes the point.
Cruise lines are placing greater emphasis on the dining experience, with destination-inspired menus, port-specific drinks and more immersive, multi-course experiences.
Royal Caribbean introduced the Empire Supper Club this year, pairing multi-course menus with craft cocktails and live music into a single evening.
Expedition cruising finds a new audience
Expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing types of cruising, and major cruise lines are moving into it.
These itineraries go where other ships do not. Travelers kayak among glaciers, contribute to citizen science programmes and spend time in the field with naturalists and researchers, with programming built around science and conservation rather than port stops.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has operated in this space for decades, with programs including the Visiting Scientist Program, the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund and the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship.
Wellness expands across the ship
Wellness is no longer a spa deck. It is becoming a reason to book.
A few years ago, a thermal suite was a selling point. Now it is closer to a baseline expectation. Meditation spaces, sleep-focused staterooms and recovery lounges are following the same trajectory. A dedicated wellness pavilion debuted at this year’s show, a signal that the category has grown large enough to need its own floor space.
Cunard’s Wellness at Sea program runs across multiple days. Its three tracks (Relax, Energise and Recover) each combine fitness, spa and mindfulness elements. Shore excursions and destination-specific spa offerings carry the experience beyond the ship.
Ships as cultural hubs
Entertainment on cruise ships used to mean a stage show. Cruise lines are now producing content that doesn’t exist anywhere else.
Holland America Line partnered with The Verdon Fosse Legacy to debut “Fosse and Verdon, The Duet That Changed Broadway,” a live musical and multimedia tribute to the work of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. The production marks the first international staging of their work at sea.
Onboard retail is moving in the same direction. More cruise lines are curating locally sourced goods and destination-specific products at port, the kind passengers could only find by actually being there.
The bigger picture
The passenger numbers tell one part of the story. What cruise lines are building inside that growth tells another.
“Today’s ships offer amenities that are at least as good as, and often more comprehensive than, those in resorts and hotels,” Greaves-Gabbadon said. “A cruise can be equally enjoyable for solos, families, honeymooners, groups and adventurers, and that versatility is a large part of their appeal.”
What the show floor made clear is that the industry is not waiting to be discovered. It is building toward the traveler it wants next.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/
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Travel
Navigating Travel Plans: When Travel Advisors Can Take You Further Than AI
Travel Advisors: From comparing prices to dreaming up bucket-list destinations, artificial intelligence has become a starting point for millions of travelers who are turning to tech for early-stage planning. However, travelers consistently emphasize the importance of having accessible expert support during the process.
Navigating Travel Plans: When Travel Advisors Can Take You Further Than AI
(Feature Impact) From comparing prices to dreaming up bucket-list destinations, artificial intelligence has become a starting point for millions of travelers who are turning to tech for early-stage planning.
However, travelers consistently emphasize the importance of having accessible expert support during the process. In fact, 96% of U.S. travelers said having access to a human for support is important when booking a vacation, according to a new survey commissioned by ALG Vacations, a leading provider of vacation packages to top global destinations, including 48% who said it’s “extremely” important.
Though 24% of survey respondents said the main way they use AI is for comparing prices or finding travel deals, 63% of Americans said they trust a travel advisor as much as or more than AI tools when planning a vacation, underscoring that AI alone is not enough for most U.S. travelers. Going beyond the planning phase, 77% of survey respondents said that even if they use AI for travel planning, they’re still likely to rely on a human to make final decisions, especially for booking, payment or resolving issues.
In honor of Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, consider these ways travelers can take advantage of the expertise of an advisor to get the most out of every trip.
Navigating Travel Uncertainty
Today’s travel landscape can feel unpredictable, from shifting policies to headlines that make things feel bigger or closer than they actually are, but that doesn’t mean travelers should avoid taking the trip; it just means they should plan smarter. Because 42% of travelers fear important details could be missed if relying entirely on AI to plan a trip, that’s where a travel advisor comes in to help separate what’s real from what’s just noise. This expertise allows for smarter, more confident decisions, and aids in choosing destinations that align with travelers’ current comfort levels.
Unlocking Added Value
Planning thoughtfully doesn’t mean spending more, it means getting more for the amount spent. Travel advisors often have access to exclusive perks and upgrades not directly available to consumers or pulled in by AI prompts, providing added value that goes beyond the cost of the vacation. In addition to added amenities, advisors’ insider recommendations can help match those perks to travelers’ preferences.
In fact, for vacations booked during the month of May, travelers can take advantage of The Great Getaway Savings Event from ALG Vacations, which features up to $950 in savings through a combination of instant savings, promo codes, air credits and group offers on trips to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, the continental United States, Europe, Central America, Dominican Republic and the South Pacific.
Providing Protection and Peace of Mind
Modern travelers want options, and the ability to adjust plans, add protection or pivot when needed has become a top priority. A travel advisor can assist with adding that flexibility through travel protection that provides extra peace of mind – whether that means rebooking or changing plans if something comes up. At the end of the day, it’s about helping travelers feel prepared so they can relax and truly enjoy their vacations.
Stepping in When Things Go Awry
When trips become complex, multi-destination or disrupted by delays or cancellations, travelers are more likely to want a real person involved. In fact, 39% of survey respondents worry there will be no support if something goes wrong. If a flight is canceled or a resort overbooks, travelers aren’t stuck refreshing an app; they have an expert there every step of the way – before, during and after the trip – listening to them, learning about their preferences, advocating for them and providing guidance based on first-hand experience throughout the process.
For a one-stop-shop to help bring every stage of travel planning seamlessly together, visitTravelAdvisorsGetYouThere.com to find a travel advisor near you who can provide additional assistance with planning, booking and more.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
cruise
Top Trends for Swoon-Worthy Cruise Vacations
Swoon-Worthy Cruise Vacations: From immersive dining to wellness at sea and elevated entertainment, cruise vacations are becoming some of the most experience-rich trips travelers can take. To take advantage of the evolution of the industry when planning your next vacation at sea, consider these emerging trends.
Top Trends for Swoon-Worthy Cruise Vacations
(Feature Impact) From immersive dining to wellness at sea and elevated entertainment, cruise vacations are becoming some of the most experience-rich trips travelers can take.
“Our industry has long been known for innovation, but what’s most compelling now is how that scale is being leveraged to invest in more immersive entertainment, wellness experiences and purpose-driven exploration at destinations around the world,” said Chiara Giorgi, global event and brand director for Seatrade Cruise Global, the largest and longest-running annual event of its kind serving every sector of the international cruise industry, including cruise lines, suppliers, travel agents and partners.
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To take advantage of the evolution of the industry when planning your next vacation at sea, consider these emerging trends identified at the conference.
The Rise of Floating Wellness Retreats
Once upon a time, wellness meant spas, saunas and massages. Wellness in 2026 is much more luxurious and is deeply embedded into the cruise experience. For example, Cunard’s “Wellness at Sea” voyages integrate expert-led fitness, nutrition, mindfulness and recovery programming, turning wellness into a structured, goal-driven experience and elevating wellness as a core pillar of the onboard experience. Additional cruise lines, including Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises, are also helping raise the bar on floating wellness. Think thermal suites, meditation spaces and sleep-focused programming, along with wellness excursions and destination-inspired spa rituals that extend the experience to the shore.
Dining Becomes the Experience
Dining has long been a key component of many cruises, but now, food and drink are evolving from a cruise staple to a central form of entertainment and cultural discovery. Cruise lines are investing in immersive dining environments, destination-inspired menus and beverage programs that connect guests more directly with the places they visit.
From location-specific cuisine to interactive dining concepts and destination-driven cocktail programs, F&B@Sea, Seatrade Cruise Global’s companion show, found culinary experiences are increasingly designed to be memorable punctuation points of the journey itself. Across the industry, cruise lines are investing heavily in culinary programs that blur the line between dining and entertainment. Tapping into the supper club trend, Royal Caribbean introduced the Empire Supper Club to turn dinner into a night out at sea, combining multi-course menus, craft cocktails and live music for a full evening experience.
Exploring Expeditions with Purpose
Expedition travel is having more than a moment. It continues to grow as travelers seek deeper engagement with the natural world. Leading the shift toward purpose-driven explorations, operators such as National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, long recognized for pioneering modern expedition travel, helped define this category through a model rooted in education, conservation and hands-on exploration. Built on the belief that exploring the world can inspire people to care more deeply for it, expert-led expeditions, such as kayaking among glaciers, participating in citizen science programs studying seabirds and learning directly from naturalists and scientists, place a strong emphasis on stewardship and real-world learning.
Ships as Cultural Hubs
Entertainment at sea is expanding beyond traditional stage shows to include immersive productions, music residencies and partnerships with leading performing arts brands. For example, Holland America Line joined forces with The Verdon Fosse Legacy to debut “Fosse and Verdon, The Duet That Changed Broadway,” a live musical and multimedia tribute celebrating the revolutionary work of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon by bringing it to an international stage at sea for the first time.
As cruises continue to expand their global footprint, the Seatrade Cruise Global event positions itself not simply as a trade gathering, but as the central forum where trends are explored and defined. To learn more, visit seatradecruiseevents.com.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
