Allure of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships, to set sail from Galveston

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and the Port of Galveston, the fourth most active cruise port in North America, have signed a long-term contract for a new $100 million cruise terminal slated to debut in fall 2021. >>>Take a look inside the vessel. less Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and the Port of Galveston, the fourth most active cruise port in North America, have signed a long-term contract for a new $100 million cruise terminal slated to debut in fall 2021. ... more Photo: RC LTD Photo: RC LTD Image 1 of / 48 Caption Close Allure of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships, to set sail from Galveston 1 / 48 Back to Gallery

Galveston is readying to welcome one of the largest cruise ships in the world: Royal Caribbean's "Allure of the Seas."

The 5,484-passenger, 225,282-ton vessel is — more specifically — the fourth biggest ship on record (Royal Caribbean's "Symphony of the Seas" claims the top spot). It first set sail in 2010 and is currently undergoing a $165 million renovation — or “amplification” as the cruise line calls it.

At 18 decks high and 1,187 feet long, the Allure will offer more restaurants and bars, as well as the "Ultimate Abyss," a water slide with a dramatic 10-story plunge.

It's slated to set sail with 7-night itineraries starting in November 2021, when Galveston's new cruise ship terminal is complete.

In mid-December, Royal Caribbean Cruises signed a long-term contract with the Port of Galveston for a new $100 million terminal, which is anticipated to be a boon for the island. It's expected to generate new jobs and attract more tourists to Galveston.

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Royal Caribbean will build the terminal, then lease it from the port for 20 years, with four decade-long extension options. The 170,000-square-foot terminal will stretch out over 10 acres of land on the eastern side of the port. The company is expected to break ground on the project in April 2020 and debut in fall 2021.

Royal Caribbean president Michael Bayley said this would be a "historic moment, not only for the port but for Galveston," adding that the "world-class facility" will accommodate the Allure of the Seas and other ships of its caliber.

“We are excited to partner with the Port of Galveston... which will allow us to sail our newest, largest and most innovative ships from Texas starting with Allure of the Seas, one of the largest ships in the world,” Bayley said in a prepared statement. “The new terminal will allow us to increase our guests to the region by 50% generating a $100 million economic impact within the first year of operation.”

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