The Houston Business Journal (HBJ) has honored the Galveston Wharves with a Landmark Award, recognizing the port’s new Cruise Terminal 16 as one of the best real estate projects in greater Houston.
The port transformed a 1960s-era cargo warehouse into a $156 million cruise terminal in just 18 months. Opened in November 2025, Terminal 16 features a 165,000-square-foot terminal building with tropical landscaping, a seven-story parking garage, and two custom-built boarding bridges. The terminal is designed to efficiently move about 17,000 passengers and crew members on a cruise day.
In commenting on Terminal 16, Rees said, “Working with long-time port partners Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Hensel Phelps and Orion Marine Services, the port delivered a beautiful, environmentally sustainable cruise complex on time and on budget.”
The construction team connected two old warehouses, converted warehouse loading bays into huge windows for natural light and used pre-cast concrete for the parking garage.
Economic impact
“Building this fourth terminal allowed us to welcome two of the world’s major international cruise lines – MSC and Norwegian – to Galveston, giving our 46-million-person drive-to market two more great cruise vacation options. It also meets cruise industry needs for future growth and the port’s mission to be a major economic engine for business and jobs growth.”
Rees said that the new terminal adds more than 1,000 jobs and $138 million annually to the local economy and strengthens Galveston’s position as America’s fourth busiest cruise port.
Environmental sustainability
The terminal complex was designed to achieve LEED Silver certification with a range of energy efficient and environmental stewardship designs, including efficient use of energy and water, reduced outdoor lighting, and reuse of 85 percent of existing structures.
