Key Aspects:

• USS Texas will be permanently berthed at Pier 15 at Port of Galveston beginning in 2026.
• Pier 15 is between the Royal Caribbean and (upcoming) MSC Cruises terminals.
• A museum, onboard exhibits, and tours will be part of the historic battleship’s new home.

Cruise guests setting sail from Port of Galveston will have a unique and amazing opportunity beginning in 2026 to see and experience a new ship at the port, even if they won’t be able to sail on her.

Galveston Wharves and the Battleship Texas Foundation have reached an agreement for the permanent berthing of USS Texas, the only BB-35 ship of her kind remaining and an important piece of maritime history.

The battleship, which was commissioned in 1914, will be berthed at Pier 15 as her new home once restoration work is complete and she can properly display her long history in all her glory.

“As restoration work continues across the channel, we look forward to relocating her next year and continuing our mission to create a world-class historic destination,” confirmed the Battleship Texas Foundation Group.

“The Battleship Texas … is a powerful symbol of our nation’s history and permanently berthing her to Galveston is a true honor.”

Pier 15 is between the new Royal Caribbean cruise terminal, which opened in late 2022 and the new Cruise Terminal 4 that is currently under construction for MSC Cruises and planned to open in November 2025.

This gives guests aboard both Royal Caribbean ships as well as MSC Cruises ships the unique opportunity to be berthed within feet of astonishing naval history.

USS Texas is the only remaining American battleship to have served in both World War I and World War II. She participated in the Battle of Normandy, was the first US battleship with anti-aircraft guns, and provided support during the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

The battleship is currently undergoing significant restoration just across the channel (literally 4,000 feet away) at the Gulf Copper Shipyard facility, where she has been located for repairs since August 31, 2022.

The agreement to confirm a permanent home for the retired naval vessel has been ongoing, though negotiations broke down in October 2024. The impact hurricanes could have on an aged ship that cannot be evacuated from the coastal port was a significant part of the concern.

Now, however, the protective system to safeguard the vessel will be re-engineered for her new location and the potential for stronger storms. Previously, USS Texas was moored at the San Jacinto Battleground, 35 miles northwest of what will become her new location at Port of Galveston.

Further work that needs to be completed before the battleship can once again receive visitors includes dredging at her upcoming location, superstructure repairs, deck replacement, repainting, and the installation of interior exhibits.

Can Cruise Guests Visit the Battleship?

Part of the reasoning for moving USS Texas is that her visitor numbers were dwindling at her previous location. It is expected, however, that she may attract twice as many (or more!) guests when she has been restored and reopened.

Cruise guests will likely be a significant part of that number as it will be very convenient to visit the historic ship before or after a sailing. In addition to the ship herself, there will also be a museum featuring educational programming, exhibits, and artifacts showcasing the ship’s more than 30 years of active service.

What a great way to spend a couple of hours waiting for one’s terminal arrival appointment or before heading on for post-cruise travel!

Read Also: Galveston Cruise Port – Essential Guide for Your Cruise

In addition to Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, other cruise lines that homeport from Galveston include Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises.

No firm date has yet been decided for USS Texas‘ grand reopening. Any weather-related delays, the extent of the restoration work, and additional funding challenges may yet delay the ship’s debut at her new home.

Cruise Guests to Get Front-Row View of Historic Battleship at Galveston