Big news for Texas cruisers: Royal Caribbean just confirmed that Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, is moving to Galveston in August 2027. And yes, this is a very big deal.
The Move Everyone Saw Coming
Let’s be honest – this wasn’t exactly a surprise. Royal Caribbean executives have been dropping hints for months. Back in August, CEO Michael Bayley told a travel agent asking about Icon coming to Galveston: “We’re not going to answer that question. But I can tell you it’s coming, baby.”
And in September, he added: “I wouldn’t be surprised if some big announcement came to Galveston. I’m not saying we’re putting an Icon Class there. But if I was a gambling man…”
Well, the gambling paid off. Royal Caribbean made it official on November 12, and Texas cruise fans are thrilled.
What This Means for Galveston
Icon of the Seas will leave Miami on August 7, 2027, on a repositioning cruise that stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Curaçao, and Aruba before arriving at her new Texas homeport. From there, she’ll sail six- to eight-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean through at least April 2028.
But Icon won’t be sailing alone. Royal Caribbean is going all-in on Galveston with three major ships based there in 2027. Symphony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will both start sailing from Texas in April 2027, making Galveston home to some of Royal Caribbean’s biggest and most popular vessels.
The itineraries are pretty exciting too. Many of Icon’s sailings will visit Royal Caribbean’s new exclusive destinations, including Royal Beach Club Cozumel (opening late 2026) and Perfect Day Mexico in Costa Maya (opening late 2027). Plus, of course, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Why Galveston Makes Sense
Royal Caribbean has been preparing for this for years. Back in 2022, they opened a brand-new $125 million cruise terminal at Pier 10 specifically designed to handle their biggest ships – including Icon-class vessels. Port officials confirmed the terminal could easily accommodate Icon, which is 1,198 feet long and weighs 250,800 gross tons.
The competition noticed too. Carnival invested $53 million to upgrade their terminal for Carnival Jubilee, and MSC just opened a $156 million terminal this month that they’ll share with Norwegian. Galveston is now the fourth-busiest cruise port in the United States, and it’s only getting bigger.
What’s Next
With Icon moving to Galveston, many expect Royal Caribbean’s fourth Icon-class ship (currently under construction and due in summer 2027) to take over Icon’s Miami slot. The timing works perfectly.
For cruisers, the pricing looks pretty attractive too. Some Icon sailings from Galveston in 2027 are currently priced under $1,000 per person for an inside cabin, which is a solid deal for the world’s largest cruise ship.
If you’re interested in sailing Icon from Texas, bookings opened to the general public on November 13. Given the demand we’ve seen for this ship, waiting probably isn’t your best strategy.
Texas cruise fans, your time has finally come. Icon of the Seas is heading your way.
