A historic piece of American naval pride is coming to Galveston—and you don’t even need to be on a cruise to see it. Starting in 2026, cruise passengers and tourists alike will get the rare chance to experience the legendary USS Texas, a century-old battleship with a proud past, docked right at the heart of Galveston’s cruise port.
A Grand Arrival: USS Texas Comes to Galveston
The Galveston Wharves and the Battleship Texas Foundation have officially confirmed that USS Texas will be permanently berthed at Pier 15 in Galveston once her restoration is complete.
This new location will place the battleship between Royal Caribbean’s cruise terminal and the under-construction Cruise Terminal 4, which is expected to host MSC Cruises starting November 2025.
For travelers and cruise passengers, this means they’ll be just a few steps away from a living piece of naval history before or after their journey at sea.
A Storied Legacy of Service
USS Texas, also known as BB-35, was first commissioned in 1914. She holds the honor of being the only remaining battleship in the world that served in both World War I and World War II.
She played a key role in the Battle of Normandy, supported troops during the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and was the first US battleship equipped with anti-aircraft guns. Her service spanned over three decades before being retired, and now she is being restored to tell her story to future generations.
Why Galveston Was Chosen
The move to Galveston is strategic. Her previous location at the San Jacinto Battleground, about 35 miles away, saw a decline in visitor numbers. The new port location, surrounded by cruise terminals, is expected to double those numbers.
Cruise passengers, who often have time to explore the area before or after sailing, will find the battleship and its museum a perfect side trip.
Restoration and Protection Efforts Underway
USS Texas is currently being restored at Gulf Copper Shipyard, just 4,000 feet away across the water. Since arriving there in August 2022, the battleship has been undergoing important work including superstructure repairs, deck replacement, repainting, and the addition of museum-quality exhibits inside the ship.
There were some delays in finalizing the Galveston move due to concerns about hurricane impacts, especially since the aging battleship can’t be evacuated. But now, a new protection system will be installed to safeguard her at her new home.
Before she opens to the public, further work like dredging at Pier 15 and interior exhibit installation must be completed.
What Can Visitors Expect?
Once open, visitors will not only get to walk the decks of a historic warship but also explore a maritime museum filled with educational programs, artifacts, and real-life stories from over 30 years of service. This makes it a perfect family-friendly attraction, especially for those interested in military history or naval engineering.
It will also provide a great way for cruise passengers to spend a few hours while waiting to board or after disembarkation.
More Cruise Lines, More Visitors
With Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises all operating out of Galveston, the footfall near Pier 15 is expected to be huge. This means USS Texas could become one of the top tourist attractions in the port city.
When Will It Open?
As of now, no specific date has been confirmed for the grand reopening of USS Texas. The timeline depends on weather conditions, the speed of restoration work, and final funding approvals. However, all signs point toward a 2026 debut.
Galveston is already a popular cruise port, but the addition of USS Texas as a permanent and fully restored historic exhibit takes its charm to the next level. Cruise passengers and tourists will get a rare, up-close experience of an actual battleship that made history.
Whether you’re sailing off on a cruise or just exploring Galveston, this powerful symbol of American history will soon be a must-see destination.
