Maritime Monday featuring Bob Stokes, President of Galveston Bay Foundation   Join us for our signature Maritime Monday monthly lecture series featuring Bob Stokes, President of Galveston Bay Foundation. Come to hear an exciting discussion on Galveston Bay, then stay for a networking happy hour and after-hours viewing of the museum exhibits. Bob Stokes bio: Bob Stokes is President and General Counsel of the Galveston Bay Foundation in Kemah, Texas. He has served in that role since June, 2004. The Galveston Bay Foundation’s mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of Galveston Bay and its tributaries. Bob had served on the board of the Foundation for five years prior to taking over as President and had served as the board’s chair for the previous two years. Prior to that, Bob practiced law for 10 years, most recently in the Environmental Division of the Harris County Attorney’s Office. Bob is a 1990 graduate of Yale University and a 1994 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law. Bob has served on the Board of Directors for Restore America’s Estuaries since 2004. He is a past member of the board of directors of the Texas Land Trust Council […]

Maritime Monday featuring an exciting expert panel    Join us for our signature Maritime Monday monthly lecture series featuring an exciting panel of experts. Come to hear their insights on the nature of the cruise industry and its prospects for Galveston and Houston, then stay for a networking happy hour and after-hours viewing of the museum exhibits. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, Ph.D., Professor, Texas A&M University-Galveston Brett B. Milutin, Executive Deputy Port Director, Port of Galveston Michael Ziesemer, General Manager, SSA Marine Lecture details: The Port of Galveston has emerged as the fourth-most-popular cruise port in the US, serving the Houston metropolitan area. More than 3 million cruise passengers were handled in 2024, with expectations of 3.5 million in 2025, making it an economic driver for the region. The addition of a new cruise terminal (Pier 16) in 2025 to the existing three terminals is a strong indication of the popularity of cruises for Texans. Galveston is a drive-to cruise port, underscoring that most cruisers drive to the city before boarding. Parking is generating substantial revenue for the port and private parking providers, but it also creates congestion challenges during the short ship turnaround time. The presentation discusses the nature of the cruise industry and its prospects for Galveston and Houston.