The Port of Seattle closed its 2026 cruise season with nearly 2 million passengers, generating an estimated $1.2 billion in regional economic benefits and supporting more than 5,120 direct and indirect jobs, according to DredgeWire. The season, which ended shortly before October 22, 2026, marked a new peak in passenger volume and economic impact for the Pacific Northwest port.
Expansion in Cruise Brands and Fleet
In 2026, 16 homeport cruise ships operated out of Seattle across 10 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member cruise brands. This reflected growth compared to the previous year’s 14 ships across eight brands. The increase showcased Seattle’s rising role as a
primary home port for cruises to Alaska and Canada.
Introduction of New Cruise Lines and Ships
MSC Cruises introduced the European-brand ship Poesia, which sailed from Pier 91 on Mondays throughout the season. Virgin Voyages operated the adults-only ship Brilliant Lady from Terminal 91 on Thursdays. Both MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages confirmed plans to return for the 2027 cruise season.
Shore Power Usage and Emissions Reductions
Shore power was available at all three cruise berths in Seattle during the 2026 season. Sixty-six percent of ships plugged into shore power while at berth, which helped the port avoid an estimated 1.52 tonnes of diesel particulate matter and over 6,189 tonnes of carbon dioxide
equivalent emissions. The port has scheduled further shore power expansion work at Pier 91, including in-water dredging and on-pier electrification, to enable full shore power access for all vessels.
LNG Bunkering Pilot and Renewable Fuel Use
Princess Cruises piloted liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering at berth with the Star Princess in Elliott Bay during the 2026 season. About 3% of the LNG used in this bunkering was sourced from renewable fuel, representing a step toward cleaner and more sustainable maritime operations. The pilot involved collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, Seattle Fire Department, Seaspan, and port operations teams to maintain safe fueling protocols.
Port Valet Program Benefits Travelers
The Port Valet program
transferred luggage directly from cruise ships to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for over 187,000 cruise guests in 2026. This service allowed travelers to explore Seattle without their bags before departure, easing passenger logistics between the cruise terminals and the airport.
Outlook for 2027 Cruise Season
The 2027 cruise season at the Port of Seattle is expected to include 326 cruise ship calls and approximately 2 million revenue passengers, maintaining the high volume experienced in 2026. The port’s planned shore power infrastructure improvements at Pier 91 aim to enhance energy-efficient operations and emissions reduction capabilities for next season.
Sam Cho, Port of Seattle Commissioner, said, “Seattle’s
cruise industry continues to be a powerful economic engine for our region, supporting businesses and strengthening the communities that make this place special.” Renée Limoge Reeve, Vice President of Government Affairs for CLIA, noted the port’s growing position as a premier home port with increased cruise line presence and infrastructure investment enabling more energy-efficient operations.
