The Port of Seattle announced a record 2025 cruise season, one which delivered an estimated $1.2 billion in regional economic benefit, while providing more than 5,120 individuals direct and indirect jobs throughout the season. The season – which ended on Oct. 21 –also served a record number of passengers and sailings, plus significant shore power use by ships in berth.
Highlights of the Port of Seattle cruise season included:
- 298 total ship calls across 8 home port cruise brands operating 14 different ships
- 1.9 million revenue passengers
- 278 Alaska cruises were operated by 8 home port cruise brands and 15 home port ships
- A record 65% of ships utilized shore power at berth as the Port approaches the 2027 date for 100% utilization by home ported ships
- The Port supported Carnival Corporation in the first biofuel demonstration project in the Seattle cruise market, testing biofuel bunkering on three Holland America Line sailings
- Cruise ships made 23 sailings to destinations other than Alaska including Mexico, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Asia, plus coastal cruises along the Pacific Northwest
“Seattle set new standards this season on environmental sustain-ability and economic development by focusing on a shared vision across the Port and our cruise partners,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck . “…With major infrastructure investments we are preparing for the 2027 requirement that all home port ships connect to shore power at the dock. Through our Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor and partnership work we are advancing market development for alternative maritime fuels such as green methanol and renew-able biodiesel. Our cruise line partners are making deeper investments locally as well to expand economic activity, the impact of which we estimate to be worth $1.2 billion each year. We end this season in a very strong position and look forward to an even better 2026.”
