The Port of Seattle has announced the start of a record-setting 2026 cruise season, which begins this Friday and runs through October 11. The port expects 2.1 million paying passengers to pass through during this period, with ships making 330 calls. Those figures exceed last year's totals, when 1.9 million passengers and 298 sailings were handled during the Alaska cruise season. The port projects the season will generate $1.2 billion in regional economic impact and support 5,120 direct and indirect jobs.
Cruises from Seattle depart not only for Alaska but also for destinations such as Hawaii, New Zealand and countries in Asia. This season will see two new cruise lines visit the port for the first time: Switzerland-based MSC Cruises and American Virgin Voyages. The upcoming weekend is expected to be busy: on Friday, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade will dock, and on Sunday Holland America Line’s Noordam will arrive.
According to Visit Seattle, historically about 66% of cruise passengers stay at local hotels for at least one night, further boosting the tourism sector. A total of 16 cruise ships will operate out of Seattle this season, underscoring the city's growing role as a key hub for maritime travel on the U.S. West Coast.
