Port of Seattle Celebrates Record Cruise Season

The Port of Seattle marked the completion of its 2026 cruise season on Sunday, October 18, 2026, according to a press release.

Topping last year's record, the cruise schedule 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 Port of Seattle said that the season also saw a record number of passengers and sailings with 330 calls and nearly 2 million guests, plus an uptick in shore power use by ships in berth.

"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," said Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho.

"Each season, cruise supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs, generates more than $1.2 billion in annual economic impact, and remains the Port's fastest-growing maritime sector. We're honored that visitors from around the world choose Seattle as their gateway to connect with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and our neighbors in Alaska," he added.

Highlights of the season included the arrival of two new cruise lines, MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages, for their maiden seasons at the port.

In a new record, over 65 percent of the cruise ships visiting Seattle utilized shore power at berth, the port authority said.

The milestone comes as Seattle approaches the 2028 date for 100 percent utilization by homeported ships, it added.

The port also saw its first LNG bunker operation in 2026, with the Star Princess safely and successfully bunkering liquified natural gas in Elliott Bay.

"As we celebrate another record-breaking season, we're equally proud of our progress towards a more sustainable maritime future through expanded shore power use and investments in cleaner maritime operations. Together with our cruise line partners, we're demonstrating that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand," said Cho.