Seattles Biggest Cruise Season Ever Brings 330 Ship Calls and 2 Exciting New Brands

The Port of Seattle is making history with its 2026 Alaska cruise season. Here’s what cruise fans need to know about this record-breaking year.

Seattle Sets a New Cruise Record

The Port of Seattle is kicking off its biggest Alaska cruise season ever. The 2026 season features 330 ship visits and 2.1 million passengers — both all-time highs for the port.

The season officially gets underway on Friday, April 17, with the first ship arrival. Over one million travelers from around the world will start their Alaska adventures right here in Seattle.

Going Green on the Water

Seattle is stepping up its commitment to cleaner cruising. In 2025, 87% of shore power-capable ships plugged into clean electricity from Seattle City Light while docked.

For 2026, eleven homeport ships will connect to shore power at the pier. New infrastructure is being built at Pier 91, and it will be ready in 2027. When that happens, every homeport ship will be able to plug in.

Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins put it this way: “Our centuries-long connection with Alaska is rooted in shared values of environmental stewardship and a deep respect for the natural world.”

Two New Cruise Lines Join the Seattle-Alaska Scene

This season brings two exciting newcomers to Seattle’s Alaska lineup.

MSC Cruises Arrives in the Pacific Northwest

MSC Cruises is sailing to Alaska from Seattle for the very first time. Lynn Torrent, President of MSC Cruises North America, said: “We are proud to bring MSC Cruises to Seattle as we expand our presence in North America and introduce our Alaska itineraries in a new market.”

Virgin Voyages Brings Adults-Only Sailing to Alaska

Virgin Voyages is also making its Seattle debut with its ship, Brilliant Lady. The ship offers an adults-only experience for cruisers heading to Alaska from the Pacific Northwest.

Natasha Salzedo, Senior Director of Itineraries and Destinations for Virgin Voyages, shared her excitement: “Seattle is just one of those cities that instantly sets the tone for the kind of trip you’re about to have. For us, it’s the perfect place to begin an Alaska voyage.”

She added: “We’re looking forward to being part of this community and giving sailors a new way to experience Alaska, starting right here in Seattle.”

Why This Season Matters for Alaska Cruisers

The 2026 Alaska cruise season from Seattle is shaping up to be one for the record books. More ships, more passengers, and two brand-new cruise lines mean more choices than ever before. Whether you’re drawn to MSC’s international style or Virgin Voyages’ adults-only vibe, Seattle is ready to send you off in style.