Port of Seattle Closes 2026 with Record Cruise Season and USD 1.2 Billion Impact
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The Port of Seattle concluded its cruise season on Sunday, October 18, 2026, surpassing the previous year's record. The activity generated an estimated regional economic benefit of USD 1.2 billion and supported more than 5,120 direct and indirect jobs throughout the season.
More calls and passengers
The season recorded a record number of arrivals and passengers, with 330 vessel calls and nearly 2 million travelers. Sixteen homeported ships from 10 cruise lines operated, compared to 14 ships from eight lines the previous season, and the port welcomed MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages for the first time, as both lines held their inaugural seasons in Seattle and have already confirmed their return for 2027.
Shore power and emissions
A new shore power connection record marked the season: Cruise Industry News reported that more than 65% of vessels used this system at berth, while Portal Portuario put the figure at 66%. The port is thus moving toward its 2028 goal, when it expects 100% of Seattle-homeported ships to plug into shore power, a practice that this season avoided the emission of approximately 1.52 tons of diesel particulate matter and more than 6,189 tons of CO2e.
First LNG bunkering operation
The season also included the first liquefied natural gas bunkering operation in Elliott Bay, carried out safely by Princess Cruises' Star Princess. The pilot program involved collaboration with Seaspan, the Coast Guard, and the Seattle Fire Department, with 3% of the LNG used coming from renewable sources.
Statements and 2027 outlook
Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho noted that the cruise industry remains the port's fastest-growing maritime sector and highlighted progress toward a more sustainable maritime future. Meanwhile, Renée Limoge Reeve, CLIA's Vice President of Government Affairs, emphasized the joint investment in infrastructure and technologies to reduce emissions. According to the port's preliminary schedule, the 2027 season is projected to bring 326 calls and nearly 2 million passengers, while the Port Valet program handled baggage for more than 187,000 travelers heading to Seattle-Tacoma Airport this year.
