The Port of Seattle has officially commenced the 2026 Alaska cruise season, marking a historic milestone for the region. This year’s schedule features 330 vessel calls and is expected to host a record 2.1m revenue passengers, the highest in the port’s history. The season, which began on April 17, reinforces Seattle’s position as North America’s primary gateway to Alaska while generating an estimated $1.2b in local economic impact and supporting over 5,000 jobs.
This year sees the broadest lineup of ships to date, with 16 homeport vessels including the debut of two new cruise lines: MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages. To accommodate this growth, the Port has invested in new passenger gangways and continues to prioritize maritime decarbonization. Eleven homeport vessels will connect to clean shore power this season, with infrastructure expansion underway to allow every homeport ship to plug in by 2027.
The 2026 cruise season will run through October 11, drawing travelers from around the world to Seattle’s newly redeveloped waterfront. Beyond the cruise terminals, the influx of visitors is expected to benefit local businesses, farms, and various neighborhoods throughout the Puget Sound area.