Seattle records busiest Alaska cruise season
The city is hosting 330 vessel calls and approximately 2.1 million revenue passengers across two cruise terminals.
Seattle’s Alaska cruise season is its busiest on record, with 330 vessel calls and approximately 2.1 million revenue passengers moving through two waterfront terminals. According to figures from a cited 2025 analysis, cruise activity generates nearly $1.2 billion in annual local business revenue and supports more than 5,120 direct and indirect jobs across Washington State.
Sixteen ships homeport in Seattle this year and are split between two piers roughly four miles apart. Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 handles ships from Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Cunard. Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 serves Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.
MSC Poesia debuted for MSC Cruises on May 11. Ten days later, Brilliant Lady brought Virgin Voyages to Seattle.
Eleven of the sixteen homeported ships connect to shore power while at berth, shutting down their onboard diesel generators. The Port of Seattle will require shore-power connections beginning with the 2027 season, making 2026 the final year in which a homeported ship can operate its own generators while alongside.