Port of Seattle reports $1.2 billion economic boost from 2026 cruise season

The Port of Seattle completed its 2026 cruise season Sunday, setting record numbers for overall participation. The season saw 330 total ship calls and served nearly 2 million revenue passengers.

According to port officials, the 2026 season delivered an estimated $1.2 billion in regional economic benefit. The operations also supported more than 5,120 direct and indirect jobs across the region throughout the season.

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Ten home port cruise brands operating 16 home port ships offered Alaska cruises out of Seattle during the season. Two cruise lines, MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages, completed their inaugural seasons in Seattle.

They said environmental milestones were also reported during the season. A record 66% of ships utilized shore power while at berth. Additionally, the Star Princess bunkered liquefied natural gas in Elliott Bay, representing the first time a cruise ship bunkered LNG at that location.

The Port of Seattle is working toward achieving 100% shore power utilization for all homeported ships by 2028.