Seattle Cruise Season Launches with Nearly 300 Sailings and Record Economic Impact in 2025
The 2025 cruise season is officially underway in Seattle, as Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss arrived at the Port of Seattle’s Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 over the weekend. This arrival marks the beginning of the highly anticipated Seattle-to-Alaska cruise season, drawing thousands of travelers eager to explore the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
This year, Seattle is set to welcome 298 cruise departures between April and October, a number that translates to more than 900,000 unique passengers passing through the city. The cruise industry’s contribution to Seattle’s economy is substantial, with an estimated $900 million in economic impact generated through tourism spending, provisioning, and local job creation.
Seattle Leads in Cruise Sustainability with Shore Power Expansion
In a major step toward reducing the environmental footprint of cruise travel, the Port of Seattle announced that—for the first full season—all three cruise berths are now equipped with shore power connectivity. This allows up to three ships to plug into clean electricity simultaneously while docked, significantly cutting emissions from idling ship engines.
“This continues our work to advance maritime decarbonization as we build a port for the future,” said Steve Metruck, Executive Director of the Port of Seattle. “Seattle is proud to be an international leader in shoreside decarbonization.”
The shore power initiative is part of the port’s broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable cruise practices. In alignment with these goals, Carnival Corporation is preparing to conduct a biofuel pilot program in the region later this year, which could yield valuable insights into the future of alternative marine fuels.
“Alternative sustainable fuels are a critical element in the maritime industry’s decarbonization strategy,” Metruck added. “The Port of Seattle remains committed to global leadership that fosters environmentally responsible cruising for both our communities and passengers.”
New Cruise Lines to Call Seattle Home in 2025 and Beyond
Seattle’s popularity as a cruise gateway continues to grow. Over the next two seasons, three new cruise lines will homeport in Seattle, further boosting its status as a key embarkation point for Alaska cruises.
This summer, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth will operate 11 voyages from Seattle between June and September, marking its first full-season presence in the city. In 2026, both Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises will also establish Seattle as a homeport for the first time.
“Seattle is an incredible city to enjoy as part of the Alaska cruise experience, and 2025 promises to be another exciting cruise season,” said Sally Andrews, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “With some of the most technologically advanced ships sailing from this port, the cruise industry is leading efforts to protect iconic destinations like the Pacific Northwest.”
With record passenger numbers, cutting-edge sustainability efforts, and new cruise lines on the horizon, Seattle’s 2025 cruise season is shaping up to be its most impactful and innovative yet.
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