The Port of Seattle announced the end of the 2025 cruise season, which saw a record number of passengers, sailings and economic benefit.
There were a total of 298 ship calls and 1.9 million passengers, along with a record 65% of ships using shore power at berth in 2025.
The season also delivered an estimated $1.2 billion in regional economic benefit, according to the Port of Seattle. It also provided more than 5,120 direct and indirect jobs throughout the season.
Cruise ships made 23 sailings to different destinations, including Mexico, Hawaii, New Zealand, Asia, and coastal cruises along the Pacific Northwest.
“Seattle set new standards this season on environmental sustainability and economic development by focusing on a shared vision across the Port and our cruise partners,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck. “We are not just preparing for the future, we are building it. With major infrastructure investments we are preparing for the 2027 requirement that all home port ships connect to shore power at the dock. Through our Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor and partnership work we are advancing market development for alternative maritime fuels such as green methanol and renewable biodiesel. Our cruise line partners are making deeper investments locally as well to expand economic activity, the impact of which we estimate to be worth $1.2 billion each year. We end this season in a very strong position and look forward to an even better 2026.”
The Port of Seattle also welcomed Cunard’s “Queen Elizabeth” for its first Seattle home port season, which operated 11 roundtrip voyages out of Seattle and will return in 2026.
“Seattle is a premier home port for unforgettable Alaska cruise experiences, and the cruise industry is proud to bring significant economic impact to the region while showcasing the Pacific Northwest’s beauty, attractions, local businesses, and stunning new Waterfront Park,” said Sally Andrews, Vice President of Communications for Cruise Lines International Association. “As the 2025 season ends, we celebrate another successful year of collaboration, innovation, and advancing sustainability goals.”
The Port also highlighted the use of its shore power, which 65% of ships plugged into this year. The goal is for 100% of homeported ships to utilize shore power by 2027.
The 1.9 million passengers represent substantial growth from pre-pandemic cruise volumes, with Seattle solidifying its position as the primary Pacific Northwest gateway for Alaska cruises that dominate the summer season when most sailings occur.
The $1.2 billion economic impact calculation likely includes direct passenger spending on hotels, restaurants, and attractions before and after cruises, plus indirect spending through supply chains serving the cruise industry and induced effects from employee wages recirculating through the regional economy.
The 298 ship calls averaging six vessels per week during peak summer months create concentrated economic activity along the Seattle waterfront, with Bell Street Pier and Smith Cove terminals handling passenger processing, provisioning, and turnaround operations.
The 65% shore power utilization rate demonstrates significant progress toward the 2027 mandate requiring all homeported ships to plug into electrical grids rather than running diesel generators while docked, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Seattle neighborhoods.
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth selection of Seattle as a home port rather than simply a port of call represents cruise line confidence in the market, with 11 roundtrip voyages generating repeated passenger visits that multiply local spending compared to one-time stops.
The 5,120 direct and indirect jobs supported by cruise operations include longshoremen, provisioning staff, tour operators, hotel workers, and transportation providers whose seasonal employment depends on the condensed April-through-October Alaska cruise season.
The 2027 shore power mandate creates urgency for infrastructure investments at Pier 66 and Terminal 91, where electrical capacity must increase substantially to supply multiple large cruise ships simultaneously drawing megawatts of power equivalent to small neighborhoods.
The Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor initiative positions Seattle as a testing ground for alternative maritime fuels like green methanol and renewable biodiesel, though infrastructure for these fuels remains limited and costs exceed conventional marine diesel.
The 23 different sailing destinations beyond Alaska indicate cruise lines diversifying itineraries to capture year-round demand, though Alaska cruises dominate the business with their popularity among North American passengers seeking accessible wilderness experiences.
The Port’s emphasis on environmental sustainability alongside economic growth reflects Seattle’s progressive values where cruise industry expansion faces scrutiny from environmental advocates concerned about air quality, water pollution, and climate impacts despite shore power and alternative fuel investments.
