The Port of San Diego has begun its most robust cruise season in more than a decade and a half, welcoming Princess Cruises vessels as part of a schedule that will bring 183 voyages to the city's waterfront between 2026 and 2027. Port officials anticipate the season will attract over 700,000 passengers to the region.
The season represents a significant increase from recent years, with cruise calls jumping 68 percent compared to the 109 calls recorded last year. The growth reflects expanded service from multiple cruise lines, including new homeport operations from Royal Caribbean and a second Disney vessel, the Disney Magic. The season officially launched September 14 when the Ruby Princess arrived at the B Street Pier Cruise Terminal.
Port commissioners highlighted the economic benefits of the expanded cruise activity. Vice Chair Michael Zucchet credited the region's waterfront appeal, West Coast location, and access to Baja Mexico for attracting both passengers and cruise operators. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized the positive impact on the local tourism economy, noting that cruise visitors support hotels, restaurants, and other businesses while generating hotel tax revenue for city services.
The seasonal lineup includes several longtime partners such as Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, which has operated in San Diego for more than five decades. Norwegian is returning for its second year of homeport service, while Disney has committed to operations through at least 2031 under an agreement expected to bring approximately one million passengers to the port. This marks the first time in over two decades that a cruise line has provided a minimum annual guarantee at the San Diego facility.
According to port officials, the cruise industry generates millions of dollars annually for the regional economy and supports more than 2,000 jobs in tourism and maritime sectors. San Diego ranks as California's third-busiest cruise port and serves as the closest West Coast departure point for voyages to Mexico.