San Diego is gearing up for its most robust cruise season in more than a decade and a half, with 183 voyages scheduled for the 2026-2027 season. The season launched in mid-September when Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess arrived at the B Street Pier Cruise Terminal to begin a week-long journey along the California coast.
Port officials anticipate welcoming over 700,000 cruise passengers throughout the season, representing a significant 68 percent increase from the 109 port calls recorded last year. The expanded schedule includes several notable additions, such as new homeport operations from Royal Caribbean and a second Disney vessel, the Disney Magic.
Port of San Diego Board Vice Chair Michael Zucchet attributed the growth to the region's appealing waterfront, strategic West Coast positioning, and convenient access to destinations in Baja California, Mexico. Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized the economic benefits, noting that cruise visitors support local hotels, restaurants, and businesses while generating tax revenue for city services.
The season features an array of cruise operators including longtime partner Holland America Line, along with Norwegian, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Silversea, Viking, and others. Disney has committed to operations through at least 2031 under an agreement expected to bring approximately one million passengers to the port—the first such minimum annual guarantee in over two decades.
The cruise industry's presence at the port supports more than 2,000 jobs and contributes millions of dollars annually to the regional economy. San Diego ranks as California's third-busiest cruise port and serves as the closest West Coast departure point for Mexican Riviera itineraries.