This week, the Port of Seattle is kicking off the 2026 Alaska cruise season, marking a milestone with 330 vessel calls and 2.1 million revenue passengers, the most in the port’ history.
The season begins Friday, April 17 with the first in-transit arrival.
In 2026, eleven homeport vessels will connect to shore power, with design underway for additional connections at Pier 91 that will come online in 2027, the port said in a press release.
In 2025, 87% of shore power–capable vessels connected to clean power via Seattle City Light while at berth.
“We are fortunate to call the Puget Sound region home,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins.
“It’s no wonder that more than a million travelers from around the world will begin their Alaska journeys here this season, supporting thousands of jobs and sustaining local businesses and farms across Washington state. Our centuries-long connection with Alaska is rooted in shared values of environmental stewardship and a deep respect for the natural world,” he added.
This season, most ships will again connect to clean shore power, and with new infrastructure coming online next spring, every 2027 homeport ship will be able to plug in — another bold step in our region’s leadership on maritime decarbonization.”
This season also marks the first time MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages will sail to Alaska from Seattle.
“We are proud to bring MSC Cruises to Seattle as we expand our presence in North America and introduce our Alaska itineraries in a new market,” added Lynn Torrent, President, MSC Cruises North America.
Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady offers an adults-only cruise experience in the Pacific Northwest, the port said in a statement.
“Seattle is just one of those cities that instantly sets the tone for the kind of trip you’re about to have,” said Natasha Salzedo, Senior Director of Itineraries and Destinations, Virgin Voyages. “. For us, it’s the perfect place to begin an Alaska voyage. As we get ready to bring Brilliant Lady here, there’s a real sense of excitement about showing up in a new region and doing things a little differently and intentionally. We’re looking forward to being part of this community and giving sailors a new way to experience Alaska, starting right here in Seattle.”
