by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:05 AM ET, Mon April 14, 2025
The 2025 cruise season is officially underway in Seattle.
On Saturday, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss arrived at the Port of Seattle’s Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66, kicking off the summer Seattle-to-Alaska season.
Seattle is preparing for 298 sailings from April through October. That translates to more than 900,000 unique passengers and nearly $900 million in economic impact from tourism, provisions and jobs.
For the first full season, all three of Seattle’s cruise berths have shore power connectivity, which means equipped cruise ships can shut off their engines while they’re in port.
Three ships can be plugged into shore power simultaneously, which makes the port “an international leader in shoreside decarbonization,” says Steve Metruck, executive director of the Port of Seattle.
“This continues our work to advance maritime decarbonization as we build a port for the future,” he adds.
Carnival Corporation is planning to conduct a biofuel pilot program in the region this year, which may provide additional insights into further reducing carbon emissions.
“Alternative sustainable fuels are a critical element in the maritime industry’s decarbonization strategy,” says Metruck. “The Port of Seattle remains committed to worldwide leadership that encourages the future of cruising that serves our communities and passengers while minimizing environmental and social impacts.”
Over the next two cruise seasons, three new lines will call on Seattle. Cunard will have Queen Elizabeth homeporting in Seattle this summer, as the brand offers 11 sailings from June to September.
Next year, Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises will also homeport in Seattle 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,” says Sally Andrews, vice president of communications and public affairs for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “With some of the most technologically advanced ships sailing in the region, the cruise industry is leading the way in helping to protect beautiful destinations like the Pacific Northwest.”
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