Port San Diego (California USA) is marking the commencement of its latest cruise season in partnership with long-standing homeport collaborator HAL-Holland America Line.
This season brings forth a robust itinerary comprising 100 distinct port calls, and it is anticipated to welcome approximately 338,000 passengers to the region by the season's conclusion in spring.
Chairman Rafael Castellanos of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners expressed enthusiasm about the launch of the annual cruise season and underscored the significance of Holland America's presence, which has maintained its relationship with the port since the 1980s. He acknowledged the positive economic impact the cruise season brings to the regional economy.
Beth Bodensteiner (HAL's CCO) highlighted the importance of the Port of San Diego as one of the line's vital homeports, with half of its fleet visiting the port during this season. She also expressed gratitude for the decades-long partnership between the Port and HAL.
The official kickoff for the cruise season took place on October 2, with participation from HAL, DCL-Disney, Silversea, Celebrity, Viking OCEAN, and others. Notably, the ships Disney Magic, Viking Star and MSC Explora 1 are making their maiden visits to San Diego this season.
The itineraries encompass voyages to various destinations, including the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and the Pacific Coast. Among the highlights is the Holland America Solar Eclipse Experience, offering passengers the unique opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse off the coast of Mexico aboard ms Koningsdam in April of the following year.
As the third busiest cruise port in California, San Diego boasts two conveniently located cruise ship terminals on B Street and Broadway Piers, providing easy access to numerous regional attractions and historic neighborhoods.
The Port of San Diego has made substantial enhancements to the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, extending the life and stability of the pier. It now has the capacity to simultaneously connect two cruise ships to shore power, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, plans are underway for a US$5 million project to enhance the interior of the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, scheduled to commence construction next year.