The Port of San Diego has inaugurated its 2025-2026 cruise season in collaboration with long-standing homeport partner HAL-Holland America Line, unveiling a schedule of 107 voyages expected to bring about 389,000 passengers to the region.
Port Commission Chair Danielle Moore expressed that the renewed season with Holland America reflects the port’s commitment to its maritime partners and to welcoming both new and returning guests. Moore emphasized that each cruise call is an opportunity to activate the waterfront, support jobs, and expose visitors to the region’s hotels, restaurants and local attractions.
Holland America’s vice president of revenue management, Dan Rough, noted that San Diego combines convenience, favourable climate, and gateway access to high-profile destinations, making it an ideal embarkation point for both bucket-list cruises and shorter getaways. He projected the season’s sailings will contribute nearly US$56 million to the San Diego economy and support the broader tourism sector.
The first cruise of the season visited San Diego on September 19th, when Serenade of the Seas of Royal Caribbean called in. Soon after, Zaandam, on a 51-day South Pacific voyage, embarked, and on September 29th Caribbean Princess of Princess Cruises arrived.
The schedule also includes contributions from Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking, Silversea and others. This season marks the first time Norwegian has designated San Diego as a homeport, with 21 calls. Port officials anticipate that next season could see up to 190 cruise calls and as many as 800,000 passengers, bolstered by expanded service from Royal Caribbean and Disney.
San Diego ranks as California’s third busiest cruise port behind Long Beach and Los Angeles and is prized as the closest West Coast port for voyages toward the Mexican Riviera. Its two cruise terminals at B Street and Broadway Piers lie adjacent to the downtown waterfront, providing immediate access for passengers to regional hotspots upon disembarkation.