San Diego Port Smashes 15-Year Cruise Record with 184 Calls
Port of San Diego expects 700,000 cruisers this season, doubling last year’s traffic with $478m economic impact.
San Diego’s appeal as a cruise hub lies in its unique blend of convenience, attractions, and strategic location. Renee Rose, Maritime Commercial Manager at the Port of San Diego, emphasises the port’s proximity to downtown: “We love cruise ships. They pull in right to the heart of downtown. Passengers are only steps away from attractions, like the USS Midway, a unique museum aircraft carrier, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.”
The port’s location is a logistical dream. Situated near San Diego International Airport, it offers seamless connectivity for travellers. The Embarcadero, a pedestrian-friendly waterfront promenade, is lined with dining, shops, and hotels, while nearby attractions like SeaWorld, Legoland, and the Navy SEAL Museum cater to diverse interests. For adventure seekers, whale watching, fishing, and day trips to the mountains or desert are all within easy reach.
San Diego Bay itself is a draw, with its bustling maritime activity, sailboats, jet skis, and powerboats creating a lively atmosphere. Rose describes it as “a fun vibe with the water,” adding, “It’s a beautiful city. The whole bay is just gorgeous.”
Royal Caribbean
Why San Diego’s Cruise Boom Is No Accident
The port’s infrastructure is equally impressive. B Street Pier, with its two berths, can accommodate double calls without strain, a capability honed over years of operation.
The 2025-26-202026-2027 season is a watershed moment for the Port of San Diego, with major cruise lines expanding their presence. Norwegian Cruise Line began homeporting in 2025-26, and Royal Caribbean International will follow in 2025-26-2026-2027. They join Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line in the homeport category, creating a diverse lineup of offerings.
Disney Cruise Line is making the biggest splash, expanding its service from approximately 20 calls to 60 in the upcoming season. Two ships, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic, will operate out of San Diego, with a new agreement extending through 2031. The port anticipates more than one million Disney passengers over the life of the contract, a testament to the city’s growing appeal.
Cruise Lines Bet Big on San Diego
Princess Cruises is also ramping up its presence, with calls increasing by 68%, from 75 in 2024-2025 to 109 this season. The Ruby Princess kicked off the current season on September September 14, and the port expects a total of 183 voyages by May 202026-2027. This represents a significant leap from the 109 calls recorded last year and the 75 in the previous season.
The influx of cruisers is staggering. The port expects approximately 700,000 passengers this season, a 79% increase from the 390,000 recorded last year. About 91% of these travellers are American, reflecting San Diego’s strong domestic appeal. With calls expected to rise again in 202026-2027-28, the port is on a clear upward trajectory.
The economic impact of the cruise boom cannot be overstated. Each call generates approximately $2.6 million for the local economy, a figure that encompasses spending on hospitality, dining, retail, and tourism.
San Diego’s mild year-round climate and diverse attractions make it an ideal destination for cruisers of all ages. The port’s proximity to Baja Mexico, with about 80% of cruises heading there, adds an international flavour, while the city’s rich military history, exemplified by the USS Midway and the nearby Navy base, offers a unique cultural experience.
The port’s cruise season runs from September to May, aligning with peak travel periods. For those planning a visit, the port’s website provides up-to-date schedules and information on attractions, ensuring a seamless experience. As Rose puts it, “The tourists and cruise passengers just love coming to San Diego. We have mild weather year-round, and we have something for everybody.”
The future looks bright for San Diego’s cruise sector. With interior improvements to Pier B terminal planned for 202026-2027 and calls expected to rise further in 202026-2027-28, the port is well-positioned to capitalise on its growing reputation as a premier cruise destination. For now, the focus is on delivering an exceptional experience for the 700,000 cruisers set to visit this season, a milestone that underscores the port’s pivotal role in the city’s tourism and economic landscape.
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