The Port of San Diego is officially ushering in its 2025-2026 cruise season, with the Holland America Line leading the voyage line-up. This year, more than a hundred outings will set sail, with organizers anticipating around 389,000 passengers to stream through the city, boosting the local economy and tourism sector. In a recent press release by the Port of San Diego, Port Chair Danielle Moore voiced her enthusiasm about the new season and the diverse offerings of cruise experiences available from San Diego's shores.
With its prime waterfront location and temperate weather, San Diego serves as a home base for both domestic and international travelers looking to explore. The economic infusion from the season is priced at nearly $56 million, with the cruise industry significantly supporting jobs locally. "San Diego is a vital and vibrant homeport for Holland America Line," said Dan Rough, the company's vice president of revenue management, according to the same press release. He expects the scheduled cruises to quickly become a draw for those seeking short escapes or even bucket-list expeditions, per the Port of San Diego.
The cruise season commenced with Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas docking on September 19, followed closely by Holland America's Zaandam setting off for a 51-day South Pacific journey. Princess Cruises also graced the port with the Caribbean Princess on Monday. Additional cruise lines like Disney and Norwegian Cruise Line are noted to have included San Diego as a key port of call or a homeport for the current season, indicating the city's growing prominence within the cruise industry.
