The Port of Seattle Commission has approved a 10-year berthing agreement with Carnival Corporation giving the brand preferential berthing at both of the port’s dedicated cruise terminals. The agreement includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard continuing to home port in Seattle for the Alaska cruise season, supports the port’s objective of achieving zero-emission sustainability and provides local economic development opportunities while boosting the economy. The agreement, which takes effect this year, will last until 2033 with the option to extend the deal for five more years through 2038.
“This long-term agreement provides economic certainty for the Port and local businesses who depend upon cruise, while also strengthening our partnership,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck. “Carnival Corporation has been a valuable partner for constant innovation on environmental sustainability and expanding economic opportunity. We appreciate their support for these shared goals and are eager to get to work on the commitments in this agreement.”
The agreement is expected to be especially beneficial to the local economy. Over the next 10 years, the collaboration is expected to bring in approximately $186 million in revenue and no less than 550,000 passengers to the Port of Seattle annually. The cruise line will also promote overnight stays in Seattle driving more revenue to the city’s tourism and hospitality suppliers.
“Our guests love Seattle’s stunning natural beauty, urban charm, and eclectic assortment of attractions, and as our gateway to Alaska, one of our top markets globally. The Port of Seattle has long been a valued partner in our mutual ongoing success,” said Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc.
The agreement will also positively impact the environment. In 2006, the Port of Seattle, in partnership with Carnival Corporation, made history when it became the first port in North America to offer shore power at two cruise berths. Today, 66% of all cruise calls to the port are equipped to “plug in.” Recently, Seattle mandated that all cruise ships be able to plug into shore power by 2027. Carnival Corporation is working to help the port achieve its shore power goals by seeking commercial agreements with other cruise lines to plug into Carnival Corporation’s shore power assets at Terminal 91. In 2023, Carnival Corporation’s ships represented 100% of the shore power connections at the port.
Weinstein stated, “For the past 20 years, we have worked closely with the Port of Seattle to pioneer shore-power and secure the cruise industry’s role as a vital economic engine for the region. We are proud to continue our tradition of teamwork with this new agreement that will help further our economic, social, and environmental contributions to the region.”
Carnival will also collaborate with the port on pilot programs studying the use of biofuel in cruise ship operations. Additionally, Carnival has agreed to partner with local suppliers to support small, diverse, disadvantaged, and tribal suppliers in the Seattle area.
The Port of Seattle is continuing to work with cruise ports in Alaska; Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia; and the cruise industry to create the world’s first cruise-focused Green Corridor from Seattle to Alaska. As part of the agreement, Carnival will provide data to the Port of Seattle that will assist in tracking passenger, environmental and economic impact metrics as its ships complete voyages to these destinations.
Currently, Carnival has two ships, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Spirit, which are homeporting from Seattle. They are sailing 7-night Alaska cruises from Pier 91. In 2024, Carnival Corporation has six ships in total which are committed to the Seattle market. That number will grow to seven in 2025 with all ships being shore power ready.