The Port of Seattle Commission has approved a 10-year preferential berthing agreement with Carnival Corporation, ensuring that Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard brands will continue to home port in Seattle for the Alaska cruise season. This long-term agreement supports the Port’s commitment to achieving zero-emission sustainability goals while fostering local economic development and enhancing the region’s economic impact from cruise operations.
The agreement, spanning from 2024 to 2033, includes a mutually agreeable option to extend for an additional five years, potentially running until 2038. Building on previous collaborations, this new agreement introduces ambitious environmental, sustainability, and social initiatives that benefit the greater Seattle area and accelerate ongoing efforts.
Key elements of the long-term agreement in support of economic investment and sustainability includes:
- Revenue and Passenger Growth: The agreement is expected to generate $186 million in revenue and attract a minimum of 550,000 revenue passengers annually over the 10-year term. If extended to 15 years, revenue could increase to $273 million.
- Advancing Shore Power Goals: Carnival Corporation has been a pioneer in shore power in Seattle, installing the necessary equipment nearly 20 years ago. To help the Port achieve its goal of having all ships at all cruise berths plug in by 2027, Carnival will seek commercial agreements with other cruise companies to use its shore power assets at Terminal 91. In 2023, Carnival’s vessels accounted for 100% of the shore power connections at the Port of Seattle, with 102 vessel calls.
- Biofuel Pilot Project: The Port and Carnival Corporation will collaborate on a demonstration project to explore the use of biofuels in cruise ship operations. This study aims to identify challenges and opportunities for using sustainable maritime fuels at scale in Seattle, supporting broader sector efforts to transition to alternative fuels.
- Responsible Sourcing Program: Carnival Corporation will enhance local sourcing efforts by developing a pilot program in partnership with the Port. This program will promote and support small, diverse, disadvantaged, local, and tribal suppliers, focusing on building their capabilities to create benefits beyond cruising.
- Promoting Overnight Stays: Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines will encourage guests to extend their stays in Seattle before and after their cruises, driving greater economic impact for the city and region.
- Educational and Workforce Development: Carnival Corporation will collaborate with maritime not-for-profits and educators to support curriculum development, experiential learning opportunities, and internships, helping to build the maritime workforce pipeline in the region.
“This long-term agreement provides economic certainty for the Port and local businesses that depend on cruise operations, while also strengthening our partnership,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck. “Carnival Corporation has been a valuable partner in environmental sustainability and expanding economic opportunities. We appreciate their support for these shared goals and are eager to begin work on the commitments outlined in this agreement.”
Josh Weinstein, Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation & plc, added “Our guests love Seattle’s stunning natural beauty, urban charm, and eclectic attractions. As a gateway to Alaska, one of our top markets globally, the Port of Seattle has been a valued partner in our success. For the past 20 years, we have worked closely with the Port to pioneer shore power and establish the cruise industry as a vital economic engine for the region. We are proud to continue our tradition of teamwork with this new agreement, furthering our economic, social, and environmental contributions.”
Carnival Corporation and Port of Seattle’s Green Shipping Initiatives
In 2006, the Port of Seattle, with investments from Carnival Corporation, became the first home 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. The Port continues to collaborate with cruise ports in Alaska, Victoria, BC, and Vancouver, BC, and the cruise industry to explore the world’s first cruise-focused Green Corridor from Seattle to Alaska, utilizing innovative decarbonization strategies.
As part of the agreement, Carnival Corporation will provide data for the Port’s cruise dashboard to track passenger, environmental, and economic impact metrics. This data will be added to the existing 2023 information as it becomes available.
In 2023, Carnival Corporation brands brought 140 ship calls to Seattle, representing almost half of the Port’s cruise calls. In 2024, Carnival Corporation has committed six ships to the Seattle market, increasing to seven ships in 2025, all of which are shore power capable.
About the Port of Seattle
Founded in 1911, the Port of Seattle’s mission is to promote economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner. The Port owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA),
Fishermen’s Terminal, public marinas, two cruise ship terminals, a grain terminal, real estate assets, and marine cargo terminals through its partnership in the Northwest Seaport Alliance. Port operations support nearly 200,000 jobs and $7 billion in wages throughout the region. Over the next 13 years, the Port’s Century Agenda seeks to create an additional 100,000 jobs through economic growth while becoming the nation’s leading green and energy-efficient port.
Source Port of Seattle