- Launch of 2025-26 Cruise Season: The Port of San Diego has officially begun its 2025-26 cruise season with Holland America Line as a long-time homeport partner, expecting 107 voyages and 389,000 passengers.
- Growing Popularity and Partnerships: San Diego is experiencing an upward trend in cruise calls and passengers, with new homeport status for Norwegian Cruise Line and expanded service from Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line.
- Key Cruise Line Engagements: The season started with Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, followed by Holland America’s Zaandam for a South Pacific excursion, and Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess.
- Strategic West Coast Location: San Diego is California’s third-busiest cruise port and the closest West Coast port to Mexico, positioning it as a vital hub for diverse cruise itineraries.
The Port of San Diego is enthusiastically embarking on its 2025-26 cruise season, celebrating a wonderful partnership with its long-time homeport ally, Holland America Line. This exciting season promises an impressive 107 different voyages, joyfully anticipating the arrival of 389,000 passengers to the picturesque region. Danielle Moore, chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, warmly expressed her excitement, acknowledging all cruise line partners, including Norwegian Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean, for choosing San Diego as a homeport or a delightful destination.

Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management for Holland America Line, beautifully articulated San Diego’s significance, calling it “a vital and vibrant homeport” that offers a perfect blend of convenience, sunshine, and access to iconic global destinations for both locals and visitors. The cruise season officially commenced with a pleasant call from Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas on September 19, followed by Holland America’s grand 51-day South Pacific excursion onboard the Zaandam, and a lovely visit from Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess on September 29.
The port is also celebrating a fantastic upward trajectory in cruise calls and passenger numbers. Norwegian Cruise Line has commendably made San Diego a homeport for the first time this season with 21 calls. Looking ahead, the port is eagerly anticipating an astounding 190 total calls and 800,000 passengers next season, a remarkable achievement bolstered by new Royal Caribbean homeports and expanded services from Disney Cruise Line.
San Diego proudly stands as California’s third-busiest cruise port, a testament to its growing popularity, and enjoys the added advantage of being the closest West Coast cruise port to Mexico. This promising outlook highlights San Diego’s increasing importance as a premier cruise destination, offering travelers unparalleled opportunities to explore diverse and exciting itineraries. The city’s dedication to fostering strong partnerships and expanding its offerings ensures a vibrant and successful cruise future for all.
