San Diego Port Sees Record-Breaking Cruise Season
The Port of San Diego is hosting its busiest cruise season in over 15 years with 184 total scheduled calls.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Cruises
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The Port of San Diego has officially kicked off its largest cruise season in more than 15 years, with 184 vessel calls projected for the 2026-2027 period. This surge in activity follows significant growth in homeporting services from major cruise lines.
Why it matters
The increased frequency of ship calls serves as a major economic engine for the city, as each individual visit generates an estimated $2.6 million in regional impact. Expanded service schedules from companies like Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are driving this record traffic.
The 2026-2027 season anticipates 700,000 total passengers, with 80 percent of departures set for Mexican destinations. To accommodate this volume, the port completed dredging to reach a 32-foot water depth.
The players
Port of San Diego
This government entity manages the maritime operations and infrastructure for the San Diego waterfront.
Disney Cruise Line
This major travel provider has expanded its service frequency and expects to transport over one million passengers through San Diego through 2031.
Norwegian Cruise Line
This cruise operator began homeporting out of San Diego starting in the 2025-2026 season.
Royal Caribbean International
This international cruise company has established homeporting operations at the Port of San Diego.
The details
Operations are managed primarily through the B Street Pier, which utilizes two berths to handle simultaneous ship arrivals. Passengers frequently engage in local tourism programs, visiting landmarks like the USS Midway and the San Diego Zoo.
Timeline
The current cruise season began on September 14, 2026.
Development of the port's cruise business began in the late 1980s.
The port recorded 75 cruise calls during the 2024-2025 season.
Interior improvements for the Pier B terminal are scheduled for 2027.
Travel Outlook
This record-breaking traffic marks a significant departure from the steady growth trajectory established by the Port of San Diego's cruise business development of the late 1980s. The current expansion suggests a long-term shift toward San Diego as a primary homeport for West Coast travel.
Travelers should anticipate higher foot traffic near the Embarcadero and B Street Pier area during scheduled port days. Tourists planning visits to local attractions like the USS Midway or San Diego Zoo may find these sites more crowded due to the influx of 700,000 expected cruisers.
The takeaway
San Diego has firmly established itself as a premier homeport for Mexican Riviera itineraries. Travelers should monitor port schedules well in advance to coordinate their trips with high-traffic cruise departure days.
What happens next
The port is scheduled to undertake interior improvements to the B Street Pier terminal in 2027.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming schedules and regional travel, visit the Cruises section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Maritime Executive.
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