For at least the next decade, Carnival cruise ships are expected to continue to call Seattle its homeport for cruises to Alaska.
Port of Seattle commissioners on June 25 approved a decade-long “preferential berthing agreement” through 2033 with Carnival Corporation, whose brands encompass the Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Cunard brands.
“This long-term agreement provides economic certainty for the port and local businesses who depend upon cruise, while also strengthening our partnership,” port Executive Director Steve Metruck said.
The agreement also includes a five-year optional extension and builds on sustainability efforts at the port and by Carnival.
For example, the port and Carnival are expected to partner on a pilot program that studies biofuel use in cruise vessel operations. Carnival is also expected to play a significant role in helping the port reach its goal of having all cruise vessels plugging in at berths by 2027 by securing commercial contracts with other cruise companies to use Carnival’s shore power at Terminal 91.
“Carnival Corporation has been a valuable partner for constant innovation on environmental sustainability and expanding economic opportunity,” Metruck said. “We appreciate their support for these shared goals and are eager to get to work on the commitments in this agreement.”
Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein added that Carnival has worked with the Port of Seattle to pioneer shore power and secure the cruise industry’s role as a vital economic engine for the region for the past 20 years.
“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,” he said.
