Port of San Diego, Holland America Line Kick Off San Diego’s Cruise Season
Contact: Josh Kellems, 619.642.1153, jkellems@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego celebrates the start of its 2024-2025 cruise season with longtime homeport partner Holland America Line. This season offers 75 different voyages and is expected to bring 265,000 passengers to the region by season end in the spring.
“We are thrilled to kick off our cruise season here in San Diego with our long-time homeport partner, Holland America,” said Commissioner Sid Voorakkara, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Together, we will create unforgettable experiences for travelers while showcasing the beauty of San Diego Bay and its waterfront. On behalf of the Port of San Diego, I would like to welcome both new and returning guests making calls to San Diego this season.”
“We love sailing from San Diego and are thrilled to kick off the 2024/2025 cruise season. Starting today, our guests will be able to explore the Pacific Coast, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Hawaii and even traverse the gems of the South Pacific,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “Additionally, before they set sail, many will spend time in sunny San Diego: each time a ship calls here, our guests and crew spend nearly $378,000 while in port—this season, that’s an approximate $11.3 million directly infused into the local economy.”
This year’s full schedule features long-term Port partners Holland America Line and Disney Cruise Line, as well as Princess Cruises, Viking Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and more. Enjoying first time visits to San Diego this season are the Viking Neptune and the Viking Sea.
San Diego is California’s gateway to the Mexican Riviera. Other major destinations include Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and the Pacific Coast. The Port of San Diego is the closest West Coast cruise port to Mexico, which means less travel time and more adventure in Mexican destinations. One of this year’s most exciting voyages is Holland America’s 51-day excursion of the South Pacific, the longest cruise voyage of the season for avid cruisers.
San Diego is California’s third busiest cruise port behind Long Beach and Los Angeles. The Port’s two cruise ship terminals on B Street and Broadway Piers are conveniently located in the heart of the city on the North Embarcadero. They provide easy access to regional attractions like the USS Midway Museum, Maritime Museum, Seaport Village, and many waterfront hotels and restaurants. The terminals are also close to unique historic neighborhoods like Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
ABOUT PORT OF SAN DIEGO MARITIME
Port of San Diego Maritime is our gateway to the world—leading our working waterfront and facilitating the movement of goods and people, internationally and domestically.
Port Maritime businesses employ thousands of residents and generate billions of dollars per year for the regional economy, creating a prosperous global economic engine for all.