Port of Seattle approves 10-year agreement with Carnival Corp.

The agreement sets a 10-year term (2024-2033), with a mutually agreeable option to extend for five more years (2034-2038). It builds on prior agreements between the port and Carnival Corp., adding ambitious environmental, sustainability and social dimensions.

Revenue and passenger minimum

Key elements include bringing in an anticipated $186m in revenue and a minimum 550,000 revenue passengers annually: This would be the total anticipated revenue over 10 years; it could grow to $273m if extended to the full 15 years.

Shore power

Carnival Corp. has been the shore power leader in Seattle, having installed the equipment almost 20 years ago. To help the port realize its ambition to have all ships at all cruise berths plug in by 2027, Carnival will seek commercial agreements with other cruise companies to plug in their ships at Carnival's shore power assets at Terminal 91. The company’s vessels represented 100% of the shore power connections at the port in 2023, with 102 calls.

The port and Carnival will collaborate on a non-fossil fuel demonstration project and study to identify the end-to-end challenges and opportunities for using sustainable maritime fuels at scale in Seattle. The learnings will support other work in the sector to transition to alternative fuels.

Local sourcing

Carnival also agreed to accelerate its local sourcing efforts to partner with local suppliers. Working with the Port, it will develop a pilot program for Seattle that promotes and supports small, diverse, disadvantaged, local and tribal suppliers. The pilot program will also focus on building the capability of key suppliers to help create benefits beyond cruising.

Carnival brands also will seek ways to further promote and encourage passengers to stay in Seattle before and after their cruise to help drive greater economic impact for the city and region.

In addition, the company will build on existing relationships by working with educators to support curriculum development, experiential field-based learning opportunities, and internships to help build the maritime workforce pipeline in the region.

Strengthened partnership

'This long-term agreement provides economic certainty for the port and local businesses who depend upon cruise, while also strengthening our partnership,' Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck said. 'Carnival Corporation has been a valuable partner for constant innovation on environmental sustainability and expanding economic opportunity. We appreciate their support for these shared goals and are eager to get to work on the commitments in this agreement.'

'Our guests love Seattle’s stunning natural beauty, urban charm and eclectic assortment of attractions, and as our gateway to Alaska, one of our top markets globally,' Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein said. 'The Port of Seattle has long been a valued partner in our mutual ongoing success.

'For the past 20 years, we have worked closely with the Port of Seattle to pioneer shore power and secure the cruise industry’s role as a vital economic engine for the region,' Weinstein continued. '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.'

Six ships this year, seven in 2025

In 2023 Carnival brands were responsible for 140 ship calls at Seattle, representing almost half of the port’s cruise business. This year Carnival Corp. has six ships committed to the Seattle market, with the number growing to seven in 2025, all shore power capable.