San Diego cruise season opens with Holland America call

One hundred calls carrying 338,000 passengers are expected in a season that lasts until spring.

Port Commission Chairman Rafael Castellanos said what better way to open the season than with Holland America, which has been calling since the 1980s. He welcomed passengers and the 'great benefit to our regional economy.'

A vital homeport

'Half of the Holland America Line fleet will visit Port of San Diego this season, departing on cruises that reach as far as Australia, making it one of our most vital homeports,' said HAL's Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer.

Besides Holland America, another longtime partner is Disney Cruise Line, and San Diego also expects calls by Silversea Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Viking and others. The season includes maiden calls by Disney Magic, Viking Star and Explora I.

Itineraries include the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and the Pacific Coast. A particularly noteworthy voyage is HAL's solar eclipse cruise to Mexico aboard Koningsdam in April.

Port improvements

The Port of San Diego has made some major improvements to the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, including a project that will extend the life and long-term stability of the pier. Additionally, the port now has the capacity to simultaneously connect two cruise ships to shore power.

Next year construction will begin on a $5m project to make interior improvements to the B Street Terminal.