New deal with Port of San Diego expected to double annual sailings and boost regional economy.
San Diego’s position as a key West Coast cruise hub is set to grow, as Disney Cruise Line and the Port of San Diego have announced a new agreement extending their partnership through at least 2031. The deal is expected to approximately double the number of Disney sailings departing from San Diego each year, bringing more cruise traffic, passengers, and economic activity to the region.
For Southern California travelers and waterfront communities, the expanded partnership means increased access to cruise itineraries departing from a local port, with destinations including Catalina Island, Baja California, and the Mexican Riviera. The additional sailings are also expected to offer a wider range of seasonal options and more frequent departure schedules.
“San Diego has been an important part of our West Coast operations for more than a decade, and a place our guests love sailing from,” said Jose Fernandez, Vice President of Port Strategy, Development and Operations for Disney Cruise Line. “This new agreement supports our long-term growth and helps us continue contributing to the region’s economy.”
The Port of San Diego, which has seen steady growth in cruise activity in recent years, views the agreement as a strategic move that strengthens both operations and long-term planning. Under the terms of the deal, Disney Cruise Line will receive non-exclusive priority access to the Port’s North and South berths at the B Street Cruise Terminal. This arrangement is expected to improve scheduling efficiency while enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Port officials say the expanded partnership will also bring measurable economic benefits to the region. Over the course of the agreement, more than 1 million Disney passengers are expected to pass through the Port, marking the first time in more than two decades that a cruise line has committed to a minimum annual passenger guarantee in San Diego.
“We are grateful to continue our long-standing relationship with Disney Cruise Line,” said Ann Moore, Chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “This agreement not only enhances business operations between the Port, Disney and all our cruise line partners, it also supports a thriving cruise industry that injects millions into the region’s economy and welcomes thousands of visitors to our waterfront each year.”
Disney Cruise Line has operated out of San Diego since 2012, becoming a consistent presence along the waterfront and contributing to both tourism and community initiatives. In addition to its cruise operations, the company has partnered with local organizations focused on youth development and environmental stewardship, including programs with Junior Achievement of San Diego and San Diego Coastkeepers.
The agreement comes at a time of broader expansion for Disney Cruise Line, which continues to grow its global fleet and destination offerings. San Diego is expected to play an increasingly important role in that growth, serving as a primary West Coast gateway for the company’s itineraries.
As part of the upcoming 2026–2027 season, San Diego will host two Disney vessels, significantly increasing capacity and sailing frequency. The Disney Magic is scheduled to arrive in October, offering three- to seven-night voyages through November before departing on a 14-night Panama Canal transit to Galveston. The Disney Wonder will homeport in San Diego from October 2026 through April 2027, operating three- to seven-night itineraries to destinations such as Catalina Island, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, and Puerto Vallarta.
For Southern California’s boating and waterfront community, the increase in cruise traffic highlights the continued evolution of the region’s working harbors, where recreational boating, commercial operations, and tourism intersect. As cruise activity grows, so too does the role of ports like San Diego in supporting a diverse maritime economy.
With more ships, more passengers, and an extended timeline for growth, the partnership between Disney Cruise Line and the Port of San Diego underscores a broader trend: the West Coast is becoming an increasingly important player in the cruise industry, with Southern California ports positioned at the center of that expansion.
