US West Coast & Mexico
The U.S. West Coast and Mexico feature key cruise ports like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Cabo San Lucas, serving popular itineraries with major lines offering Pacific and Baja sailings
Passengers
$3.4 million
In 2023, California greeted a total of 3.4 million people.
Direct Output
$2.9 Million
In 2023, $2.9 billion was generated in direct output
GDP
$4.4 billion
Total GDP generated by the cruise industry equated to $4.4 billion
Jobs
23,400
In 2023, California's cruise industry supported close to 23,400 jobs
Key Port Communities
- Los Angeles: One of the busiest West Coast ports with two terminals in San Pedro and Long Beach.
- San Diego: Centrally located, walkable port with easy access to downtown and local attractions.
- San Francisco: Historic waterfront setting with iconic sail-away views under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Cruise lines must meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations, which are among the strictest environmental standards in the world.
Economic Impact
The cruise industry plays a vital role in the economic health of the U.S. West Coast, generating $7.25 billion in total economic output and supporting over 23,000 jobs. With 3.4 million passengers contributing $2.78 billion in direct spending, the industry also adds $4.4 billion to the region’s GDP, fueling local businesses, creating employment, and enhancing tourism driven communities.
Popular Itineraries
- Mexican Riviera (Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán)
- Baja Mexico short cruises (2-5 nights to Ensenada or Catalina Island)
- Hawaii roundtrips (typically 15+ days)
- Alaska cruises (seasonal, often repositioning cruises to/from Vancouver or Seattle)
- Pacific Coast/California coastal (short trips that include Santa Barbara, Monterey, etc.)
