02/24/2026
| Thomas Curry
Senior Operations Manager – San Francisco
Thomas began his waterfront career in 2010 in container operations in Oakland, spending six years building a strong operational foundation. After transitioning to Metro at the Port of Stockton, he gained four years of bulk and breakbulk experience before joining Metro’s HSE team to deepen his safety leadership. Nearly two years ago, he moved into cruise operations. Today, Thomas brings cross-sector experience in containers, bulk, HSE, and cruise to Pier 27, delivering steady leadership at one of the West Coast’s premier cruise terminals.
Q: Tell us about your operation in San Francisco.
A: We operate out of Pier 27 on the Embarcadero, between the Ferry Building and Pier 39. Sailings include Mexico, Hawaii year-round, and Canada and Alaska seasonally. Our primary customers are Princess, Carnival, Holland America, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and several world cruise operators.
Q: What defines a successful turnaround day?
A: Zero injuries is always a top priority. Beyond that, smooth luggage operations, timely stores delivery, engaged workforce, satisfied guests, and the vessel sailing on or near its 1600 departure.
Q: How do you manage peak operations while balancing safety and guest experience?
A: Emergencies always come first. From there, it’s about clear prioritization and staying visible. I walk the vessel and terminal before operations begin to identify potential risks, then remain present in luggage halls and guest areas throughout the day. In San Francisco, slips and trips are common, so maintaining clear walkways and proactive communication is essential to keeping operations efficient, safe, and guest-focused.
Q: Tell us about a project you’re most proud of.
A: Completing two full vessel turns in one day, including one at Pier 80, which is not our typical terminal. After weeks of planning and equipment moves, both ships sailed on time with no injuries. It was demanding but incredibly rewarding.
Q: What excites you about the future of Metro Cruise?
A: The expansion into new terminals is a major opportunity. As cruise operations evolve with AI integration, sustainability initiatives like Green Marine, and an increased focus on safety and security. Supporting new locations allows us to apply those best practices in real time. I’m especially excited about traveling to new sites, learning from different operations, and bringing those insights back to our port to continuously strengthen our performance.
Q: How do you spend time outside of work, and what might people be surprised to learn about you?
A: I enjoy traveling, sports, concerts, and spending time with friends and family. I recharge a few hours north at our family ranch, with off-roading, wood cutting, s***t shooting, and enjoying the outdoors. I played college football at junior college and the University of Nevada, Reno, and was inducted into the Mendocino College Sports Hall of Fame. 🏈⚓
