Over one-million passengers in 2017 points to strong future of growth in Alaska cruise market
The Port of Seattle welcomed a record 1,071,594 revenue passenger through its cruise terminals this year, with an estimated 1,092,345 expected in 2018. Larger vessels continue to drive passenger increases. Each cruise vessel is estimated to bring in $2.7 million for the local economy, bringing total revenue for the region to over $500 million.
“By exceeding a million passengers this year, and more to come next year, the Port of Seattle continues to grow the cruise market, revenue and jobs for our region,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton. “The Seattle cruise business means a half a billion dollars in local economic impact, and we want more passengers to experience Seattle while going to Alaska.”
The Port saw a 9-percent increase in cruise passengers this year, which brought 983,539 revenue passengers. Seattle’s cruise business—currently leading all cruise homeports on the west coast in passenger volume—is responsible for over 4,000 jobs, $501 million in annual business revenue, and $18.9 million annually in state and local tax revenues.
“Seattle’s cruise business benefits everyone on the waterfront. They are a huge part of our business and really boost summer sales”, said Andy Lipscomb, owner of The Frankfurter, the popular hot dog spot on Seattle’s waterfront for 42 years.
On May 30, 2018, the Port of Seattle welcomes the arrival of the Norwegian Bliss on its maiden voyage from shipyard to its first homeport terminal at Pier 66, recently renovated in a $30 million partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line. The 4,000 passenger Bliss is the first vessel to be constructed specifically for the Alaska cruise market, and will be the largest cruise ship to homeport at a West Coast port. The Bliss offers weekly Alaska cruises through-out summer 2018.
In 2018, the Port of Seattle will host the following homeporting cruise vessels and their itineraries:
Homeport Cruise Lines for 2018
- Carnival Cruise Line offers 7-day Alaska cruises on Carnival Legend departing Tuesdays from Pier 91.
- Celebrity Cruises offers 7-day Alaska cruises on Celebrity Solstice departing Fridays from Pier 91.
- Holland America Line offers 7-day Alaska cruises on the Eurodam and Amsterdam departing Saturdays and Sundays from Pier 91. The Zaandam offers 14-day sailings departing on Mondays, from Pier 91
- Norwegian Cruise Line offers 7-day cruises to Alaska on the Norwegian Bliss and the Norwegian Pearl. Sailings depart Saturdays and Sundays from Pier 66.
- Oceania Cruises offers a variety of itineraries on the Oceania Regatta departing from Pier 66.
- Princess Cruises offers 7-day cruises to Alaska on the Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess. Sailings depart Saturdays and Sundays from Pier 91.
- Royal Caribbean offers 7-day cruises to Alaska on Explorer of the Seas on Fridays from Pier 91.
Source: Port of Seattle