The Port of Seattle announced that it commences its biggest cruise season yet with over one million revenue passengers on 218 vessels, making Seattle the biggest cruise port on the West Coast.
“A record number of cruise passengers this season means local agriculture and food companies, among others across our region, benefit from these provisioning ships,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Stephanie Bowman.
In addition, the Port of Seattle is introducing a cruise luggage valet program this season that will allow passengers to spend time in Seattle, enhancing the local economy. Seattle cruise passengers will be able to get their airline boarding pass and check their bags on board so they can check out Seattle before flying home. The program is still being finalized, but is expected to be up and running in the next several weeks.
Also new this year will be the opening of the renovated Pier 66 cruise facility homeport for Norwegian Cruise Line.
The cruise industry in Seattle is responsible for over $500 million in economic impact to the region, providing more than 4,000 jobs and $18.9 million in the state.
