The Port of Seattle kicked off its biggest cruise season yet with over one million revenue passengers on 218 vessels, making Seattle the biggest cruise port on the West Coast. 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 state and local taxes, with each homeported vessel generating $2.7 million to the local economy.
“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. “We are also inviting these passengers to stay longer and spend more time and money locally, which also boosts economic impact and job growth across our region and state.”
To further these efforts, the Port of Seattle is introducing a complimentary cruise luggage valet program this season that will allow passengers to spend time in Seattle to see the sights and spend some dollars at great restaurants and attractions. 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. More details will be available soon.
Also new this year will be the opening of the renovated Pier 66 cruise facility homeport for Norwegian Cruise Line. This historic and unprecedented 15-year lease is estimated to generate $2.3 billion in total business revenue for the region, nearly 900 jobs, and over $65 million in state and local taxes.
