The Port of Seattle will postpone work on the proposed Terminal 46 cruise terminal. The Port needs to better understand the market impact of COVID-19 before proceeding. The Board of Commissioners have also directed staff to present an evaluation of the Alaska homeport cruise industry and recommendations concerning the resumption of the project as part of the upcoming capital budget process. The analysis will consider impacts of COVID-19 on the industry’s 2020 cruise season, health and safety regulatory requirements, industry and market forecasts, and economic benefit.
“The last twenty years proved the demand for the Alaska cruise market, which we believe is resilient and will return,” said Executive Director Steve Metruck. “With global cruising on pause right now, it’s appropriate that we consider coming back to this project in the future when we have a clearer picture of the market.”