The Port of Seattle welcomed its first cruise ship of the season today, Saturday, April 23 with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Bliss at Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66. The arrival marks the return of cruise season at the Port of Seattle with an expected 1.2 million revenue passengers and 296 ship calls. Cruise in Seattle provides nearly $900 million in economic benefit supporting 5,500 jobs and is an important component of the Port’s strategy to expand economic opportunity.
“The Port of Seattle is excited to welcome cruise back to our region for the first full season since 2019,” said Steve Metruck, Port of Seattle Executive Director. “As we provide vital support for Seattle’s maritime, tourism, small business, and supplier sectors, we also are leading the industry in environmental excellence.”
“We are working every day to ensure Seattle is a welcoming, safe, and vibrant place for residents, visitors, and tourists,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell.
"The return of cruise season gives us another exciting channel to share what we love about Seattle and highlight the things that make this region special, all while creating good jobs and boosting our economy.”
“Norwegian Cruise Line is thrilled to kick off the 2022 Alaska season in Seattle, and especially at Pier 66, where our partnership with the Port began over 20 years ago,” said Harry Sommer, President and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line. “After restarting our return to service from the U.S. last year from Seattle, it’s great to be back in our ‘second home’ and start a new full season of showing guests from around the world the beauty and splendor of Alaska, Canada, and Washington State, while contributing to the economic recovery of those local businesses that make cruise possible in this region.”
Photo: John Boesche, SVP of Tourism, Visit Seattle; Christine Da Silva, SVP of Branding and Communications, NCL; Tyler Hickman, SVP, Icy Strait Point; Harry Sommer, President and CEO, NCL; Emily Bishop, Director of ESG, Strategy & Reporting, NCLH; John Binkley, President, Ward Cove Dock Group