Port Of Seattle's Cruise Season Begins
SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle's cruise season began Saturday, when the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Bliss arrived at Pier 66, bearing the first cruise-goers to pass through Puget Sound in months.
“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 in a news release. “As we provide vital support for Seattle’s maritime, tourism, small business, and supplier sectors, we also are leading the industry in environmental excellence.”
As the first full season in several years, the port says it expects some 1.2 million passengers aboard 296 ships. The final ship, Norwegian Cruise's Encore, will depart Pier 66 on Oct. 23.
“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.”
The Port of Seattle says cruise season is a major source of revenue for the city, supporting roughly 5,500 local jobs, and bringing the city nearly $900 million per season. The city says it appreciates that income and will do its part to ensure a successful season.
"We are working every day to ensure Seattle is a welcoming, safe, and vibrant place for residents, visitors, and tourists," said Seattle 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."
The pandemic first interrupted cruises in March 2020, when the first wave of COVID-19 lockdowns suspended operations at all major cruise lines. The 2021 season was stifled by the Canadian government, which upheld its ban on large cruise ships through peak sailing months.
This article originally appeared on the Seattle Patch
