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AK-WA Connection 2009: Port eyes record-setting
cruise season Seattle gateway marks 10th year in business by opening new $72 million
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal to accommodate growing traffic By Rose Ragsdale Alaska-Washington Connection
The Port of Seattle’s connection with the Alaska segment of the cruise industry just keeps growing. A record 211 vessels are expected to bringing an estimated 801,000 passengers to Seattle on their way to Alaska during the 2009 cruise season, which began in April and will end around Labor Day.
And more growth is expected in 2010. For the first time ever, Carnival Lines will operate a schedule of seven-day Alaska cruises round-trip from Seattle, beginning in May 2010.
The cruise industry has a major impact on the Seattle area economy. In 2008, its annual business revenue totaled $274 million, producing 2,380 jobs and $8 million in yearly state and local taxes.
The port’s cruise business has grown steadily from just six ships and 6,600 passengers in 1999. The 2008 season
Seattle played host to 210 cruise ship visits and an unprecedented 886,039 passengers, nearly all destined for Alaska’s pristine wilderness. It also marked the first time Seattle surpassed Vancouver, B.C. in passenger numbers.
In 2009, more cruise ships were scheduled to call times at Port of Seattle terminals, but the recent economic recession was expected to take its toll with a 10 percent decrease in passenger bookings.
“The cruise business means local jobs — every cruise ship that comes in contributes over $1.7 million to the local economy,” Port Commissioner Gael Tarleton said in a statement at the start of the 2009 season April 24.
The new two-story, 143,000-square-foot Smith Cove passenger terminal — located just north of downtown Seattle — opened in April. It offers two 1200-foot berths and the world’s only facility equipped with two shore power plug-ins for cruise ships, while the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal will continue to serve cruise passengers on Seattle’s downtown waterfront.
The Smith Cove terminal was completed in time for the 2009 season at a cost of $72 million and will house Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.
More cruises, more choices Homeport cruise lines and destinations in 2009 include the following:
Celebrity Cruises offers 7-day Alaska cruises on the Celebrity Infinity; and 3-and 4-day Pacific Northwest cruises from Seattle on the Celebrity Mercury. Both vessels depart from Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal.
Holland America Line offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on the ms Zaandam, ms Westerdam and the ms Amsterdam. Sailings depart Friday, Saturdays and Sundays from Smith Cove Cruise Terminal.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on the NCL Star and the NCL Pearl. Sailings depart Saturdays and Sundays from the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal.
Princess Cruises offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on the Golden Princess and Star Princess. Sailings depart Saturdays and Sundays from Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. The Pacific Princess will offer 14-day Alaska sailings every other Thursday from Smith Cove Cruise Terminal.
Royal Caribbean offers 7-day cruises to Alaska on the Rhapsody of the Seas departing Smith Cove Cruise Terminal every Friday.
Starting in 2010, Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit also will depart the Port of Seattle on Tuesdays between May 11 and Aug. 31.
Cruise passengers can now select from 12 different ships departing Seattle going to Alaska or the Pacific Northwest.
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