Cruise Buzz

Port of Seattle banner year: 933,900 Passengers Sail from Port

Congratulations to the Port of Seattle who announced that a record 933,900 revenue passengers moved through the Port’s two cruise terminals during the 2012 cruise season (read about my trip to Alaska 2012 here).

The numbers

In 2012 homeport ships contributed $2.1 million to the local economy, over $416 million in annual business revenue, $18 million in state and local taxes and 4,319 jobs were created.

Seattle ranks 7th in the nation for ports for passengers while Washington ranks 6th in the nation for cruise industry expenditures according to newly released 2011 data compiled by Cruise Lines International Association, the world´s largest cruise association.

Gael Tarleton, Port of Seattle Commission president says the port’s goal is to have cruise passengers extend their stay a few more days to discover what else Washington has to offer and to increase tourism spending statewide.

Looking ahead 2013 Alaska cruise season

The Celebrity Solstice, one of Celebrity’s newest ships, will offer 7-day Alaska cruises in 2013 and the Oceania Regatta will offer a variety of itineraries to Alaska including 7-days and 10-day round trip to Seattle. . These new ships join the impressive list of Cruising options sailing from Seattle next year offered by Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Source: www.portseattle.org.