Port programs encourage cruisers to spend more time in Seattle

$500m economic impact per cruise season

Cruise passenger survey results show that when people spend time in Seattle, they also spend money, helping the cruise industry contribute $500m a season to the region’s economy. Port Valet is a free service that allows eligible passengers to get airline boarding passes and check their luggage all the way to their final destination while still on board their ship. They can then explore Seattle luggage-free.

'A busy cruise day can add thousands to Seattle’s downtown population,' said Port of Seattle commissioner Ryan Calkins. 'We are on a mission to increase the economic benefit of tourism for local businesses while reducing traffic and pollution for residents. This partnership with Sound Transit to encourage cruise passengers and visitors to take light rail to the airport benefits everyone.'

Per-party spending averages $850 pre-cruise, $697 post-cruise

A survey of 431 passengers who spend more than four hours in Seattle before or after a cruise found that average per-party spending is $850 pre-cruise and $697 post-cruise. Ninety percent of cruisers spend a night in Seattle, with two nights as the average stay

Sixty-five percent stay downtown, while 36% stay near the airport.

Ninety-two percent travel by air (excluding Washington state residents). And 56% say they are very likely or likely to return to Seattle in the next five years.

For the past 14 years the port has prioritized protecting the environment while growing into a $500m a year industry for the region. Seattle is the only homeport in North America with a voluntary clean water agreement between the port, cruise lines and regulators. Emissions from ocean-going vessels, including cruise ships entering Puget Sound, have decreased by more than 67% over the last 10 years.

This season is expected to be the Port of Seattle’s biggest cruise season yet, with more than 1m revenue passengers, making it the largest cruise homeport on the West Coast.

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