Port of Seattle projects robust 2022 season with 296 calls

The first ship is expected April 11. It is anticipated the number of passengers per ship will vary by sailing and will increase as the season progresses.

14 homeporting ships, up from 11 most seasons

The seven major brands homeporting in Seattle will be fielding 14 vessels, up from 11 most seasons.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Seattle had forecast a record 2020 with 233 cruise calls and 1.3m revenue passengers, supporting 5,500 jobs, and providing nearly $900m in economic impact for the region. With no cruise activity in 2020, the economic losses due to the drop in tourism were devastating locally and in Alaska.

'Our vision is for a thriving Seattle Alaska cruise industry, one that leads the world in terms of environmental standards, inspiring other ports to meet the same high standards, and delivers job and business opportunities where they are needed most,' said Stephanie Jones Stebbins, managing director of maritime at the Port of Seattle.

As with 2021's abbreviated season of 82 calls, the port and cruise lines this year will have detailed agreements documenting COVID prevention and response plans on vaccinations, testing and quarantine procedures.

Shore power at Bell Street in 2023

A new shore power connection is on track to be completed at Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal in 2023. The port has also set a goal to have 100% of homeporting ships connect to power on every call by 2030 or sooner.

This year, 100% of Holland America Line and Princess Cruises ships calling at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal are shore power capable.

Wash water discharge suspended

In 2020, the port banned exhaust gas cleaning system wash water from cruise ships at berth, and, in 2021, all ships voluntarily agreed to pause discharges of wash water in Puget Sound. This wash water pause will remain in effect until findings from a third-party research study can show that wash water discharges do not impact Puget Sound water quality and, until that time, cruise ships do not discharge anything into Puget Sound waters.

Later this spring, the port, cruise lines, and tourism partners will host a pre-season webinar to answer community questions about the upcoming season. Registration links will be posted to the port’s webpage and social media channels once details are confirmed.

Jobs

The port and cruise line partners will host an April cruise job fair at the port’s Community Hub in South Park and will co-sponsor an Alaska travel vendor fair on March 19.

'A strong 2022 cruise season will be a gift to our region and it is encouraging to see the cruise industry’s commitment to Seattle and the Alaska cruise market,' said Tom Norwalk, president and CEO of Visit Seattle. 'Local tourism and hospitality partners — from restaurants and retail to attractions and hotels — will benefit at a time when our region needs it most. And, even more critically, jobs will be created.'

Alaska communities eager for ships

A recent report prepared for the Alaska Travel Industry Association found the lack of cruise in 2020 contributed to a 78% decline in visitor spending, leading businesses to rely on government assistance, cut jobs and reduce or pause operations.

'The cruise industry is an important component of the Southeast Alaskan economy,' Juneau Tourism Manager Alexandra Pierce said. 'The past two years have been incredibly difficult for our local businesses, and we’re excited to welcome visitors back to our beautiful community and region.'

'From the grand opening of our high-speed gondola systems to welcoming a record-setting number of travelers, this will be an exceptional cruise season at Icy Strait Point,' said Russell Dick, president and CEO, Huna Totem Corp. 'From our Native community of Hoonah to the Yukon River beyond Denali, the cruise industry drives the economy for small villages across the state of Alaska. In turn, our rich culture, vast landscapes, and abundant wildlife inspires life-changing memories for the entire family.'