Disney Magic, Anthem of the Seas maiden calls during this, Cruiseport Boston Week

Cruiseport Boston opened in 1986 and welcomed 13 cruise ships and a total of 11,723 passengers in its first season. More than 320,000 passengers are expected to come through the port on 114 ship calls this season.

'This is an exciting milestone for not only Massport, but for the cruising community and the entire region,' Massport ceo Thomas P. Glynn said. Cruiseport Boston, he continued, has grown into a 'well-established launching point for quality cruises, whether you’re heading to Canada or Bermuda. In the meantime, the industry is recognizing Boston as a significant embarkation port, in part because of our engaged cruising community. This will help keep Massachusetts among the top 10 states benefiting from the cruise industry.'

Glynn went on to praise Mayor Flynn for his dedication to preserving the South Boston waterfront. Flynn, a native and longtime resident of South Boston, served as mayor from 1984 until 1993 before being appointed US ambassador to the Holy See.

On behalf of Mayor Marty Walsh, the city’s chief of economic development proclaimed this Cruiseport Boston Week. On Wednesday Disney Magic will call Boston for the first time as part of a 15-day journey from Florida to Dover, England. Thursday, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas will make its inaugural call and become the largest cruise ship to visit Boston.

This season 21 cruise lines will call from late April through early November. Eight ships will visit for the first time.

According to Massport, cruise operations provide more than 950 direct jobs and generate nearly $80m in economic impact each year and $25m in annual local, state and federal tax revenue.