By
Alex Smith |
The Port of Seattle is scheduled to receive 296 cruise calls in 2022, with an estimated 1.26 million passengers passing through the port’s two cruise ship terminals this season.
According to the port’s preliminary cruise schedule, the seven major brands homeporting in Seattle will be sailing 14 vessels from the port, increased from an average of 11 in previous seasons. Holland America Line’s Koningsdam will be the first ship to visit the port when she arrives on 11 April.
“The Port of Seattle looks forward to providing another season of safe cruise experiences as we continue to work with our local public health officials to ensure the health and safety of passengers, crews, and the community,” said Stephanie Jones Stebbins, managing director of maritime at the Port of Seattle. “Cruise is a critical part of our local and regional economy, supporting thousands of jobs across maritime, tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and services.”
The port and cruise lines will again adopt agreements this year documenting Covid prevention and response plans for issues ranging from vaccinations and testing to quarantine procedures. Cruise lines are also detailing how they will participate in the US Center for Disease Control’s updated Program for Cruise Ships. Cruise lines sailing from Seattle this year are also expected to stop in Canada and must also meet Canadian vaccination and testing requirements.
Later this spring, the port, cruise line, and tourism partners will host a pre-season webinar to answer community questions about the upcoming cruise season. Registration links will be posted to the port’s webpage and social media channels once details are confirmed. The port and cruise line partners will also host an April cruise job fair at the port’s Community Hub in the South Park neighbourhood of Seattle, as well as co-sponsoring an Alaska travel vendor fair on 19 March.
“Thanks to our successful approach in combating the pandemic, our region is finally on the cusp of the tourism recovery we have been hoping for,” said Tom Norwalk, president and CEO of Visit Seattle. “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. 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. We thank and congratulate the Port of Seattle for their leadership role in driving economic benefit into our region and we look forward to welcoming cruise passengers to Seattle very soon.”