100 Alaska’s appeal as a cruise destination is no secret. The number of cruise ships visiting the region has grown significantly in recent years, making it one of the world’s most successful cruise markets today. This growth has been aided by the growing popularity of Seattle as a cruise homeport over its 25 years of operation. Several major brands – including Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International – have made Seattle a homeport for their Alaska-bound ships, solidifying the US city’s status as a significant cruise departure point. Seattle has been able to manage increasing cruise ship capacities throughout the industry as it can accommodate larger vessels at its unobstructed natural deep-water harbour. 2023 will come in as another in a series of record years. Seattle is the closest major US port to Alaska’s popular destinations, located just 770 nautical miles away from Ketchikan. Air services to the region provide both cruise travellers and the provisioners who supply the ships with access to the Port of Seattle. “Our unique relationship with SEA airport is a little-known fact,” says Linda Springmann, director of cruise operations and maritime marketing at the Port of Seattle. “As the port owns both the cruise terminals and the airport, we can provide operational efficiencies to our cruise line partners and their guests. The best example of this is our complimentary, opt-in Port Valet service where cruise passengers’ bags are transferred to the airport ahead of disembarkation. It makes a significant efficiency impact at terminal baggage halls and transportation hubs. Plus, cruise guests love that they have a NORTH AMERICA: REPORT A record of success The Port of Seattle is celebrating 25 years as a cruise homeport and is set to continue driving growth with shore power, sustainability, infrastructure and other investments 2014 2015 2016 2020 2021 2022 2023 2018 2017 2019 291 295 82 211 216 203 218 192 179 50 cruise ship calls = Cruise ship calls in Seattle over last 10 years Pre/post cruise behaviour of guests in Seattle 83% Arrive by air 73% Stay in a Seattle hotel 51% Participate in pre-cruise attractions 26% Participate in post-cruise
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