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The beginning of the 2024 cruise season at the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal, Pier 66, in Seattle. The event was celebrated with the arrival of the Norwegian Bliss, marking the commencement of the 25th annual cruise series between Seattle and Alaska. As the season progresses, the Port of Seattle is diligently working on completing the electrification of Pier 66, with plans to introduce shore power connectivity for cruise ships by this summer. This initiative is set to ensure all three of Seattle’s cruise berths are equipped with shore power, aligning with the Northwest Ports Air Strategy’s objective to electrify all cruise berths by 2030, achieving this target six years ahead of schedule.
For the 2024 season, which spans from April 6 to October 28, it’s anticipated to facilitate:
- 275 cruise sailings
- 1.7 million revenue passengers, equating to over 800,000 distinct travelers
- An economic contribution close to $900 million, encompassing tourism, provisioning, and the employment landscape bolstered by the cruise industry
- The creation and support of 5,500 jobs
“Over the last 25 years, the cruise business has become a significant part of our local economy, contributing to hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs. All that activity comes with environmental impacts, however, and so the Port of Seattle is committed to providing a leadership role in advancing maritime decarbonization,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins. “Through our trailblazing collaboration — the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor — we are studying the feasibility of cruise ships sailing on zero-emission green methanol in the Alaska market. Our objective is to provide a road map for maritime leaders worldwide that demonstrates the viability of a greener industry, one that serves our communities and passengers while minimizing environmental and social impacts.”
“Our history with the Port of Seattle runs deep, and it is a partnership we are very proud of,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). “Together we pioneered voyages to Alaska from Seattle, with Norwegian Sky’s inaugural sailing to the Last Frontier in May 2000. In 2018, Norwegian Bliss was the first ship to be christened in Seattle, and today, we continue to bring guests from all over the world to sail aboard our spectacular ships from this beautiful city. Our commitment to the local Seattle and Alaska communities is very important to all of us at NCL, as together we deliver dream vacations for our guests. We remain dedicated to Seattle and look forward working together to enhance its cruise operation by connecting our ships to shore power at Pier 66 in the near future.”
“The working men and women of ILWU local 19 welcome the start of this year’s cruise season and the family wage jobs it provides to our local,” said Rich Austin, President ILWU local 19. “Each year the cruise industry can rely on our highly skilled and efficient workforce to see that ships are fully provisioned and the needs of passengers and their baggage are met.”
“Cruising to Alaska is an extraordinary experience, and 63% of travelers first visiting Seattle for a cruise return for a longer stay, furthering the economic impact to local businesses,” said Sally Andrews, Vice President Communications & Public Affairs, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “The cruise industry is committed to sustainable operations, with some of the most technologically advanced ships sailing in the region, use of shore power to reduce emissions, and investing in new solutions to protect beautiful destinations like the Pacific Northwest.”
“Cruise passengers are a crucial part of our economy’s success and contribute significantly to downtown’s vibrancy. The Port of Seattle collaborates with the tourism and small business community to ensure passengers are well informed of the sights, sounds, and adventures of our city. From our revitalized waterfront to our diverse neighborhoods, passengers have an abundance of experiences to embrace,” said Visit Seattle President and CEO Tammy Canavan. “As the gateway to Alaska, we look forward to welcoming explorers this cruise season, and sending them home eager to return for more.”
The Port remains dedicated to leading the way in environmental stewardship among North American cruise home ports. This commitment is demonstrated through initiatives such as implementing shore power connections to minimize emissions while ships are docked, prohibiting the discharge of Exhaust Gas Clean System wash water at berth to preserve Puget Sound’s water quality, and engaging in industry-wide efforts towards the decarbonization of cruise travel. With the introduction of shore power facilities at Pier 66 and the anticipation of 123 sailings utilizing Pier 91 connections, the Port is making significant strides.
Furthermore, the Port actively collaborates with cruise ports in Alaska, Victoria, and Vancouver BC, alongside the cruise industry, to pioneer the world’s inaugural cruise-centric Green Corridor from Seattle to Alaska. This initiative focuses on cutting-edge decarbonization methods. Additional details will be shared in an upcoming webinar on May 2.
Seattle’s cruise lines adhere to the Port’s recommended practices and comply with both state and international regulations. Beyond these requirements, they voluntarily modify their operations and equipment to safeguard air and water quality.
The post Seattle Launches Its 25th Year of Alaskan Cruises with the Start of the 2024 Cruise Season appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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