Port Commission Funds Study Of Second Cruise Terminal

Port of Seattle Commissioners have authorized $520,000 to study options to accommodate Seattle's booming cruise ship industry. Additional facilities are needed to meet the demand by cruise lines to locate vessels in Seattle to serve the fast growing Pacific Northwest and Alaska cruise markets.

The number of cruise passengers in Seattle has grown from 7,000 in 1999 to a projected 250,000 in 2002, and 320,000 in 2003. The Port's success in homeporting Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International at its Bell Street Pier facility, and the decision by Holland America Line to base a ship in Seattle for Alaska cruises, are fueling the growth of the markets served by Seattle.

"The Port of Seattle's homeport cruise operation boosted the regional economy at a critical time," said Port Commission Chair Bob Edwards. "This year, cruise ship visits will generate $42.6 million in new business revenue and spending in the region. The industry also will generate $2.8 million in state and local taxes. It's clear that the market for Pacific Northwest and Alaska cruises is growing, and it's worth examining the benefits that growth in the industry offer to the region."

"The Port will continue to work closely with its cruise customers, the City of Seattle, the business community and our labor unions to create a first-rate experience for cruise passengers," said the Port's Chief Executive Officer M. R. Dinsmore. "Seattle is gaining stature as a player in the cruise business, and I think the cruise lines agree. They are putting their fastest, most technologically advanced vessels on Seattle-based cruises."

The study will include financial feasibility, community outreach, preliminary design and preliminary SEPA determination. In addition, the study will look at ways to fulfill the Port's strong commitment to fishing industry customers currently using T-91. An earlier study completed in December 2000 considered six possible sites and identified Pier 91 as the preferred alternative. In October 2001, Port staff reviewed site options and again concluded that Pier 91 was the preferred site.

The Port of Seattle currently serves as homeport for Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Holland America Line. Seventy-six sailings are scheduled for 2002, up from 36 in 2000.