Seattle’s New Cruise Passenger Terminal to Open at Smith Cove

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal-- Seattle’s new two berth facility will be a homeport for Alaska-bound cruises starting in April, 2009

Port of Seattle Commissioners voted this week to name Seattle’s new cruise facility being constructed on Pier 91 Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. The new two-story, 143,000 square foot building has expansive views of Puget Sound, Mt Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.

The new terminal opens April 24, 2009 when Holland America Line’s ms Amsterdam sails into Puget Sound signaling the beginning of the 2009 cruise season. The new terminal provides two, 1200 foot berths both equipped with shore power facilities--eliminating the need for vessels to run their diesel engines while at dock and creating a significant savings in fuel costs, plus the environmental benefit of no air emissions. The new terminal will serve as homeport for Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

The cruise industry has a major impact on the local economy. In 2008, its annual business revenue totaled $274 million, producing 2,380 jobs and $8 million in annual state and local taxes. Each time a homeport cruise ship docks in Seattle the activity related to the visit contributes about $1.7 million in area commerce. In 2008, Seattle hosted 210 vessels and a record-setting 886,039 passengers which moved Seattle to the top spot for Alaska cruises.

The Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 will continue to serve Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.