SEATTLE— The Port of Seattle begins the 2016 cruise season welcoming the first ship call, Holland America Cruise Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam. Larger vessels and more cruises will make this the biggest cruise season ever with nearly one million revenue passengers. Each homeported cruise vessel is estimated to bring in $2.6 million for the local economy.
“Cruising to Alaska continues to be an economic driver for our region," said Port of Seattle Commission President John Creighton. “With all the great things to see and do throughout Washington State, we are working to increase the economic impact by having passengers stay for an extra few days.”
Seattle’s cruise business—currently leading all cruise homeports on the west coast in passenger volume—is responsible for over 3,700 jobs, $459 million in annual business revenue, and $17.6 million annually in state and local tax revenue.
"Holland America Line's headquarters have been in Seattle for more than 30 years, and we've been sailing from here even longer, giving us deep roots in this amazing city," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "As Seattle's Hometown Cruise Line it's always exciting to see our ships at Pier 91, and we're proud to have ms Nieuw Amsterdam kick off the Alaska cruise season, especially as it’s the ship’s first time ever in Seattle."
The Nieuw Amsterdam arrives in Seattle on April 29, 2016 to kick off the 2016 cruise season.
This year, the following cruise vessels will offer regularly schedule service and their itineraries:
- Carnival Cruise Line offers 7-day Alaska cruises on the Carnival Legend departing Tuesdays from Pier 91.
- Celebrity Cruises offers 7-day Alaska cruises on the Celebrity Solstice departing Fridays from Pier 91.
- Holland America Line offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on the Westerdam and the Amsterdam departing on Saturdays and Sundays from Pier 91. The Maasdam offers 14-day sailings departing on Mondays, from Pier 91
- Norwegian Cruise Line offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl. Sailings depart Saturdays and Sundays from Pier 66.
- Oceania Cruises offers 7, 10 and 12-day itineraries on the Oceania Regatta departing from Pier 66
- Princess Cruises offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on the Crown Princess and Ruby Princess. Sailings depart Saturdays and Sundays from Pier 91.
- Royal Caribbean offers 7-day cruises to Alaska on the Explorer of the Seas departing from Pier 91 every Friday.
