Seattle cruise season sets sail with record passenger volume expected

Seattle's 2023 cruise season launched Saturday, and industry officials expect passenger volume to exceed last year's record.

Some 700,000 travelers are expected to pass through Seattle to Alaska and back, across 289 sailings, according to the Port of Seattle. Those passengers are expected to generate $900 million in economic impact throughout the city and $14.5 million in state tax revenue.

“During their time here, passengers are able to sample our outstanding dining options, beautiful hotels, unique shops and authentic Seattle experiences," Visit Seattle CEO and President Tammy Blount-Canavan said in a news release. "This taste of what the destination offers not only enhances the overall cruise experience, but it also encourages those passengers to return to Seattle to explore all the things that make the Emerald City and the Pacific Northwest such a magical place, expanding the economic impact of this valued part of the tourism economy."

The Port of Seattle forecasts a nearly 8% increase in passengers from last year's total of 640,000, despite seven fewer sailings scheduled.

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2023/04/18/cruise-season-2023-kicks-off.html