By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Seattle is on its way to another record cruise season with the recent first ship arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line Sun and the upcoming May 30 arrival of the Norwegian Cruise Line Bliss and its 4,000 passengers.
Port officials anticipate over 1.1 million revenue cruise passengers this year, making it the West Coast’s biggest cruise port for the second straight year. They are attributing the higher passenger counts in part to bigger cruise vessels bound for Alaska.
“The Port of Seattle welcomes the cruise season every year, as it provides more than half a billion in economic value to our region,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Courtney Gregoire. “These dollars reach businesses of all sizes, and we look forward to having more visitors stay and enjoy the beautiful state of Washington.”
Port of Seattle Commission recently approved the Port Valet program, a complimentary cruise luggage program that enables cruise passengers to obtain their airline boarding pass and check their bags before departing the cruise ship, so they can explore Seattle before flying home.
“Port Valet is a wonderful way for visitors to leave their baggage and explore the great things Seattle has to offer,” said Tom Norwalk, CEO of Visit Seattle. “You can visit Pike Place Market, see the Space Needle, or even taste some wine in Woodinville before catching your flight home.”
