By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Seattle Commission is seeking a partner to develop and run a new, single berth cruise facility at Terminal 46, an estimated $200 million facility that is expected to be ready in time for the 2022 cruise season.
The commission recently put out a Request for Qualifications due April 18 for a public-private-partnership opportunity that would call for the port to contribute to half the cost of the terminal build.
“The intangible asset of Alaska cruises creates opportunities for Washington businesses of all sizes, from farmers and wine producers in Eastern Washington to museums, hotels, and restaurants around King County,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Stephanie Bowman.
Commissioners also adopted principles that call for the local economy benefiting from a growing cruise business and ensuring the port has one of the most environmentally forward cruise homeports in North America.
“Our principles ensure that this new cruise terminal will expand local economic benefit, and with the addition of our third shore power berth will make Seattle the national leader in promoting clean, electric shore power for our Alaska-bound cruises,” Bowman said.