By Karen Robes Meeks
Caution over COVID-19 has prompted the Port of Seattle to cancel cruise sailings planned for April 1 and April 5.
The canceled sailings were "port of call” sailings in which ships do one-day stop in Seattle before heading to a different destination, while the majority of sailings are homeport. The port announced that it will coordinate with “first responders, cruise lines, and local leaders, and consider current public health guidance, as well as enhanced actions that the cruise lines are undertaking, to determine future sailings.”
“This region is in a public health emergency and we will cancel the first two sailings of our cruise season,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Peter Steinbrueck. “The health, safety, and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority.”
Meanwhile, Canada’s Transport Minister on Friday said cruise across Canada will be suspended until July 1, a move that may affect Seattle-based cruises since Seattle to Alaska trips visit Victoria.
The cruise industry is a massive one for Seattle, generating close to $900 million in business and supports 5,500 jobs.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
