The cruise season in Seattle is embarking on a promising journey as the Norwegian Bliss makes its inaugural arrival of the year at Pier 55 on April 12. The Port of Seattle anticipates a bustling 2025 season with 299 ship calls, projecting an impressive $1.9 million revenue from tourism. This year marks a significant development as all three cruise berths will be equipped with shore power, connecting vessels to the Seattle Light grid. This innovation allows docked ships to power down their engines, thereby conserving fuel and significantly reducing air emissions.
Seattle stands out as one of the few ports providing shore power capable of supporting multiple ships simultaneously. The Port of Seattle highlights that electrification facilitates an 80% reduction in diesel emissions and a 66% decrease in CO2 emissions for each vessel. The cruise season, spanning from April to October, is expected to attract nearly 2 million passengers. The thriving cruise industry supports approximately 5,500 local jobs.
Seattle is set to welcome three new cruise lines over the next two seasons. Notably, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth will enjoy its inaugural home port season in Seattle this June, offering eleven sailings with itineraries ranging from seven to eleven days between June and September. Looking ahead to 2026, both Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises will begin their first home port Alaska seasons in Seattle, further enhancing the city’s standing in the cruise industry.
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This expansion in Seattle’s cruise offerings is likely to have a substantial impact on the local economy and community. The introduction of shore power represents a progressive step towards sustainability, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of cruise operations. This reduction in emissions is anticipated to improve air quality, benefiting the health and well-being of residents.
Economically, the cruise season is poised to bolster local businesses and generate significant tourism revenue, providing job opportunities and supporting a wide range of services. The increase in passenger numbers will likely stimulate demand in hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors, fostering economic growth. As these new cruise lines establish Seattle as their home port, the city is set to become an even more attractive destination for tourists, enhancing its global reputation and cultural diversity.