July 8, 2024
The Seattle cruise industry brings essential visitors, revenue, and economic support to our region. And the 2024 season is shaping up to be the biggest ever. At the same time, the Port of Seattle continues its quest to be one of the most environmentally friendly ports in the nation. How can these both be true?
1. The cruise industry is a major contributor to the Seattle economy
Every season, the cruise industry brings $900 million in business revenue to the region. And more than 5,500 of your neighbors’ jobs are supported by the cruise industry.
- Women from Holland America share advice on a career at sea
- Cruise security guard
- Meet three women navigating the cruise industry
- Professional photographer Natalie Fobes
- Port agent
- Cruise videographer
- Cruise travel agent
2. Cruise passengers spend money that keeps local small businesses afloat
Every vessel arrival supports the regional economy to the tune of $4.2 million. Local small businesses like these tell us that cruise season puts money in their pockets and helps them thrive:
- Copperworks Distilling Company
- Bite Society gift baskets
- Flora and Henry boutique
- Fashion designer Luly Yang
3. Ships connecting to shore power at dock prevents a boatload of emissions.
Between 2022 and 2023, the use of shore power decreased greenhouse gas emissions by 270%.
In 2023, ships connecting to clean electric shore power saved 2,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. What does that mean? It removes the equivalent of:
- 570 passenger vehicles driven for one year
- 6.47 million miles driven by one car
(Source: EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator)
4. Cruisers’ luggage misses out on all the fun.
With the free Port Valet program, luggage gets whisked away from ship to the airport so cruisers can explore Seattle. In 2023, the Port Valet processed 208,736 bags. And that means almost 179,000 passengers had a great time in our city without their luggage in tow.
- Check your luggage directly from your ship to the airport with Port Valet.
And enjoy these quintessential Seattle itineraries:
5. Cruise ships have sophisticated onboard waste processing plants to minimize impact on their destinations
For example, the Discovery Princess has a state-of-the-art waste treatment plant to purify wastewater to drinking water quality. The ship also features onboard composting capability to convert food waste into nourishing garden soil.
- Read about waste management technology
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