(SitNews) Seattle, Washington - During the 2012 cruise season, a record 933,900 revenue passengers moved through the Port of Seattle's two cruise terminals, further solidifying Seattle as a port of origin for Alaska-bound cruises.

The Port of Seattle estimates that the record passenger number of Alaska-bound cruises generated more than $416 million in annual business revenue for Washington, $18 million in Washington and King County taxes while creating 4,319 Washington jobs. Each time a homeport ship docks in Seattle, it contributes $2.1 million to the local economy according to Seattle Port Commissioner John Creighton.

Port of Seattle

"The cruise business is good not only for King County, but for our entire state," said Creighton. "Our goal is to have cruise passengers extend their stay a few more days to discover what else Washington has to offer and to increase tourism spending statewide."

During 2012, cruises to southeast Alaska operated at 109.95 percent of passenger capacity, the result of having multiple guests – usually families – sharing a cabin.

Seattle ranks 7th in the nation for ports for passengers while Washington ranks 6th in the nation for cruise industry expenditures according to newly released 2011 data compiled by Cruise Lines International Association, the world´s largest cruise association.

According to Port Commissioner John Creighton, these statistics aren't likely to surprise people who have been shopping for unforgettable vacations at a reasonable price. Cruises have long been considered the perfect vacation for busy families as they can enjoy the sights and sounds passing by them without worrying about catching connecting flights or losing their luggage along the way. Adding, cruises to Alaska are remarkably affordable, especially when compared to trips to Europe or the Caribbean. Instead of spending money on international flights to begin the cruise, people are spending money on enjoying their trip.

Quoting a news release, each traveler who comes through the Port of Seattle on the way to a cruise has the opportunity to positively impact Washington's economy. That person could spend money on overnight lodging, as well as meals, before the trip begins or ends. We are hoping to encourage many travelers might to lengthen their vacations, allowing them to spend a few days in Seattle or the surrounding areas in the days preceding the trip.

The Seattle Port Commission's Century Agenda, a 25-year plan, is to add 100,000 new port-related jobs to the region and is also looking at ways to double the economic impact of the cruise industry to Washington State.

The success of the Port will further reache out and impact the economy of Southeast Alaska as passenger number of Alaska-bound cruises increase from Seattle.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News & Photograph: 

Port of Seattle
http://www.portseattle.org

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