The Port of Seattle’s 2021 cruise season closes on Saturday when Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore will leave from Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66.
After the COVID-19 pandemic stopped cruise traveling for many last year, the port deemed this year’s season a success, thanks in part to safety procedures and best practices at port facilities that were put in place.
There were 82 cruise ship calls and about 229,000 paying passengers between July 19 and October 23, according to port data.
The port said that it anticipates the 2022 cruise season – which is expected to begin in April – to be within reach of 2019’s passenger and ship call levels.
“We’re grateful to have a cruise business that contributes to our city’s vibrancy and economic sustainability,” said Kau’ilani (Ui) Robinson, public relations director for Visit Seattle, a private nonprofit marketing organization.
“Even through an uncertain period, the resilient return of the 2021 cruise season made a lasting impact for our waterfront businesses,” she said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming a full return of 2022 sailings, which will be pivotal for Seattle — and the greater region’s — recovery.”
