Seattle, Washington is taking a wait-and-see approach to the 2020 cruise season. Already, it’s clear that the Alaska cruise season, which runs from April through September, will take a hit.
The big question, for both the industry and those hoping to sail, is how big the hit will be.
Behind the “Hard But Necessary Decision”
Carnival Spirit sailing Alaska
Already, the port has cancelled several sailings, which were to kick off the cruise season. In addition, Carnival Spirit, which was slated to arrive in Seattle at the beginning of April and spend the next several months sailing to Alaska, has cancelled its April 10 and April 20 voyages.
“We must consider public health and safety above all else,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Peter Steinbrueck. “The eventual return of our cruise season is something we fully expect as an important contribution to living wage jobs, local small businesses, and our region’s economic recovery. We also recognize the critical role [Seattle’s cruise industry has played] in supporting the Alaska economy for over 20 years.”
On behalf of the businesses which will be impacted, Visit Seattle president and CEO Tom Norwalk said, “The loss and impact of these sailings will ripple through the tourism industry and our regional economy. However, we understand the Port of Seattle’s hard but necessary decision.”
