Template revised September 22, 2016.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
7b
BRIEFING ITEM
Date of Meeting
February 27, 2018
DATE: January 25, 2018
TO: Executive Director Stephen P. Metruck
FROM: Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Managing Director Maritime Division
Michael McLaughlin, Director Cruise Operations
SUBJECT: Cruise Overview
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff will brief commission on Maritime Cruise business– highlighting growth in the industry,
our record season in 2017, forward-looking market demand for Alaska cruising, cruise economic
impact, Port Valet Program (flight check in and luggage service), and a look ahead of the 2018
cruise season.
Background
The Port of Seattle’s continued success as a homeport supporting the Alaska cruise market is an
important component of the Ports economic impact to the region as well, as important to
industry’s continued growth. The opportunities for Seattle are significant. This briefing will
include discussion on the following items.
• The overall cruise industry growth and Alaska market growth
• Year over year passenger growth
• Overview of 2017 cruise season
• Economic Impacts
• Port Valet (flight check in and luggage service)
• Cruise Connections event held January 19, 2018
• Look ahead at 2018 and beyond
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND
Current capacity includes two terminals with three berths total with cruise ships scheduled in
the harbor from mid-April to mid-October. Cruise ships are in the harbor every day of the week
except Wednesday and Thursday. Continued growth is limited by current berth availability in
Seattle and Alaska.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS BRIEFING
Presentation slides.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. _7b___ Page 2 of 2
Meeting Date: February 27, 2018
Template revised September 22, 2016.
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
April 11, 2017 – The Commission authorized the Cruise Luggage Valet Program- 2017 Cruise
Season
August 11, 2015 – The Commission authorized the Bell Street Cruise Terminal Lease Agreement
with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
June 23, 2015 – The Commission was briefed on Cruise Industry Trends
