The 2009 cruise season is here with the arrival of Holland America Line’s ms Amsterdam at the new Smith Cove Terminal at Pier 91 in Interbay. Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean will also dock at Smith Cove. The ships will be in port Thursdays-Sundays. There is a Cruise Seattle Community Information Line at 206-728-3337 for area residents who might have questions or concerns about the cruise ship schedule.
The new 143,000 square foot, two-story Smith Cove passenger terminal offers shore power at both of its 1200-foot berths. Features of the terminal include concierge services, luggage storage, on-board airline check-in, rental cars, and secure parking.
A record 211 cruise ships are expected this season, bringing an estimated 801,000 passengers to Seattle’s two terminals at Smith Cove and the Bell Street Pier, Pier 66.
Per an agreement between the Port and the cruise lines, all cruise ships that homeport in Seattle will use shore power or low-sulfur fuel while docked, eliminating the need to run ship engines to generate onboard electricity.
“Seattle’s cruise industry demonstrates that economic growth and environmental protection are compatible, achievable goals,” said Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani. “We are proud today to be opening the only cruise terminal in the world that can provide shore power to two ships at once.”
The new 143,000 square foot Smith Cove passenger terminal provides quick vessel approach, panoramic views of the city’s skyline, Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Features of the terminal include concierge services, luggage storage, on-board airline check-in, rental cars, and secure parking. The two-story facility offers mobile gangways and shore power at each 1200- foot berth.
The terminal was completed in time for this year’s season at a cost of $72 million. The port says that every cruise ship that comes in contributes over $1.7 million to the local economy.
