Seattle’s cruise season could see revival this summer

SEATTLE — Officials for Norwegian Cruise Lines say they plan to start sailing from U.S. ports on July 4.

Seattle hasn’t seen a major cruise come into port since the pandemic began last year, and the Alaska cruise season brings nearly a billion dollars to the region every year.

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The cruise line sent a proposal to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has offered guidance for cruise lines, saying companies will have to do practice runs before having guests back on board.

The CDC had set a no-sail order last year after numerous COVID-19 outbreaks on a variety of ships.

Officials for Norwegian say they would require all passengers and crew to show proof of vaccination, and ships would sail at 60% capacity in July, 80% in August and possibly at full capacity in September.

On April 20, American Cruise Lines will deploy six small ships, mostly to the Columbia and Snake rivers, for overnight trips at 75% capacity.

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Passengers will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

The Port of Seattle estimates each large cruise ship brings $4 million to the economy.

Cox Media Group