With more than 2 million cruise ship passengers expected to pass through Seattle this quarter, the economic wave could reach far beyond the water.
SEATTLE — Seattle’s record-breaking cruise season got even bigger on Monday as MSC Cruises officially launched its first-ever Alaska cruise from Seattle.
MSC Poesia docked at Pier 91 before setting sail on its first seven-night Alaska cruise, marking the company’s entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing and most competitive cruise markets.
“Alaska is something we miss,” said Neil Palomba, executive vice president of MSC Cruises. “This is one of the bucket list destinations our U.S. and global guests want to experience.”
MSC Poesia recently completed a six-week refurbishment project, sailing from the Mediterranean to Miami and then through the Panama Canal before arriving in Seattle.
Upgrades include new restaurants, expanded wellness spaces and environmental improvements designed specifically for Alaska cruises.
“There have been huge improvements in the equipment we have on board, the advanced water treatment and the recycling methods we have on board,” Palomba said.
The launch comes as the Port of Seattle anticipates its largest cruise season ever, with more than 2 million passengers expected to pass through the city this year, the highest number in the port’s history.
According to the Port of Seattle, the cruise industry had an economic impact of approximately $1.2 billion on the region last year alone. Officials expect that number could be exceeded this season.
Businesses across Seattle are hoping to ride the wave.
“It’s not just for us, it’s the whole marina, the food, the restaurants, the souvenir shops, etc.,” said Josue Garcia of the Seattle store. “It’s good for everyone.”
Garcia said cruise ship traffic brings significant energy growth to the city.
“There’s a lot of people here and I think the energy here is definitely uplifting,” he said.
But the voyage also brought renewed attention to the environmental issues associated with cruising in Alaska.
MSC partners with the nonprofit Orca to put whale experts on board during part of the Alaska season to help crews avoid collisions with whales in busy ocean corridors.
“Vessel strikes – where large whales are hit by ships – are probably the greatest threat to large whales in the 21st century,” said Orca’s Steve Jones. “An estimated 5 to 20,000 large whales are killed each year by various ships, cargo ships, freighters and cruise ships.”
Onboard observers help the crew monitor whale activity and adjust course or speed if needed.
“The first thing we encourage them to do is slow down,” Jones said. “The quicker the whale gets out of the way, the less likely a collision is.”
MSC said the inaugural flight from Seattle is completely sold out, but supply remains limited later in the season. The company has begun taking reservations for its 2027 Alaskan route.
