Alaska cruise season begins this week as Holland America Line’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam arrived at the Port of Seattle.  This year, Holland America Line will sail an increased number of ships to Alaska, adding up to 55 calls at the Port of Seattle.  Sailing from Seattle since the 1970’s, the economic impact of Holland America sailings on Seattle and the state of Washington is considerable.

 

 

Three Holland America Line ships will sail roundtrip Seattle routes in 2016.  Alaska sailings from Seattle include ms Westerdam, ms Amsterdam and ms Maasdam contribute $389 million to the Seattle economy and $547 million across Washington State.  Provisioning costs each time a ship calls at Seattle average about $300,000 per visit. Holland America Line works with more than 600 Washington vendors, from food and beverage suppliers to piano tuners, office supply stores and marine suppliers, among many more. For example, Westerdam requires over 23,000 eggs and 1,375 gallons of milk each week — all of which come from local farmers. In addition, local growers supply 147,550 pounds of fresh produce a week.

“As Seattle’s hometown cruise line it’s fitting that one of our ships is kicking off the city’s Alaska season, a time we eagerly anticipate each year,” -Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president.

In addition to the 48 roundtrip Seattle cruises to Alaska this season, three cruises to Australia/New Zealand or Hawaii/South Pacific will begin or end at Seattle, includingAmsterdam’s 53-day Tales of the South Pacific voyage and Maasdam’s 23-day South Pacific Crossing. All of the options combined make a total of 55 calls by five ships — ms Zaandam makes one Seattle call — that will welcome more than 86,000 guests to Seattle.

Also contributing to Holland America Line’s economic impact is spending by passengers and crew in local shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, museums, attractions and taxis. Other expenditures include ship maintenance and port fees, charges and taxes.

 

 

Nieuw Amsterdam’s arrival at Seattle is the start of a one-day cruise to Vancouver, British Columbia, to reposition to its summer homeport.  For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.