Opening Bell
Statshot: Cruise Control
Seattle is one of the nation's busiest hubs for cruises
By Seattle Business Magazine September 18, 2023
This article originally appeared in the September/October 2023 issue of Seattle magazine.
Tourism season is in full swing in Seattle, and officials expect a record cruise season after several down years due to the pandemic. The season runs through Oct. 30.
“The cruise season in Seattle makes a real difference for downtown businesses,” Mayor Bruce Harrell says, “allowing us to share what makes our city special with tourists from around the world.”
- 288 Projected sailings for the season
- 111 Sailings that will connect at Terminal 91 to use shore power, or clean landside electrical power that dramatically reduces diesel emissions
- 700,000 Individual travelers expected to sail from Seattle
- 7.7 Percentage increase in passengers from last year
- 3.4 Size of average cruise party
- $660 Average amount spent by each party in Seattle during a cruise visit
- 73 Percent of visitors who spend a night in Seattle before or after a cruise
- $14.5M Statewide taxes generated by visitors
- 5,500 Number of workers employed in the cruise industry
- $900M Overall economic impact of the cruise industry.
Sources: Visit Seattle; Port of Seattle
Big Number
$8 Billion
Amazon’s estimated sales for last year’s first-ever October Prime Day, a 25% decline from Prime Day in July 2022. Amazon has scheduled another Prime Day in October this year.
Source: Bank of America
Quote
“Our largest brand, Tommy Bahama, had another exceptional year (in 2022) with 22% top-line growth.”
Scott Grassmyer, CFO and COO of Oxford Industries, owner of Seattle-based
Tommy Bahama and other brands.