SEATTLE — The countdown to the cruise season is on, and the first cruise ships will depart from Seattle for Alaska in three weeks.
With the announcement comes a need for workers as there is a major hiring spree to make sure those ships leave as scheduled.
Port of Seattle workers said the 2022 cruise season could be the biggest ever.
“People are very excited. They’re very upbeat. They’re very ready to come back to the cruise industry,” said Desiree Dyck with Metro Cruise Services.
Fourteen vessels will call western Washington home and that is three more ships than in previous years, which is why there is a tremendous need for workers at the Port.
“We’re going to be hiring well into the season. There are full-time and part-time opportunities,” said Peter McGraw with the Port of Seattle.
The Port of Seattle is in the process of hiring 350 workers.
Administrators said new employees are needed to greet visitors when they arrive. Also, workers will be needed to handle the overall departure and arrival of the ships.
“We really need great people, positive energy, people that really want to be part of that Alaska experience,” Dyck said.
The implications for Seattle’s economy are huge and that is because $4 million is invested into the local economy every time a ship arrives in Seattle.
“Several vessels are going to be new to the Seattle market this year and we’re looking at passenger numbers very similar to before the pandemic,” McGraw said.
In total, 2022′s cruise season is expected to bring in $900 million in revenue to Seattle’s economy.
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