Seattle's Cruise Season Could Be On Hold Until July

SEATTLE, WA — The Seattle cruise season may be on hold until summer, as uncertainty continues over the rapid spread of the new coronavirus.

The Port of Seattle announced Wednesday it had canceled the first two sailings of the year, scheduled for early April. Two days later, Canadian authorities suspended cruises nationwide until at least July 1.

Seattle port officials said those changes would have wide ramifications on trips from Seattle, especially those headed to Alaska, as foreign-owned ships are required to stop at a non-U.S. port en route to their destination.

The economic impact on the Seattle economy is also expected to be significant. According to the Port of Seattle, cruise season generates approximately $900 million in the region and supports roughly 5,500 jobs. Crosscut reports postponing all sailings until July would mean 90 canceled trips — about 40 percent of the typical season.

Friday, Princess Cruise Lines announced a two-month suspension for all its operations around the globe. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have announced one-month suspensions.

Related: Cruise Lines Cancel Cruises For 30 Days Due To Coronavirus Fears

Whether some Seattle sailings could potentially resume before July has yet to be determined.

"We will continue working with first responders, cruise lines, and local leaders, and consider current public health guidance, as well as enhanced actions by the cruise lines to determine future sailings," port officials said.