Seattle celebrates the welcome return of Alaska cruise season

Every inch of the promenade of the Majestic Princess on deck 7 is occupied by a cheering crew, who applaud the guests as they board the cruise ship – and undoubtedly cheer their own return to sea. After all, it has been a good year since these committed workers made a living looking after the passengers.

Every passenger who steps on the gangway has the same feeling: It’s nice to be welcomed back on board.

When the CDC lifted the No-Sail Order and cruise companies worked behind the scenes for months to step up health and safety measures, recreational travel began again, and for the ports of Seattle and Alaska in particular, a large part of the local tourism economy is the cruise industry. Seattle-based cruises are responsible for nearly $ 900 million in business and more than 5,500 jobs.

Host Entertainment Lead, Erin, aboard the Majestic Princess as the cruise line prepares to set sail from Seattle to Alaska

Lori A. May, Seattle Post Smart

“It’s a great day, also a great day in Seattle,” said Steve Metruck, General Manager of the Port of Seattle, as he greeted a small group of media at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal on this particularly sunny day in the city.

“Fifteen months ago there was a lot of uncertainty,” says Metruck, recalling the initial travel stop. “But I said then that I know for sure: the cruise industry is a resilient industry and it will come back better, stronger and safer than before, and that is where we are today.”

Metruck handed the podium to Arnold W. Donald, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation, the parent company of popular cruise lines including Carnival, Holland America and Princess, all of which are celebrating their return to Seattle and sailing to Alaska this season.

Arnold W. Donald, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation

Lori A. May, Seattle Post Smart

“Good morning everyone,” said Donald, thanking the guests for participating in the solemn return to sailing. “I cannot acknowledge the enormous commitment and dedication of our employees enough …”

That dedication is evident on every ship as the crew members wave and share smiling eyes over their face masks as passengers return to Holland Americas Nieuw Amsterdam and Majestic Princess after so many months.

While the media representatives stroll through the corridors, cabins and onto the sun-drenched outside decks, the crew members are happy to see guests again. Wait for the staff to wave and pose for photos. Cleaning staff meticulously take care of every corner. Captains and navigation officers feel at home again. Everyone is looking forward to coming back to sea.

Seattle Mariner Moose tests the microphone as the media greets the return of Seattle cruise season

Lori A. May, Seattle Post Smart

For passengers embarking on their first crossings from Seattle, it will be a happy reunion, where at the same time they have the feeling that nothing has changed and everything has changed. Passengers can expect the same high-quality service aboard the Princess and Holland America cruise ships, with attentive and friendly staff, an abundance of dining and non-stop entertainment as they sail north to Alaska.

The difference is of course the small details. Before embarkation, guests must provide proof of full vaccination at least two weeks prior to embarkation. Please bring your official CDC vaccination card with you to check-in.

The improved health and safety measures for Holland America Line and Princess Cruise Line ensure that all guests are vaccinated and thus guests can experience everything they have previously enjoyed on cruises: a rich buffet, a variety of performances, a lively casino , and sunbathing on the pool deck.

Crew greets guests aboard the Majestic Princess in Seattle

Lori A. May, Seattle Post Smart

A fully vaccinated cruise also allows guests to remove themselves from wearing a face mask, although such precautions may still be required on land at cruise terminals and when visiting certain ports.

Guests will also find that the pre-sailing routine pattern exercise has been streamlined. Rather than gathering guests into large groups while they perform security drills, cruise lines have changed the way security information is sent to guests. On board a Princess MedallionClass cruise, for example, guests use their portable OceanMedallion to check that the security drill has been checked in the privacy of their own room before going to the collection point alone.

While some social distancing measures like this have been in place, otherwise guests may feel like a cruise today is just like a cruise two years ago. Only better. Better, because during the cruise standstill, the cruise companies worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every guest, every crew member and every port city has more security and well-being in mind.

The Lido deck and pool on board Holland America’s New Amsterdam

Lori A. May, Seattle Post Smart

With new health and safety measures, Seattle is once again a ceremonial home port for Holland America and its sister companies sailing to Alaska this season.

Although cabin space is limited and in demand, it’s still possible to find plenty on Alaska cruises from Seattle this summer and fall. Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam will sail from Seattle to Alaska from July 24th to October 2nd, 2021. Majestic Princess is also sailing from Seattle to Alaska this weekend. The last cruise this season sails on September 26th.