Cruise Season Begins In Seattle Norwegian Bliss Arrival
Cruise season is officially underway.
On Saturday the Norwegian Bliss set out on a week excursion to Alaska.
Businesses downtown and along Seattle's waterfront depend on tourists to help them stay afloat. Tourism dropped drastically during the coronavirus pandemic. Mainly because there weren't any cruises.
But with the Norwegian Bliss docked at Pier 66, it starts a much-needed boost to small businesses.
Along with economic vitality, officials say safety from COVID-19 is still one of their top priorities.
All guests over 12 are required to be fully vaccinated and take a test within two days of sailing out of Seattle. They also have significantly improved filtration systems on board.
"Seeing giant cruise ships like the one behind me here in Elliott Bay, the Norwegian Bliss, not only symbolizes that cruise season is back but that there's a much-needed economic boom that's about to make its way to the Seattle waterfront."
This is the time of year spots like Shug's Soda Fountain and Ice Cream look forward to.
"Summers, specifically in Seattle, are the best."
The local shop is at Pike Place Market, and according to owner Colleen Wilkie, these last couple years have been painful.
"It was tremendously difficult to maintain a business without guests," Wilkie said.
Places along Seattle's waterfront crave tourists to help stay afloat.
"Having the cruise ship industry back in port on the Seattle waterfront is such a relief to my business," Wilkie siad.
Which is easy to understand why when you see the long lines of travelers waiting to board this massive ship.
Most come from all over for the chance to set sail here, and their dollars make a billion dollar difference to the city's economy.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell welcomed the start of the season at Pier 66, along with the Port of Seattle and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
"It's go to time. The cruise season is back. We are back," said Harrell.
After two long years, businesses like Shug's are ready to see those tourists back in our city.
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