Massport officials in Boston dedicated the new $5 million Black Falcon Cruise Terminal on May 29.

They also have announced intentions to develop education programs to help the local community cultivate business from the cruise industry, according to Lana Razdin, a spokesperson at the port.

The new 54,600 sq. ft., two-level terminal, which was technically opened last summer, can service cruise vessels year-round, and can accommodate two ships simultaneously – one 600-passenger vessel and one 1,200-passenger vessel.

Facilities include a customs area with an enclosed gangway, a passenger lounge, a snack bar, ticketing areas, a baggage area, ship storage space and commercial space.

This year Chandris Fantasy Cruises, Bahama Cruise Line and Royal Viking Line will operate a total of 16 vessels, June 16 through October – to Bermuda, Montreal or “Nowhere.” There will be a few more calls this year than last, and much expansion from Royal Cruise Line with the addition of Royal Odyssey, Razdin said.

To help the local community cultivate business from the cruise industry, the port is looking into a variety of familiarization projects targeted at the city’s travel agents and tour operators. Educational programs for hoteliers, retailers, cab drivers and other service suppliers also are being developed.

“Tourism is the second largest industry in Boston, so it’s in the state’s best interest to fully develop it,” Razdin said. “And because of Boston’s popularity as a destination, the growing popularity of cruising and the trend toward domestic travel, this is a particularly good time to pay more attention to the cruise industry.”

Seattle Releases 1986 Projections

Officials at The Port of Seattle estimate that 47 cruise ships will call there this year, and that the lines and passengers will spend some $14 million in the city.