The 2010 cruise season gets underway April 26 with the arrival of Holland America Line’s ms Amsterdam at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. A record 223 vessels are expected this season, bringing an estimated 858,000 passengers to Seattle. The Port’s vibrant cruise business creates thousands of jobs and millions in revenue, boosting the economy while using new technology that protects the environment.

“Each one of the 223 cruise calls this year leaves $1.9 million in our local economy,” said Port Commission President Bill Bryant. “From local shops to Washington farmers, the cruise business generates business for the whole state.”

Per an agreement between the Port and the cruise lines, all cruise ships that homeport in Seattle will use either low-sulfur fuel or shore power while docked. Smith Cove Cruise Terminal can provide shore power for two ships at once, eliminating the need to run engines while at berth. Seattle’s cruise industry is responsible for more than 4,447 jobs, $425 million in annual business revenue, and nearly $19 million annually in state and local tax revenues.

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal and Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal provide a quick vessel approach, panoramic views of the city’s skyline, Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Both terminals feature concierge services, luggage storage, on-board airline check-in, rental cars, and secure parking. At Smith Cove, shore power is available at each 1200- foot berth, the only one in the United States.

This year, Carnival Cruise Lines will also be sailing from Seattle, offering Tuesday cruises, while both Holland America and Princess Cruise lines will offer 14-day cruises to Alaska. Holland America will also be adding a fourth ship to its Seattle fleet.

Homeport Cruise Lines – 2010

* Carnival Cruise Lines offers 7-day Alaska cruises on the Carnival Spirit, departing on Tuesdays from Pier 91.

* Celebrity Cruises offers 7-day Alaska cruises on the Infinity; departing from Pier 66.

* Holland America Line offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on the Zaandam, Oosterdam and the Rotterdam. Sailings depart Friday, Saturdays and Sundays from Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. The Amsterdam will offer 14-day Alaska sailings every other Monday from Pier 91.

* Norwegian Cruise Line offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on the NCL Star and the NCL Pearl. Sailings depart Saturdays and Sundays from Pier 66.

* Princess Cruises offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on the Golden Princess and Sapphire Princess. Sailings depart Saturdays and Sundays from Pier 91. The Royal Princess will offer 14-day Alaska sailings every other Monday from Pier 91.

* Royal Caribbean offers 7-day cruises to Alaska on the Rhapsody of the Seas departing from Pier 91 every Friday.