Alaskan Cruises Returning in 2022

The Port of Seattle recently unveiled its preliminary cruise schedule for 2022, with 296 scheduled sailings beginning on April 12, 2022.

This schedule should bring an estimated 1.26 million revenue passengers through Seattle’s cruise ship terminals.

With no cruise activity in 2020, the economic losses due to the drop in tourism were devastating locally and in Alaska.

And the seven significant brands homeporting in Seattle will be sailing 14 vessels, up from 11 most seasons with additional cruises to Alaska in 2022.

The Port of Seattle is one of the most environmentally progressive cruise homeports in North America, routinely setting new standards beyond regulatory compliance to reduce environmental impact.

“Our vision is for a thriving Seattle Alaska cruise industry, one that leads the world in terms of environmental standards, inspiring other Ports to meet the same high standards, and delivers job and business opportunities where they are needed most,” said Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Managing Director of Maritime at the Port of Seattle, in a press release issued on February 23, 2022.

As in 2021, the Port and cruise lines will adopt detailed agreements documenting COVID prevention and response plans on vaccinations and testing to quarantine procedures. 

Cruise lines operating out of Seattle this year are also expected to stop in Canada and must also meet Canadian vaccination and testing requirements.

Canada’s latest COVID-19 vaccination, virus testing, and other requirements are posted on this weblink.

“The past two years have been incredibly difficult for our local businesses, and we’re excited to welcome visitors back to our beautiful community and region,” commented  Alexandra Pierce, Tourism Manager of the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska.

Communities in Alaska also rely on tourism income to maintain their livelihoods. 

A recent report prepared for the Alaska Travel Industry Association found that the lack of cruises in 2020 contributed to a 78% decline in visitor spending, leading businesses to rely on government assistance, cut jobs, and reduce or pause operations.

For more information on this year’s cruise season, please see our frequently asked questions page.

Vax-Before-Travel publishes fact-checked, research-based travel vaccine news at this link.