Holland America Line’s 2024 Alaska cruise season kicked off today at Pier 91 in Seattle, marking the start of a busy summer for the cruise line and the Port of Seattle.

Two Holland America ships, Eurodam and Westerdam, will call Seattle their homeport throughout the season. With 38 scheduled visits to the Emerald City, Holland America expects to bring nearly 72,000 guests through the port by the end of October.

This influx of visitors translates to significant economic impact for Seattle. Each call by a Holland America ship generates an estimated $250,000 in spending by passengers and crew. This includes discretionary spending at local shops, restaurants, and attractions, as well as port taxes that contribute to infrastructure and services.

The arrival of Holland America‘s ships signifies the official start of the cruise season in Seattle, a vital part of the city’s tourism industry.