Coronavirus Will Delay Seattle's Cruise Season

SEATTLE, WA — Seattle's cruise season will be delayed by the coronavirus outbreak, according to the Port of Seattle.

Earlier projections showed the season could be delayed at least until July. Now the port says they expect the delay to last "until the resolution of the public health emergency." The port also says they'll be looking to local, state and federal health officials for guidance on when it may be safe to begin sailing again.

Two early April cruises had already been officially canceled, now even more are likely on the line. Anyone who has booked a cruise sailing for the early half of the season is advised to contact the cruise line for more information about their tickets and itinerary.

Even if the emergency is quickly resolved and cruises do begin in July, that'll still cost cruise lines a significant amount. Crosscut reports postponing all sailings until July would mean 90 canceled trips — about 40 percent of the average cruise season. The port says that will have a trickle down effect on Seattle: each cruise ship sailing represents about $4 million for local businesses, and the cruise ship industry supports around 5,500 jobs.

The port says they intend to follow the outbreak closely and hope to know soon when sailings could begin this year.