The Port of Seattle had a record breaking cruise season this year, which has brought in 218 vessel calls and welcomed 875,433 passengers. This endorses Seattle�s strong position in the Alaska cruise market. �The cruise business is an important source of jobs and economic growth for the city, especially in these tough economic times,� said Port Commission President Bill Bryant. �Every one of the 218 ships this year has brought over .7 million to our economy. That is money spent on everything from florists and wineries, to hotels, restaurants and wages to the hard working men and women at the cruise terminals.� �Seattle�s market share of the Alaska cruise business has grown dramatically, from six vessel calls to 218 in just 10 years,� said Tay Yoshitani, Port of Seattle CEO. �People have discovered what a great destination Alaska is, and we are seeing the benefits of job creation and revenue in our region.� The cruise business in Seattle generates over 2 million in annual business revenue, over million in annual state and local taxes and 3,781 jobs. This year saw the opening of the new Smith Cover Cruise Terminal, a new two berth facility on Pier 91. For 2010 it is estimated that 222 vessel calls will arrive in Seattle bringing with them 846,000 passengers. For more information visit www.portseattle.org. Samantha Preece Account Manager First Public Relations Molasses House Clove Hitch Quay Plantation Wharf London, SW11 3TN United Kingdom Tel: +44 (20) 7978 5233 Fax: +44 (20) 7924 3134 web: www.firstpr.co.uk