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The Port of Seattle can now claim Carnival Cruise Lines as the latest big name cruise line to call in Seattle. For the first time, Carnival will operate a schedule of seven-day Alaska round-trip cruises from Seattle beginning in May 2010, a move which is set to be a further boost to bunker sales at the West Coast port.

“The Port’s cruise business generates nearly 2,400 jobs in King County,” said Commission President Bill Bryant. “We are pleased to welcome Carnival as a partner.”

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,124 passenger Carnival Spirit [pictured] will depart on Tuesdays from May 11th to August 31st 2010.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Carnival Cruise Lines to Seattle,” said Tom Norwalk, President & CEO of Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Tourism Matters to Seattle, King County and Washington State – and the Port of Seattle’s investment in our cruise infrastructure matters to the health and vitality of the tourism industry.”

The Port of Seattle now provides two downtown cruise terminals with the upcoming launch of the new Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 on April 24th. The new terminal offers two 1200 foot berths and the world's only facility equipped with two shore power plug-ins for cruise ships, whilst the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal will continue to serve cruise passengers on Seattle's downtown waterfront.

In 2008, Seattle hosted 210 vessels and a record-setting 886,039 passengers which moved Seattle to the top spot for Alaska cruises. In 2009, 211 cruise ships are expected to call at Port of Seattle terminals.

With the coming 2009 cruise season, the Port of Seattle will host Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International at the new Smith Cove Terminal at Pier 91, and the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 will continue to serve Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Cruise passengers are now able to select from twelve different ships going to Alaska or the Pacific Northwest.