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The Port of Seattle has announced that the 2009 cruise season, which brought in a record 218 vessel calls and welcomed 875,433 passengers, continues to validate Seattle's strong position in the Alaska cruise market.

"The cruise business is an important source of jobs and economic growth for King County," said Port Commission President Bill Bryant.

"Every one of the 218 ships this year brings over $1.7 million to King County's economy."

"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 growth in cruise vessel calls in recent years has also, as a consequence, led to a rise in demand for marine fuel from the cruise industry with the majority of bunker purchases coming in the form of 'term contracts'.

The size of the bunker market in Seattle is currently estimated to be between 1.5 - 2.0 million tonnes per year.

The cruise business in Seattle generates over $312 million in annual business revenue, over $16 million in annual state and local taxes, and 3,781 jobs.

The 2009 season saw the opening of the new Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, a new two berth facility on Pier 91 near the Magnolia Bridge.

For next year's cruise season, it is estimated that 222 vessel calls will arrive in Seattle bringing with them 846,000 passengers.