Port of Seattle Commissioners voted to approve funding for the Port Valet program, which allows cruise passengers to have their bags taken from the ship and transported directly to their airline early, before departing through Sea-Tac International Airport.
The approval allows for the Port of Seattle to offer luggage valet for the third year, which has significantly improved the operational efficiencies of processing cruise passengers at both the seaport and at the airport. The reduction in congestion and passenger wait times have also improved the Port of Seattle’s ability to process larger cruise ships. The cost of the program is expected to be $1.2 million.
This cruise season, the Port of Seattle will welcome the Norwegian Joy and Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas, both with upwards of 5,000 guests during peak season. It is anticipated that continued growth in cruise passenger participation in the program will result in economic benefits to the community and continued operational efficiencies in passenger processing/ baggage handling at cruise terminals and at the airport.
Passengers sign up for the complimentary Port Valet program while on their cruise, then receive their airline boarding pass before leaving the ship. With a boarding pass in hand, and without their luggage, passenger wait time for elevators is reduced along with congestion at the check-in counters for all Sea-Tac passengers. The program also reduces congestion on the baggage system during peak times.
Participating airlines include Alaska, American, Delta, Horizon, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and Spirit. Participating cruise lines include Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. Due to the benefits for both maritime and aviation operations, the Port Valet program is paid for by the Port through airline and port fees.
Matt Hochberg
Matt loves to cruise, and started Cruise.Blog as a place to share different cruise experiences, advice, and what to know before going on a cruise.
He lives in Florida with his wife and two daughters, where he can be found on any given day trying to convince his wife they "need" to book another cruise.
