On Wednesday, March 13, Port Seattle began the process of building a US$200 million cruise terminal along Seattle's waterfront. The cruise ship terminal will be built along Pier 46, currently serving as a cargo shipping hub in SoDo.
According to Stephanie Bowman, president of Port of Seattle Commission, the plan was contingent on around 1/3 of the current cargo vendors that are moving to Terminal 5.
The Port of Seattle Commission issued an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) to draw a private cruise partner to operate from the new terminal. The partner is due to be responsible for 50% of the development costs, or about US$100 million.
Bowman added the goal was to open the new terminal for 2020 cruise season. When it opens, Pier 46 will feature shore power.
The two other operating cruise terminals are situated at Pier 91 in Magnolia, as well as Pier 66, that is north of Colman Dock along Seattle's waterfront.
Bowman shared that having a terminal in SoDo would help with efficiency for cruise passengers arriving from Sea-Tac airport with an anticipated extension of Sound Transit light rail in downtown Seattle, due to be completed by 2023.