Video: Cruise season kicks off in Seattle

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SEATTLE - Seattle welcomed its first cruise ship of the season Tuesday, and this year promises to be the busiest season ever for the city. 

The cruise ship industry has grown exponentially in Seattle in recent years.  Cruise lines are bringing more ships and larger ships.  This year, they'll bring more than 800,000 passengers to Seattle. 

"Eleven percent more cruise ships are going to be stopping in Seattle and that's very good news for the economy of Seattle," said Steve Danishek, travel expert. 

Nine years ago, the Port of Seattle welcomed just six cruise ships. Last season that number catapulted to 197, and this year, the port is expecting 211. 

When those numbers go up, so do the number of dollars to area businesses, like those at Pike Place Market. 

"Oh absolutely!  Yes, there's a lot more people coming through the market, especially on weekdays," said Hannah Willis, Pike Place Market vendor.  

On top of that, Holland America Line, for example, works with local florists, dairies, piano tuners, and more. In fact, each time a cruise ship calls, it generates a $1.4 million economic impact for the City of Seattle. 

If you're looking to get on a cruise yourself, travel experts say you can still get a good deal if you can travel early and late in the season, such as in May and September.