Oregon Public Broadcasting

While swine flu is bad news for travel to Mexico, it has a silver lining for Pacific Northwest ports. 

During May and June, Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise lines have redirected some seven-night cruises that were scheduled to sail to Mexico from Los Angeles.

Instead, they will now head north to Seattle and Victoria.  Astoria will also get one visit from a redirected mega-ship.

Port of Seattle spokesman Peter McGraw has penciled in six unexpected visits, including the 3000 passenger “Mariner of the Seas.”

Peter McGraw: “Cruises generally are good news for Seattle and the regional economy. Each cruise vessel brings in $1.7  million in revenue to the local economy.” 

Shaw hints that more cruise ships may call on the Northwest if the ports can free up berth space to tie up the huge ships.