SEATTLE, WA — The first two sailings of the Seattle cruise season have been canceled as our region grapples with the largest outbreak of the new coronavirus in the United States.

Earlier Wednesday morning, Gov. Jay Inslee announced mandatory event cancellations for gatherings of more than 250 people in Washington's three most populous counties. The Port of Seattle acknowledged "significant economic implications" for postponing cruise season, but said the actions were necessary to protect the public.

"Our top priority is and must be public safety and security," said Peter Steinbrueck, president of the Port of Seattle Commission. "We're doing everything possible to try and curtail the risk of [spreading the coronavirus]." Steinbrueck said the first canceled sailing is the April 1 planned departure of the Grand Princess. The ship is currently docked in Oakland after several passengers tested positive for COVID-19. Steinbrueck said the ship will no longer be headed to Seattle.

The Port of Seattle also canceled the planned April 5 departure of the Celebrity Eclipse. "As of now, our first scheduled cruise ship is the Holland America Eurodam on April 15th," Steinbrueck said.

The Port of Seattle said it would continue to work with local leaders and public health officials to evaluate the evolving situation in the region, and more cancellations may become necessary.

Steinbrueck said no decisions had been made regarding the seven cruise lines homeported in Seattle.