Port Guides
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the undisputed capital of Alaska cruising. Every spring and summer, the city's Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91 and Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal 66 buzz with excited passengers about to embark on one of the most awe-inspiring itineraries in the world — the Alaska Inside Passage. Glaciers, humpback whales, bald eagles, and remote wilderness await just a day's sailing away.
But Seattle itself is a destination that deserves far more than a quick overnight. This is one of America's most livable and vibrant cities — a place of great coffee, extraordinary seafood, stunning mountain and water views, and a cultural life that punches far above its weight class. Arrive early. Explore deeply. Then set sail for the Last Frontier.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
There are two departure piers in Seattle.
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Norwegian and Oceania sail from Bell Street Pier 66:
2209 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
Other cruise lines sail from Smith Cove Pier 91:
2001 W Garfield St
Seattle, WA 98119
NEAREST AIRPORT
SEA - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - 17 miles, 40-60 minutes
AVERAGE TEMPS
Seattle operates Alaska itineraries seasonally. Weather ranges from lows in the 50s to highs in the low 80s (often on the same day). Layers are an essential packing item.
Getting to Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is about 13 miles south of downtown Seattle, with light rail service connecting the airport to the city center in approximately 40 minutes. The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91) is the primary terminal for Alaska sailings and is located about 2 miles north of downtown. The Bell Street Pier Terminal (Pier 66) is centrally located in downtown Seattle near the waterfront and is home to Norwegian Cruise Lines and Oceania.
Both terminals are easily accessible by taxi, ride-share, or shuttle from the airport and from downtown hotels. We recommend staying in downtown Seattle the night before your cruise — the proximity to the waterfront and the sheer joy of a pre-cruise Seattle evening make it the obvious choice.
 
Staying Overnight
We always recommend arriving at least the day before your cruise. Doing so ensures you don't risk missing embarkation for your long-awaited vacation, and also gives you time to explore the world in a bit more depth. You have many options for accommodations in Seattle.
Guest Recommendations
A selection of our guest's favorite hotels:
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Downtown - Luxury:
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Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
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The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
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Lotte Hotel Seattle
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Thompson Seattle ​
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Downtown - 4 Star:
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Inn at the Market
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The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle
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Seattle Marriott Waterfront
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The Edgewater Hotel
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Grand Hyatt Seattle
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Downtown - 3 Star/Residential Style:
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Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union
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Seattle Airport:
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport​
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Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center
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Seattle Airport Marriott
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Things to do in Seattle
Seattle is host to a beautiful waterfront and lush natural scenery. An extra night at the beginning or end of your trip is the perfect bookend to an Alaska adventure.
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Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is one of the oldest and most beloved public markets in the United States, and it's absolutely essential Seattle. Watch the fishmongers throw salmon, sample the produce from local farms, pick up flowers, browse the original Starbucks location (there's always a line but it's worth it), and wander the "down under" shops beneath the main arcade. It's a working market that has served Seattle since 1907, and it's alive with energy every single day.
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Chihuly Garden and Glass
Adjacent to the Space Needle at the Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass is one of the most stunning museum experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Dale Chihuly's monumental glass sculptures — some filling entire rooms, others erupting from garden beds against a backdrop of the Space Needle — are genuinely breathtaking. Don't miss this on a pre-cruise visit.
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The Seattle Waterfront
Seattle's revitalized waterfront along Elliott Bay is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. The Seattle Aquarium, excellent waterfront dining, and ferry views make this a naturally beautiful and engaging area. The new Overlook Walk connecting Pike Place Market to the waterfront has transformed this stretch into one of the city's finest public spaces.
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Boeing Museum of Flight
If you are equal parts cruise ship nerd and aviation geek, the Boeing Museum of Flight is tough to beat! It features some of the most historic aircraft and beautiful displays. It is south of the city close to the Seattle airport, so plan for extra transportation to and from.
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Seattle Space Needle
A trip up the Seattle Space Needle is a great way to get an overview of the Puget Sound before you set sail. We highly recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid lengthy waits.
Danny's Insider Tips
Foodie Experience: Savor Seattle Food Tours
"Seattle is one of America’s great food cities, and the best way to experience it is on foot with a local guide. Savor Seattle offers incredible walking tours centered on Pike Place Market — you’ll taste your way through artisan cheese, fresh Dungeness crab, chowder, and local pastries while learning the story of a market that has fed this city since 1907. My top pick for clients who want to eat their way into a destination."
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History & Culture: Underground Seattle + Pioneer Square
"Seattle literally built a new city on top of its old one. After the Great Fire of 1889, the city raised its entire street level — leaving the original storefronts and sidewalks buried beneath. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour takes you down into those subterranean streets and tells the story of Seattle’s wild, brilliant early years. Pair it with a walk through Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest and most architecturally stunning neighborhood."
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Browse all Seattle tours & experiences through our partner Project Expedition: Explore Seattle Tours & Experiences
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Danny’s Pick: Chihuly Garden and Glass
"One of the most genuinely awe-inspiring museum experiences I’ve encountered anywhere in the world. Dale Chihuly’s monumental glass sculptures fill entire rooms and spill out into garden beds with the Space Needle rising behind them. Don’t skip this one — book tickets in advance, it sells out."
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Danny’s Pick: Pike Place Market — Go Early, Go Deep
"Everyone goes to Pike Place. Not everyone goes right. Get there before 9am, and skip the Starbucks line on your first pass. What most visitors miss are the “down under” shops beneath the main arcade — a labyrinth of small vendors and local characters that feels untouched by time. This market has been alive since 1907 and every corner has a story."
PARKING INFO
Parking is available in both departure terminals but can be limited. It is highly recommended to reserve online:
Pier 66 (Norwegian)
JUMP TO
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible handicap parking is available on a first-come basis. If you wish mobility or wheelchair assistance in the terminal, please notify your Harr Travel advisor or the cruise line.
What to expect when embarking at
Seattle
Arrive with your travel documents ready: passport, cruise booking confirmation or barcode, and any health or other documentation your cruise line requires. Porters are available to take your checked luggage right at the curb, so you won't need to haul bags all the way to check-in. Give your porters a couple of dollars per bag as a tip — it's appreciated and a customary gesture.
 
You will go through port security after dropping off your bags, then check in with the cruise line in the terminal building. From there, you board and start your adventure!
Disembarking at Seattle
Disembarkation in Seattle follows the same general rhythm as most major cruise ports. You'll be assigned a disembarkation number or color, and you'll be called off the ship in waves. Self-assist disembarkation — where you carry all your own bags off — typically gets you off the ship earliest and is a great option if you have an early flight out of one of the region’s airports.
If you have arranged for transportation, confirm with the transportation provider your pickup location and time. On-demand shuttles, taxis and Uber are also available in port.
Cruise lines sailing from Seattle
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PRINCESS CRUISES
Princess (along with Holland America Line) have been sailing Alaska for more than 55 years. Their depth of knowledge and experience with the Last Frontier is virtually unrivalled. They sail multiple 7-night itineraries from Seattle, including at least one weekly departure that includes Glacier Bay National Park. They sail from Smith Cove Pier 91.
Ready to book your next voyage from
Seattle?
You have many options for the perfect cruise vacation from scenic Seattle. We can't wait to explore them with you!