Homeport Destination Guide: Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington is one of the most unique cities in the United States. Located in the Pacific Northwest on the Puget Sound, Seattle is a bustling metropolis surrounded by water and the nearby Olympic Mountains. Just beyond the Space Needle and downtown skyscrapers, you will find Mount Rainier (an actual active volcano) just an hour from the city!
The city of Seattle is home to an eclectic mix of culture, arts, businesses, and more. In recent years, the area put itself on the map several of the World’s most prominent companies like Microsoft, Boeing, and Amazon call Seattle home. Combining these elements offers a bustling city rich in activities, restaurants, nightlife, museums, and other popular attractions.
Seattle’s waterfront location and major international airport make it a prime homeport for cruise lines offering Alaska and coastal voyages. Norwegian, Oceania, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America Line, and Carnival are among the lines which sail from the Port of Seattle. Holland America Line and Seabourn’s headquarters are close by the port. Additionally, Windstar Cruises is based downtown, and several large travel companies like Expedia are all based in the Seattle area.
If you find yourself with extra time in Seattle or are looking to add on to your vacation, the city is an ideal spot for a pre-or post-cruise destination. In preparation for your upcoming trip, the following will help you make the most of your time in Seattle.
1. Fast Facts for Seattle
Seattle Cruise Terminals: Two cruise terminal locations make up the Port of Seattle. We recommend researching before your trip which terminal your ship departs.
- Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 is located at 2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121. For map and directions, click here. Located on Seattle’s downtown waterfront, this pier is home to Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises. In addition, the pier is a short walk to the famous Pike Place Market and other attractions and restaurants. For more information on Pier 66, click here.
- Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 is located at 2001 West Garfield Street, Seattle, WA 98199. For map and direction, click here. Pier 91 is home to Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. Located at the north end of Seattle’s waterfront, Smith Cove Terminal is just 10 minutes from downtown. For more information on Pier 91, click here.
If you are unsure which terminal your ship leaves from, check here.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Address: 17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98158
Time Zone - Pacific
Climate - Cool, wet winters and mild dry summers. Average summer temperatures are the mid to high 70s during the day and evenings in the 50s.
Fun Facts - Seattle has a deep and quirky history that ranges from the home of grunge rock to video games, superheroes, and the birthplace of Nordstrom department store. Known as the “Emerald City,” Seattle is also home to some of the world’s largest companies and best-known brands such as Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon, and Costco. In addition, Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in the country.
2. How to Get Around the City
If you are not planning to rent a car for your visit to Seattle, there are several options for getting around the region:
- Sound Transit is the light rail system that offers service to/from Sea-Tac airport to various points in downtown Seattle. In addition, Sound Transit easily links with local buses, ferry terminals, and Amtrak. To plan your route or for more information, visit SountTransit.org.
- Cabs/Rideshare Options - Uber and Lyft are inexpensive options for getting around the area. Several local cab companies service the area as well. One-way rides from the airport to downtown Seattle range from $40-$55 depending on demand, time of day, and traffic. There is a ground transportation booth on the third floor of the parking garage at Sea-Tac airport, or you can contact the Seattle Visitor Center for more information.
- Seattle Street Cars - These throw-back streetcars connect downtown to South Lake Union, home to a 12-acre waterfront park full of shops and restaurants. For more information, click here.
- King County Metro Transit - This is the local bus service throughout Downtown and extends to the metro area and neighborhoods. The schedule, timetable, and fares can be found here.
3. Staying in Seattle Before or After Your Trip?
When selecting accommodations, consider the hotel’s proximity to Port Seattle. If you are considering a day or two before or after your cruise, there are plenty of areas to explore in the greater Seattle area. In addition, downtown hotels are just a short cab ride away from the ports.
The following are recommended hotels near the cruise ports, airports, and popular attractions in the greater Seattle area.
- Closest Hotels to Bell Street Cruise Terminal Pier 66
- The Edgewater, a Noble House Hotel
- Seattle Marriott Waterfront
- Inn at the Market
- Closest Hotels to Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Pier 91
- Homewood Suites by Hilton
- Hyatt House Seattle Downtown
- MarQueen Hotel
- Downtown Hotels
- Westin Seattle
- Grand Hyatt Seattle
- Fairmont Olympic Hotel
- Seattle (Sea-Tac) Airport Hotels
- DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport
- Hampton Inn Seattle Airport
- Seattle Airport Marriott
4. Excursions
Seattle boasts many activities for foodies, art-lovers, history buffs, sports lovers, and more. It’s easy to fill a day, two, or more pre or post-cruise in the city.
Here are some of our top picks for Seattle excursions:
- Boeing Factory Tour
- Seattle Underground Walking Tour
- Mount Rainier National Park Tour
- Seattle 3-hour City Tour Highlights
- Seattle Wineries Tour
- Seattle Harbor Cruise
Explore all Seattle excursions from Shore Excursions Group
- Space Needle and Chihuly Glass Garden
- Seattle Underground Walking Tour
- Pike Place Market with Chef Guided Tour
Explore all Seattle excursions from Get Your Guide
5. Member Tips
Hear directly from our members who have cruised from Port of Seattle and spent time exploring the area pre-or post-cruise. Member tips include:
Love Seattle. On a nice day there is not a prettier city. We enjoyed the waterfront and Pike Place Market. - TXgandy
Arrived early on embarkation and went on the Great Wheel in the port area. Spent an extra day at end of the cruise sightseeing in Seattle. Pike Place Place is a must-see, as well as the area around Space Needle. - twilliams86
Always love this port! Embarkation and disembarkation were both quick and painless. Fastest immigration and customs process that I have ever had! - jlj1953
Spend time at the Boeing airplane assembly plant. Pre-book so as to ensure space, well worth it. - chris12345
Seattle has GOT to be the best place to embark/disembark. Build-in extra time to explore Seattle on both ends of the trip. - ItaVero
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6. Airport Information
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), aka Sea-Tac, is approximately 15 miles (20-30 minutes) from each of the cruise terminals in Seattle. As a major metropolitan area complete with a lot of traffic, we recommend factoring in additional time between the two destinations as you make travel plans.
There are several options to get between Sea-Tac and Port Seattle:
- Use a pre-arranged transport service from the cruise line - This option must be pre-arranged with your cruise line before you travel. Generally, you will have a driver waiting for you at the airport with a sign at the baggage claim area.
- Independent Shuttle Services - Several shuttle services operate between the airport and the cruise piers. These options are sometimes less expensive than private transport and are great if traveling with a larger group. Some recommended shuttle services include Seattle Express or Shuttle Express.
- Rideshares - Using Lyft or Uber is an easy way to take a private ride between the airport and your ship. The estimated rideshare costs between Sea-Tac and each pier range from about $35 - $50 per ride. Prices may vary depending on traffic, demand, and time of day.
- Taxi - Taxis are available right at the airport to take you to the Port of Seattle. Expect to pay meter rates as three is no flat fee fare available. Generally, fares range between $40 - $60 but may differ depending on traffic conditions.
- Private Car Service - Pricing for this option will vary. Many travelers choose to arrange a private car service as there is a guarantee that they will be at the airport/port on time and help with luggage transport.
7. Parking Information
Are you driving right to the port for your cruise? Both pier areas in Seattle offer on-site parking and offsite options at a reduced rate.
Republic Parking operates the on-site pier parking for Piers 66 and 91 at Port Seattle.
- Pier 66 is $24 per day, and if you pre-pay online, you will receive a $1 per day discount. Vehicles 6’6” or higher will need to park at Pier 91 overside vehicle lot, and a taxi voucher is available to/from Pier 66.
- Pier 91 is $27 per day, and pre-paying online will save you $1 per day. Oversized vehicle parking (including) RVs is available for $50 per day for vehicles under 40ft; loner than 40 ft, the rate increases to $62 per day. RV parking MUST be reserved and pre-paid online to guarantee a space.
Off-Site Parking Options:
There are several independently-owned parking lots near the cruise terminals in Seattle. These options are usually less expensive but require a shuttle ride and additional travel time. Suggested off-site parking options include:
- Seattle Cruise Park is conveniently located to Pier 91 and offers rates from 5 nights and longer and can accommodate RVs and car trailers; call for details.
- Parkway Parking offers covered parking at the Marriott Waterfront, a short walk to the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66.
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