CRUISES FROM SEATTLE

Seattle is one of the most popular departure points for Alaska cruises, with two cruise terminals located along the city's waterfront. Cruising from Seattle gives travelers the opportunity to combine an Alaska cruise with a visit to Seattle before or after their sailing.

Most cruises from Seattle operate during the spring and summer cruise season, with Alaska being the primary destination. Depending on the cruise line and itinerary, you can also find cruises from Seattle to destinations including Hawaii, Mexico, the Pacific Northwest, and other parts of the Pacific.

If you're planning a cruise from Seattle, this guide will help you understand the cruise terminals, cruise lines, destinations, parking, airport transportation, hotels, weather, and other practical details you'll want to know before your trip.

Seattle Cruise Ports and Terminals

The Port of Seattle operates two cruise terminals:

Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66, Address: 2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121

Pier 66 is located on Seattle's downtown waterfront, making it particularly convenient for travelers who want to spend time in downtown Seattle before or after their cruise.

The terminal is within walking distance of attractions including Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle Great Wheel, and other downtown attractions. The Space Needle and Seattle Center are also nearby.

Pier 66 is primarily used by Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, Address: 2001 West Garfield Street, Seattle, WA 98119

Pier 91 is located on Seattle's northern waterfront at historic Smith Cove, approximately 10 minutes from Seattle's downtown retail core.

Pier 91 is the larger of Seattle's two cruise terminals and can accommodate two cruise ships at the same time. The terminal serves several major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages.

Pier 91 is also relatively close to attractions such as the Space Needle, Seattle Center, Ballard, Fremont, and Fisherman's Terminal.

Cruise Lines Sailing from Seattle

Cruise lines operating from Seattle vary by season and year, so always check the current sailing information for your specific cruise.

Cruise lines with Seattle homeport operations include:

• Carnival Cruise Line

• Celebrity Cruises

• Cunard Line

• Holland America Line

• MSC Cruises

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Oceania Cruises

• Princess Cruises

• Royal Caribbean

• Virgin Voyages

The Port of Seattle's current cruise schedule shows which ship is scheduled to use Pier 66 or Pier 91 on a particular sailing date.

Which Cruise Terminal Does Your Ship Use?

Knowing which terminal your ship uses is important because Seattle's two cruise terminals are several miles apart.

Pier 66 generally serves:

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Oceania Cruises

Pier 91 generally serves:

• Carnival Cruise Line

• Celebrity Cruises

• Cunard Line

• Holland America Line

• MSC Cruises

• Princess Cruises

• Royal Caribbean

• Virgin Voyages

Always verify your terminal before leaving for the port because cruise schedules and terminal assignments can change.

Popular Cruises from Seattle

Alaska Cruises:

Alaska is the primary cruise destination from Seattle. Seven-day Alaska cruises are particularly common and generally visit ports in Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage. Depending on the itinerary, an Alaska cruise from Seattle may include stops such as:

• Juneau

• Skagway

• Ketchikan

• Sitka

• Victoria, British Columbia

Some itineraries also include scenic cruising through areas such as the Inside Passage or Glacier Bay. Seattle is a convenient departure point for travelers throughout the United States because it has extensive air service and is located relatively close to Alaska.

Hawaii Cruises:

Some cruise lines also offer longer cruises from Seattle that travel toward Hawaii. These itineraries typically require more vacation time than the standard Alaska cruises and may include several days at sea.

Pacific Northwest and Coastal Cruises:

Cruises from Seattle can also include coastal itineraries along the Pacific Northwest and West Coast. These may visit destinations in British Columbia, California, Oregon, or Washington depending on the specific sailing.

Mexico and Other Destinations:

Certain repositioning and longer seasonal itineraries departing from Seattle may travel to Mexico or other destinations in the Pacific. These cruises are less common than Alaska cruises and are generally associated with specific ships and sailing dates.

Seattle Cruise Parking

If you're driving to Seattle for your cruise, parking is available at both cruise terminals.

Pier 66 Parking:

The Bell Street Pier garage is located directly across from the Pier 66 cruise terminal at 9 Wall Street, Seattle, WA 98121. The garage provides covered parking for cruise passengers. The Port of Seattle currently lists general parking at $30 per day before taxes, although rates can change. Because Pier 66 is in downtown Seattle, parking can be more expensive than parking at some suburban or airport locations. Reserving parking in advance is a good idea during the busy Alaska cruise season.

Pier 91 Parking:

Parking is available directly at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. The Port of Seattle currently lists Pier 91 parking starting at approximately $27 per day, including applicable service fees and taxes. The parking area has approximately 800 spaces and provides shuttle service to the cruise terminal. RV and over-height parking options are also available.

Parking rates and availability can change, so check the Port of Seattle or parking operator information before your cruise.

Getting From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to the Cruise Port

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the primary airport serving cruise passengers arriving in Seattle. The cruise terminals are approximately 30 minutes from the airport by direct vehicle, although travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic. Travelers have several transportation options.

Rideshare and Taxis:

Rideshare services and taxis are available at SEA Airport. Rideshare pickup is located on the third floor of the airport parking garage.

This is one of the simplest options for travelers going directly from the airport to their cruise terminal.

Cruise Line Transfers:

Some cruise lines offer transportation from SEA Airport to the cruise terminal. If you purchase a cruise line transfer, follow the cruise line's instructions for where to meet the transfer at the airport.

Link Light Rail:

Seattle's Link Light Rail provides service from SEA Airport to downtown Seattle's Westlake Station. From Westlake Station, travelers can continue to the cruise terminal by taxi or rideshare.

For Pier 66, the terminal is approximately six minutes by car or about a 20-minute walk from Westlake Station.

For Pier 91, the terminal is approximately 15 minutes by car from Westlake Station.

Although likely the lowest cost, Link Light Rail is not a particularly convenient option for reaching the Seattle cruise terminals, so travelers with luggage may prefer cruise line transfers, rideshare, or taxi.