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While most popular for its summer cruises, Seattle offers a variety of cruises throughout the year, allowing travelers to experience the Pacific Northwest in different seasons. Today, the cruise industry is a major contributor to Seattle’s economy. The port not only serves as a departure point for cruises to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest but also attracts passengers from around the world. The first is the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, located in the northern part of Elliott Bay, known for serving larger cruise ships with a plethora of modern amenities.
Smith Cove Terminal located at Pier 91 – 2001 W Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98119
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Seattle is the ultimate gateway for those embarking on an Alaskan cruise and a must-visit destination for anyone keen to check out its iconic attractions. With a bustling port that received 1.43 million passengers last year, it’s a key point for cruisers heading to Alaska’s rugged beauty via major cruise lines. Statistical data shows that an average turnaround cruise tourist spends USD 1547 in the city (on hotels/lodging, dining/drinking, transportation, shopping). Pier 91While Pier 66 is the most “visible” cruise pier due to its location, more people sail from Pier 91.
Make Time to Explore Pike Place Market
Amtrak Cascades takes 3-1/2 hours, leaving from Pacific Central Station in Vancouver. There are usually two daily departures, and the train journey is quite scenic. You may need a hotel stay and additional transportation to your embarkation port.
Getting to and from the Cruise Port
You’ll be able to track your luggage online for peace of mind. From Vancouver, you can drive and find a long-term parking lot near your departure port. Expect the journey on Interstate 5 to the Mercer Street exit to take up to three hours, depending on traffic. However, be prepared to pay up to USD 200 for seven days of parking.
The wood-piling supported terminal building was considered seismically vulnerable, with many pilings riddled with marine termites. The demolition and construction works were scheduled for completion in 2023. Colman Dock serves ferries crossing daily to Bremerton WA and Bainbridge Island.
Wheelchair and Accessibility at the Port of Seattle
The secure lot offers 600 spaces and is conveniently located on-site. Friends and family who pick up or drop off passengers also are encouraged to use the lot or the free cell phone lot. Rooted in over a century of maritime history as Alaska’s gateway, Seattle’s cruise port caters to a broad spectrum of ships and voyages, including popular Pacific Coastal Cruises.
I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise
There are 25 handicap parking spaces available at the Bell Street Pier garage. These need to be prebooked if you are leaving your car there for the duration of the cruise. From downtown Seattle, walk or utilize taxi or rideshare services to reach the Bell Street Cruise Terminal.
Space Needle
While there aren’t any hotels within walking distance, some offer cruise shuttles (for a small fee). When staying near this port or stopping here on a Pacific Northwest cruise, you’re within walking distance of popular Seattle attractions. You can easily reach Pioneer Square, Seattle Great Wheel, Pike Place Market, and Seattle Aquarium on foot. The Seattle Cruise Terminal, with two locations, serves as a critical gateway for Alaskan cruises. Many cruise guests who live in the United States prefer embarking at a Seattle port, eliminating the need for an international flight. First, your cruise line will let you know where to arrive, but the rule of thumb is that if you are sailing on Norwegian or Oceania, then you’ll head to Pier 66.
The market is also home to a vibrant flower market—perfect for picking up a fresh bouquet for your cabin—and offers an array of fresh seafood and delicious food stalls. The Space Needle, an iconic symbol of Seattle since the 1962 World’s Fair, offers breathtaking views from its observation deck. Initially hesitant due to its touristy reputation, we found the experience delightful and are happy we didn’t miss out on visiting. Downtown Seattle boasts over 14,000 hotel rooms, yet booking your pre-cruise or post-cruise stay early is wise. While the hotels nearest the port fill up quickly, staying even minutes away is no hassle due to Seattle’s walkable nature.
While it’s shorter than observation towers like the CN Tower, it still offers impressive views. This museum isn’t just about viewing glass art; it’s an immersive experience suitable for all ages. The wheel features 41 gondolas, each holding up to 8 people, or you can opt for a private cabin with VIP tickets. When it’s not busy, you can enjoy a gondola to yourselves as we did.
Space Needle ComplexOf course, the most famous landmark in Seattle is the Space Needle. In addition to seeing the building, there’s also lots more to do at the complex, including the Pacific Science Center, Seattle Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Pop Culture. Unlike other cruise ports, the terminals aren’t located at one single spot.
Allow about 22 minutes for the journey by taxi or car and about 26 minutes by Link Light Rail.Pier 91 (Smith Cove) is about 18 miles north of Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle. If you are arriving by air, there is a Link Light Rail service connecting Sea-Tac Airport with downtown Seattle. There is a station at Pioneer Square which is close to Pier 66.
There is a Sky Bridge connecting the cruise ship with the covered parking garage making it very easy to walk across to the garage from the cruise terminal. There is also a complimentary shuttle between the parking lot and the cruise terminal. The same system also makes this the ideal place to drop off cruisers who are checking in. With 1.43 million passengers expected to cruise out of the Seattle Cruise Port in 2023, it is also one of the busiest cruise ports in the Pacific Northwest. Multiple major cruise lines embark on Alaskan itineraries that start and end in Alaska.
Industry's regional economic impact in 2017 surpassed USD 500 million. Allowing you to embark on the cruise ship is at the discretion of the CBSA agent. Should you get onboard, it’s advisable not to disembark in Victoria, drive from Skagway to the Yukon, or take the White Pass Railroad. I found the Quick Shuttle comfortable and convenient, and I liked that I didn’t need a taxi to reach the cruise terminal. However, the bus takes an hour longer than the train due to the number of pick-up and stopping points.
The city's best-known landmark is The Space Needle observation tower in downtown (height 184 m / 604 ft), having 6 floors (top floor heigth 158 m / 518 ft) and 3 lifts. If you are disembarking in Seattle and have a later flight, you can benefit from the Port Valet. A complimentary service, the Port Valet will collect your luggage from the cruise ship and deliver it to the airport.
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