Seattle, WA Cruise Port Guide
As the premier gateway to Alaska, Seattle offers cruise passengers a vibrant mix of urban sophistication and majestic natural beauty.
Major cruise lines including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises homeport in this Pacific Northwest metropolis.
Travelers choose Seattle for its iconic skyline, world-class culinary scene, rich maritime culture, and seamless access to stunning mountain vistas.
For more information on Seattle, visit our sister site Amazing Atlas to read the Seattle City Guide
In This Guide
- Key Seattle Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Visiting Seattle Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Seattle Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Monthly Pricing
Key Seattle Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
No visit is complete without exploring Pike Place Market, where flying fish, fresh flowers, and artisan eateries lie within easy walking distance or a short ride from Pier 66.
Head to Seattle Center to ascend the world-famous Space Needle and admire colorful glass sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass, located 10 to 15 minutes from either terminal.
For sweeping views of Puget Sound and the downtown skyline, take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel along the bustling waterfront.
Last updated on October 24, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
A quick 35-minute scenic journey aboard Washington State Ferries brings visitors to Bainbridge Island, offering boutique shopping, wineries, and quiet coastal parks.
Nature enthusiasts can journey approximately 30 miles east to witness the dramatic 268-foot cascade of Snoqualmie Falls, accessible in under an hour by car or shore excursion.
For local urban flair, the eccentric Fremont District is just 15 minutes away, featuring quirky public art installations and microbreweries.
Last updated on October 24, 2026
Port Location
Seattle has two main cruise passenger facilities, both conveniently located near downtown.
Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 is right on the downtown waterfront, allowing guests to step directly off the ship and walk to major sights.
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 sits about three miles north of downtown; taxis, ride-shares, or shuttles easily connect cruise passengers to central attractions in under 15 minutes.
Last updated on October 24, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency in Seattle is the United States Dollar (USD).
Major credit and debit cards are universally accepted at restaurants, attractions, shops, and transport services throughout the city.
ATMs are widespread throughout downtown and cruise terminals, making cash retrieval quick and effortless.
Last updated on October 24, 2026
Safety Considerations
Seattle is generally a very safe destination for cruise travelers exploring on foot or via public transportation.
Standard urban precautions should be taken, such as keeping valuables secure and remaining alert in crowded places like Pike Place Market.
Exploring independently during daylight hours is easy and convenient, though visitors may wish to exercise extra caution in quiet downtown areas late at night.
Last updated on October 24, 2026
Weather & Climate
The primary Seattle cruise season runs from May through September, offering pleasant temperatures averaging between 60°F and 78°F (15°C to 26°C).
Summers are surprisingly dry and sunny, though cool morning breezes off Puget Sound are common.
Cruise passengers should pack layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a light waterproof jacket or umbrella for light rain showers.
Last updated on October 24, 2026
Getting Around
Getting around Seattle is easy with ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, as well as readily available metered taxis at both cruise terminals.
Public transit options include the King County Metro bus system and the Link Light Rail, which provides fast connections from downtown to Sea-Tac Airport.
Passengers can enjoy Washington State Ferries for harbor crossings or take hop-on hop-off Seattle Sightseeing Bus Tours to reach top landmarks seamlessly.
Last updated on October 24, 2026
Shopping
Shopping opportunities abound near the waterfront, starting with historic Pike Place Market for handcrafted crafts, fresh smoked salmon, and regional artisan products.
Downtown's retail core along Pine and Pike Streets features upscale department stores and flagship brand boutiques.
Fixed prices are standard throughout the city, and duty-free options are available onboard cruise ships prior to departure.
Last updated on October 24, 2026
Shore Excursions & Tours
Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls Half-Day Guided Tour
This four-hour tour features the top natural and manmade sights of the Seattle area, including Snoqualmie Falls and a city tour that explores why Seattle is one of America's most livable cities. You will hear fun facts and engaging stories about Seattle’s attractions and history throughout the experience.
Seattle Coffee Tour: Capitol Hill Coffee Culture & Tastings
Discover Seattle’s coffee culture on Capitol Hill by visiting local cafés to taste unique brews and learn the stories behind each cup. This tour allows you to explore one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods.
Pike Place Market: Original Food Tour - Tips Included!
Savor is Pike Place Market’s original food tour, led by local professional storytellers who don't just point at things but invite you to meet producers and craftspeople. You will hear the stories behind the bites and discover the history and quirks that make the market unique.
Exquisite Creatures Exhibit By Christopher Marley
Artist Christopher Marley transforms thousands of ethically sourced specimens—including insects, fossils, and sea life—into a stunning, immersive art, nature, and science exhibit. This uniquely curated and beautiful experience is designed to leave visitors awestruck and inspired by nature’s wonders.
Welcome to Seattle Walking Tour
This fun and easy walking tour covers iconic sites and off-the-beaten-path locations, starting in Pioneer Square to explore the founding history of the Emerald City. You will visit the art district and Chinatown-International District while getting acquainted with Seattle.
Snoqualmie falls and Twin Falls Hike
This unique tour to Twin Falls and Snoqualmie Falls is led by a naturalist guide of 20 years who provides PNW information, stories, fun facts, and comedy. The refined experience is designed to keep you well entertained and educated throughout the journey.
The Escape Game in Downtown Seattle
The Escape Game’s Downtown Seattle location offers 60-minute missions with unique themes, Hollywood-level sets, puzzles, and unlimited clues. Situated close to all the action, the experience is near top-rated dining, theaters, and iconic attractions.
Bike Tour Seattle. 5 star Electric Bike Tour Seattle's waterways
This three-hour electric bike tour provides an effortless way to ease up Seattle’s hills while smiling and viewing unique sites up close. You will expand your knowledge of the neighborhoods, waterways, and animals of the Sound during this memorable experience that is truly all about Seattle.
Coffee Crawl & VIP Morning in Pike Place Market
Seasoned chefs lead this tour, sharing culinary expertise and a deep appreciation for the small businesses they spotlight. Participants enjoy a medley of breakfast treats and coffee alternatives during the concluding part of the experience.
Pike Place Market: Insider's Breakfast Tour - Gratuity Included!
At 8 am, this insider's morning food tour of Pike Place Market features unhurried vendors and small crowds, allowing for one-on-one chats with long-time workers. Led by professional storytellers with deep market roots, you will talk with an experienced fishmonger and taste two smoked items.
Guided Seattle Sailing Adventure from Bainbridge Island
Depending on the day, you will see seals, explore harbors with waterfront homes, and potentially spot whales, nuclear submarines, container ships, or schooners. You will learn Bainbridge Island’s unique history, including the West's largest wooden vessel shipyard and an earthquake that lifted a whole section of land.
Intro to Seattle Mushroom Foraging
First-time foragers learn to safely identify edible mushrooms, toxic lookalikes, and ecosystems on a guided small-group walk through Washington’s lush forests near Seattle. Participants learn about seasons and myths, keeping their finds or taking home fresh gourmet mushrooms if wild specimens are scarce.
Street Food Tour of South Lake Union- Area of Amazon Spheres
Explore Seattle’s historical tech center, home to Amazon and Google, through a culinary walking tour featuring a vibrant street food scene. The experience offers the city's best noshes, including hand-rolled sourdough bagels at Rubinstein and Korean-Hawaiian food.
From Seattle: Private Seattle City Tour
Enjoy a private, professionally-guided 50-mile tour of Seattle's best sites, from T-Mobile Park to the Fremont Troll, via a Pearl Chevrolet Suburban LTZ. Your local expert picks you up from your hotel for a relaxing journey through seven unique neighborhoods at your own pace.
Boeing Factory Tour & Seattle City Tours Combo
Returning in January 2026, the Boeing Factory Tour joins a Seattle City Tour ranked as a Top 20 US experience by TripAdvisor/Viator from thousands of activities. Developed for over 10 years, this experience is back better than ever and features highly-rated reviews.
Henry Art Tours-Come See the Fun Side of Seattle Art/Pubs/History
Discover the fun side of Seattle on the Henry Immersive Experience, a unique sightseeing tour via a colorful bus exploring the city through artists' eyes. You will visit over 20 murals painted by Henry while learning about the artist, neighborhood development, and art's central role.
West Seattle Electric Bike Tour
Meet at the green SBT sign at the Vine Street storage unit on the corner of Alaskan Way and Wall Street to receive a helmet and water. You will bike from the new waterfront to Colman Dock to catch the West Seattle water taxi to Alki Beach on this tour.
Seattle City Tour
Led by a military veteran, this tour features a troll, Space Needle, waterfall, Amazon spheres, and floating houses like those in Up and Sleepless in Seattle, without zombies or dragons. Honoring veterans with a senior discount for age 62, the guide also shows where the first Boeing airplane took flight.
Seattle's Sweetest Food Tour: Delicious Donuts, Beignets, & More
The Underground Donut Tour was born from a passion to celebrate donuts by offering curated samples of the best treats at each location. This tour is for anyone who truly enjoys donuts and includes these special tastings.
Seattle’s Original Sailing Cruise (Est. 1984) – 70ft Boat - BYOB
Sail Puget Sound on 70-foot custom boats built for world racing, where a trained crew hoists sails and turns off the engine for a wind-powered cruise. Relax and enjoy your own food and drinks while taking in views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountain ranges.
Visiting Seattle Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Seattle Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
No ships scheduled in port today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seattle
Last updated on June 13, 2025
❓ 1. What is the best way to get from the cruise terminal to the main attractions?
Many downtown attractions are walkable from Pier 66 (Bell Street Terminal), but for Pier 91 (Smith Cove Terminal), taxis, ride-shares, or the cruise line shuttles are recommended due to the distance.
❓ 2. What are the must-see attractions and landmarks within walking distance or a short ride from the port?
Must-see attractions include Pike Place Market, the Space Needle (accessible by monorail or a short ride), and the Seattle Great Wheel on the waterfront, many within walking distance or a brief ride from Pier 66.
❓ 3. What local foods or restaurants should I try near the port?
Try fresh seafood, especially salmon, at Pike Place Market or waterfront restaurants; also sample local coffee from numerous cafes and craft beers from local breweries.
❓ What is the local currency and what is the exchange rate?
The local currency is United States Dollar (1 USD = 1.00 USD). The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available at banks, convenience stores, and within Pike Place Market; major banks offer currency exchange.
❓ 5. What is the typical weather when cruises visit, and what should I pack?
Cruise season (May-September) typically brings mild to warm weather (60-75°F or 15-24°C), but rain is always possible, so pack layers, including a light waterproof jacket.
❓ 6. Are there good beaches nearby, and how do I get to them?
Alki Beach in West Seattle offers sandy shores and city views, reachable by water taxi or a short drive, though the water is typically cold for swimming.
❓ 7. What are the best shore excursion options - through the cruise line or independent?
Popular shore excursions include city tours covering Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, or trips to the Museum of Flight; both cruise line and independent tours are available.
❓ 8. What shopping opportunities are available, and what are good local souvenirs?
Pike Place Market is excellent for local crafts, artisanal foods, and unique souvenirs; downtown Seattle offers major department stores and boutiques.
❓ 9. What other interesting places or towns are within a reasonable distance to visit?
Consider a scenic ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for a charming small-town experience with shops, galleries, and cafes, easily accessible from the downtown ferry terminal.
❓ 10. What's a surprising or interesting fact about Seattle, WA?
Seattle is known as the 'Emerald City' due to its lush evergreen forests and was the birthplace of Starbucks Coffee.
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Seattle
Overall cruises visiting Seattle are somewhat inexpensive compared to other itineraries. The chart below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Seattle. Sailings visiting Seattle during the the peak season of summer are much more expensive than the low seasons of spring and fall.