Seattle, WA
Welcome to Seattle, the vibrant Emerald City and the premier gateway for breathtaking Alaskan adventures. Major cruise lines like Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises frequently depart from here, making it a bustling hub of maritime activity. Passengers love Seattle for its unique blend of stunning natural scenery, iconic landmarks, and a world-class culinary scene, all easily accessible before or after their voyage. The city's lively atmosphere and stunning views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier offer the perfect start or end to an unforgettable cruise vacation.
Seattle offers a wealth of attractions easily explored within a port day. A must-visit is the historic Pike Place Market, just a short walk or taxi ride from the terminals, where you can watch the famous fish-throwing, shop for local crafts, and grab a bite. No trip is complete without ascending the iconic Space Needle for 360-degree views of the city, Puget Sound, and surrounding mountains. Located at the base of the Space Needle is the stunning Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, showcasing incredible glass sculptures. Both are located at the Seattle Center, a quick 10-minute drive from either pier.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
For those with a full day, a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island is a popular excursion. The 35-minute journey offers fantastic city skyline views, and the island itself has charming shops, cafes, and galleries within walking distance of the ferry terminal. For aviation enthusiasts, the Boeing Future of Flight tour in Everett, about a 45-minute drive north, offers a fascinating look inside the world's largest airplane assembly plant. A longer day trip, often undertaken pre- or post-cruise, is a visit to the majestic Mount Rainier National Park, approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
The Port of Seattle operates two cruise terminals. The Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 is conveniently located on the downtown waterfront, making it possible to walk to attractions like Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium. The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 is situated about 10 minutes north of downtown and is not within easy walking distance of major sights, requiring a taxi, shuttle, or ride-share service to reach the city center. Both terminals have ships that dock directly, so no tendering is required. Amenities are more plentiful near the downtown Pier 66 terminal.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
The official currency in Seattle is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are widely accepted in almost all shops, restaurants, and attractions. ATMs are abundant throughout the city, including near the cruise terminals and in major tourist areas, making it easy to withdraw cash if needed. Foreign currencies are not accepted, so visitors will need to use USD or credit cards for all transactions.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
Seattle is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions as in any major urban area. Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded places like Pike Place Market and on public transportation. While most tourist areas are safe to explore independently during the day, some downtown areas can have a visible homeless population; it's best to remain on main, well-lit streets, particularly after dark. For most sightseeing, guided tours are not necessary for safety, but they can be a convenient way to see the city's highlights.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
The cruise season in Seattle, from late April to early October, typically offers pleasant weather. Summer temperatures are mild and comfortable, generally ranging from the mid-60s to high 70s Fahrenheit (18-25°C). While the city is known for its rain, the summer months are its driest period, though passing showers can still occur unexpectedly. It is highly recommended to pack in layers, including a light sweater or fleece and a waterproof jacket, to be prepared for changing conditions throughout the day.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
Getting around Seattle from the cruise port is straightforward. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at both terminals. For public transit, the King County Metro bus system offers extensive routes throughout the city. A popular option for tourists is the Seattle Center Monorail, which provides a quick, scenic connection between the downtown Westlake Center and the Seattle Center, home to the Space Needle. From the Bell Street Pier (Pier 66), many downtown attractions are within walking distance, but transportation is necessary to explore further afield or when arriving at Smith Cove (Pier 91).
Last updated on February 9, 2026
Seattle offers diverse shopping experiences for cruise passengers. The world-famous Pike Place Market is the top spot for unique souvenirs, including local artisan crafts, specialty foods, and fresh flowers. This is the best place to find local specialties like smoked salmon, gourmet coffee from the original Starbucks, and handcrafted jewelry. For mainstream retail, the downtown core around Westlake Center and Pacific Place malls hosts numerous department stores and well-known brands. Prices are fixed, and bargaining is not customary in retail stores.
Last updated on February 9, 2026
See the best of both nature and the city on this 4-hour tour combining two activities in one. First, you will visit the spectacular Snoqualmie Falls in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Then, return for a city tour where your guide shares engaging stories and fun facts about Seattle’s history, attractions, and name.
Join Seattle’s original food and cultural tour of Pike Place Market, voted one of the 10 best food tours in the country by USA Today. Your guide will lead you through the bustling landmark, sharing its history and the stories of its producers. You'll enjoy delicious tastings from eight different market partners on this comprehensive journey. This officially licensed tour is Pike Place Market 101!
Explore Seattle’s vibrant coffee scene on a guided tour through the Capitol Hill neighborhood. You will visit various coffee shops to taste three styles of coffee, from single-origin espressos to unique infused brews. Learn how coffee goes from bean to cup while discovering Capitol Hill's progressive history and counterculture from a local guide.
Experience the wonder of nature on a 9-mile rafting trip down the wild and mystical Skagit River. This powerful but mild river is rich with history and offers a great introduction to the sport of rafting. The whitewater can be enjoyed by the entire family, making it the perfect place to start your rafting adventures.
This attraction features a stunning exhibit of ethically sourced specimens from around the world. Thousands of individual items are presented to visitors as breathtaking works of art. The unique presentation transforms natural specimens into a creative and memorable display.
Get acquainted with Seattle on this 2.5-mile walking tour that covers iconic sights and hidden gems. Starting in historic Pioneer Square, you will explore the art district, the Chinatown-International District, and the downtown core. The tour culminates with a ride on the historic monorail to the Seattle Center, site of the 1962 World's Fair.
Escape the city on an exclusive 3-hour private sailing tour on the Puget Sound for up to six passengers. Relax and take in breathtaking views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges while looking for local wildlife like seals and sea lions. Depending on conditions, you may even have the option to become more involved in the sailing experience.
Journey to the gorgeous Twin Falls and Snoqualmie Falls with a naturalist guide of nearly 20 years. The ride is filled with entertaining stories, fun facts, and information about the Pacific Northwest. In addition to natural history, your guide also covers intriguing paranormal topics like UFOs, aliens, and Bigfoot.
Explore Seattle effortlessly on a three-hour electric bike tour designed to help you glide up hills with ease. Your local guide will lead you along safe bike paths to view gardens and unique neighborhoods while sharing knowledge of the area's waterways and wildlife. Stay connected with your guide and each other through an intercom-equipped helmet on this memorable experience. Riders must be at least 16 years of age.
Explore the waters around Bainbridge Island, where you may spot seals, beautiful harbors with stunning waterfront homes, and possibly even whales. Discover the island's unique history, from being the West's largest shipyard for wooden vessels to the site of the first forced removal of Japanese-Americans during WWII. You will also learn about the massive earthquake that lifted a section of the island 23 feet, a change still visible today.
Experience the great outdoors on a guided hike suitable for all skill levels, from your first time to your 200th. With over 20 years of combined experience, the guides aim to teach and bond, making you feel like you're hiking with an old friend. This highly-rated operator provides top-notch experiences designed to awaken the inner explorer in all guests.
Experience the heart of Seattle's tech center, South Lake Union, on a culinary walking tour. This vibrant neighborhood, home to Amazon and Google, features a bustling street food scene. You will stop at six different locations for tastings and to hear the stories behind distinctive local businesses.
Explore Seattle at your own pace on a 3-hour private and professionally guided city tour. Your party will be picked up from your hotel in a luxury SUV to begin a 50-mile route through seven distinct neighborhoods. The tour includes scheduled stops at Pioneer Square, the Ballard Locks, and Kerry Park, plus photo opportunities at Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
Explore Seattle's waterways in luxury and style on an intimate cruise for up to six guests. Get up close to the city's famous floating home community, classic cruisers, and modern mega-yachts. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline and Mt. Rainier from an enclosed boat, ensuring a comfortable trip even on rainy days.
Hop aboard a colorful bus for a unique sightseeing tour exploring Seattle through the eyes of artist Henry. You will visit over 20 of his vibrant murals and learn about the artist and the city's most iconic neighborhoods. The tour also includes a visit to the "Hidden Wizard Gallery" to see canvas paintings, with stops for photos and beverages along the way.
This bike tour showcases stunning cityscape views by taking the West Seattle water taxi over to Alki beach. You will explore the birthplace of Seattle, the historic Pioneer Square district, and may even find some hidden waterfalls. This three-hour tour includes your helmet and complimentary water. Be sure to select the electric bike option when booking if you prefer an assisted ride.
This city tour is both structured and spontaneous, promising an experience where you will learn and laugh. You will see famous sights like the Space Needle and unique attractions including a troll, the Amazon Spheres, and the famous floating homes. The itinerary also covers where Boeing’s first airplane took flight and a waterfall. This tour was recognized as a Top 20 Experience in the USA for 2022-2023.
Discover Seattle's best plant-based food on a tour that highlights hidden gems within Pike Place Market. A local guide selects restaurants to showcase that good food is good food, designed to impress even those who eat everything. Along the way, you'll gain an intimate glimpse into daily Market life and learn about Washington's role as an agricultural leader.
Arrange for private airport transportation with a luxury fleet of vehicles and professional chauffeurs. Service is based on punctuality and reliability, with flight tracking to adjust for any delays. All transfers are private and assigned based on group size, with complimentary car seats available upon request.
Join a hands-on sushi making lesson at a private cooking kitchen in a residential neighborhood. Your instructor will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make sushi rice and create three different sushi rolls. Using fresh ingredients like tuna and salmon, you will plate your own creations with a unique design and then devour them.
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Last updated on June 13, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pike Place Market is excellent for local crafts, artisanal foods, and unique souvenirs; downtown Seattle offers major department stores and boutiques.
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.
Seattle is known as the 'Emerald City' due to its lush evergreen forests and was the birthplace of Starbucks Coffee.
Overall Seattle is somewhat inexpensive compared to other ports. Check out the diagram below for the monthly average cost per day. Sailings scheduled from Seattle during the the peak season of summer are much more expensive than the low months of spring and fall.
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