Whereas Seattle could also be extra well-known for its espresso tradition and bustling tech business, this seaport metropolis additionally serves as an necessary embarkation level for a lot of main cruise traces.
Whether or not you might be planning an Alaskan cruise that departs from the Emerald Metropolis or embarking on a totally totally different itinerary, it would be best to familiarize your self with the Port of Seattle, its cruise ship terminals, and what town itself has to supply.
This complete information will give you the entire important info you must know so you’ll be able to get pleasure from a stress-free journey expertise. We’ll cowl every part from instructions to and from the port to how one can take advantage of out of your time within the metropolis and surrounding space.
Seattle Cruise Port Places
The Port of Seattle operates two devoted cruise terminals—one alongside the waterfront close to town’s downtown core and one other simply northwest of it. Provided that the 2 terminals are situated a number of miles aside, it’s necessary to double-check the place your ship is departing from earlier than you set off.
In case your cruise departs from the Bell Avenue Cruise Terminal at Pier 66, you have to to comply with instructions to 2225 Alaskan Manner, South Seattle, Washington 98121.
However, to get to a cruise ship docked on the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, you’ll comply with instructions to 2001 West Garfield Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98119.
Distance From Seattle Cruise Ports to the Airport
Each of the Port of Seattle’s principal cruise piers are inside a reasonably handy distance of Seattle’s airport, the Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport. For these flying into Seattle previous to their cruise, the period of time it’ll take will depend upon which of the 2 piers your ship is departing from and visitors circumstances whenever you arrive.
On common, you’ll be able to count on a 25-minute drive to downtown’s Bell Avenue Cruise Terminal or a 30 to 35-minute commute to the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 66.
Learn Additionally: Should-Know Transportation Ideas from Seattle Airport to Cruise Port
With that mentioned, visitors into downtown Seattle might be fairly congested if you happen to arrive throughout rush hour, so you must give your self additional time if you’re hoping to drive from Seattle’s airport to both pier between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. or between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., particularly on a workday.
Instructions:
Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport to Bell Avenue Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (14.1 miles):
- Get on WA-518 W from Airport Expressway (drive for two.3 miles)
- Take WA-509 N and Freeway 99 N to Alaskan Manner S. As soon as on Alaskan Manner S., proceed for 1.8 miles. Look ahead to indicators for the Bell Avenue Cruise Terminal and exit left whenever you see it. The terminal entrance might be on the suitable.
Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport to Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (19 miles):
- Get on WA-518 from Airport Expressway (drive for two.3 miles)
- Take WA-509 N to Dexter Ave N (after 12.2 miles, take the exit in direction of Mercer Avenue)
- Drive alongside Mercer Avenue earlier than turning left onto Elliot Ave. Observe indicators for the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal
Transportation Choices from the Airport to Seattle Cruise Ports
For these flying into Seattle, relatively than driving on to their respective cruise terminal, quite a few choices make it simple to get from Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport.
A number of low-cost shuttle providers hyperlink the airport and the Port of Seattle. With well-marked pick-up and drop-off factors at every terminal, it is a good choice for these seeking to reduce down on transportation prices.
In case you favor to journey on to your designated departure level, taxis are available exterior the airport terminals. Not solely is getting a cab simple, however all of Seattle’s main taxi corporations supply flat charges between the airport and the 2 cruise terminals.
Given Seattle’s fame as one of many main tech hubs in the US, you gained’t be stunned to study that rideshare providers, together with Uber and Lyft, are additionally plentiful and simple to achieve.
Actually, you’ll even move by one in all Uber’s principal engineering workplaces in your solution to both cruise port, which explains why so many drivers can be found. Whereas these might be reasonably priced, make sure you keep away from surge charges if you happen to arrive throughout rush hour, as it could value greater than a taxi.
Parking at Seattle Cruise Port
In a single day and short-term parking is on the market at each terminals. Bell Avenue Cruise Terminal has coated parking on the opposite facet of the highway from the terminal and a sky bridge connecting the parking storage to the terminal entrance. There are many areas, and in a single day parking is on the market for $23 per day. We suggest reserving your spot forward of time.
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 additionally has on-site parking and a free shuttle that helps cruise passengers journey between the terminal entrance and the parking zone. Parking is a bit bit dearer at $29 per day, however it can save you $2 per day if you happen to e book on-line forward of time.
Touring by Practice to the Port of Seattle
Amtrak provides budget-friendly practice routes connecting Seattle to different main American cities. In case you favor to take the scenic path to your cruise departure level, you’ll be able to simply take the practice to the King Avenue Amtrak Station, which is situated within the metropolis’s downtown core.
From the station, taxis take roughly 10 minutes to the Bell Avenue Cruise Terminal and about 20 minutes to the Smith Cove Terminal. Once more, journey instances can differ relying on visitors and downtown development delays, so chances are you’ll wish to give your self extra time. In spite of everything, the very last thing you need is to be late in your cruise!
Variations Between the Two Terminals
Other than the truth that Bell Avenue Pier is situated within the coronary heart of downtown Seattle whereas Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is located barely north of it, close to town’s Magnolia neighborhood, the 2 terminals are comparatively related.
Each function fashionable terminal services, together with clear and wheelchair-friendly restrooms, quite a few seating areas, and data cubicles. Sadly, neither terminal provides complimentary Wi-Fi, however it may be bought for a small price. Most cruise passengers discover that their cellphone reception is fairly sturdy, which is never a problem for American vacationers.
The Bell Avenue Terminal provides a VIP ready space for passengers who’ve paid additional. Whereas this isn’t needed, it may be worthwhile if you happen to plan to reach early. If in case you have paid for a collection, chances are you’ll even qualify at no cost entry to the VIP space, so it’s value checking together with your cruise line.
The place the 2 piers actually differ is in measurement. The Bell Avenue Terminal caters extra to smaller cruise ships and fewer cruise traces, so it’s the smaller of the 2 terminals. For these touring on a full-size cruise ship, it’s extra doubtless that you’ll depart from the bigger Smith Cove Terminal at Pier 91.
Accessibility
The terminal was designed to be extremely accessible, so there are many wheelchair ramps. Particular person cruise traces additionally supply wheelchairs and attendants who can assist passengers in want of help. In case you require a wheelchair, it’s a good suggestion to contact your cruise line forward of time to make sure that they may have one ready in your arrival.
Cruise Traces that Use the Port of Seattle
Seven main cruise traces use Seattle’s two devoted cruise piers. As talked about, Pier 91 is the bigger of the 2, so it handles the larger cruise ships belonging to 5 of the seven cruise traces:
Cruise Traces Working Out of Smith Cove Terminal at Pier 91 embody Carnival Cruise Line, Movie star Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean Worldwide.
The Cruise Traces Working Out of Bell Avenue Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 embody Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.
Relationship Between the Port and Alaska’s Cruise Trade
The Port of Seattle is a necessary embarkation and disembarkation level for cruises, with itineraries that take them to discover Alaska’s pristine shoreline. Due to the strategic Pacific Northwest location of the 2 cruise terminals and Seattle’s world-class worldwide airport, it is without doubt one of the most well-liked selections for a number of the world’s most respected cruise traces.
Whereas San Francisco, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, each have port services that permit Alaska cruises to depart from them, with out the Port of Seattle, your complete Alaskan cruise market would endure. In 2023 alone, 251 cruise ships departed from Seattle on their solution to Alaska. Trade forecasts anticipate this quantity will develop to at the very least 275 this yr.
Not solely does the port assist a whole bunch of hundreds of vacationers discover Alaska’s rugged panorama and untamed wildlife, however it has been doing so for 25 years! This explains why the Port of Seattle is taken into account to be one of many principal gateways to Alaska.
Close by Facilities
With Seattle being a vacationer vacation spot in its personal proper, many cruise passengers departing from the Port of Seattle will give themselves a number of days both earlier than or after their cruise to discover town. Fortunately, there are many facilities and factors of curiosity situated inside a brief distance of the 2 cruise ports:
Discover Downtown
Whereas they could not essentially be inside strolling distance of the downtown core, the 2 cruise terminals are situated comparatively shut. Bell Avenue at Pier 66 is simply over a mile away from downtown, so you can attain it with a 25-minute stroll, however the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is over 3 miles away and would require strolling alongside roads that aren’t overly pedestrian-friendly.
Whether or not you stroll or take a cab, downtown Seattle is residence to some actually iconic sights. We suggest going up the House Needle for a 360° view of town and the encompassing space. The Seattle Nice Wheel additionally provides some beautiful views of Seattle’s downtown waterfront, and tickets are lower than $30.
Value Studying: Most IDEAL Motels Close to Seattle Cruise Port
Downtown Seattle can be a foodie’s playground; with eating places, informal eateries, and numerous espresso retailers, it’s not tough to deal with your tastebuds when you stroll across the downtown space.
Go to the Seattle Aquarium
Seattle Aquarium is roughly half a mile from Pier 66, so passengers may simply stroll to it. For these departing from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, it could be a couple of 1-hour stroll or 15-minute drive, however it’s properly value visiting.
Positioned alongside the waterfront at Pier 59, visiting is a family-friendly exercise. View sharks, rays, colleges of fish, and a big selection of marine life that’s native to the coastal waters of Washington State, in addition to species from all around the world.
Stroll Round Pike Place Market
Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market is simply steps away from Seattle Aquarium, so journey instances are virtually equivalent. For over a century, the Pike Place Market has acted because the unofficial heart of Seattle’s downtown and the guts and soul of town’s distinctive tradition.
With retailers catering to vacationers and locals, you’ll absolutely discover one thing that catches your eye. As one of many oldest and largest repeatedly working markets within the nation, it’s not one thing you’ll wish to miss.
Seasonal Climate Circumstances in Seattle, WA
To ensure you’re ready in your time in Seattle, you’ll wish to just remember to contemplate the climate:
Summer time (June – August)
Temperatures often vary between 65° and 75°F, and rainfall is restricted. Carry gentle clothes and comfy footwear, as Seattle is a really walkable metropolis.
Fall (September – November)
Daytime temperatures drop to between 45° and 60°F. The cooler temperatures are additionally joined by elevated rainfall and loads of fog, particularly within the mornings. Be sure to carry a water-proof jacket and a few hotter layers, particularly if you happen to plan on being exterior within the evenings.
Winter (December – February)
Temperatures drop to simply above freezing however might be as excessive as 45°F on hotter days. The chilly temperatures additionally carry occasional snowfall, loads of rain, and actually sturdy winds blowing in off the water. Put on heat layers and a water-proof jacket. Heat socks and insulated footwear are additionally useful.
Spring (March – Could)
Daytime temperatures return to a extra nice common of 45° to 60°F. Count on occasional showers, however they are usually transient. Put on gentle, detachable layers and produce a rain jacket or umbrella with you.
Issues to Do in Seattle
As talked about, Seattle and the encompassing space supply loads of points of interest and actions for guests to get pleasure from. We already talked about exploring the downtown, ascending the House Needle, visiting the Seattle Aquarium, and wandering round Pike Place Market, however the metropolis provides far more:
Go to Seattle’s Museums
The Seattle Artwork Museum is situated in downtown Seattle alongside the waterfront, so it’s simple to get to from both cruise terminal. Artwork lovers will benefit from the eclectic assortment and the constructing’s distinctive structure.
The Museum of Pop Tradition is one other must-see if you happen to plan to soak up town’s actual cultural expertise. It’s situated in Seattle’s Uptown neighborhood, so you’ll be able to take a look at the House Needle in your method.
The Museum of Flight is value a go to for aviation lovers. It’s appropriately situated close to the airport, so if you’re planning to go to, maintain the roughly 11-mile journey in thoughts.
Get a C3 Metropolis Move
For lower than $100, you’ll be able to go to three of Seattle’s prime points of interest, together with the House Needle, Aquarium, Pacific Science Heart, and a number of other of town’s museums.
Take a Harbor Tour
Whether or not you journey one of many low-cost Washington State Ferries or select a extra intimate expertise on a devoted Harbor Tour, you’ll get the chance to see Seattle from a singular perspective.
In case your price range permits for it, we suggest an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour. These one-hour narrated excursions supply an informative and enjoyable solution to see town from the water.
Uncover Seattle’s Wealthy Historical past and Tradition for Your self
Whereas points of interest and guided excursions are nice, probably the greatest methods to immerse your self in every part Seattle has to supply is to easily stroll round and uncover it for your self. Discover the varied neighborhoods on foot, wander into the numerous retailers, and stroll alongside the scenic waterfront.
Learn Additionally: The Greatest Time to Cruise Alaska: Months to Select
Seattle is a really walkable metropolis; nothing will make you’re feeling extra like an area than grabbing a cup of espresso and taking a stroll. Have a seafood lunch and benefit from the salmon, oysters, and sushi town is known for.
Steadily Requested Questions (FAQs)
What port do cruise ships depart from in Seattle?
Cruise ships depart from each Bell Avenue Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. Each piers are a part of the Port of Seattle, so ensure you examine with the terminal your particular cruise ship might be departing from.
How far is Seattle Cruise Port from the airport?
Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport is 14.1 miles away from the Bell Avenue Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and simply shy of 19 miles from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91.
How far is Pike Place Market from the cruise terminal?
Pike Place Market is simply 0.6 miles from Bell Avenue Cruise Terminal and three.1 miles from Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. Whilst you can stroll to it alongside the waterfront, many passengers save time by taking a taxi.
