Coffee, Glass Art, and a Sail to the Last Frontier
Seattle is the undisputed capital of Alaska cruising. Every spring and summer, the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 and the Bell Street Pier Terminal at Pier 66 fill with guests about to set off on one of the most awe-inspiring itineraries anywhere – the Alaska Inside Passage. Glaciers, humpback whales, bald eagles, and remote wilderness are roughly a day’s sailing away.
But Seattle is far too good to treat as a quick overnight. This is one of America’s most livable cities – great coffee, extraordinary seafood, mountain and water views in every direction, and a cultural life that punches well above its weight. Our advisors have sailed Alaska from both of Seattle’s piers and know which line uses which terminal, where to stay downtown the night before, and how to use your pre-cruise time well. Arrive early. Explore. Then set sail for the Last Frontier.
Gateway to Alaska
The Inside Passage starts here. Most roundtrip Alaska sailings depart Seattle on 7-night itineraries, several visiting Glacier Bay National Park along the way.
A Real Food City
Fresh Dungeness crab, chowder, world-famous coffee, and Pike Place Market at the center of it all. Seattle is one of America’s great eating cities, and it’s right at the waterfront.
Easy Access
Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) is about 13 miles south of downtown, with light rail reaching the city center in roughly 40 minutes. Two cruise terminals, both close to downtown hotels.
Things to Do In Seattle
Seattle is built around a beautiful waterfront and framed by mountains and water. An extra night at the start or end of your trip is the perfect bookend to an Alaska adventure – here are a few of the places our guests love most.
Seattle at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Nearest Airport | SEA Seattle-Tacoma International – about 13 to 17 miles from the terminals, roughly 40 to 60 minutes; light rail reaches downtown in about 40 minutes |
| Cruise Terminals | Smith Cove Pier 91 (2001 W Garfield St) for most lines; Bell Street Pier 66 (2209 Alaskan Way) for Norwegian and Oceania |
| Season | Seasonal Alaska sailings, spring through summer |
| Average Temperatures | Lows in the 50s to highs in the low 80s, sometimes on the same day – pack layers |
| Parking | Available at both terminals but limited; online reservations strongly recommended |
| Accessibility | Accessible handicap parking on a first-come basis; arrange mobility or wheelchair assistance with your cruise line or advisor |
Danny’s Insider Tips
Foodie experience – Savor Seattle Food Tours: “Seattle is one of America’s great food cities, and the best way to experience it is on foot with a local guide. Savor Seattle runs incredible walking tours centered on Pike Place Market. You’ll taste your way through artisan cheese, fresh Dungeness crab, chowder, and local pastries while learning the story of a market that has fed this city since 1907. My top pick for guests who want to eat their way into a destination.”
History and culture – Underground Seattle and Pioneer Square: “Seattle literally built a new city on top of its old one. After the Great Fire of 1889, the city raised its entire street level, leaving the original storefronts and sidewalks buried underneath. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour takes you down into those subterranean streets and tells the story of Seattle’s wild early years. Pair it with a walk through Pioneer Square, the city’s oldest and most architecturally stunning neighborhood.”
Danny’s pick – Chihuly Garden and Glass: “One of the most genuinely awe-inspiring museum experiences I’ve found anywhere in the world. Dale Chihuly’s monumental glass sculptures fill entire rooms and spill into garden beds with the Space Needle rising behind them. Don’t skip it, and book tickets in advance because it sells out.”
Danny’s pick – Pike Place Market, go early and go deep: “Everyone goes to Pike Place. Not everyone goes right. Get there before 9am and skip the Starbucks line on your first pass. What most visitors miss are the down-under shops beneath the main arcade – a labyrinth of small vendors and local characters that feels untouched by time. Every corner has a story.”
Browse all Seattle tours and experiences through our partner Project Expedition.
Where to Stay Before You Sail
We always recommend arriving at least the day before your cruise. It removes the risk of missing embarkation and gives you time to enjoy Seattle properly. Staying downtown puts you near the waterfront and within easy reach of both terminals – here are a few of our guests’ favorite hotels, grouped by category.
Embarkation & Disembarkation Day
Seattle operates from two piers, so the single most important thing is knowing which terminal your line uses before you arrive. Most lines sail from Smith Cove Pier 91, about two miles north of downtown at 2001 W Garfield St. Norwegian and Oceania sail from Bell Street Pier 66, right on the downtown waterfront at 2209 Alaskan Way. Confirm your terminal with your cruise documents or your Harr Travel advisor.
Arrive with your travel documents ready: passport, cruise booking confirmation or barcode, and any health documentation your cruise line requires. Even on Alaska sailings that depart and return to a U.S. port, a valid passport is the simplest and safest choice for everyone aboard. Porters wait at the curb to take your checked luggage, so you won’t haul bags to check-in. A couple of dollars per bag is customary and appreciated. From there you’ll clear security, check in with the cruise line inside the terminal, and board.
For disembarkation, you’ll be assigned a number or color and called off in waves. Self-assist, where you carry your own bags, usually gets you off earliest and is ideal if you have an early flight out of SEA. If you’ve arranged transportation, confirm your pickup location and time in advance. On-demand shuttles, taxis, and rideshare are also available at the port.
Your Seattle Questions, Answered
Browse Our Port Guides
Pick the port you’re sailing from and get the local knowledge that makes the day before, or the day after, a whole lot smoother. Each guide is built from firsthand experience, and if you’d like a hand planning the cruise itself, an advisor is always just a message away.
