Alaska Cruise From Seattle: Should I Embark In The PNW?
Embarking on an Alaska cruise from Seattle offers a chance to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) before the sailaway. With stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences, an Alaska trip itinerary offers a unique and unforgettable experience. But is it truly worth starting your Alaskan voyage in the PNW?
In this article, we’ll delve into the advantages of choosing Seattle as your departure point. We also Include itinerary options, cruise lines, and tips for maximizing your experience.
While guests can embark on a cruise to the Last Frontier from California, Vancouver, and Seattle, we explore why an Alaska cruise from Seattle should be on your travel bucket list.
Seattle is the perfect embarkation port for an Alaska cruise adventure. Known as the “Emerald City,” Seattle is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a great culture and rich history.
Planning a pre-cruise stay allows for exploration of its many attractions. Highlights include museums like the Museum of PoP Culture, Pike Place Market, and Space Needle before embarkation day.
The Benefits Of Cruising From Seattle
Seattle is a great place to start if you’re planning a cruise to the 49th state. Here are some of the benefits of cruising from this Pacific Northwest city.
No Passport Required
One of the advantages of cruising from Seattle is that no passport is required for US citizens. As a closed-loop cruise, they only need a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate for most cruise lines.
However, it’s important to note that some cruise lines may require a passport. A passport is beneficial in emergencies and when disembarking in a foreign port.
Domestic Flights For US Citizens
Another benefit of US residents is that they only require a domestic flight to get there. These flights are hassle-free, with later check-ins and no immigration requirements, and are generally more budget-friendly than international flights.
Seattle Has Two Cruise Terminals
Seattle has two convenient cruise ports: Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal (Pier 66) and Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91). The former is used by Norwegian and Oceania and is located downtown near the Pike Place Market.
Pier 91, used by Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, and most other major cruise lines, is further north of downtown. Dividing the cruise guests between two ports on certain days helps to dissipate between the crowds and line-ups.
Guests Can Cruise On A Mega-Ship
Vessels leaving Seattle don’t need to pass under a bridge. Large ships leaving Vancouver can only cruise at low tide under the Lionsgate Bridge in Burrard Inlet. For this reason, the larger and mega ships embark from Seattle for the Alaska season.
If you want a mega-ship, choose Norwegian Encore, Joy, Bliss, or Royal Caribbean’s Anthem and Quantum of the Seas. Larger ships like Princess Cruises’ Discovery and Royal vessels also sail out of Seattle.
Pre-Cruise Stay May Cost Less
Pre-cruise stay in Seattle could cost considerably less than a pre-cruise stays in Vancouver, Canada. To get the most savings, book long in advance and select a hotel further from the port.
Getting To The Port From SeaTac
From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, several options exist to reach downtown or the port. Cruise lines offer transfers, taxis provide a flat rate trip of USD 40, and there’s rideshare.
Link Light Rail offers a convenient and low-cost ride from the airport to Westlake Station in downtown Seattle. The trip takes 38 minutes. From there, take a taxi or rideshare, although most guests stay overnight and go to the port the following morning.
We found getting to both ports on embarkation day can be chaos. The rideshare drop-off area at Pier 91 is further away than where taxis and shuttles go. So, be prepared for an 8-minute walk with luggage.
Driving To The Port
There is limited long-term parking at Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal downtown for those driving to the port. The best option is a lot across the street called Bell Street Pier Garage. It charges USD 33 per day.
If embarking at Pier 91, there’s an outdoor long-term lot, Smith Cove Park, just north of the docks. We found this lot convenient and liked that it offered a complimentary shuttle. While we took the shuttle to the port, we walked back to the lot at the end of our cruise. We found the walk easy, even with luggage.
For a 7-day cruise, we paid USD 187 for parking. This map shows the location and shuttle route. With 800 spots, parking can fill up fast. Early booking is recommended through their website.
Port Valet
NannyBag and LuggageHero provide luggage storage solutions for those who disembark with a late flight. However, guests flying out of SeaTac can use Port Valet from either port.
Port Valet allows passengers to enjoy a day in Seattle without lugging their baggage. Sign up before the cruise or with forms the cruise line supplies during the voyage.
Guests receive their boarding pass, a way to track their luggage and skip the luggage line at the airport. Luggage goes from their stateroom to the airport. The best part – it’s complimentary!
Planning Your Alaska Cruise
Planning your Alaska cruise from Seattle should be stress-free and an enjoyable experience. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Choice Of Cruise Lines
Several cruise lines offer Seattle departures to Alaska, each with unique features and benefits. The most popular options include the Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America Line.
Princess Cruises and Holland America Line have cruised to Alaska the longest. Their itineraries often include Glacier Bay National Park, a must-see for many passengers.
Carnival Cruises sail from Seattle rather than Vancouver, and their itineraries are often budget friendly. Celebrity Cruises added an Edge-class vessel (the Edge) to Alaska for the first time. Cunard moved Queen Elizabeth from Vancouver to Seattle in 2025 and she’ll sail her last Alaska season in 2026.
Norwegian offers three mega-ships from the Pacific Northwest, the Bliss, Joy, and the Encore. Their observation lounges, with floor-to-ceiling windows at the bow, are ideal for glacier viewing.
Its competitor, Royal Caribbean (RCI), has one large ships for the 2026 season from Seattle: Anthem of the Seas. Norwegian and RCI are top picks for families cruising to Alaska.
Only the Oceania Regatta has a capacity of under 1,000 (670 max) for smaller vessels. There are lots of choices for mid-sized ships, too.
Length Of Cruise
Previously, Alaska cruises from Seattle were typically 7 days. Recently, Norwegian has offered 9-to 10-day itineraries. Cunard offers sailings of up to 11 days. Unique cruise lines like Lindblad, American Cruise Line, and Hurtigruten have extended routes up to 17 days.
Can I Do A Cruise And Land Tour From Seattle?
Cruise and land tours are flexible options combining a 7-day cruise with time on land. The land portion can range from two to eleven days, allowing guests to customize their trip to their preferences.
Traditionally, these cruises were offered from Vancouver, Fairbanks, and Anchorage. Holland America now offers such itineraries from Seattle, providing even more flexibility to travel plans.
However, cruise guests don’t embark in Seattle. Instead, Holland America buses passengers across the border to Vancouver, the embarkation port. Then, it flies them back to SeaTac International Airport.
While longer cruises cost more money, they offer more opportunities for shore excursions and other activities in additional port stops.
Pre-Cruise Accommodations
Arriving in Seattle a day or two before embarkation is best, as flight delays and cancellations are common post-COVID. Deciding where to stay may depend on going to Pier 66 or 91.
For embarkation at Pier 66, consider the following:
- The Edgewater Hotel is Seattle’s only “on the water” hotel. It’s known for its rustic luxury and captivating views of Elliott Bay. Staying here allows easy access to the cruise terminal.
- Seattle Marriott Waterfront – You can’t beat the location directly across from the cruise terminal. If you want convenience, this hotel delivers. It features modern rooms with balconies overlooking the water. It is steps away from popular attractions like Pike Place Market, Seattle’s Great Wheel, and the first Starbucks Coffee Shop.
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is an excellent choice for a luxurious stay. It’s a short distance from the port and offers stunning views of Puget Sound, a rooftop pool, and exceptional service.
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91) has no hotels within walking distance. So, find one which requires a short taxi or rideshare ride. The top choices are as follows:
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown offers spacious suites with kitchens. It’s less than 3 miles from the cruise terminal, providing easy access for embarkation.
- Mediterranean Inn—This hotel features rooftop views of the Space Needle and is about 2.5 miles from Pier 91. It provides comfort with a touch of luxury, suitable for relaxing before a cruise.
- The Edgewater Hotel – It’s about 3 miles from the terminal and perfect for a premium stay experience.
The Cons Of Cruising From Seattle
While there are many great reasons to cruise from Seattle, there are a few reasons not to, and it will come down to personal preferences.
Short Stops In Victoria, BC
One downside of cruising from Seattle is short port time in Victoria, BC. This stop can be as little as four hours. Most vessels dock around 5 pm, and some guests decide to stay onboard.
A four-hour stop doesn’t leave enough time to explore the beautiful city and experience its attractions fully. However, getting off and walking the pier or taking a short stroll to Fisherman’s Wharf is worthwhile.
Rough Seas
Cruising from Seattle to Alaska may involve encountering rough seas. On Seattle departures, most vessels cruise Vancouver Island’s west side instead of the east side. This was the case with my solo cruise on the Norwegian Bliss. Before leaving the port, the captain warned us of rough seas, and staff hung barf bags on the stair rails.
While modern ships are designed to handle these conditions, some travelers may experience seasickness during these journey segments. Pack a motion sickness patch, Dramamine, Sea Bands, or whatever works for you.
It Takes Longer To Reach Alaska
Compared to cruises departing from Vancouver, cruises from Seattle to Alaska typically take longer to reach the northernmost state. Expect the journey to take an extra half day one way. While that may seem like a little, losing a whole day on a seven-day cruise takes away a day from exploring Alaska.
Pre-Cruise Visit
Planning a pre-cruise visit to Seattle is a great way to start an Alaska cruise journey. Seattle is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture and offers plenty of things to do and see. Here are the top things we like to do and see when we visit Seattle.
Pike Place Market
No visit to the Pacific Northwest is complete without exploring Pike Place Market. It’s a bustling market near the waterfront with various restaurants and shops on different levels, selling everything from fresh seafood and beautiful blooms to handmade crafts.
My inside tip is to purchase fresh flowers for the cruise and ask your steward for a vase to put them in.
Space Needle
Seattle’s Space Needle is an iconic landmark seen near the waterfront. After an elevator to the top of the needle, we enjoyed panoramic views of the city and walked on its glass floor.
Museum Of Pop Culture
The MoPOP, or Museum of Pop Culture, is not just a museum but a celebration of popular contemporary culture. Its engaging and interactive exhibits bring to life the worlds of music, television, science fiction, and video games.
One of the museum’s highlights is a mesmerizing guitar sculpture that captures the essence of rock music. Another is the extensive exhibits on Jimi Hendrix, which celebrate his revolutionary impact on music.
Chihuly Garden And Glass
My favorite spot in Seattle is Chihuly Garden and Glass. This unique museum showcases the works of glass artist Dale Chihuly. It features a variety of stunning glass sculptures and installations.
The venue has indoor and outdoor exhibits, making it ideal for exploring if it’s raining in the city. Since it sits below the Space Needle, visiting both in a day is a great idea.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is a fun venue to learn about the Pacific Northwest’s marine life. The waterfront venue has a variety of sea creatures, including otters, seals, and octopuses.
Wrap It Up
An Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering an itinerary that’s hard to beat. Imagine dog sledding on a glacier, panning for gold, or witnessing a tidewater glacier up close. These are just a few of the bucket list excursions that await travelers.
We hope this informational guide helps you decide whether embarking in Seattle, Washington, is the right choice for your family.
No matter where you choose to embark, an Alaska trip is the highlight of all vacations. We visit Alaska every year, and you’ll understand why after one trip.
