SEATTLE CRUISE PORT GUIDE | Tips for Cruising from Seattle

[@bondgirl41373]

I live in Seattle and my pick for the best hotel is the Mayflower Park Hotel. It is on the same block as Westlake Center which makes it super easy to catch the Monorail to the Space Needle, MOPOP, Pacific Science Center and Chuily Glass Exhibit. Also most Seattle travel videos don't mention the fantastic zoo we have not far from downtown. It's my second favorite place to go in the city. A definite must especially if you have children or you're a child at heart

[@debburr2419]

Hi,, We cruised from Seattle to Alaska in 2018 on the NCL Bliss. We found that Seattle was the easiest cruise port to sail from. They were efficient and quick to check in, no lines and boarding was fast. 1. We used the port valet on departure - best PR from the port of Seattle. We put Our luggage out night before disembarkation and picked our luggage up late that night when we landed at Logan airport in Boston. And it's FREE!! Way to go Seattle! 2. Stayed at the downtown Westin. Walked to the Seattle Monorail - it was 2 blocks away from Hotel. Cost $2.00 and took us right to Space Needle and Chihuly Museum. Then walked across the street and picked up the FREE Seattle waterfront shuttle to the EYE and Argosy Elliot Bay cruises. Was able to walk all around waterfront, Pike Market Place and take a free shuttle back to hotel. We loved Seattle and hope to return someday for another cruise from pier 66.

[@wendyjohnstone229]

Thank you! I wouldn't want to go to the wrong terminal! We used the light rail which dropped us off within a few blocks from our hotel, so we walked a very short distance. Our hotel was also a few miles from Pike Place. What a great time we had at Pike Place going out for chowder and wondering thru the shops. We loved the Crab Pot too! For anyone reading this we have booked with Sharon since we started cruising less than 2 years ago maybe 8 times and she has found us some fun rooms with thoughtful locations. She knows what to look for us and has exceeded our expectations!! She personally takes care of your bookings herself and is quick to respond to any questions we have!! Book with her and you won't be disappointed!! Top notch!!

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Awe...Thank you Wendy.

[@johmhill7312]

First arrived in Seattle in 1978, been to Pike Place Market more times than I can count. For excellent clam chowder---Ivar's on Pier 54 and, Pike Place Chowder in Post Alley (Pike Place Market), look no further, lol! Piroshsky Piroshsky has mouth watering piroshsky's, especially the beef and onion! The Market Grill---inside the main pavillion, has a great blackened coho salmon sandwich! The peaches at Sosio's Produce are DELICIOUS! As far as coffee---unless you like Starbucks, Ghost Alley Expresso in Post Alley (down flight of stairs by where they thow the fish), and Anchorhead Coffee on Western Ave, serve very good coffee.

[@katieeiland3869]

Other things to see is the museum of flight at Boeing field. They also have baggage storage if you are coming or going to the airport. Also can’t miss the Seattle underground tours.

[@tinaduncan72]

Hi, Jamie and Sharon. I did a cruise out of Seattle going to Alaska. I had a wonderful time. I stay 2 nights at a beautiful old hotel. I enjoyed the Space Needle. The glass museum, the aquarium. I had 2 delicious lunches and a delicious dinner. Getting into the cruise port from the hotel was a cab right away, which was simple. I will do that again.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thanks Tina!!!

[@Lp259]

Very thorough video as usual! We did an Alaskan cruise last spring from Seattle. If anyone is looking for a hotel near the airport we stayed at the Hampton Inn on 28th Ave the night before the cruise. It was clean, they had a free airport shuttle and free breakfast. You could book a shuttle through the hotel to either cruise port for a reasonable price. When we returned, we stayed at the Radisson Seattle Airport. The hotel was recently renovated and was literally within walking distance from the Seattle airport. They also had a free shuttle. There was a 13 Coins restaurant next door too, and they open at 6 am. You are spot on about flying in the day before the cruise. Our Delta flight was delayed about three hours. We would have missed our cruise if we flew in the day of the cruise and were delayed. Also, I agree about booking directly with the hotel when possible. You get better service if there are issues. You might consider doing a video on the Seattle airport. I think it’s confusing how to get to the hotel shuttle pickup area.

[@johmhill7312]

Yes, the Hampton on 28th is the place to stay, free underground parking. There is another Hampton a couple blocks away, but is nowhere near as nice as the one on 28th.

[@crazycattraveler8895]

Another parking option is Seattle Cruise Park. $187 for a 7 night cruise and provides transport to both terminals. I used it last time I drove up and had a great experience.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thanks Beth!!!!

[@dianaschulz6593]

Great informative video. On Sharon’s advice, we stayed at the Hampton Inn on 5th. It was a great place to stay. Walking distance to the Space Needle, restaurants, and a grocery store. So good to see you and Jamie!

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thanks Diana!!!

[@marycoberley8132]

Thank you for you kindness of service and advice. Very helpful

[@trainsandships]

I love your video of Seattle. I never go on cruise from Seattle before. I came to Seattle by Amtrak and The Canadian. Next time I come to Alaska cruise ship, I will stay at Green Tortoise Hostel. They are across street from Pike Place Market. They has nice view of market. I stayed there one night about 10 years ago. The hostel were nice and few blocks from Waterfront and cruise dock. I went to Pike Place Market in 1984. They are still throwing fish at market. They were funny and fun. I hate to see Waterfront Trolley are gone. I miss ridiing there. Some track were still there last time I was there. Thanks for post video.

[@sunsetrescue7112]

Our experience with Air Canada was not good at all. Thanks for this video .. very informative ❤

[@JaniceCrowell]

We went on a duck tour (land and sea) which took us around the city and then into the water where we saw the houseboat used in the movie Sleepless in Seattle.

[@steveoh2517]

Thanks for the Port Valet advice. Just reserved it for our upcoming Alaska Cruise. Now, we can explore Seattle without our luggage before our flight.

[@LaysiaRayne]

Right on time. I'm cruising from Seattle to Alaska in late April and needed an updated video

[@sallysmith1657]

I recommend the Seattle Central Library for fabulous architecture. They have a terrific gift shop too.

[@Fakeaorta]

Great Content on video! Yes on Zeek's pizza. My favourite!

[@mkbuck3904]

We are coming from the UK next year to Seattle to sail out with Celebrity to Alaska. This info was so helpful….thank you 👏👏

[@Pennyeq]

I am cruising on the Ovation of the Seas in late June. This was so helpful. Glad to see you back!

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thanks...hope you have a great cruise!!!

[@cacourtney]

We have a cruise out of Seattle in June - definitely still working on transportation to the cruise port from our hotel since we are staying closer to the airport vs the cruise port due to costs.

[@troyermish91011]

If you are close enough to drive, you may want to consider taking Amtrak into the city. We don't like to stress with traffic after our relaxing cruise and the King Street Station is a beauty.

[@deborahbolton3417]

Great video as always.. and we visited those places when we took a cruise to Alaska loved it.❤️🛳️🦩🍹⚓️

[@westonmartinez7210]

Thank you its my first time coming to Seattle for a cruise I'm doing Norwegian this is helpful

[@Fakeaorta]

Post Cruise shuttles are available to take people to the ride share pick up lots at Pier 91. I used it in April 2024 after my trip on Carnival through the Panama Canal.

[@christymonk66]

Excellent information! Much appreciated.

[@julieamos1633]

Wow great job guys. Can't wait for our next sailing

[@vilmasvacation8599]

Went to Alaska August 2022 stayed at Belltown Inn downtown Seattle when to pike place and the gum wall great video

[@julieb7882]

Stayed at the Inn at the Market, post cruise. It's only about a block from the market. Staff was very helpful, and our room was immaculate. We refused to stand in Starbucks line. We got chowder, wine, dumplings, and some dessert for a picnic supper on the Inn's rooftop oasis. Shops at the market closed at 5 so it was early was early. It was a bit pricey but we really enjoyed it.

[@johmhill7312]

Yeah, Inn at the Market is spendy. And Starbucks, agree, the line is ridiculous. Unless a person really likes Starbucks, better coffee options are Ghost Alley Expresso---in Post Alley, below where the fish is thrown---and Anchorhead Coffee on Western Ave, just in case you visit Seattle again.

[@johmhill7312]

Oh yeah, was also going to mention about Starbucks----the present location is not actually the original location. The original location was at 2000 Western Ave, about one minute away from the present location, it sold almost exclusively whole beans, tea, and spices, not many brewed drinks. It opened in 1971, moved to its present location in 1976. So you didnt miss much, lol!

[@julieb7882]

Rachel's ginger beer was fun. Had it with nd without added alcohol.

[@johmhill7312]

@@julieb7882 Since you were at Rachel's Ginger Beer, did you try nearby Pike Place Chowder?

[@julieb7882]

@johmhill7312 oh yes. It was wonderful

[@kennethadams-m4y]

Thanks for the Seattle review. We’ve been there a few times, love the city and knew about the expected risks . The Marriott at Lake Washington was great; as was the museum complex across the street. Things went downhill on our return when United AL cancelled our flight home and put us in a hotel which was filthy, owned out of the US and where I caught COVID. If you get a UAL layover, DO NOT STAY WHERE THEY PUT YOU! Pay to stay someplace nice! Peace.

[@stevenz2234]

Hey hey...Great to see you guys again.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Hey hey! Thanks!!!

[@janreynolds3794]

Great seeing you two! Thanks for the info!

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thanks Jan!!!

[@DanielLukeFields]

we loved the Marriot just crossed the street to the port or NCL. Pikes is up a hill but if you search there is a set of stairs.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Hey, don't we know you!! lol Thanks Daniel!

[@willg7882]

👍! Take my first cruise out of Seattle May 2025.

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

same here! super excited!

[@jackredmond6023]

Perfect… Thanks!

[@helenicerezende3429]

Greetings from Brasil! Great vídeo! Next october we are going to Seattle for a cruise. Thanks for the tips!

[@stevenbarnes8238]

Get a taxi and go to rays boathouse to eat, well worth the ride and get the halibut cheeks if they have it. Also do the underground seattle tour and visit the aquarium.

[@Jackiebrook126]

Going to Alaska out of Seattle in May. Thanks for the video

[@adiuntesserande6893]

If you're cruising out of the Bell Street terminal, your best option getting from the airport is going to be the light rail from Airport to Westlake stations, then walking a few blocks west to the terminal.

[@IntriguedLioness]

I live in belltown. I see them constantly coming up from the light rail (which is a wise traveler's choice) ...but you can always tell the cruise / day trippers because they're lugging MASSIVE check through luggage!!!

[@alexandra.zakharova]

Thank you for making a video about other cruises from Seattle! Royal Caribbean is hiding its information about a trip to Japan, at least on the mobile devices, haha. I knew that other options existed!

[@cherylrucinski1386]

We stay next to the airport and take the lite rail to town it's clean and cheap and safe

[@janfitzgerald3615]

LOL…Alaska Airlines is headquartered in Seattle! The entire north Terminal is Alaska and concourses C & D are Alaska as well. You can reach most of the US flying Alaska, including nonstops to major cities like Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Orlando to name a few.

[@patjandl2326]

Try the Alibi Room across from the gum wall at Pike Place Market. Really awesome pizza.

[@jeffkellyb7712]

We’ve crossed out of early Seattle twice, 2015 and 2017 (so things may have changed). We were watching the budget, so we stayed in hotels closer to the airport. Then we actually used the city buses to get to Pier 91. It is a little bit daunting. And there is a bit of a walk from the bus stop, under the highway, to the terminal. We’d probably do differently now, but it was an adventure! Also there is a chain called Duke’s Chowder House that we happened onto. My wife was never a fan of seafood until she tried a salmon slider…

[@boats2build629]

For those that live in the flat lands (like myself), remember that walking towards the waterfront is mostly downhill. When walking back to your hotel, you will be going uphill; sometimes steep hills.😅

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Great tip b2b!!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@charms87]

There are a series of elevators along the waterfront that make all the difference for the “uphill” climb from the waterfront. I usually use the one at the Pike Place Market parking garage.

[@ericgranger5014]

Great video as we plan for our first Alaskan cruise.I have shared this on our Facebook group page.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@JamesBaker-qx1cx]

Thank You. Planning an Alaska trip in 2024

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Hi Debbie!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@timmccartney2367]

Pier 91 used to be a US Navy base,

[@lulutuby]

Hi Sharon Thank for the info 1. I would like to ask how did you travel from the pier to your hotel in Seattle 2. How did you sightsee around Seattle 3. Can I visit Mt. Rainer on the day trip Thanks

[@Ianwalsh22]

I get that Seattle big place I work at bags inc for cruise liners as baggage handlers it very stressful ❤❤❤❤❤ can be confusing I love your videos ❤❤❤❤

[@debbierange545]

luggage valet service was awesome.

[@rachelsnyder3361]

Going on our first Alaskan cruise in July. Thank you. This is very helpful! Do you have a Seattle day vlog we can watch ?

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

We do...Here is our latest one from June 2023....kzbin.info/www/bejne/iquudIWCaLCohtUsi=WoBf_2p_R2VR8YIb

[@lorriescott8775]

With a rental car, or city bus, go to Ballard and walk around the Chittenden Locks. This is the manmade canal that connects Lake Washington to the Puget Sound. Boats of all sizes travel into the locks to switch to the different bodies of water. I often see seals joining the boats. Then cross over the walkways to the far side, then down the ramp where you will see viewing windows to watch salmon return to the lake and streams to spawn. No cost to be in the park, though there are parking fees. A few blocks away is a glass blowing studio. Dale Chihuly’s studio is not far too. If your budget it tight, and you have blown your $$ on the cruise, and you are up to a more primitive, budget friendly lodging, stay at Camp Long. The cabins hold up to 12, for $50 a night. Contact Seattle Parks well in advance of your dates. Just outside of the park is a bus line. Yes, you will need bedding, which might not be easy.

[@JohnWilliams-mt6fx]

This is very helpful and I will check to see if they offer a cart shuttle to the ride share area upon the end of the cruise. One note is that SeaTac is a major hub for Alaska Airlines.

[@frankpercival]

This is well done.

[@stevelavergne2852]

We are staying at the Marriott when we sail out of Seattle in June.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Great choice!!

[@clarencemarquez8134]

Hey Sharon and Jaime, here at the Harbor House Hotel in Galveston getting ready to walk myself over to the Cruise Port to board the NCL Prima, which departs today on FRIDAY. I earlier walked into the Strand for breakfast. I only see 1 ship in the Cruise Port. QUESTION: Do I enter the Port at the Main Entrance to walk towards the only ship I see?? Thank you in advance. 😎⛹️‍♀️🚴‍♂️🤸‍♂️

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Yes, you should see all the people getting off the ship and you will enter the terminal in just about the same area. you can drop your bags with a porter and then the staff will direct you from there!!! Not 100% sure which terminal the ship leaves from, but I'm assuming it's the main terminal right next to the Harbor House Hotel. Have a great cruise!!!

[@katieeiland3869]

You said Juan de fuca correctly ❤️

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thanks!!!!!lol I was worried about that!!!

[@pware9643]

Could have used some more detail on the transportation, like what stop is best coming from the airport to the cruise terminals, and cost of Uber from there. Hotels near the airport are cheaper and u can shuttle into downtown for $3 each way.

[@angim8984]

I'm a local. Take the light rail and get off at West Lake Center. Then get an Uber from there. I'm sorry I can't tell you how much Uber will cost. I've never used Uber. You can try taking a hired car from the airport, but you'll have a 50/50 chance of getting stuck in traffic. Edit: Sorry I forgot to add light rail fare is currently $1.75.

[@Santiago-in1xf]

@@angim8984 I second this, Westlake is about a 15 min walk to Pier 66 *BUT* the walking route takes you down a steep incline and through Pike Place Market that is super crowded. I'd only do the walk if you are fit and are traveling light.

[@debbieh4185]

Thanks for the great advice. Hopefully will be able to go in 2025

[@pinkey6141]

Be aware! The Mediterranean Hotel uses. Third party driver. It cost us $25 each (8=$200 plus tip) from the airport to the hotel. It cost $10 per person from the hotel to the NCL port.

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

very helpful thank you

[@IntriguedLioness]

I now live in Belltown, on the north side of downtown, so I see a ton of tourists come up through the light rail (

[@LR-go8pv]

We sail out in august at pier 91. We will probably Uber to the port. You mentioned that share rides get dropped off at the entrance to the pier. I’m wondering can we get dropped off and picked up at the terminal. My wife uses a portable oxygen concentrator when walking. With that and luggage do you think if asked will the driver be able to drop us off at the terminal ? BTW we chose the Homewood suites that you mentioned fora two night stay.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

I think you should be able to get dropped off up near the terminal entrance, but I'm not sure as far as pick up goes. I recall taxis being by the terminal, so maybe a taxi after the cruise will help avoid the trip to the rideshare pickup lot. Have a great cruise.

[@lindaperryman2888]

Port Valet is wonderful. Too bad more cruise ports don't do this.

[@johmhill7312]

If anyone is staying overnight at the airport, Wally's Chowderhouse in Des Moines, about 6 miles from the airport has excellent seafood. And no, I have no affiliation with Wally's, lol!

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

Queen Anne Beerhall? That sounds promising.

[@bondgirl41373]

It's amazing. I live in Seattle and love this place

[@lindapeterson3613]

That is not the first Starbucks by the way. Go up a block and get the same coffee at another Starbucks.

[@Fakeaorta]

True: The first was a couple blocks away and has been demolished.

[@IntriguedLioness]

Hello, you must be a fellow Seattleitte! I live just a few blocks from Pike Place and when I'm running my evening errands to pick up dinner and the tourists are lined up for an hour .. if they're rude and don't clear the sidewalk I tend to tell them that they're not even at the 1st! Balloon burst!

[@lindapeterson3613]

@@IntriguedLioness ❤️

[@travelingfool9096]

From Pier 66 to Light rail station is less than a mile and can be faster to airport

[@charms87]

There is an easy way to walk to the light rail from pier 66. Walk south along the waterfront to the parking garage next to Market Steps (5-6 blocks). Walk to the back of the parking garage and take the elevator up to the skybridge to the Pike Place Market. Exit the market and walk 4 blocks and you are at the Westlake Station.

[@travelingfool9096]

@@charms87 yup, I didn't go right from the boat. I had to hit pike for one last good bowl of chowder. and it was super close from there as well.

[@kens805]

I'm cruising out of Seattle on Holland America Eurodam on May 18th and and I'm going to pier 91 and have already made my parking reservation (I'm driving to Seattle). The website for Seattle port parking is somewhat confusing. I read where you're supposed to drop your luggage off at pier 66 which of course makes no sense. Are there luggage porters at pier 91??? Anyone??

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

There were plenty of luggage porters at pier 91. You could enter the pier area, drive up and drop your luggage, then go park and shuttle back to the terminal. Hope this helps.

[@kens805]

You betcha! Love your chanell!! THX!@@SharonatSeaTravel

[@steveluppino6486]

whats the fastest transportation option when returning to port and you have to get to the airport fast???

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Taxi or Uber/Lyft...There will usually be taxi's there waiting as you exit the cruise terminal and Uber/Lyft will be close by as well.

[@ReelDeckGaming]

I wish i could book through a travel agent

[@JaniceCrowell]

You can. It is ALWAYS best to use a travel agent when cruising.

[@ReelDeckGaming]

@@JaniceCrowell but I book through Delta so I can get my Skymiles

[@SouthernGrannaElizabeth]

Great video?

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thank you?

[@SouthernGrannaElizabeth]

You're welcome! @@SharonatSeaTravel

[@jondavid4747]

Did you have a question, or do you just not know how punctuation works?

[@jchasern]

Yuck Zeek's....pagliacci pizza or Mad pizza

[@jamesnunez1703]

Y'all forgot the rampant usage of drugs on the streets. We were there in June and stayed at the Sheraton downtown. The hotel was great but on our way down to the pier we had to walk around meth heads smoking it out on the sidewalk. Then you ran across someone either dead or high in the middle of the sidewalk. We were in our room before night. I did not feel that it was safe to be out on the street ( I am 5’8 and been told I look like a fire hydrant) after dark. I did see the mayor say they were trying to clean the area up, but was protested by the meatheads. Its sad Seattle use to be such a beautiful city.

[@rockinmel1]

They didn't "forget." They actually came here and walked around. You must watch a "certain" news channel. Look, every city has to take care of the homeless and drug addicts sent there from your town. It's a national problem that your representatives are a part of if they aren't helping solve it. But Seattle has no more than other large coastal cities, and in general they try to stay away from the tourist areas. Yeah, you probably saw a homeless person or someone with addiction issues - poor you, right? Just remember that they might have been your neighbor back home, and it's not helping to make stuff up (or repeat stuff someone else made up).

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

I agree with you, James. I've been to Seattle a few times over the years and every year it's getting worse. One year me and my son tried to eat our mac and cheese at Pike Place Market as we have done outdoors in the past but the homeless took up all the tables and it reeked pretty badly of urine. We didn't want to eat our food there. I feel bad for the homeless, but also for the tourists trying to enjoy the place.

[@rockinmel1]

@@TheOriginalMarimoChan Dude, I LIVE here. Went out to Pike Place just a few weeks ago, got some great photos of people having a good time, eating outdoors, the main competition for tables was with each other. There really isn't room for a lot more tourists here right now though, so feel free to stay away. There's good news on the Seattle homeless front though: the Supreme Court may force you to keep yours instead of forcing them to go to the cities. 🤞

[@robinrosser4198]

Thank you for sharing. I’m from New Jersey and I don’t see that type of stuff in my neighborhood but I have seen it and other neighborhood. Thank you for letting me know so I know not the roll out with my camera dangling around my neck. I don’t want to get robbed😂

[@rockinmel1]

@@robinrosser4198 Please be scared and stay away. We already have more tourists and people moving here than we can handle, and if people come here and see what it's actually like, they'd want to stay too. 😁

[@tubbycook2934]

Don't forget all the homeless and panhandlers as well as meth heads all over Seattle. And the crime that goes with it. Expensive.

[@rockinmel1]

Think about this: you're posting something you read in the middle of dozens of people discussing the good time they've had in Seattle. But hey, who you gonna trust, those of us who have actually been (or live) here, or your "news"? In any case, the Supreme Court may soon force your town to keep their homeless instead of sending them to the cities.