As a resident of downtown Seattle with a view of the both Seattle cruise terminals from my apartment (#dreamscometrue) and a frequent cruiser (some might even say cruise addict), today’s lecture will cover my best tips for cruising out of Seattle.
It’s nice for us locals to have the city mostly to ourselves in the winter. I can get my Moscow Roll at Piroshky Piroshky without waiting in a winding rope line like I’m about to hurl myself over a tracked cliff at Disney World while being asked, “would you mind taking my photo?” by throngs of tourists in a similar, neighboring line for the original Starbucks (not Mickey).
Still, I’m ready to welcome the cruise ships and the cruise ship passengers back to Seattle. I get goose bumps when I see the first ship of the season pulling into Pier 66. And also resentful if I’m not going to be on it. But mostly I’m excited!
We’re expecting upwards of 1.2 million people to cruise from Seattle, mostly bound for Alaska, during the 2019 season. Based on passenger numbers, Seattle has been ranked the largest cruise port on the west coast for the past two years. It’s estimated that the cruise industry results in over a half billion dollars in economic benefit for the region each year and for that, we thank you!
Currently there are two cruise ship terminals in Seattle – one at Pier 66 and the other at Pier 91. It was also recently announced that plans for a third terminal at Pier 46 are underway – it seems my prolific lobbying efforts have paid off.
Before we move on, it’s important to establish which cruise terminal you’ll be sailing out of.
Pier 66: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, Oceania Regatta
Pier 91: Carnival Legend, Celebrity Solstice, HAL Amsterdam, HAL Eurodam, HAL Oosterdam, Ruby Princess, Star Princess, Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas
Address: 2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
Pier 66 is located along the Seattle waterfront, very convenient to all things downtown.
There are two hotels within shouting distance to Pier 66, the Seattle Marriott Waterfront and the historic Edgewater Hotel. The Marriott is located across the street and the Edgewater about a block to the north.
Parking for Pier 66 is located directly across the street on Alaskan Way. Vehicle entry is from Wall Street. Cost for parking at Pier 66 is $23 per day with a small discount available if you prepay online. Go here for detailed directions and additional information.
Your best options to get from the airport to Pier 66 (and from Pier 66 to the Seattle airport) include cruise line transfers, private shuttles, a taxi, ride shares (Lyft/Uber), and for hearty folks, the light rail.
Every cruise line operating out of Seattle offers both one-way and round trip transfers to/from Sea-Tac to/from Pier 66. These can be convenient and a good value if you’re traveling solo or in a small party, but can become costly for a larger group.
Norwegian: $20-$30 per person one-way. Go here or to your online booking for more information.
Oceania: Call (855) 623-2642 or consult your online booking to confirm price and book.
Shuttle Express: This shared shuttle service is the most popular private shuttle option at $24.99 per person each way. Shuttles are available to/from Sea-Tac to/from Pier 66. Go here for additional information or to book online.
Taxi’s are readily available at Sea-Tac and at the cruise terminal after your cruise. A metered ride to the airport will likely cost you between $40-$60, depending on traffic. This is a good option if you don’t want to wait for a shuttle to arrive and load or have three or four people traveling in your party. More information for Yellow Cab can be found here.
A ride share such as Uber or Lyft is a great option, and often the most economical. The Lyft estimator suggests a cost of $30-$35 from the airport to Pier 66. This is less expensive than a taxi and much more economical than a shuttle if you’re traveling with two or more people.
Yes. But be warned, this options involves a good deal of walking. While there is a light rail stop right at the Seattle airport, it’s a fairly long walk from the baggage claim area to the boarding station. Then, once you exit the light rail at your downtown stop, the Westlake Station, it’s another mile to Pier 66 (downhill on the way to the cruise terminal, uphill on the way from the cruise terminal back to the light rail station).
If you feel like you’re up for it, it’s the most cost effective option at $2.75 one-way per person. Travel time on the light rail (12 stops) is 38 minutes and you won’t risk sitting in traffic.
Address: 2001 West Garfield St.
Seattle, WA 98119
Pier 91 is located in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood near downtown.
While there are no hotels within easy walking distance to Pier 91, there are several that are close and convenient by car, taxi, or ride share. I would recommend these four located in the Queen Ann neighborhood near Magnolia:
Inn at Queen Ann (for a less expensive option)
Pier 91 Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Parking
2001 West Garfield St., Lot D, Seattle, WA 98119
Parking is available at Pier 91 for $27 per day with a small discount if you prepay online. The parking lot is located a long walk away from the terminal, but a free shuttle is available to transport you and your luggage.
Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean all offer transfer shuttle services to/from the airport to/from Pier 91. Check your online booking or call the cruise line for cost and additional information. This can be an expensive option for a larger group, but can be cost effective if you’re a party of one or two.
Shuttle Express: This shared shuttle service is the most popular option at $34.99 per person each way. Shuttles are available to/from Sea-Tac to/from Pier 91. Go here for additional information or to book online.
Taxis are readily available at Sea-Tac and at the cruise terminal after your cruise. A metered ride to the airport will likely cost you between $45-$80, depending on traffic. This is a good option if you don’t want to wait for a shuttle to fill or have three or four people traveling in your party. More information for Yellow Cab can be found here.
A ride share is likely the most economical route if your travel party is two or more. The Lyft estimator quotes a price of $40-$45 to Pier 91 from the Seattle airport.
Unfortunately, no. It’s possible to get there by light rail and then a bus transfer, but I wouldn’t recommend this option.
Technically, yes. In fact, I run this route frequently and have walked from my downtown apartment to embark on a cruise from Pier 91 several times. However, this depends on a few factors like your fitness level and how much luggage you’ll have with you. I wouldn’t recommend it for the average traveler.
But if you’re fit and looking to burn off a few hundred final calories before fully embracing “all you can eat” or want a beautiful walk that will save you the cost of transportation to the pier, then go for it!
The distance from the Olympic Sculpture Park to Pier 91 is 1.8 miles. Note that there is a waterfront shuttle stop near the Olympic Sculpture Park. This is a free shuttle that services the waterfront and downtown areas.
Check out my video with instructions on how to walk from downtown Seattle to the cruise terminal. If you try this, keep your eye out for sea lions, harbor seals, and bald eagles. I’ve spotted all of them along this trail.
There are many ways to get to Seattle for your cruise depending on your unique circumstances – train, bus, car, ferry, plane or, in my very fortunate case, foot. However you choose to travel, I’d strongly recommend you arrive at least the day before your cruise departs, unless you have travel insurance that would cover any possible travel delays (including getting stuck in traffic).
Seattle, and especially I-5, is notorious for traffic snarls. Even though I live downtown and avoid I-5 like the salad bar on the lido buffet, I’ve found myself parked in gridlock contemplating vehicle abandonment, “maybe a kind new owner will come along and give her a better life anyway,” dozens of times with, “at least I’m not trying to make a flight or a cruise,” as my only consolation. Don’t sacrifice your cruise to I-5, he’s a jerk and totally not worth it!
Besides, the earlier you arrive, the more time you have to explore our beautiful city and the surrounding region and the more opportunities you’ll have to run into Prof. Cruise. Let me warn you though, you might discover me later as a stowaway when unpacking your luggage: “surprise!” Don’t worry, I’m small and won’t take up too much room in the bed. At least before I order my standard two to three desserts in the MDR every night.
Or after! If you can spare the time and expense, consider spending some days in or around Seattle before or after your cruise. There’s so much to see and do.
If you only have a day or two and want to hit the main tourist attractions near downtown, I’d strongly suggest purchasing a CityPASS. At just $99 for adults and $79 for children 5-12, it will save you a significant amount (nearly 50%) and is good for admission to the following popular attractions:
You can buy the Seattle CityPASS here. We find this such a good value, we’ve purchased it several times ourselves to hit the sights with our out-of-town guests. They’re starting to recognize me at the Space Needle: “Oh, you again. You’re the one who passed gas in the elevator and then made a joke about it propelling us into space.”
If you didn’t spend all your money on DOD’s (drinks of the day) like I normally do on a cruise, there are hundreds of shops, restaurants, seafood, flower, bakery, and produce stands, and local artisans available to separate you from your remaining dollars at the vast nine acre Pike Place Market historic district. And if you’re out of cash, stop by just for the people watching and street performers. We have some characters (in addition to Prof. Cruise)!
Port Valet! This awesome and almost too good to be true service offered by the Port of Seattle will transfer all your luggage to your airline after your cruise for FREE. It’s available at both Pier 66 and Pier 91 and applies to the following airlines if you’re traveling domestically:
Go here for more information and instructions on how to participate.
Take the free waterfront shuttle! This is an awesome service for tourists and residents alike. I take it often to get from downtown or the waterfront over to Seattle Center (where the Space Needle and many other attractions are located).
Fair warning, the popular tourist areas around downtown and the Seattle Center will be mobbed seven days a week during the cruise season. Arrive to attractions early to beat some of the crowds. But if you’d prefer a more peaceful and serene activity, consider spending some time at one of our beautiful parks or beaches.
Or if you have longer, I’d strongly encourage a side trip to one of the nearby national parks, either Mt. Rainier or Olympic National Park. You can find my recommendations for great beaches near downtown Seattle (several of which are accessible via public transit from downtown) here. And go here for my guide to Mt. Rainier National Park and here for my guide to Olympic National Park.
This is a tricky one as there are many factors at play, such as how early you’re able to get off the ship (they usually have to drag me off), your transportation plans to the airport, and the day of the week (weekdays will take a lot longer than weekends). As a general rule, I wouldn’t book a flight before noon at the absolute earliest unless you’re flexible and on an airline that will re-book you for free in the event you miss your flight. Keep in mind that the security line at Sea-Tac can sometimes take over an hour. It’s a VERY busy airport.
I would also strongly suggest you enroll in TSA Pre✓ if you’re flying out of Seattle. It will save you a tremendous amount of time and hassle. It’s a simple process and lasts for 5 years.
Not significantly. However, there may be occasional traffic disruptions as the viaduct is demolished and there will be associated noise and dust. Keep this in mind when you’re selecting a hotel and give yourself some extra time to get around affected areas. Check my blog post here for additional information. And make sure to come back to Seattle in a year or two for a fully revitalized waterfront!
Say hello if you see me around downtown Seattle and please feel free to post any additional questions you may have in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them. Most of all, enjoy your cruise from Seattle to Alaska! Seattle is my favorite place to live and Alaska is my favorite place to cruise (you can check out my Alaska port posts here). I hope you love them both as much as I do. Happy Cruising!
Class dismissed.
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