Seattle Cruise Port Guide: Gateway to the Pacific Northwest
Cruising from Seattle? Where is the Seattle Cruise Port? What are the things to do near and around Seattle Cruise Port?
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Seattle is the ultimate gateway to an Alaskan cruise and a must-visit destination for cruisers eager to explore its iconic landmarks. With over 1.4 million passengers departing annually, it ranks among the busiest cruise ports in the Pacific Northwest, serving as the primary launch point for Alaska itineraries on multiple major cruise lines.
Our Norwegian Encore cruises to Alaska introduced us to Seattle’s charm—from the Space Needle to Pike Place Market—and left a lasting impression. It was the kind of first visit that makes you immediately start planning your return.
With more than a century of maritime history as Alaska’s gateway, the Seattle Cruise Port offers easy access to downtown, top attractions, dining, and accommodations, making it an ideal start (or end) to any cruise vacation.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Seattle Cruise Port, including terminal locations, nearby hotels, parking options, transportation, and the best things to do nearby.
What You Need to Know About Seattle Cruise Port
- The Seattle Cruise Port, a pivotal hub for Alaskan cruises, features two terminals.
- A variety of transportation options ensure smooth access to and from these terminals.
- Nearby parking, hotels, and attractions in downtown Seattle enhance the convenience for cruisers.
Seattle Cruise Ship Departure Ports
Seattle’s cruise port features two major terminals: the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66, located downtown, and the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, positioned northwest of downtown. Despite their separate locations, both terminals are conveniently accessible from the heart of Seattle, making travel between them straightforward.
Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66
- The Downtown Seattle cruise terminal is located at the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66, in the heart of Seattle’s waterfront.
- This terminal is near Pike Place Market, putting it at the center of Seattle’s vibrant waterfront.
- It serves as the homeport for Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceana Cruises.
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91
- The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 is the Seattle cruise terminal northwest of downtown.
- Located just a 10-minute drive from the iconic Space Needle.
- This terminal is the home port for Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.
How Far is Seattle Airport from the Cruise Port
The distance from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Seattle’s cruise terminals varies:
- Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66: about 15 miles, a 30-minute drive.
- Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91: around 17 miles, a 35-minute drive.
Getting to the Seattle Cruise Port
Seattle’s cruise ports, right in downtown, offer various transportation options for ease and convenience.
Book a Private Car or a Taxi With GetTransfer.com
Cruise Ship Parking in Seattle
Parking directly at your designated cruise terminal simplifies check-in and allows easy walk-in access. However, during peak cruise season, parking spots are limited, so you must book a spot in advance.
Long-Term Cruise Terminal Parking
Pier 66 Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal – Bell Street Pier Garage
- Capacity: 1,500 spaces
- Rates: General parking is $30 daily, with a small discount for online prepayment.
- Accessibility: A sky bridge connects the parking lot to the cruise terminal for easy access.
- Reservations: Book a Parking Spot
Pier 91 Smith Cove Cruise Terminal – Parking Lot D
- Capacity: 1,100 spaces available
- Rates: General parking is $29 a day. Prepaying online can offer a small discount.
- Reservations: Book a Parking Spot
Tip: Drop off all the luggage at your designated cruise terminal for your cruise vacation with a porter before parking. This will eliminate the hassle of dragging heavy luggage with you.
Hotels Near Seattle Cruise Port
Downtown Seattle boasts over 14,000 hotel rooms, yet booking your pre-cruise or post-cruise stay early is wise. While hotels near the port book up quickly, staying 10-15 minutes away is no hassle, given Seattle’s walkability.
During our stay, we chose the Grand Hyatt Seattle, which is conveniently located within walking distance of key attractions. This proves that you don’t need to be adjacent to the cruise port to enjoy downtown.
There are accommodations near Pier 66 for those eager to stroll to the terminal on cruise morning. However, this convenience doesn’t extend to departures from Pier 91.
Hotels Near Pier 66 in Seattle
- Seattle Marriott Waterfront (near Pike Place Market)
- The Edgewater
- Tompson Seattle Hyatt
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
- The Westin Seattle
Hotels Near Pier 91 in Seattle:
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown
- Hyatt House Seattle Downtown (right by the Space Needle)
- Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
- Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Seattle Center
- Hyatt Regency Seattle
Disembarking at Seattle Cruise Port
Upon disembarking at Seattle cruise port with an early flight, we opted for the “walk-off” option, carrying our luggage to exit the ship quickly. Once outside, we hailed an Uber.
For those with later flights, Seattle’s Port Valet service is an invaluable option we would have considered. This complimentary service offered by the Port of Seattle is perfect for flights departing after noon on disembarkation day, providing a seamless transition from ship to airport.
What is Port Valet?
Port Valet is a complimentary luggage transfer service offered by the Port of Seattle for cruise passengers. Here’s how it simplifies your departure:
- Service: Allows passengers to check luggage on the cruise ship for direct transport to their airline.
- Benefits:
- Luggage is checked through to your final destination.
- Boarding passes are provided before leaving the ship, enabling direct access to airport security and your gate.
- Eliminates the hassle of carrying luggage to the airport.
- Eligibility: For passengers with participating airlines, for flights departing after 12 pm from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on disembarkation day.
- How to Sign Up: Visit the official Port Valet site for details or sign up on the cruise ship.
Read more: Cruise Disembarkation Tips
Exploring Downtown Seattle
Downtown Seattle is a vibrant city worth exploring before or after your cruise. It’s home to iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Great Wheel. The area also boasts a rich food and coffee scene, with Pike Place Market offering a historic and delicious experience.
Enjoy stunning waterfront views and ride on the Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57. Don’t miss visiting the Seattle Space Needle for breathtaking views and photo opportunities. If you have extra time, consider exploring the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.
The city is also a great place to spend an extra day or two to explore what it truly has to offer. If you’re staying longer, there are plenty of exciting destinations just a short drive away, including Mount Rainier National Park, Snoqualmie Falls, Woodinville Wine Country, Bainbridge Island, and Leavenworth. Each offers natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Tour Ideas
Mt. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle [book here]
Visit Snoqualmie Falls and Hike to Twin Falls [book here]
Leavenworth Tour from Seattle [book here]
Top Seattle Attractions for Cruisers
If you have limited time to explore before or after your cruise or if the cruise ship is docking for a short day, here are some of the Seattle Attractions you can experience.
Visit the Space Needle
The Space Needle, an iconic symbol of Seattle since the 1962 World’s Fair, offers breathtaking views from its observation deck. Initially hesitant due to its touristy reputation, we found the experience delightful and are happy we didn’t miss out on visiting.
Tip: Buy tickets to enter shortly before sunset. You can check online what time the sun will set the day you want to visit. Buy the tickets to enter no less than 45 minutes before. Once you enter, you can stay as long as you like. This way you can see the city when the sun is out, at sunset, and then at night.
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket [book here]
Make Time to Explore Pike Place Market
Established in 1907, Pike Place Market is not just a bustling marketplace but a historic Seattle landmark, embodying the city’s culture. It’s an essential visit for anyone in Seattle.
Here, you’ll encounter the lively fish-throwing at Pike Place Fish Market, the original Starbucks for a coffee fix, and the colorful yet slightly gross Gum Wall. The market is also home to a vibrant flower market—perfect for picking up a fresh bouquet for your cabin—and offers an array of fresh seafood and delicious food stalls. Don’t miss giving Rachel, the bronze piggy bank, a pat.
Exploring the market could take hours, as it’s packed with experiences that one can’t cover in a short visit. It’s busiest in the afternoon, so an early morning visit is recommended to avoid the crowds.
We opted for a late hotel checkout on embarkation day to squeeze in some time at Pike Place Market. Although our visit was brief, it was undoubtedly worth it.
Tour Ideas
Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours [book here]
Pike Place Market Tasting Tour [book here]
Take a Ride on the Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel has stood at Pier 57 since 2012 and rises 175 feet above the waterfront. At night, its 500,000 LED lights illuminate the wheel and nearby shoreline, making it a steady landmark along Seattle’s skyline.
Visible from the Space Needle and during a cruise ship’s sail away, the Great Wheel offers a unique view of Seattle and its waterfront. Pier 57 also hosts a variety of activities, from dining at The Crab Pot and sampling bread at Alaska Sourdough Bakery to enjoying the carousel.
Take a City Tour of the Emerald City
A city tour of Seattle is highly recommended, thanks to its rich history and vibrant culture. It’s an efficient way to dive into the city’s key sights and sounds. City tours are invaluable in any new city, offering insights into history and local tips that enhance your understanding and experience.
Tour Idea
Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour [book here]
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle is dedicated to celebrating popular music, iconic events, TV shows, movies, and more. It showcases a variety of exhibits, interactive installations, rare artifacts, and multimedia displays. A standout feature is the Sound Lab, where visitors can play with instruments and recording techniques, making it a must-visit for music enthusiasts. Expect to spend around 2-3 hours exploring.
Go on a Coffee Tour
Embarking on a Coffee Tour in Seattle might leave you buzzing, but it’s a fantastic way to dive into the city’s vibrant coffee culture. This experience allows you to sample exceptional coffee, wander through various neighborhoods, gain insights into coffee culture, and support local businesses. Though Starbucks hails from here, there’s much more to Seattle’s coffee scene than just this famous chain.
Tour Idea
Seattle Coffee Culture Tour [book here]
🚢 Book a cruise Sailing from Seattle
Alaska Cruises from Seattle w/ Free On Board Credit + Discounts on Shore Activities
Common Questions About the Seattle Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock at either Pier 66 or Pier 91 in Seattle
Depending on the cruise line, ships dock at Pier 66, near Pike Place Market and downtown attractions, or at Pier 91 (Smith Cove), located toward the north end of the city.
Norwegian Cruise Line uses Pier 66 in Seattle
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and its sister brand Oceania Cruises dock at Pier 66 (Bell Street Cruise Terminal) in downtown Seattle. All other major cruise lines use Pier 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal) — not Pier 57. Pier 57 is a tourist pier, not a cruise terminal.
Seattle cruise departures run primarily from April through October
Most Seattle cruise departures take place during the Alaska cruise season, which typically runs from April to October, with the busiest months being June, July, and August. Exact departure dates and times vary by cruise line and itinerary, so it’s best to check directly with your cruise line or the Port of Seattle for the most current schedule.
You can reach the Seattle cruise port by taxi, rideshare, shuttle, or light rail
From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), you can take a taxi, use Uber or Lyft, or book an airport shuttle directly to your cruise terminal. Public transit is also an option via the Link Light Rail, which connects the airport to downtown Seattle, and then it’s a short taxi or rideshare trip to either Pier 66 or Pier 91.
Before you set sail, here are some related articles you don’t want to miss:
- Alaska Cruise Tips to Help You Plan Your Cruise
- Top Things To Pack for an Alaskan Cruise
- How to Plan For a Cruise Trip
- Steps for What to Do Before a Cruise
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.