Seattle Cruise Port Guide

Seattle, the starting point for many Alaska cruises, has plenty to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in food, art, music, science, shopping, or thrills, there’s something for just about everyone.

Getting to Seattle

• By Air: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is conveniently located about 20 miles south of Seattle’s cruise terminals. Visitors can use a rideshare service, taxi, or other ground transportation to get from the airport to their cruise terminal.
  
  Want to explore Seattle before or after your cruise? Seattle’s complimentary Port Valet service allows eligible cruise passengers to have their luggage transferred directly from the ship to the airport, so you can spend a few extra hours exploring the city without carrying your bags.


• By Car: Seattle’s cruise terminals are easily accessible by car. Public cruise parking is available near each pier, and reservations are encouraged.
  
  • Pier 91 – Seattle Cruise Parking
  
  
  • Pier 66 – Republic Parking Northwest


• By Cruise Ship: Seattle has two cruise terminals:
  • Pier 66 – 2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121 – Used by Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises. Located in the heart of Seattle’s waterfront, Pier 66 is within walking distance of Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and the Seattle Great Wheel.
  
  
  • Pier 91 – 2001 West Garfield Street, Seattle, WA – Used by many of the other cruise lines sailing from Seattle. Located near Seattle Center and the Space Needle, the terminal is about 10 minutes by car from downtown Seattle.
  
  On-site same-day luggage storage is available at Pier 66 and Pier 91. The cost is $6 per bag, and luggage must be picked up by 3 p.m. to avoid a late fee.
  
  Ground transportation areas near the terminals provide access to taxis, airport shuttle services, buses, and private vehicle drop-off.

Getting Around

Many of Seattle’s top attractions are within walking distance or a short ride from the cruise terminals. King County Metro provides bus service throughout the city, while rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also popular options.

Here are some of our favorite places to visit on your own:

Pike Place Market – More than 500 local businesses call Pike Place home. Wander through the flower market, shop for unique gifts, or sample local food and produce. The market is one of Seattle’s most popular attractions and is within walking distance of Pier 66.

Visit Seattle Center – Home to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), the Gates Foundation Discovery Center, and Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle Center is a convenient place to visit several attractions in one stop.

Explore the Seattle Waterfront – Seattle’s waterfront has recently undergone a major redevelopment and is a great place to spend a few hours. Visit Pier 58, stop by the Seattle Aquarium, ride the Seattle Great Wheel, or grab some seafood or ice cream along the waterfront.

Best Seattle Excursions

• Seattle Post Cruise City Adventure – This guided tour visits some of Seattle’s most well-known sights, including downtown, Pike Place Market, and several of the city’s neighborhoods. It’s a convenient option for cruise passengers who want to see more of Seattle before heading to the airport.



• Seattle Pike Place Market Food & Culture Tour – Explore Pike Place Market with a local guide while sampling food from several vendors throughout the market. Along the way, learn about the market’s history, local businesses, and some of the colorful characters who have helped shape Pike Place over the years.

Local Eats

Here are a few local spots worth checking out:

Crêpe de France – Located on the first floor of Pike Place Market, just left of the fish throwers, Crêpe de France serves French classics along with crepes featuring Pacific Northwest-inspired flavors. It’s a good option for breakfast or lunch, and you can also check out the view of the Gum Wall nearby.

The Crab Pot – A casual seafood restaurant located at Miner’s Landing on Pier 57. The menu includes crab cakes, fish tacos, and seafood boils served family-style.

Armory Food & Event Hall at Seattle Center – If you're spending time at Seattle Center, the Armory offers a variety of food options all in one place, making it an easy stop between attractions.

Final Thoughts

Seattle is worth arriving a day or two early if your schedule allows. With Pike Place Market, the waterfront, Seattle Center, and plenty of restaurants and attractions to explore, there’s enough to keep you busy before your Alaska cruise begins.

If you have limited time, focus on the areas closest to your cruise terminal. If you have a full day or more, you can venture farther out and see more of what Seattle has to offer.

View all our Seattle tours here!