Seattle Cruise Port: 11 Things to Do Before or After Your Alaska Cruise
Make the most of your time in Seattle with top attractions, where to stay, transportation tips, and what we learned sailing from Pier 91 on Carnival Luminosa.
If you’re taking an Alaska cruise out of Seattle, don’t make the mistake of treating Seattle as just a place to board your ship. This waterfront city offers great food, iconic attractions, beautiful views, and plenty of ways to start or end your vacation on a high note.
We sailed from Seattle on Carnival Luminosa and spent time exploring the city before and after our cruise. We walked along the waterfront, visited Pike Place Market, enjoyed a bowl of chowder, and later took a city tour after returning from Alaska. Along the way, we learned which attractions are worth your time, where to stay, and how to make getting to the cruise port much easier.
Whether you have a few hours, one day, or a couple of days before your sailing, Seattle has more than enough to keep you busy. From the famous Space Needle and Pike Place Market to practical tips for Pier 91 and choosing the right hotel, here’s how to make the most of your time at the Seattle Cruise Port.
Is Seattle Worth Visiting Before or After an Alaska Cruise?
Yes, Seattle is worth visiting before or after an Alaska cruise. The city combines iconic attractions, great restaurants, waterfront views, and easy access to the cruise terminals. Many cruise passengers only see the port, but Seattle offers enough to fill a day or two before your sailing.
We spent time exploring Seattle before boarding Carnival Luminosa and were glad we did. Walking along the waterfront, browsing Pike Place Market, and enjoying a bowl of chowder helped turn our cruise into a longer vacation. If your schedule allows, I recommend arriving at least one day early or staying an extra day after your cruise.
Seattle Cruise Port Overview
Seattle has two cruise terminals that serve Alaska and Pacific Coast cruises. Knowing which terminal your ship uses can help you choose the right hotel and transportation before your trip.
We sailed from Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 on Carnival Luminosa. We stayed downtown at The Royal Sonesta Seattle and used hotel transportation to reach the terminal on embarkation day.
Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal (Pier 66)
Pier 66 sits on Seattle’s downtown waterfront near Pike Place Market, the Seattle Great Wheel, and many hotels and restaurants.
Cruise lines that commonly sail from Pier 66 include:
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91)
Pier 91 is located about 3 miles northwest of downtown Seattle. Most passengers arrive by shuttle, taxi, rideshare, or hotel transportation.
Cruise lines that commonly sail from Pier 91 include:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Celebrity Cruises
Be sure to verify your departure terminal before your cruise. The two terminals are not within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the Seattle Cruise Port
Most visitors arriving for a cruise will fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, commonly called Sea-Tac Airport. The airport is about 15 miles from downtown Seattle and roughly 16 miles from Pier 91.
If you’re spending a night or two in Seattle before your cruise, I recommend staying downtown and heading to the port on embarkation day. We stayed at The Royal Sonesta Seattle and used transportation arranged through the hotel to reach Pier 91. The process was easy and allowed us to enjoy Seattle without worrying about luggage or traffic.
Transportation Options for Cruise Passengers
Cruise passengers have several transportation options. Uber and Lyft are popular choices and can be economical for couples or small groups. Taxis, hotel shuttles, and cruise line transfers are also available.
If you’re staying downtown, the drive to Pier 91 usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. No matter which option you choose, allow extra time during the busy summer cruise season.
👉 Book your one-way transfer from the airport to Pier
Where to Stay Before or After Your Cruise
Choosing the right hotel can make your cruise experience much easier. I recommend staying downtown before your cruise so you can enjoy Seattle’s attractions and restaurants without needing a car.
After our Alaska cruise, we stayed near the airport because we had an early flight the next morning. This gave us a chance to relax after disembarkation and avoid rushing to the airport.
Staying Downtown Before Your Cruise
We stayed at The Royal Sonesta Seattle before boarding Carnival Luminosa. The hotel offered a convenient downtown location within walking distance of Pike Place Market, the waterfront, restaurants, and shopping.
Staying downtown allowed us to explore Seattle the day before our cruise and made the start of our vacation feel much less stressful. We also arranged transportation from the hotel to Pier 91 on embarkation day.
Staying Near the Airport After Your Cruise
After returning from Alaska, we spent the night at the Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Airport. This worked well because our flight departed the following morning.
Airport hotels can be a good option if you have an early flight or simply want a relaxing final night before heading home.
Should You Stay Downtown or Near the Airport?
If you have time to explore Seattle, I recommend staying downtown before your cruise. You’ll be closer to the city’s top attractions and can enjoy more of what Seattle has to offer.
If your flight leaves early the next morning, an airport hotel may be the better choice after your cruise. Some travelers even choose to do both, just as we did.
11 Best Things to Do Near the Seattle Cruise Port
Whether you have a few hours before embarkation or an extra day after your cruise, Seattle offers plenty to see and do. These are some of the best attractions and experiences to add to your itinerary.
1. Visit Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is Seattle’s most famous attraction and a great place to shop, eat, and watch the famous fish toss. We enjoyed exploring the market before our cruise and found plenty of local food and unique shops.
👉 Book your Pike Place Food Tasting Tour
2. Walk Along Seattle’s Waterfront
Seattle’s waterfront offers beautiful views of Elliott Bay, cruise ships, ferries, and the city skyline. It’s an easy walk with plenty of restaurants, attractions, and photo opportunities along the way.
3. Enjoy a Bowl of Chowder at Pike Place Chowder
Pike Place Chowder is one of Seattle’s most famous restaurants and is known for its award-winning chowder. We stopped here before our cruise, and it lived up to the hype.
4. Ride to the Top of the Space Needle
The Space Needle is Seattle’s most recognizable landmark and offers panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, and surrounding mountains.
👉 Book your Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Tour
5. Explore Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located next to the Space Needle, this museum features stunning glass artwork created by artist Dale Chihuly and is one of Seattle’s most popular attractions.
6. Visit the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium showcases marine life from the Pacific Northwest, including sea otters, octopuses, and colorful fish.
7. Ride the Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel sits on the waterfront and provides excellent views of Elliott Bay and the downtown skyline.
8. Explore Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is Seattle’s oldest neighborhood and features historic buildings, art galleries, restaurants, and underground tours.
9. Visit Kerry Park
Kerry Park offers one of the best views in Seattle. We stopped here during our city tour and enjoyed incredible views of the skyline, Space Needle, and Mount Rainier on a clear day.
10. Take a Seattle City Tour
After our cruise, we joined a Seattle city tour that allowed us to see many of the city’s highlights in just a few hours. It’s a great option if you’re short on time.
👉 Book your Seattle City Post Cruise Tour
11. Enjoy Seafood at Ivar’s Pier 54
Ivar’s Pier 54 is a Seattle institution located on the waterfront. We enjoyed both the salmon and chowder here while taking in views of Elliott Bay.
My Seattle City Tour Experience
After returning from our Alaska cruise on Carnival Luminosa, we booked the Seattle Post-Cruise Tour Package through Viator. One of the biggest benefits was the convenience. The tour picked us up directly at Pier 91 and dropped us off at our airport hotel at the end of the tour.
During the tour, we visited several of Seattle’s most popular attractions, including Pioneer Square, the waterfront, Seattle Center, the Fremont Troll, Ballard Locks, Chinatown, and Kerry Park. For cruise passengers with a later flight or an overnight stay, this is a great way to see the city without worrying about luggage or transportation.
One of my favorite stops was Kerry Park, which offers incredible views of the Seattle skyline and Space Needle. The tour also gave us a chance to learn more about Seattle’s history and neighborhoods while seeing much more of the city than we could have explored on our own in a few hours.
👉 Book the Seattle Post Tour we took
How Much Time Do You Need in Seattle?
The amount of time you need in Seattle depends on your schedule. While you can see some highlights in a few hours, I think Seattle is worth at least one full day before or after your cruise.
What to Do If You Have 4 Hours
If you only have a few hours, focus on Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and a meal at one of Seattle’s famous seafood restaurants. These attractions are close together and provide a great introduction to the city.
What to Do If You Have 1 Day
In one day, you can visit Pike Place Market, walk the waterfront, ride the Seattle Great Wheel, and see the Space Needle. This is enough time to experience many of Seattle’s most popular attractions without feeling rushed.
What to Do If You Have 2 Days
Two days give you time to explore Seattle at a slower pace. You can visit the major attractions, take a city tour, enjoy Seattle’s food scene, and even consider a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park.
Seattle Cruise Port Tips for First-Time Visitors
A little planning can make your Seattle cruise experience much smoother. These tips can help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of your time before or after your cruise.
Arrive at Least One Day Before Your Cruise
I always recommend arriving at least one day before your cruise. Flight delays, weather issues, and other travel disruptions can happen, and arriving early gives you time to enjoy Seattle without added stress.
Verify Which Terminal Your Ship Uses
Seattle has two cruise terminals, Pier 66 and Pier 91. Be sure to confirm which terminal your ship uses before booking transportation or choosing a hotel.
Prepare for Seattle’s Weather
Seattle weather can change throughout the day, especially during cruise season. Bring layers and a light rain jacket so you’re comfortable whether it’s sunny or overcast.
Be Prepared for Seattle’s Hills
The waterfront area is relatively easy to explore on foot, but Seattle becomes much hillier once you head inland. If you plan to visit Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, or other neighborhoods, be prepared for some steep walks and uneven terrain.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy around Seattle, particularly during the summer cruise season. Give yourself extra time when traveling between the airport, your hotel, and the cruise terminal.
Reserve Popular Attractions Early
Popular attractions such as the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and city tours can sell out during peak travel periods. Booking in advance can save time and help you secure your preferred dates and times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Seattle Cruise Port
If you’re planning an Alaska cruise out of Seattle, these are a few additional questions that often come up when organizing your trip.
Yes, you can store your luggage after your cruise. Several luggage storage services operate in downtown Seattle, and some tours, including our post-cruise city tour, allow you to bring your luggage with you.
The best time for cruises from Seattle is typically May through September. July and August usually offer the warmest weather, while May and September often have fewer crowds and lower prices. Check here for the current cruise ship schedule.
Yes, Seattle is easy to explore without a rental car if you stay downtown. Many attractions are walkable, and rideshares, public transportation, and organized tours make it simple to get around.
Yes, you can visit Mount Rainier from Seattle before your cruise if you have an extra day available. Most visitors take a guided tour or rent a car since the park is about two hours from downtown Seattle.
For a Seattle and Alaska cruise vacation, pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a lightweight rain jacket. You can find my complete Alaska Cruise Packing List at Travel Must Do’s.
First, determine which pier you are sailing from, then check out parking information on the Port of Seattle site.
The Wrap-Up: Seattle Cruise Port
Seattle is much more than a place to board your ship. From Pike Place Market and the waterfront to great seafood, city views, and unique neighborhoods, it’s a destination that deserves at least a day or two of your time before or after an Alaska cruise.
Our time in Seattle helped turn a great cruise vacation into an even better trip. Whether you’re sailing from Pier 91 like we did on Carnival Luminosa or departing from Pier 66, taking time to explore the city is well worth it.
Now that you’ve planned your time at the Seattle Cruise Port, the next step is preparing for your Alaska adventure. Be sure to check out our Alaska cruise packing tips, Seattle hotel recommendations, and other Alaska cruise resources to help you make the most of your trip.
