Plan a CruiseSeattle Cruise Port Guide
Seattle, a major cruise gateway to Alaska, operates two distinct cruise terminals. The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91) is located at the north end of the waterfront, approximately 10 minutes from the city's retail core and the iconic Space Needle. This terminal serves cruise lines such as Carnival, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, and requires a taxi ride to reach downtown attractions. The Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal (Pier 66) is situated directly on Seattle's downtown waterfront. This terminal, home to Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, is highly convenient as it offers walking access to many key city attractions. Both terminals provide pick-up services, and taxi service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport typically costs between $25 and $40, with a travel time of 20 to 30 minutes.
Getting Around from the Port
From Bell Street Pier (Pier 66): This terminal is within walking distance of downtown Seattle, including Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and the bustling Seattle Waterfront.
From Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91): A taxi is necessary to reach the city center, retail core, and major attractions like the Space Needle. The ride usually takes about 10 minutes.
General Transportation Options:
- Taxis: Readily available at both cruise terminals. A taxi ride to the airport costs approximately $25-$40 and takes 20-30 minutes.
- Hop-On/Hop-Off Buses: Double-decker buses depart every 30 minutes from seven centrally located stops, offering a flexible way to see the city's sights at your own pace.
- "Ride the Ducks" Tour: A 90-minute amphibious tour using a WWII landing craft, covering major land sights before splashing into Lake Union.
- Washington State Ferries: For scenic day trips, ferries depart from various points, including the Seattle Waterfront, to destinations like Vashon Island, the Kitsap Peninsula, the San Juan Islands, and even Canada. These offer great views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains and the Seattle skyline.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, Seattle offers a mix of iconic city sights and unique local experiences:
- Space Needle: Located at Seattle Center (400 Broad St.), a 41-second elevator ride takes you 520 feet up to the observation deck. You can also dine at SkyCity, the revolving restaurant at the top. (Requires a taxi from Pier 91; accessible by public transport or short taxi from Pier 66).
- Pike Place Market: Situated between First Ave. and Western, from Pike to Virginia streets, this historic market (established 1907) is a must-visit. Explore 200 businesses, 190 craftspeople, and 120 farmer booths. Look for the famous flying fish, fresh flowers, local produce, handmade cheeses, and numerous eateries. (Walking distance from Pier 66; short taxi from Pier 91).
- Seattle Aquarium: Found on Pier 59 on the Seattle Waterfront, this aquarium allows you to see sea otters, walk under a glass dome with sharks, touch sea anemones, and learn about salmon. (Walking distance from Pier 66; short taxi from Pier 91).
- The Seattle Waterfront: Spanning Piers 52 to 70 along Alaskan Way, this vibrant area offers attractions, restaurants (like Ivar's Acres of Clams), shopping, and departure points for ferries and boat tours. Stroll the piers and enjoy the views. (Walking distance from Pier 66; short taxi from Pier 91).
- Woodland Park Zoo: At 750 N. 50th St. (South Gate), this zoo houses over 1,000 animals from 300 species in naturalistic exhibits. Check for scheduled feeding times to interact with animal caregivers. (Requires taxi or public transport from both terminals).
- The Seattle Public Library: Visit the award-winning Central Library at 1000 Fourth Ave., an architectural marvel designed by Rem Koolhaas, featuring a striking glass and steel structure. (Accessible by walk/short taxi from Pier 66, taxi from Pier 91).
- Tillicum Village: Take a narrated cruise to Blake Island for an immersive Native American experience. Enjoy salmon cooked authentically, followed by a stage show of traditional dances and stories. (Requires booking a tour, typically departing from the waterfront).
Dining
Seattle is known for its culinary scene, with some of the world's best food recipes originating here. For fresh produce, baked goods, and diverse eateries, head to Pike Place Market. Along the Seattle Waterfront, you'll find a variety of restaurants, including local favorite Ivar's Acres of Clams.
Shopping
Pike Place Market is an excellent spot for unique souvenirs, crafts, antiques, collectibles, and local goods. The Seattle Waterfront also offers various shops for souvenirs. For more traditional retail, major department stores and shopping centers in metropolitan areas typically operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with shorter hours (11 a.m./noon to 5 or 6 p.m.) on Sundays. Most stores remain open on holidays, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Currency and Language
The official currency is the United States Dollar ($). ATMs are widely available throughout Seattle. Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are universally accepted, even for small purchases.
Sales Tax: Be aware that a sales tax, typically ranging from 4-6% (but can be up to nearly 10%), will be added to the posted price of goods and services at checkout. This tax is almost never included in the displayed price.
Tipping: Tipping is customary and expected for service workers in the U.S. General guidelines include:
- Full-service restaurants: 15-20% (often a significant portion of the server's income).
- Taxi drivers, hairdressers, personal services: 10-15%.
- Bartenders: $1 per drink for inexpensive items, or 15% of the total bill.
- Bellhops: $1-2 per bag ($3-5 minimum regardless of number of bags).
- Hotel doorman: $1 per bag if they assist, $1 for calling a cab.
- Tour guides: $5-10 per person for half-day tours or less, $10-20 per person for longer tours, depending on quality.
- Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%.
- Housekeeping: $1-2 per day for extended stays, or a $5 minimum for very short stays (optional).
- Food delivery (pizza, etc.): $2-5, potentially more for large orders.
Communication: Seattle offers numerous open WiFi zones, including at major companies like Microsoft and Starbucks. For emergencies, dial 911.