Experience the dream of a lifetime—Alaska. From “calving” glaciers to snowy peaks stretching toward the sky, to magnificent wildlife and small towns boasting unimaginable history, you won’t want to miss exploring the Last Frontier.
Safely resuming cruising is an important part of Washington state and the Port of Seattle economic recovery strategy. Seattle cruises to Alaska typically generate nearly $900 million in local business activity and support approximately 5,000 jobs. While we do not have full certainty on the return of cruising from Seattle to Alaska, we can share cruise lines are adjusting their procedures to meet new United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) requirements.
In October of last year, the CDC provided guidance on steps cruise lines and ports need to take to safely resume cruise. The Port welcomes these new requirements and when adopted, the measures will make up some of the most robust health protections in the travel industry.
Cruise lines that call Seattle homeport for 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruising include:
Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean
For up-to-date information on the Port’s efforts to ensure safety and protocols/procedures at our cruise terminals visit www.portseattle.org/maritime/cruise.
Port of Seattle piers - Bell Pier 66 and Smith Cove Pier 91
Bell Street Pier 66
Located downtown along Seattle’s waterfront, Bell Street Pier is home to Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.
Bell Street is walking distance from iconic city landmarks such as Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium and excellent restaurants.
Smith Cove Pier 91
Smith Cove, which services two cruise ships at a time, is homeport to Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
The terminal is a 15-minute taxi ride from the city’s retail core and is closer to the trendy districts like Ballard with its historic locks, salmon ladder, Fishermen’s Terminal and hip eateries.
Embark/disembark in the heart of Seattle at Bell Street Pier 66
Embarking and Disembarking
In Seattle, the guest experience, shore to ship and back is seamless, with curb side drop-offs and pick-ups for taxis, buses, shuttles or personal vehicles.
The Port of Seattle is adept at managing and supporting your excitement of departing to and returning from Alaska and other west coast destinations. Only Seattle can cope with every size of cruise ship from 4,000 plus to intimate small luxury vessels.
For anyone flying on US ‘domestic’ flights, both terminals enable hassle free disembarkation with Port Valet complimentary programme. While on board ship, visitors sign-up and can check their luggage directly from their cabin to their domestic (only) US flight to enjoy Seattle luggage free.
Puget Sound Express Whale Watching experience from Seattle
Seattle – stay and discover
Downtown hotel choices for pre-or post-cruise stays range from boutique to trendy, historic to contemporary. There are also excellent options in nearby neighbouring cities or resorts and getaways to beautiful Pacific Northwest islands. With most cruises to Alaska taking just seven days, the Port of Seattle works with the travel trade to develop Cruise & Stay programmes so that long-haul visitors can extend their stay to 10-14 nights in Seattle and Washington State pre or post cruise.
Small ship cruises explore inlets and islands from Seattle
Small vessels – big experiences
Small ship cruising is offered from Seattle by American Cruise Lines and UnCruise Adventures. Exploring the Pacific Northwest by smaller vessels enables access to inlets, picturesque historic seaside towns, wilderness and even more wildlife spotting. Clipper Vacations offers daily trips to our Canadian neighbour, Victoria, BC from Pier 69.
Whale watching and wildlife excursions can last a few hours or several days, whilst Washington ferries offer splendid views, navigating the wondrous waters of the Salish Sea and Pacific Ocean.
What does your job with the tribe involve? Hello! My name is Mytyl (mee-chell) Hernandez, I am a member of the Tulalip Tribes and the Manager of the Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve. The Hibulb Cultural Center is located on the Tulalip Reservation, just a mile from 1-5 exit 199. I have been with the … Continue reading Mytyl Hernandez, Hibulb Cultural Center & Natural History Preserve at Tulalip→read more >
Jun 16, 2021
The Northwest Coastal tribes have been connected for thousands of years through trade and in their art - masks, canoes, totem poles, baskets, clothing and bentwood boxes - using cedar, copper and other materials readily accessible in nature. Their art tells the stories of their lives through the centuries, passing history and wisdom from generation … Continue reading Native American Art of the Northwest Coast→read more >
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As with any culture, there are things that are okay to do and some that could be interpreted as offensive. Most tribes in Washington state are Sovereign Nations which means they have their own government inside of the United States that consists of a Tribal Council. Each tribe makes decisions on how best to balance community … Continue reading Native American Etiquette When Visiting→read more >
