Seattle is the second major Alaska cruise embarkation port after Vancouver, and for American passengers, it has a significant advantage: no passport required (though a passport is always recommended). The city itself is one of the most livable and interesting on the West Coast, and a pre-cruise day or two here adds genuine value to your Alaska voyage.
Sailing out of Seattle? Browse current Seattle cruise deals on Cruisebound. Compare every Alaska and Pacific Northwest itinerary departing the Smith Cove cruise terminal.
The Port: Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91)
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View on AmazonSmith Cove handles the majority of Seattle's Alaska cruise traffic. It is located in the Interbay neighborhood, approximately 10 minutes from downtown Seattle.
A second terminal, Bell Street Pier (Pier 66), handles some cruise traffic. Primarily smaller ships and repositioning sailings. Check your cruise documentation for which terminal your ship uses.
Getting to the Port
From downtown Seattle: Taxi or rideshare is the easiest option. Expect $20–$35 and 10–15 minutes, traffic permitting. Allow extra time on summer mornings.
From Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA): Light rail connects the airport to downtown Seattle in 40 minutes ($3.25). From downtown, transfer to a rideshare or taxi to the terminal. Total journey: approximately 60 minutes. Alternatively, pre-booked private transfers from the airport to the pier run $60–$80.
By ferry: If you're arriving from the San Juan Islands or Bainbridge Island, Washington State Ferries land at Coleman Dock (Pier 52), a 10-minute rideshare from Pier 91.
Pre-Cruise Seattle: Best Areas and Sights
Seattle is eminently walkable in its core, and a day here is well spent:
Pike Place Market: Arrive at 8am to see the fish market in action before tourist peak. The original Starbucks is here (expect a queue). The market's lower levels contain excellent local food stalls.
Seattle Waterfront: The redeveloped waterfront (Seattle Aquarium, Pier 57) is best combined with the Pike Place Market visit. The Great Wheel (ferris wheel) offers good views.
Pioneer Square: Seattle's original downtown, now a mix of galleries, bars, and the Underground Tour (90-minute tour of the buried Victorian city — genuinely good).
Capitol Hill: 15-minute rideshare from downtown. Seattle's food and coffee culture hub. Excellent for dinner the night before embarkation.
Hotel recommendations: Belltown neighborhood (5 minutes from Pike Place, easy rideshare access to port) is ideal. The Olympic Hotel (Seattle historic landmark), Hyatt Regency, and Four Seasons are the premium options. Mid-range: The Paramount, Hotel Monaco.
Alaska Itineraries from Seattle
Seattle's Alaska sailings primarily run 7 nights to the Inside Passage. Standard routes:
Classic 7-Night Alaska: Seattle → Juneau → Skagway → Ketchikan → Victoria, BC → Seattle. Most major lines (Princess, Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America) operate this routing.
Extended 10-Night Alaska: Adds Icy Strait Point, Sitka, or Glacier Bay on longer sailings. More wildlife exposure and port depth.
Glacier Bay sailings: National Park permits are allocated by lottery annually. Princess and Holland America have consistent access; verify for other lines.
Key Alaska ports covered in our ports guide. For wildlife and glacier planning, our Alaska cruise guide is the complete resource.
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View on AmazonSeattle vs. Vancouver as Embarkation
Seattle advantages: No passport required for US citizens, no border crossing, lower airfare for most US cities, excellent pre-cruise city experience.
Vancouver advantages: More ships/sailings, Canadian lines (Holland America's Vancouver fleet is larger), slightly more northerly starting point meaning more time in Alaskan waters.
Check ship positions to see which vessels are currently docked in Seattle.
