The Port of Seattle is the primary departure point for Alaska cruises — one of the most spectacular cruise itineraries in the world. From May through September, dozens of ships sail weekly to the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Seattle is the Alaska cruise gateway for the entire western United States.
Seattle itself is a world-class city with Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the newly renovated waterfront, extraordinary seafood, and a vibrant arts and music scene. Arriving a day early to explore before your Alaska sailing is not just recommended — it's one of the best pre-cruise experiences of any homeport in North America.
What's New for 2026
- 🚢 Alaska cruise season runs May through September — book early as summer sailings fill up fast and hotels get expensive
- 🅿️ Terminal parking sells out weeks ahead during peak Alaska season — reserve in advance
- ☕ The original Starbucks at Pike Place Market is a 10-minute walk from the Bell Street Terminal
- 🌧️ Pack layers and a rain jacket — Seattle weather is unpredictable even in summer
- 🚢 Confirm which terminal your ship uses — Bell Street (downtown) and Smith Cove (Pier 91, near Seattle Center) serve different cruise lines
Hot Tip
Port of Seattle, Washington – Quick Facts
Port of Seattle, Washington Cruise Terminals
Know your terminal before you arrive — each serves different cruise lines.
Seattle has two cruise terminals — confirm which one your cruise line uses before your sailing:
🚢 Bell Street Cruise Terminal — Pier 66
2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
Holland America · Princess · Norwegian · Located downtown — Pike Place Market is a 10-minute walk, the waterfront and Seattle Aquarium are steps away. The most conveniently located terminal for pre-cruise city exploration.
🚢 Smith Cove Cruise Terminal — Pier 91
2001 W Garfield Street, Seattle, WA 98119
Celebrity · Royal Caribbean · Located near Seattle Center and the Space Needle in the Magnolia neighborhood — slightly further from downtown but easily reached by taxi or rideshare.
Getting to Port of Seattle, Washington
Transportation options from nearby airports, train stations and downtown.
From Sea-Tac Airport (SEA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 15 miles (about 30 minutes) south of the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. Served by all major US airlines including Southwest and JetBlue plus many international carriers.
Taxi ~$45–$60 · Rideshare ~$35–$50Link Light Rail
Sound Transit Link Light Rail connects Sea-Tac to downtown Seattle in about 40 minutes. From downtown, take a taxi or rideshare to the terminal at Pier 91 — no direct transit to the cruise terminal exists.
Light Rail ~$3 plus rideshare to terminalTaxi and Rideshare
Taxis are available on the 3rd floor of the Sea-Tac parking garage. Seattle Yellow Cab and rideshare apps are the most convenient options directly to Pier 91.
Taxi ~$45–$60 from Sea-TacShuttles
Bellair Airporter, Go Shuttle Express, and Super Shuttle offer service from Sea-Tac to the cruise terminal. Several Seattle hotels offer shuttle packages for fly and cruise passengers.
Shared shuttle from ~$20/personPlan Your Visit
Everything you need for a smooth departure from Port of Seattle, Washington.
Parking
On-site garages connect directly to your terminal. Off-site lots offer free shuttles at lower daily rates. Hotel+park packages can be the best value of all.
See Parking Options →Hotels Near the Port
🏨 Seattle has excellent pre-cruise hotel options across several convenient zones: Downtown / Belltown (Bell Street Terminal) — The best location …
See Hotels →Shore Excursions
Book shore excursions before you board for best availability and pricing. Day trips, city tours, snorkelling, and more departing from Port of Seattle, Washington.
See Excursions →Things To Do
🎯 Seattle rewards spending at least a full day before your Alaska cruise — here's what not to miss: Pike Place Market — America's oldest co…
See Things To Do →Port of Seattle, Washington – Frequently Asked Questions
Everything cruise passengers ask before sailing from Port of Seattle, Washington.
Which terminal in Seattle should I go to?
Your cruise documents will specify your terminal. Bell Street Pier (Pier 91) handles Holland America, Princess, and Norwegian. Smith Cove (Pier 91 north) handles Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. When in doubt, call your cruise line.
When is Alaska cruise season from Seattle?
Alaska cruises run May through September from Seattle. Peak season is June through August. Book early — popular sailings, especially shoulder-season May and September departures, sell out months in advance.
How do I get from Seattle Airport to the cruise terminal?
The easiest option is the Link Light Rail from SEA to downtown Seattle ($3, 38 minutes), then a short rideshare to Bell Street Terminal ($10–$12). Or take a rideshare directly from SEA for $30–$45.
Is it worth arriving in Seattle a day early?
Absolutely yes. Seattle is one of America's best cities — Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the waterfront deserve at least a full afternoon. Plus Alaska sailings often depart in the late afternoon, giving you most of the day even on departure day.