Alaska Cruise Port Info for Seattle

Embarkation Facts for Cruising From Seattle to Alaska

Apr 14, 2009 Renee Ruggero

Alaska cruises from the Port of Seattle feature cruise facilities at either the Bell Street Terminal at Pier 66 or the brand new cruise terminal in Smith Cove at Pier 91.

According to the Port of Seattle, 2008 was Seattle’s busiest cruise season ever, welcoming 886,039 passengers compared to the Port of Vancouver with 854,453 passengers. And for 2009, Seattle expects 211 cruise ship visits between its Bell Street Pier and the new cruise terminal facility, Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. Here are the two options when taking a cruise to Alaska from Seattle.

Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66

• Cruise Lines' Home Port - Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises use this downtown waterfront pier as their home port for Alaska cruises. It is located at 2225 Alaskan Way at Bell Street with numerous dining and hotel options in the near vicinity.

• Transportation To and From the Pier - The Bell Street Pier cruise terminal is right downtown and about a 20-30 minute drive from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC). And, taxis cost anywhere from $25 to $40. Alternatively, the Shuttle Express provides shared transfers from the airport to the downtown area.

• Attractions near the Cruise Terminal - A free bus serves the downtown waterfront area and the Bell Street Pier. Seattle’s main attractions near the Bell Street Pier include the waterfront aquarium, Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Children’s Museum.

• Cruise Terminal Facilities - Guest services include the Cruise Seattle Concierge located in the cruise terminal building. This service provides free maps and info on Seattle’s attractions as well as a luggage service for passengers to store bags at $3 per bag. In addition, Budget Rental Car has rental kiosks at the pier.

• Parking at the Pier - Directly across Alaskan Way from the cruise terminal, there is covered parking for $18 per day through Republic Parking.

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91

• Cruise Lines' Home Port - Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean use the new Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. The terminal is located at 2001 W. Garfield Street, north of Seattle’s downtown area.

• Transportation To and From the Pier - Pier 91 is about a 20-30 minute drive from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC). And, taxis cost anywhere from $25 to $40.

• Attractions Near the Cruise Terminal - To get to the waterfront area attractions, the most inexpensive option is the city bus. The route 24 bus from the Magnolia Bridge/Pier 91 stop to the Pike and 2nd Ave stop takes 12 minutes and costs $1.75.

• Cruise Terminal Facilities - Guest services include the Cruise Seattle Concierge located in the cruise terminal building. This service provides free maps and info on Seattle’s attractions as well as a luggage service for passengers to store bags at $3 per bag. In addition, Budget Rental Car has rental kiosks at the Smith Cove cruise facility.

• Parking at the Pier - Located near the cruise terminal, parking is available for $20 per day.

According to the Port of Seattle, cruise passengers can select from twelve different cruise ships going to Alaska or to the Pacific Northwest. Coming for 2010, Carnival Cruise lines will also be offering seven-day Alaska cruises roundtrip from Seattle.

The copyright of the article Alaska Cruise Port Info for Seattle in Cruise/Island Vacations is owned by Renee Ruggero. Permission to republish Alaska Cruise Port Info for Seattle in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Seattle Skyline

Pier 91, Port of Seattle

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