Port Area Snapshot
Seattle’s cruise port gives travelers two downtown‑friendly terminals, Pier 66 Bell Street and Pier 91 Smith Cove. Together they welcome roughly 1.7 million passengers each season on routes mainly bound for Alaska (Port of Seattle). Both piers sit minutes from Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the bustling waterfront. Modern shore‑power hookups cut emissions (Axios), while luggage storage, cafés, and sweeping Elliott Bay views make pre‑boarding time easy. Mild, dry summers (about 75 °F) and cool, wet winters (around 47 °F) mean layers are a smart idea (Weather Spark). With Link light‑rail from SEA Airport and plenty of rideshares, cruising out of Seattle is a breeze.
Port Overview
- Name & Terminals: Seattle Cruise Port—Pier 66 (Bell Street) & Pier 91 (Smith Cove)
- City / State: Seattle, Washington
- Address: Pier 66 – 2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121 (Port of Seattle); Pier 91 – 2001 W Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98119 (Port of Seattle)
- Terminal Count: 2 modern terminals
- Major Cruise Lines: Norwegian, Oceania, Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean
- Annual Passengers: ~1.7 million revenue passengers (2024 season) (Port of Seattle)
- Highlights: shore‑power at all berths (Axios), luggage storage (Radical Storage), downtown walkability, panoramic skyline views
- Typical Weather: Winter 47 °F / 38 °F with drizzle; Summer 75 °F / 58 °F pleasantly dry (Weather Spark)
Transportation & Access
| Option | Details | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Seattle–Tacoma Intl (SEA) – 15 mi / 30‑45 min drive (Port of Seattle) | https://www.flysea.org |
| Public transit | Link Light Rail: SEA → Westlake Stn (~38 min) then short taxi; King County Metro routes along waterfront (Port of Seattle) | https://www.soundtransit.org |
| Rail | Amtrak & Sounder at King Street Station, 10‑15 min taxi to either pier | https://www.amtrak.com |
| Shuttles | Cruise‑line & Shuttle Express SEA transfers (~$29 pp) (Port of Seattle) | https://shuttleexpress.com |
| Rideshare | Uber/Lyft allowed; pickup zones signed at both terminals | https://www.portseattle.org |
| Accessibility | Elevators, ramps, ADA restrooms, wheelchair rentals on request | https://www.portseattle.org |
Things to Do Within 30 Minutes
| Attraction | Why Go | Hours / Cost* | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Needle | 605‑ft tower with 360° city & mountain views | Daily 9 am–9 pm • from $35 | https://www.spaceneedle.com |
| Pike Place Market | Historic farmers market & flying fish | Daily 9 am–6 pm • Free | https://www.pikeplacemarket.org |
| Chihuly Garden & Glass | Dazzling glass‑art exhibits | Sun–Thu 10‑6, Fri–Sat 10‑7 • $35 | https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com |
| Seattle Aquarium | Hands‑on Puget Sound sea life | Daily 9:30‑6 • $32 | https://www.seattleaquarium.org |
| Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) | Interactive music & sci‑fi exhibits | Daily 10‑5 • $28 | https://www.mopop.org |
*Check sites for seasonal changes.
Where to Eat Near the Port
Premium Dining
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine / Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canlis | Special occasions & skyline views | Pacific NW • $$$$ | https://www.canlis.com |
| Six Seven (Edgewater) | Waterfront sunset dinners | NW seafood • $$$ | https://www.edgewaterhotel.com/dining |
| Elliott’s Oyster House | Fresh local oysters | Seafood • $$$ | https://www.elliottsoysterhouse.com |
| The Pink Door | Dinner + live cabaret | Italian • $$$ | https://www.thepinkdoor.net |
Budget‑Friendly Dining
| Spot | Meal Times | Cuisine / Price | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pike Place Chowder | Lunch | Chowder • $$ | https://www.pikeplacechowder.com |
| Piroshky Piroshky | Breakfast/Lunch | Russian pastries • $ | https://www.piroshkybakery.com |
| Beecher’s Handmade Cheese | Lunch/Snack | Mac & cheese • $ | https://www.beechershandmadecheese.com |
| Dick’s Drive‑In (Queen Anne) | Late‑night | Burgers • $ | https://www.ddir.com |
Safety & Local Tips
- Keep valuables close in crowded spots like Pike Place; pickpockets sometimes work the market.
- Sidewalks can be steep; wear comfy shoes for hills and piers.
- Summer sun sets after 9 pm—great for late sightseeing but bring sunscreen.
- Winter brings slick docks; pack a waterproof layer and watch footing.
- Orca card works on buses, rail, and ferries—buy once, tap everywhere.
Cruise Day Logistics
- Aim to arrive 2 hours before sail‑time; peak curb traffic is 11 am–1 pm (Port of Seattle).
- Drop bags at curbside porters first, then park or return rental car.
- Bring passport for Alaska cruises—even on “closed‑loop” routes, lines may require it.
- Shore‑power means engines shut down in port; enjoy a quieter boarding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Seattle pier does my ship use?
A: Check your cruise docs—Norwegian/Oceania sail Pier 66; most others sail Pier 91.
Q: How long is the ride from SEA Airport?
A: About 30–45 minutes by taxi or rideshare, traffic depending.
Q: Can luggage be stored if arriving early?
A: Yes, paid storage is offered inside both terminals.
Q: What’s the best month to sail to Alaska?
A: July has the warmest weather, but May and September mean smaller crowds.
Q: Is parking available at the port?
A: Yes, secure paid lots sit next to each pier; spots can be reserved online.
Q: Are the terminals wheelchair friendly?
A: Elevators, ramps, and ADA restrooms are in both buildings.
Q: Can visitors tour the ship on embarkation day?
A: Only ticketed passengers with valid ID can enter the secure terminal area.