Seattle Cruise Terminal: Your Guide to Cruising from Washington State

If you're setting off on a round-trip cruise to Alaska, you’ll probably be departing from the Port of Seattle. In 2023, seven cruise lines operated ships from Seattle, resulting in 291 departures. While many ships were headed for Alaska, there were also cruises to destinations such as Asia, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal.

Seattle features two cruise terminals, both conveniently accessible from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE). Upon your arrival, numerous hotels are available for your pre- or post-cruise accommodations.

If you're cruising in and out of Seattle, here’s what you need to know.

Overview of the Seattle Cruise Port

The Seattle port features two cruise terminals situated almost 3 miles apart, with each terminal housing two berths.

Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66

2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91

2001 West Garfield Street, Seattle, WA 98119

Wheelchairs are provided at both terminals to assist passengers in boarding and disembarking from the ships.

Passengers departing from SEA on the last day of their cruise can utilize the complimentary valet service for their luggage through the Port of Seattle. Just attach the provided tags and leave your bags outside your cabin on the final night, and they will be collected and taken directly to the airport.

Cruise lines participating in this service include Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. Airlines involved are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Horizon Air, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. You can enroll online or through the paperwork in your cruise cabin to benefit from this service.

Both terminals offer same-day luggage storage for $5 per bag, with late fees for bags picked up after 3 p.m.

Cruise lines operating from the Seattle cruise port

Bell Street Cruise Terminal located at Pier 66

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal situated at Pier 91

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International

Airports close to Seattle's cruise port

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is situated 14 miles from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (approximately a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic) and 17.4 miles from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (about a 35-minute drive).

SEA is the primary airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area and is operated by airlines such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines.

Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) in Everett is 24 miles away from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (around 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic) and 25 miles from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (approximately 42 minutes).

This airport has only two gates, with Alaska Airlines being the sole operator. Most destinations served are located on the West Coast, including flights to and from cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Honolulu.

If you're traveling with a companion, you might save on airfare with a companion pass. Holders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card receive a companion fare certificate each year on their card's anniversary, allowing them to purchase a companion ticket for just $99, plus taxes and fees starting at $23, provided they spend at least $6,000 annually on the card.

For travelers arriving at SEA, the Southwest Companion Pass allows a companion to fly with you on Southwest Airlines for just the cost of taxes and fees. You can earn the Southwest Companion Pass by flying with the airline, eligible spending on a Southwest cobranded credit card, or a combination of both.

Delta also provides a companion ticket as a benefit for holders of select credit cards.

If you have a credit card that offers lounge access, Seattle-Tacoma is the superior choice, featuring 10 lounges, whereas Seattle Paine Field has none.

At SEA, there are three Alaska Airlines lounges (also accessible to American Airlines Admirals Club members), along with a United Club, Delta Sky Club, and British Airways Terrace Lounge. Additionally, the American Express Centurion Lounge welcomes select credit card holders, including those with The Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

How to reach the Port of Seattle

There are various options to travel from the airports to the Bell Street Terminal at Pier 66 or Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, including:

Cruise line transportation services

Most cruise lines provide shuttle services to and from SEA or nearby hotels for an additional fee. Sometimes, this service is limited to passengers who book flights through the cruise line. For instance, Carnival Cruise Line offers shuttles starting at $37.99 per person from SEA to the cruise port for travelers arriving by noon on embarkation day.

Currently, no cruise lines provide transfers to and from PAE.

Hotel shuttle options

If you’re searching for hotels near the Seattle cruise port that offer shuttle services to the terminals, there are several available downtown. Most charge between $10 and $20 per person for this service.

For those aiming to collect more Marriott Bonvoy points, the SpringHill Suites Seattle Downtown/South Lake Union offers a package featuring an upgraded suite, complimentary breakfast, and transport for two to the cruise terminals. If you're a fan of the Hilton Honors program, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Tacoma International Airport provides shuttle services to the cruise ports for $27 per person one way or $50 for a round trip.

Private airport shuttle services

Services like Premier Airport Shuttle provide both shared and private rides from SEA to the cruise terminals. Shared shuttles start at approximately $33 per person each way, while private transfers for groups of up to 20 begin at around $320.

Taxis and ride-hailing options

You can easily request ride-hailing services such as Uber or Lyft from either airport. This is a great way to make the most of your credit card rewards, as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® grants 10 points for every dollar spent on Lyft rides until March 31, 2025.

Prices for Uber and Lyft can fluctuate significantly, but anticipate costs of about $70 each way to and from SEA, and around $100 to and from PAE.

While taxis are not readily available at PAE, you can find them on the third level of the SEA parking garage near the ride-hail pickup zone. Flat-rate taxis charge $40 for trips from the airport to the hotel area. However, these flat rates do not apply to cruises. In Seattle, metered fares start at $2.60 upon meter drop and $2.70 per mile. A metered cab from SEA to Pier 91, a distance of 17 miles, should cost about $48.50, but additional passengers, detours, and other factors can increase the fare.

Private car or van services

You can arrange for private car or van services to or from either airport. Services like Blacklane start at approximately $108 each way from SEA to the cruise ports, which includes pickup in a luxury vehicle and a meet-and-greet at baggage claim. For trips to or from PAE, prices begin at around $130 per direction.

Public transit options

While public transportation doesn't extend directly to the cruise terminals, the Light Rail offers service from SEA to West Lake Station in downtown Seattle. From there, a Lyft or Uber ride typically takes about 8 to 15 minutes to reach the cruise terminals. One-way fares range from $2.25 to $3.25 per person, with trains running every 15 minutes.

To access the light rail station at SEA, go to the fourth floor and cross the sky bridge into the parking garage. Then, follow the signs and the marked path to the train. Shuttle services for passengers with disabilities are available from 5 a.m. to midnight. To request assistance, call 206-787-4069 or 206-787-5906.

Parking at the Seattle cruise port

Parking facilities on-site

The parking garage at the Bell Street Cruise Terminal is conveniently located just across from the terminal. Access it via Wall Street and follow the signs to the parking area. Daily parking rates are $23, with a $1 discount per day for those who prepay online.

The Bell Street parking garage provides over 1,500 covered parking spaces, including 25 designated accessible spots, and can accommodate vehicles up to a height of 6 feet, 6 inches. Taller vehicles must park at Pier 91, where taxi vouchers will be issued for transportation back and forth to Pier 66.

The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Lot D at Pier 91 features 1,100 secure parking spaces, including accessible spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. General parking costs $29 per day, with a $1 discount available for online prepayment.

Lot D not only accommodates passengers departing from Pier 91 but also serves as the designated parking area for RVs and oversized vehicles at both piers. Rates are $60 per day for vehicles under 40 feet and $65 for those over 40 feet. RV parking is not guaranteed unless reserved and prepaid online. If you're cruising from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal, taxi vouchers will be provided for your return trip.

Park-and-cruise options

Depending on your cruise duration, several Seattle hotels offer the option to leave your vehicle while you're at sea, though most charge a fee. Members of the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program might find the cruise package at Hotel Andra Seattle appealing, as it includes 50% off valet parking, complimentary parking during your cruise, and one-way shuttle service for two from the hotel to the cruise pier.

Accommodations near the Seattle cruise port

Seattle boasts an impressive selection of hotels that participate in points redemption. Typically, the best deals can be found near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive from the cruise terminals in light traffic. However, for some travelers, the distance might be worth the savings.

Those looking to explore Seattle before or after their cruise should consider staying downtown, where they’ll have easy access to the waterfront, a variety of restaurants, shops, museums, and iconic attractions such as Seattle Center and the Space Needle. Additionally, many top Seattle hotels are just a 5- to 15-minute drive from the cruise terminals.

Hilton properties near the Port of Seattle

Hilton Honors members have an abundance of options in Seattle. The Hampton Inn Seattle-Airport is an excellent choice for travelers needing a quick overnight stay before their cruise (ranging from 34,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night). The hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast and shuttle service to and from the airport.

If you're seeking Hilton hotels near the cruise terminals, consider Hilton Seattle (50,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night), located just 1.4 miles from Pier 66. It’s conveniently situated a mile from the 5th Avenue Theater, Pike Place Market, and the light rail station, perfect for those wanting to explore the city.

For those who enjoy luxury, Hotel 1000 LXR Hotels and Resorts (70,000-90,000 Hilton Honors points per night) offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The bathrooms are particularly impressive, featuring glass walls with privacy shades. Situated about half a mile from Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium, it’s also a short stroll from many dining options. The hotel is 1.2 miles from Pier 66.

Marriott hotels near the Port of Seattle

Keep your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty number handy, as there are various Marriott hotel brands spread throughout Seattle. The Aloft Seattle Seatac Airport (22,000-40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) provides great value, especially for travelers not looking to rent a car. It includes complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, plus transportation to the cruise terminal for $20 per person (make arrangements at the front desk upon check-in).

For tourists wanting to explore the Emerald City, the Courtyard Seattle/Downtown Pioneer Square (30,000-54,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) is housed in a historic building within walking distance of Pike Place Market, the stadium, art galleries, and the waterfront. The hotel is 1.6 miles from Pier 66.

The Seattle Marriott Waterfront (50,000-84,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) boasts an unbeatable location. Directly across from Pier 66, guests can easily walk to the terminal using a crosswalk or sky bridge. This hotel is perfect for families, just steps away from popular waterfront attractions like the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel.

Hyatt hotels near the Port of Seattle

Seattle is a fantastic destination to utilize your World of Hyatt points. While there are no Hyatt properties at the airport, you'll discover several fantastic Hyatts downtown.

Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown (12,000-18,000 World of Hyatt points per night) is conveniently located near Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle Center, and the Space Needle. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning. The hotel arranges shuttle service to the cruise terminals through a third party for $10 per person, but reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Thompson Seattle (17,000-23,000 World of Hyatt points per night) is a chic boutique hotel situated in the downtown area. Renowned for its rooftop bar that offers stunning views of the city and Puget Sound, Thompson Seattle is a short stroll from Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and numerous shops and dining options. It is located less than a mile from Pier 66.

Hotels without loyalty points near the Port of Seattle

Seattle boasts a variety of hotels that aren't tied to conventional loyalty programs. The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle overlooks the waterfront and features an infinity pool with stunning views of Puget Sound. Located just a mile from Pier 66, remember to reserve your room with a rewards card to get the most out of your stay.

Another great choice is the budget-friendly Ace Hotel Seattle, situated in the vibrant Belltown neighborhood. Guests can select rooms with either private or shared bathrooms, catering to their preferences and budgets. The Ace Hotel is conveniently located less than half a mile from Pier 66.

Dining options near the Seattle cruise port

Seattle is renowned for its seafood, offered at fine dining establishments, sushi bars, and laid-back poke spots. Dungeness crab, salmon, and fresh oysters are popular throughout the city, especially along the waterfront.

Visit Pike Place Market for a delicious culinary experience. Alongside stalls selling flowers and artisan crafts, you'll find bakeries, breweries, casual eateries, and sit-down restaurants, plus quick bites like hot dogs or chowder. Don’t miss the excitement of watching fish being tossed at Pike Place Fish Market.

If you notice a long queue outside Pike Place Market, it’s likely tourists waiting for a chance to order from the original Starbucks. If you're a devoted fan, the wait might be worth it, but the coffee served here is identical to that at any other Starbucks. For a shorter line, consider visiting Storyville Coffee on the top floor of the corner market building, where you can enjoy locally roasted coffee with breathtaking views of Puget Sound.

Activities to enjoy in Seattle before or after your cruise

You could spend a lifetime exploring Seattle and still discover new adventures. There’s a wealth of outdoor activities, museums, and attractions for kids. If you've set aside time to enjoy the Emerald City before or after your cruise, here are some of the top activities to consider in Seattle.

Enjoy a day at Seattle Center

Seattle Center boasts iconic sights such as the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Pacific Science Center. Families will especially love the grounds, featuring the International Fountain splash park and the Artists at Play playground, complete with a towering 30-foot climbing structure, a maze, musical instruments, and a human-powered carousel.

Be amazed by the Hiram M. Chittenden Ballard Locks

These locks are an engineering marvel linking Lake Union to Puget Sound. Every day, onlookers gather to witness everything from kayaks to massive cargo ships navigate through. Additional attractions include a fish ladder, a vibrant botanical garden, and a visitor center.

Dive into Seattle's coffee scene

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the Capitol Hill neighborhood is a paradise for coffee enthusiasts. You can book a tour, attend a class with a skilled barista, or enjoy unique signature beverages not found elsewhere. The enticing aromas alone make it a must-visit.

Discover the waterfront

Even if you do nothing but take in the breathtaking views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, Seattle's waterfront is well worth your time. It's home to the Seattle Great Wheel, the Seattle Aquarium, and a variety of charming souvenir shops. Afterward, head over to Pike Place Market for a delicious meal.

Grab lunch in Seattle's Chinatown-International District

In Seattle's Chinatown-International District, irresistible scents drift from every entrance. Dumplings, noodles, and baked treats call out from a multitude of restaurants. Treat yourself by ordering small dishes from various places, allowing you to savor a wide variety of flavors.

Shopping options near the Port of Seattle

Whether you're looking for souvenirs or want to pick up a few items for your cruise packing list, Seattle has everything you need.

For essentials like toiletries and snacks, visit Target on 2nd Avenue close to Pike Place Market. If you have the Target Circle™ Mastercard, you'll enjoy discounts on most purchases. If you need a bathing suit or other clothing items and can't find them at Target, Westlake Center on Pine Street offers plenty of options with stores like Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off 5th.

Pike Place Market is the perfect spot for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, featuring locally sourced foods, handmade jewelry, and art. If you're shopping with kids, stop by the Old Curiosity Shop on the waterfront, where you can find everything from postcards and T-shirts to quirky gifts like taxidermy bugs and totem poles. The shop is filled with unusual items, including mummies, narwhal tusks, and shrunken heads.

The information regarding the Target Circle has been independently gathered by Dinogo. The details about the card presented on this page have not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.