For your next cruise to Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, or points west across the ocean, you will likely launch your voyage at the Port of Seattle, Washington, USA. This is the number one busiest port on the west coast. So consider these tips for knowledgeably navigating among the throngs of fellow passengers.
Pier 66 (Bell Street Cruise Terminal)
The locals refer to this area simply as “Pier 66”. For those arriving by air, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is only a 15-minute ride from port. This terminal is also within walking distance of downtown, close to many of the local points of interest. The facility itself has recently benefitted from an extensive upgrade. There are now VIP passenger lounge areas with views of the Olympic Mountains and the waterfront. It also has speedy baggage handling, and new escalators for convenient ‘rides’ from point to point.
Parking for Pier 66 is ample, secure, and covered.
This terminal serves Norwegian Cruise Lines and Oceania Cruises.
Here is the MAP.
Point of interest: The historic Pike Place Market is accessible only a few blocks south via the Lenora Street Bridge.
Pier 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal)
This terminal is 10 minutes north of downtown; convenient to the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, and other local attractions.
Parking for Pier 99 accommodates regular private vehicles, as well as oversized ones with 1,000 secure spaces and complimentary shuttle service.
You can board Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean International ships at this location.
Here is the MAP.
Point of interest: Pier 91 offers the option for two ships to connect to the city’s grid while docked. (As my fellow green nerds know, cold ironing with engines off is a terrific way to reduce emissions in port!)
Additional services at Port of Seattle
You can enjoy a quick city tour of Seattle after disembarking. Port of Seattle will transfer your luggage to your airline as a complimentary service. You also have the option of storing your luggage with the concierge services at the end of your cruise. Learn about this unique Port Valet Program.
For special needs travel, the Port of Seattle wins the award for convenience. Their premier service will help you arrange wheelchair rentals along with other equipment. You needn’t worry about transporting them. They will be delivered and picked up directly to and from your stateroom.
When you return to port at the end of your cruise vacation, your friends and family have a free parking lot to await your arrival. The “Cell Phone Lot” is an innovative way to contact your ride when you are ready to leave.
Interesting factoids
This location welcomes over 0ne million cruise passengers per year.
Two hundred individual vessels per year sail from her docks.
Port of Seattle has created and restored over 180 acres of wetland and aquatic habitat. Intertidal marshes and riparian areas critical for environmental health are under ongoing restoration (including removal of 100,000 tons of contaminated sediment).
For an peek into the colorful history of Seattle’s waterfront, once called a ‘blot’ and ‘menace’, check out “Rising Tides and Tailwinds” from the University of Washington Press.
Angela is a professional freelance travel writer and published indie author – AngelaMinor.com