Seattle to Alaska: 7-Day Inside Passage Cruise

Table Of Content

• Where do I Park at Pier 66 for my Cruise from Seattle?
• Experience the best Alaska cruise from Seattle
• Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess. With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Where do I Park at Pier 66 for my Cruise from Seattle?

From San Diego to Vancouver and every port between, refresh your mind and come back rejuvenated on Pacific Coast Getaways. We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing. Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights.

Experience the best Alaska cruise from Seattle

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from our smaller vessels to large ships. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at the glaciers passing by before enjoying local seafood in one of our many eateries during your seven-day Alaska cruise. Seattle’s most famous attraction, the Space Needle, is also the most easily recognizable structure in the city’s stunning skyline.

Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

Marvel at the incredible calving displays of Dawes Glacier while an onboard naturalist describes every detail of the captivating sight. A ride from the Seattle airport to Pier 66 and vice versa will usually cost around $45. This is comparable to a taxi and much more economical than a shuttle if you’re traveling with two or more people. On board our stylish, contemporary ships, you’ll have ample time to enjoy world-class cuisine, unwind by the pool, and indulge in blissful treatments in the spa. Elevate your experience to The Retreat®, where you’ll enjoy exclusive dining, a tranquil lounge, and suite accommodation. Unwind and recharge with a spectacular three- or four-day cruise with Celebrity Cruises.

Where will my Cruise Ship be Docked in Seattle in 2023?

Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are also our top picks for ships operating the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo travelers. Between these two, it's a tossup, though we put Norwegian Bliss in the headline above since, well, we already gave Norwegian Encore a turn in the limelight with the best-for-luxury category. Still, you can get a variation on a luxury cruise experience on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore. Our pick for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers may come as a surprise to many cruise aficionados. That's because it's not the Alaska voyages from Seattle offered by the North American cruise line best known for budget sailings — Carnival Cruise Line.

On short cruises from San Francisco, visit Alcatraz and walk in the footsteps of famous prisoners from the past. Spend the day shopping at Pier 39, and enjoy lunch at one of the waterside restaurants. Or head to Sonoma and Napa Valley to experience California’s famous Wine Country, where you can sip on award-winning vino. Cruises departing from Seattle are your ticket to some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth — they’ll take you straight to Alaska! One of the best parts of cruising from Seattle is the opportunity to explore the iconic city, famous for its hip coffee culture and musical tastemaking. From its burgeoning foodie scene to its cultural treasures, this sparkling Pacific Northwest jewel is yours for the taking when you book a cruise from Seattle, Washington.

Alaska Cruise Experience

To complement our entertainment, our master chefs locally source the freshest ingredients from this region. From your taste buds to your toes, you will be thoroughly immersed in the Puget Sound. Cruise in comfort aboard the newest and most modern small ships in the region as we explore the stunning Puget Sound and San Juan Islands region. Admire the abundant wildlife, including the Salish Sea's renowned orcas, gray whales, bald eagles, and harbor seals, as you enjoy the freshest regional cuisine and local entertainment.

Where is Pier 66 (the Bell Street Cruise Terminal) Located?

Set course north to experience the beauty of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Or head to warmer weather and cruise to the tropical paradise of the South Pacific. Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us.

Night U. S. Pacific Coast CruiseDetails

These brand-new ships provide guests with a personal oasis and a private view of the passing scenery. Every stateroom category is among the most spacious in the industry and the perfect respite from a rewarding day’s activities. From riding cable cars to sampling fresh bay shrimp, experience it all in The Golden City.

Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise. Riding one of Seattle’s many ferries is a unique way to see the best views of the city. From the rugged evergreen forests to the sharp, stunning skyscrapers of the city, you can see all aspects of Seattle from your waterside vantage point. Plus, you may just get a chance to meet some of the local marine wildlife that come out to play while you enjoy a peaceful and smooth ferry ride. Discover the magic of the Last Frontier during a Dawes Glacier cruise from Seattle, where you’ll sail through Alaska’s Inside Passage, stop in quaint fishing towns, and witness the beauty of nature’s wonders.

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Embark on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure in the waters of Puget Sound. On your Alaska cruise from Seattle, discover the vibrant marine life at the Seattle Aquarium. If you’re a foodie, savor mouthwatering flavors at award-winning restaurants. And don't forget to try the city's famous clam chowder or indulge in Seattle's own Starbucks coffee. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills, cultural experiences, or encounters with fascinating wildlife, Seattle promises an incredible vacation for everyone. We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests.

Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Start planing your next cruise vacation from the beautiful port of Seattle, Washington with Cruise Critic. Cruise Critic is a comprehensive platform that allows you to easily compare prices from top cruise lines and online travel agents. Find the best rates and enjoy exclusive bonus offers, including free drinks, dining credits, shore excursions, free cabin upgrade, and even free sailing for kids. During the busy peak cruising season, both the port area and downtown Seattle are well served with ample options for local transportation.

Cruises from Seattle Seattle Cruises

Table Of Content

• How many days are cruises from Seattle?
• Seattle Washington Cruise Port Guide
• Night Pacific NorthwestDetails
• Everything you Need to know about Pier 91 (the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal) in Seattle

This spectacular waterfall will be well-known to fans of the cult television series Twin Peaks and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington. It’s located about 25 miles from downtown Seattle and can be done on your own by renting a car downtown (there are quite a few rental car locations right downtown) or you can take an organized tour. You can also book an organized tour that includes Pike Place Market. The distance from the Olympic Sculpture Park to Pier 91 is 1.8 miles (and once you’re on the trail, you’re basically committed as there aren’t many easy exit points). Be sure to use Google Maps or another map app to determine the exact distance from your starting point downtown. Discover the Strait of Georgia and Juan de Fuca and all of the unbelievable channels and connected waterways of the Puget Sound.

How many days are cruises from Seattle?

While Holland America draws some families with younger children, the passengers on its ships skew heavily toward middle-aged and older travelers, including many retirees. If you're nearing or already have hit retirement age and prefer to travel mostly with people who are at a similar stage in life as you, you'll feel right at home on a Holland America ship. A special zone for solo travelers is a rare concept in the cruise world, where almost all rooms for vacationers are designed for two people and sold with per-person fares that are based on two people occupying the room. Why did we pick Norwegian Encore over Norwegian Bliss as the ship offering the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for luxury lovers? Built a year after Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore offers one big improvement for the upscale crowd as compared to Norwegian Bliss. Both of the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska from Seattle are loaded with attractions that are protected from the elements, including those bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators.

Seattle Washington Cruise Port Guide

The pool area, a true stunner, comes with comfortable padded loungers, a pool and whirlpools. Its retractable glass roof is perfect for cruises to Alaska when the weather is iffy. Other cruises might be best for solo travelers or travelers on a tight budget. Seattle is known as "The Emerald City" thanks to its green forests and lush surroundings. Pike Place Market buzzes with merchants while coffee shops house locals drinking espresso in America's coffee capital. Climb the Space Needle and enjoy the Seattle skyline, or explore the history of Pioneer Square, the city's oldest neighborhood — only when you cruise to Alaska from Seattle.

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Night Pacific NorthwestDetails

Your best options to get from the airport to Pier 66 (and from Pier 66 to the Seattle airport) include cruise line transfers, private cars or shuttles, a taxi, ride shares (Uber), and for hearty folks, the Link light rail. Explore Seattle city highlights, including downtown and the famous Pike Place Market. Learn about the history of this fascinating metropolis, explore the Seattle underground, and find out about the Klondike Goldrush. You will also admire the views from the waterfront of the spectacular Mt. Reiner, a classic American city backdrop. Many top-rated cruise lines offer cruise itineraries out of Seattle, such as Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Celebrity Cruises.

A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. The best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings offered by Holland America on both the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and 2,104-passenger Eurodam. We give Westerdam the slight edge for reasons we will explain below.

Everything you Need to know about Pier 91 (the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal) in Seattle

Set sail on a true sensory experience with Getaway cruises from Princess. Travel through time as you peruse the exhibits of Astoria’s Columbia River Maritime Museum, home to one of the nation's finest displays of model ships and nautical artifacts. During a Pacific Coast getaway, enjoy interactive exhibits, watch short films and get up close to over 30,000 maritime objects. Or admire the 44-foot Coast Guard rescue boat suspended mid-air, and tour the floating lighthouse, known as Columbia. Princess® makes it easy to find your perfect Calfornia Coast getaway with an array of options, like a three-day cruise.

Fresh and bountiful, like Alaska itself

You’ve probably seen and heard things about downtown Seattle on the news or on social media and may be wondering if it’s safe. As someone who’s lived downtown for 6 years and walks all over downtown Seattle for hours each day (dog mom), I’m here to reassure you that downtown Seattle is generally clean and safe. We have a dedicated team of Downtown Ambassadors identified in bright yellow shirts or vests who you will see keeping our streets and sidewalks clear of trash and your shoes clear of dog poop. They are also able to assist you with directions or answer your questions.

Getaway Cruises Articles and Videos

Explore Juneau, Sitka, and plenty of spectacular shores in between.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Throughout your journey, you’ll find endless opportunities to make memories you’ll cherish forever. With modernized cityscapes, gorgeous parks, and breathtaking waterfront views, Seattle remains high on the list of must-see destinations in the United States. Located between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is also a fantastic city for those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking and kayaking. While there is a light rail stop right at the Seattle airport, it’s a fairly long walk from the baggage claim area to the boarding station (there’s a little cart that can drive you, but you might have to wait a bit for it). In the heart of Vancouver’s metropolis lies a 1,000-acre rainforest teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. On a three-day cruise from Los Angeles or Pacific Coastal Getaways from San Francisco, discover hidden gems tucked inside the city’s park — like the aquarium and Totem Pole Park.

Here we list our top picks for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for six different types of travelers. Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street.

If you feel like you’re up for it, it’s the most cost effective option at $2.75 one-way per person ($1 for seniors). Travel time on the light rail (12 stops) is 38 minutes and you won’t risk sitting in traffic. Cloaked in nautical artifacts and Victorian homes, Astoria continues to retain its 19th-century charm. On a California Coast getaway cruise, visit historic sites like Fort Stevens State Park and Astoria.

Both Eurodam and Westerdam mostly sail seven-night trips to Alaska out of Seattle. However, for 2024, Westerdam has added an epic new 28-night Alaska itinerary out of Seattle that will include calls in remote areas that most cruise ships never visit. The new itinerary is one reason we give Westerdam the edge among ships when rating the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for seniors.

Learn about the beautiful destinations and enticing excurisions you'll experience on a Princess getaway cruise to Southern California. Peruse the onboard art gallery, and learn about the history and creation of each piece from our experts. Or partake in daily auctions for a chance to take home famous pieces from artists like Thomas Kinkade, Peter Max and Michael Godard.

On a cruise from Seattle, relive history at Pioneer Square, the city’s oldest neighborhood dating back to 1852. Ascend the Space Needle, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the 520-foot high skydeck. Learn how commercial jets are assembled at Boeing’s Future of Flight Aviation Center. Or sample crab cakes, chowder and cheese at Pike Place Market, or shop the artisan handicrafts and curio markets within. During your Seattle cruise vacation, head to Ballard Avenue NW for hip boutiques, and shop for big brands downtown. All paths lead from Seattle to new experiences onboard returning frontier favorite Ovation of the Seas®.

Whatever you do, be sure to make time for a slice of tangy Key lime pie, which originated here. While it’s tempting to swing in a hammock with a chilled rum punch in hand, there’s cultural interest here, too. Check out the Dolphin House, a labor of love built over time by a local historian using shells, sea glass, and upcycled materials from the ocean.

Passengers staying in solo cabins get exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (using their keycards), meaning a maximum of 82 people will share the space. On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss. At the top front of the vessel, this private enclave, called The Haven, is home to dozens of upscale suites; a sprawling, two-deck-high pool area; a private lounge and bar; and a private restaurant. Only the deep-pocketed swells who can afford one of the suites get exclusive access to these areas. Of particular note, given Alaska's weather, is that one of the two main pool areas on each of these Quantum-class ships is enclosed.