Seattle Cruise FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail

Plan smarter for cruises from Seattle with terminal tips, transportation, hotels, and insider advice

"From which pier does my ship sail?"

Bell Street Pier / Pier 66: Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line

Smith Cove Terminal / Pier 91: Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Virgin Voyages.

"How far is the cruise terminal from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport?"

To Bell Street Pier / Pier 66: 15.6 miles via I-5 North, 14.1 miles via WA-99 North

To Smith Cove Terminal / Pier 91: 18.1 miles via I-5 North, 16.2 miles via WA-99 North

"Where should I stay before/after my cruise?"

Many of the Seattle Southside hotels offer Cruise packages that include transportation to the terminal and overnight parking. Choose a hotel with a continental breakfast to avoid unnecessary trips the morning of the cruise. Most Seattle Southside hotels provide complimentary airport shuttle service to and from the hotel, making it easy to stay before and/or after your cruise.

"Where can I store my luggage before my flight?"

The Port of Seattle's Port Valet program offers complimentary luggage transfer from the ship to your airline. You can sign up for the program by filling out the enrollment form in your stateroom. This complimentary service gives you plenty of time to explore the Greater Seattle Area luggage-free!

"What time should I schedule my pickup for the shuttle back to the airport/hotel?"

Passenger disembark usually begins at 7:30 a.m. at the earliest. After baggage retrieval, passengers begin exiting the cruise terminal approximately 10 - 15 minutes later. Debark is over around 10:30 a.m. when the last passenger is off the vessel. The number of passengers varies from vessel to vessel, making the debark end time a variable. A cell phone will become handy during disembarkation. The shuttle drivers are very experienced with cruise pickups and should be able to tell you the best time.

Tours Northwest provides pre and post cruise tours with pick up from the ship and airport drop-off, following the tour. The Premier 3-hour Seattle City Tour includes luggage handling and transportation to or from your trip.

"Where can I store my bags if I want to explore the city?"

The Port of Seattle's Port Valet program offers complimentary luggage transfer from the ship to your airline. You can sign up for the program by filling out the enrollment form in your stateroom. This complimentary service gives you plenty of time to explore the Greater Seattle Area luggage free!

Both cruise terminals provide luggage storage before and after cruises as well as onboard airline check-in and luggage handling. The cost is $3.00 per bag and bags must be reclaimed by 3:30 p.m. Cruise days only, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

If you want to store your luggage at Sea-Tac Airport, contact Smarte Carte at 206-431-0844 for assistance. They are located inside the airport, on the Baggage Claim level.

"How do I find Seattle Express at the cruise terminals?"

Bell Street Pier / Pier 66: After leaving the Customs Inspection area, turn right and proceed south, past the bus area, to the sidewalk along the street. Look overhead for the Skybridge. The Coordinator will be located below the Skybridge, holding a bright ORANGE clipboard.

(NOTE: If you have any questions on where to go, on the day of, call 206-793-8430.)

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal / Pier 91: As you leave the Customs Inspection area, proceed outside the terminal to Bus Lane R. Coordinator, Kathy, wearing a Seattle Express shirt, will be there to check you in.

(NOTE: If you have any questions on where to go, on the day of, call 206-793-8430.)

Seattle Express Tours Seattle Cruise Shuttle Bus

"Where should I park my car while on my cruise?"

Airport Area Parking

Parking near the airport is more economical and very convenient. Here is a list of parking options near the airport.

Cruise Terminal Parking

The Bell Street Pier garage (Pier 66) is available to all cruise passengers. Located directly across from the cruise terminal, it offers 1,700 spaces of covered, secure parking.

• General parking is available for $21 per day (includes taxes). Parking demand is quite high, so reserve early.
• Parking may be prepaid online. When you prepay, parking is guaranteed.
• Location: 9 Wall Street. Enter at the corner of Alaskan Way and Wall Street.
• 25 handicap parking stalls available
• Maximum height is 6'6"
• Questions? Call the Republic Parking garage staff at 206-783-4144

The Smith Cove Terminal (Pier 91) parking lot is available to all Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean cruise passengers. Located near the cruise terminal, passengers must take a shuttle from the parking area to the terminal building. This lot offers 1,000 secure parking spaces and also provides over height and RV parking for Norwegian and Celebrity cruise passengers.

• General parking is available for $26.00 per day for up to 7 days. Parking for the 8th day and beyond is at a discounted rate. All customers will receive a $1 per day discount if they book parking online.
• RV parking is available for $36.00 per day. RV parking must be reserved and prepaid online to guarantee a space.
• Overheight and RV customers, parking for a cruise at Pier 66 can check in with the cashiers for a complimentary taxi voucher back to Pier 66. Please drop all luggage and extra passengers at Pier 66 before heading to Pier 91 Parking. Please allow for a 15-20 minute taxi ride back to Pier 66.

"I want to come early and stay late after my cruise. What are fun things to do, and how much time do I need?

Before and after your cruise is a great time explore the Pacific Northwest. Be sure to add in a few extra days around your cruise to make the most out of your vacation. By staying in Seattle Southside you are conveniently located near the Seattle airport as well as the top tourist attractions.

Best things to do near the cruise terminals:

• Visit the Space Needle at Seattle Center
• Go shopping downtown at Pike Place Market
• Experience Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel
• Go to Pioneer Square
• Enjoy the Seattle Art Museum

Best things to do near Seattle Southside hotels:

Spend some time at the Museum of Flight, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, Des Moines Waterfront, Westfield Southcenter Mall, and/or watch the Seattle Seawolves, the championship MLR rugby team, play at Starfire Sports Stadium.

If you have more than one day, consider package deals such as the CityPass, which will allow you to see Seattle's top attractions at a significant discounted price. Be sure to download the free Seattle Southside Savings Pass for discounts on area restaurants, attractions and shopping.

A day trip is a great option to explore Mount Rainier, the Hoh Rainforest, the San Juan Islands, Victoria, Canada via the Clipper, or Leavenworth. All of these sites are less than 3 hours away, and they each have their own breathtaking scenery and exciting adventures.