Pre- and Post-Cruise Itineraries for Seattle

So, you’re finally taking a majestic Alaskan cruise from Seattle? Great choice! It’ll be an experience of a lifetime.

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How do you make that experience even better, you ask? Easy, take some time and stay in Seattle Southside before and after your cruise to ease into your travels.

Pre-Cruise

Start your trip off right and allow extra time before setting sail for exploring and getting any last minute cruise necessities. Did you know that many Seattle Southside area hotels offer cruise packages with benefits like complimentary parking, free breakfast, cruise shuttles, and a cozy place to relax before and after your cruise? Not to mention, hotels in this area are typically priced 20-30% less than their counterparts in downtown Seattle.

There’s a lot to see and do around here!

After you check in to your hotel, you could book a tour with one of the many great Seattle tour companies like Customized Tours, Tours Northwest, or Totally Seattle Tours. See the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, or Snoqualmie Falls and the filming locations of Twin Peaks, or the majesty of Mount Rainier National Park! The knowledgeable tour guides will show you what you want to see and take you where you want to go.

While you’re here, you might want to spend some time seeing the sights around your hotel as well. Stop and smell the roses at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden. Take a stroll through the beautiful sensory gardens and find your inner Zen in the historic Seike Japanese Garden.

Do you have a sweet tooth? See how chocolate bars are made at the Seattle Chocolate Experience Chocolate factory tour. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the chocolate making process, learn about Seattle Chocolate's sustainable sourcing of cacao beans, and of course, sample a variety of delicious flavors. Take some along for your cruise, as souvenirs for family members, or post-dinner desserts for yourself!

For dinner, check out Sharp’s Roasthouse for some delicious BBQ, an over-the-top drink selection at the bar, and friendly servers. The savory prime rib and ice cold raspberry balsamic cocktail will send you off to Alaska with a significantly raised spirit.

Stop by Westfield Southcenter for last minute travel needs, then enjoy sunset at the beach (Des Moines or Redondo)! Enjoy a PNW dinner along the water and chat about your upcoming adventures over a glass of wine.

Post-Cruise

When you dock back in Seattle, take advantage of the Port of Seattle’s Port Valet program to do more sightseeing. They’ll take your bags and bring them directly to your plane, so you don’t have to haul them around the city streets. But if you get back from Alaska and you’re not exactly looking forward to getting right back on a plane (or your car). No problem, spend a night or two by the airport and relax before your travels.

The best way to relax after your journey would have to be a spa treatment at the Spa at Cedarbrook. Enjoy a hot stone or petrified wood massage, or how about a blueberry soy detox wrap for a truly soothing experience. After your luxurious spa treatment, you won’t have to go far for dinner. Copperleaf Restaurant offers locally sourced, farm-to-table dishes like Alderwood smoked sablefish, curried butternut squash, and Dungeness crab ravioli. When they say “farm-to-table” they mean it quite literally, as many ingredients in your dish come straight out of their onsite garden!

If you're still feeling adventurous download the free Seattle Southside Saving Pass digital coupon book. You'll get discounts at some of the hottest area attractions like indoor skydiving at iFLY Seattle and Dimension XR! Plus, The Museum of Flight is well worth a visit for aviation/history buffs or anyone interested in air and spaceflight. The Personal Courage Wing is a must-see for their vast collection of WWI/WWII fighter planes and the Aviation Pavilion is filled with historic jets and propelled planes from the mid-twentieth century.

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FAQs for Pre-Cruise & Post-Cruise Things to Do in Seattle

Q: What are some must-visit attractions in Seattle before embarking on an Alaska cruise?

A: Before your Alaska cruise, explore iconic attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Museum of Pop Culture, and The Museum of Flight.

Q: Where can I find the best seafood in Seattle before my Alaska cruise?

A: Enjoy fresh seafood at renowned eateries like Anthony's HomePort, Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar, Aqua Terra, Elliott's Oyster House and the Crab Pot, offering a taste of the Pacific Northwest's culinary delights.

Q: What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Seattle before or after my Alaska cruise?

A: Experience outdoor adventures like hiking on Des Moines Creek Trail, kayaking on Lake Union, or taking a scenic ferry ride to Vashon Island or Bainbridge Island.

Q: Are there any recommended accommodations near the Seattle cruise terminals?

A: Yes, there are over 60 popular hotels near Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) with shuttle service to the cruise terminals that include Courtyard by Marriott, Doubletree Suites by Hilton, and Four Points by Sheraton, offering convenience and comfort. Use our Seattle Southside Hotel Finder to search for more.

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