Seattle, Washington - despite being the biggest city in the Northwest - still manages to retain its ambience and beautiful charm. Unlike many big cities in the US, public transportation in Seattle is a breeze and even if you do need to walk, both locals and visitors will reassure you that Seattle continues to provide a safe atmosphere. Commonly referred to as the "Emerald City", Seattle is known for a lot more than rainy weather. Seattle is a regional center for performing arts and culture. The Seattle Symphony Orchestra is one of the most recorded in the nation and the 5th Avenue Theater has been hosting Broadway style musicals since 1926.

Cruises out of Seattle sail to Alaska onboard Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines with ships departing from May to September.

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Facts

Where is the cruise port in Seattle?

There are two cruise ports in Seattle. The first one is Smith Cove Cruise Terminal/Pier 1 located at the north end of Seattle’s waterfront at 2001 W. Garfield Street (see map.) The second is Bell Street Pier/Pier 66 is located at 2225 Alaskan Way along the city’s downtown waterfront (see map.)

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What language is spoken in Seattle? Do they speak English?

English is the official language.

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What is the time zone in Seattle?

Seattle is on Western Standard Time (-8 GMT).

Current Time - Seattle, WA, USA

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Money & Currency

What is the national currency in Seattle?

The US Dollar (USD).

Do they accept US Dollars around the port?

Yes, US dollars are accepted in most places, however you may get change back in Seattle dollars.

Where can I get or exchange money?

If you are exchanging international currency, such as Euros or Canadian Dollars, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and some downtown hotels are the most accessible locations to either of the two Seattle cruise ports.

• Banks closest to Port: 

  There are many banks within a couple of miles of the Port of Seattle, below are a few:

  • Wells Fargo Bank‎, located at 2800 3rd Avenue, is just 2.5 miles southeast of the Smith Cove terminal or just under a mile northwest of the Bell Street Pier terminal (see map.)
  • Bank of America, located at 100 West Mercer Street, is less than 2 miles southeast of the Smith Cove terminal and under 2 miles northwest of the Bell Street Pier terminal (see map.)
  • Chase Bank‎, located at 2701 1st Avenue, is a little over 2 miles southeast of the Smith Cove cruise terminal and just under a mile northwest of the Bell Street Pier port. (see map.)
• ATMs closest to cruise port: 

  There are many ATMs located throughout the city and also in the cruise terminal.

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Stay in Touch

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates. Also, public phones are available throughout the city. If US is not home, you can purchase calling cards at most any gas station or convenience store to make international calls affordably.

Where are the Internet cafes?

Free WiFi is available at all Starbucks and most McDonald's locations in the area. If you find yourself without your laptop or tablet you can still get online at Uncle Elizabeth's Internet Cafe. Located a little over 3 miles southeast of the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal and a 1.5 miles east of the Bell Street Pier (see map.)

What are the cell phone rates?

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates. Also, public phones are available throughout the city. If the US is not your home, you can purchase calling cards at most any gas station or convenience store to make international calls affordably.

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What is the weather like in Seattle?

Seattle weather is notoriously rainy, but usually more of a drizzle than rain showers. Winters are much milder than one might expect, while Summers will still require a light jacket on most evenings. So, yes, bring an umbrella, but you can leave the galoshes at home.

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Seattle

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Getting Around Seattle

Walking

According to locals and many visitors, the city of Seattle is unusually safe for an American city. There are warnings, however, as just like any other metropolitan city, you must use common sense and beware of shady characters and pick pockets. It is also best to avoid walking around late at night - especially in some areas of downtown.

Taxis

Taxis are a safe, clean and reliable form of transportation in Seattle, Washington. For taxi information visit, the Yellow Cab Company of Seattle or call (206) 622-6500.

Buses

Bus transportation in Seattle is extensive and services the downtown area for free! Their websites have trip planners available which are very helpful. To plan your trip and for information on routes and fares, visit the below sites:

• King County Metro Transit
• Sound Transit
• Pierce Transit
• Community Transit

Rail and Train

Rail and train transportation in Seattle is available via Sound Transit (Sounder Train and Light Link Rail), Monorail, Seattle Streetcar, Amtrak and more. To plan your trip and for information on routes and fares, visit the below sites:

• Sounder Train and Sounder Light Rail
• Seattle Street Car
• Seattle Monorail
• Amtrak

Car Rentals

All major rental car companies are represented in Seattle. Best bet it is to reserve your vehicle before you leave home. You will get better rates online and a shuttle will be able to take your car from the airport. There are rental car companies that even offer to pick you up at the Seattle cruise port when you get back from your cruise.

Scooter Rentals

Scoot About is Seattle's main scooter rental company and offers TGB, Honda, Fly and Buddy scooters for rent.

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Port to Airport

What is the best way to travel between the ports and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Shuttle service is available to and from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) (also known as Sea-Tac) with Shuttle Express and Downtown Airporter.

Pick-up service to and from both cruise terminals and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is available. Taxi service to the airport ranges from $25 - $40 for the approximate 20 - 30 minute drive.

King County Metro serves the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91:

• Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66:

  Ride Route #99 to the Bell Street Cruise Terminal stop located directly across the street from Pier 66. For bus schedules visit King County Metro.

• Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91

  Ride Routes #15, #19, #24, and #33 to the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. The bus stop is located at the top of the Magnolia Bridge. To access the cruise terminal, passengers proceed down a steep staircase which connects to a catwalk underneath the bridge. Note: The staircase is directly adjacent to the bus stop on the same side of the roadway. The walkway leads to another staircase that descends to Pier 91. Once at ground level, passengers walk .4 miles to the cruise terminal building. The pier is an industrial setting with large trucks, buses and taxis. Access from bus stop to the pier is not ADA accessible. No elevator or shuttle is available from the bus stop to the cruise terminal. For bus schedules visit King County Metro.

Hotels

Which hotels are convenient to get to/from the port?

There are several hotels in the Seattle area that are more than adequate for one, two or several nights stay before and after your cruise. Below are a few different options depending on your needs:

• A good hotel for a one night stay if leaving from Bell Street Pier 66 Cruise Ship Terminal:

  Marriott Seattle Waterfront, located at 2100 Alaskan Way in the heart of downtown Seattle's most popular waterfront district. The hotel is located just 400 ft. from your cruise terminal and 15 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). It is also walking distance from the metro bus station and Pike Place Market. To boast, the hotel offers 42” flat screen TVs, Internet access, 24-hour fitness center, indoor/outdoor pool, whirlpool, Hook & Plow restaurant, Trolley Cafe & Gift Shop and a private dinning room. To make reservations call 1-800-228-9290 or book online.

• A good hotel for a stay of several nights if leaving from Bell Street Pier 66 Cruise Ship Terminal:

  Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown is conveniently situated in the center of downtown, along with 24-hour made to order menu and fitness center, pool, complimentary breakfast, WiFi and shuttle service within a mile of the hotel. The hotel located at hotel 110 6th Avenue North, is just under a mile northeast of the Bell Street Pier terminal (see map) and Seattle's famous Space Needle is at your door step. Reservations can be made online or by dialing 1-206-441-6041.

• A good hotel for a one night stay if leaving from Smith Cove Ship Terminal at Pier 91 Cruise Ship Terminal:

  Homewood Suites Seattle Downtown, located at 206 Western Avenue West near the Museum of Flight, Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. The hotel is just 1.4 miles from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal and 15 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Guests enjoy a fitness center, tennis table, laundry room, complimentary breakfast/beverage area, valet service, safety deposit box and business center. Rooms can be booked online or by contacting the front desk at 1-206-281-9393.

• A good hotel for a stay of several nights if leaving from Smith Cove Ship Terminal at Pier 91 Cruise Ship Terminal:

  In addition to being greatly affordably, Holiday Inn Seattle is located at 211 Dexter Avenue North and conveniently near the Space Needle attraction. The hotel is just 2 miles from your cruise terminal and 13 miles from the international airport. Amenities include: business center, WiFi, fitness center, self-laundry facilities, concierge service, safety deposit box and kids eat free at the hotel’s Emerald Grill & Lounge. Contract the front desk at 1-206-728-8123 to reserve a room or book online.

Food & Drink

What are the best eats in Seattle? Where are the best places to get them?

One of the two most recognizable images in Seattle are the fish being thrown and caught across the Pike's Place Market. And assuming the fish is caught on the other end of that toss you don't want to leave Seattle without having some fresh fish. Salmon is particularly popular and can be enjoyed at one of many excellent area restaurants.

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What are the must-drinks in Seattle? Where is the best place to get them?

Seattle is not the birthplace of Coffee, but it is the birthplace of Starbucks, which for loyal fans is almost the same thing. On Pike Place (right accross from the Pike Place Market complex) you will find the original Starbucks location.

Now, as the unofficial "Espresso Capital of the World", while in Seattle you may want to venture out of the Starbucks orbit and try one of the many coffee houses in the city:

• Trabant Coffee and Chai
• Victrola Coffee
• Caffe Ladro

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Souvenirs

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Seattle? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

Seattle Coffee makes a delicious gift/souvenir that can be enjoyed morning after morning when you get back home. With plenty of varieties and brands to choose from, try purchasing a bag of coffee beans from one of the local coffee houses mentioned in the Must Drink section.

$25-$75

A model of the Space Needle is a way to take Seattle home with you. The Space Needle is Seattle's most distiguishable landmark and a symbol of the city. Thrown fish and rain, the other things Seattle is known for don't make as good of a souvenir.

Over $75

Seattle is the epicenter of glass blowing in the US. Hand blown glass collectible paperweights and vases can be found at Made in any number of Washington stores.

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Attractions

What are the best attractions and must-sees in Seattle?

• The Space Needle is Seattle's most distiguishable landmark. Located at 400 Broad Street near the Monorail, just under a mile north of the Bell Street Terminal and about 3 miles southeast of the Cove Smith terminal, the Space Needle offers a 360 degree bird's eye view of the city. Built in 1962, Space Needle, which is also home to the Sky City Restaurant which was voted Restaurant of the Year by the Washington Wine Commission, is Seattle's system.
• Spread your wings at the Museum of Flight, located at 9404 East Marginal Way S, is about 10 miles southeast of the Cove Smith Cruise Terminal and just under 8 miles southeast of the Bell Street Terminal. The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world and their aviation and space library as well as archives are the largest on the West Coast. Quick tip - admission is free if you’re lucky enough to be in town on the first Thursday evening of the month between 5-9pm, otherwise, admission is $16/adult, kids (5-17)/$9, seniors (65+)/$14, and children under 4 years of age are free.
• 

  Video: Pike Place Market
  Pike Place Market located at in downtown Seattle is an open-air shopping haven that is open 362 days a year. Offering everything from restaurants & bars, food, spices, clothing, kids shops and hand-made items - Pike Place Market has it all. Located at 1531 Western Avenue it’s just under 3 miles southeast of the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal and under a mile from the Bell Street Terminal. Coffee addicts your going to love this, it’s also home to the original Starbucks, which first opened in 1971.

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Beaches

Alki Beach, located 3.0 miles from the city center in West Seattle and facing the Olympic Mountains. The beach boasts some of the best sunsets in the city. If you’re visiting in the summer, the place is perfect for joggers, roller-bladers, cyclists, volleyball players and sun bathers. Alki Beach even has a range of restaurants from burger joints to gourmet dining.

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Shopping

• Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle has an assortment of shops selling everything from authentic hand-crafted items, clothes, produce and much more. The main entrance to Pike Place Market is located at First Avenue and Pike Street. Operating hours are Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 9am-5pm.
• SpaceBase, located at the top of the Space Needle. This retail store features many custom-designed Space Needle products in their children’s section, fashion apparel section, corporate section, retro section as well as a Seattle section.
• If designer brands are your cup of tea, Pacific Place located at Pine St. & 6th Ave., is your shopping hot spot. Coach, Club Monico, Aveda, and Tiffany & Company are just a few of the major retailers shoppers flock to. And while your out, you can stop for lunch at one of the 11 restaurants that includes Thai Ginger, Red Mango and Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant or catch a movie at the AMC Pacific Place Theater. There’s even a concierge service that can arrange theater tickets, dinner reservations, taxi and hotel shuttles and even make sure your packages get delivered to your downtown location.
• Located at 400 Pine Street, Westlake Center is a four-story glass enclosed pavilion offering more affordable shopping ranging from locally owned stores carrying regional merchandise to chain retailers! And what shopping center would be complete without an extensive food court and restaurants like P.F. Chang’s China Bistro or Dilettante Mocha Café.

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Golf

• Jackson Park Golf Course is known for being the driest public course in Seattle. The Jackson Park Golf Course offers an 18-hole championship and 9-hole executive course that hosts yearly tournaments. Its location at 1000 Northeast 135th Street is 10 miles north of the Bell Street Pier Terminal and about 11 miles northeast of the Cove Smith Terminal. Tee times should be made 10 days in advance online or 7 days in advance by calling the pro shop at 206-285-2200.
• West Seattle Golf Course was selected by Golf Digest as one of the “50 Best 19 Holes in America”. With its relatively flat terrain, West Seattle course boasts some of the most spectacular views of the Seattle skyline. Located at 4470 35th Ave SW, its less than 8 miles south of the Cove Smith Terminal and 5.5 miles southwest of the Bell Street Terminal. Reservations can be made 10 days in advance online or 7 days in advance by calling the pro shop at 206-935-5187.

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Tours

• Don’t miss the opportunity to venture out and explore the breathtaking beauty of the North Cascades or the historic Seattle company town of Newhalem with Skagit Tours. The Diablo Lake Boat Tour is also a must, offering a three hour guided experience (lunch included). To make a reservation you can either email or call 206-684-3030.
• Seattle by Foot Tours comes highly recommended by media outlets such as, CNN, Los Angeles Times, Seattle Magazine and Marie Claire. Enjoy the best Seattle has to offer and get to know the city through any of their four affordable walking excursions: Seattle’s Original Coffee Crawl, Scenic Emerald City Tour, Seattle Pub Crawl and the Funky Fremont Tour. Tickets should be purchased in advance online or by dialing 1-800-838-3006 as space is limited to 12-15 people per tour. The tours range from $20-$25/per person and last between 2-2 1/2 hours.

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