There are two departure ports to start your cruise to Alaska. Seattle and Vancouver BC
There is a third option with most cruise lines, but it is from Los Angeles and the cruise is much longer with more sea days.
Whereas departing from Seattle and Vancouver makes it so that you are arriving in Alaska much sooner. The rule of thumb is the more north your embarkation port is the further north you end up going in Alaska.
So, let’s get started! Here are my top 3 tips on starting your cruise in Seattle.
Check my other posts to see what to do in Vancouver, British Columbia
I recommend arriving to Seattle at least the day prior to your cruise, to allow yourself time to explore this bustling city. There are so many fun things to do while in Seattle, it was hard to narrow it down to my top 3.
So, here are my top 3 things to do while visiting in Seattle.
Seattle Great Wheel
Block some time to visit the Seattle Great Wheel. This is not just a simple Ferris wheel but quite a destination!
We recommend getting your tickets in advance to experience this Great Wheel.
If your visit is over the dinner hour then you can enjoy a private dining experience. This experience is designed for a party of four. The food comes from the Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar, and is a 4 course dining experience, pared with a bottle of Red or White wine all while enjoying the view of Puget Sound.
The great Wheel also ha a colorful light show displays that usually runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from dusk to 10pm. Throughout the weekdays the ring beam is typically illuminated. If your visit to Seattle is during a special holiday or game days than keep an eye out for special themed light shows-they are especially fun to watch.
Planning a proposal or celebrating just getting married or a special event like a gender reveal? I can arrange for you to have an array of patterns, letters, colors and designs to celebrate your special day. This would be such a special start to your cruise! That is a proposal your loved ones will never forget!
Pike Place Market
“The Pike Place Market is a place where Seattle eats, shops, meets and rejuvenates”
There is indoor and outdoor dining, with take-out options if you choose to eat back at your hotel.
The Pike Place Market is situated on a nine-acre historic district, so there is lots to explore. Plan on spending lots of time here.
Every trip to the Market provides an opportunity to indulge in favorite regional dishes. You can enjoy clam chowder or enjoy the taste of sweet or savoury artisan foods, with way too many options to list here.
A selection of shopping venues will include your typical retail stores but what is not typical is the selection of hand made goods from local artists. We love supporting local and this is a great way to support the local economy and the local artisans.
The Pike Place Market crafts market began more than 40 years ago and represents approximatly 225 local artisans. When the craft market began in the 1960’s, this diverse group has become a large part of the Pike Place Market. The daily crafts market provides the opportunity to discover unique, local and handcrafted items and is one of the largest and most diverse in the U.S.A.
If you are a fellow foodie then you will love the speciality food stores at the Pike Market.
They carry spices, ingredients and products for almost any kind of adventurous recipe.
If you are on the lookout for cheeses, meat, baked goods and imported products from countries like Bavaria, France, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Africa, India and beyond then you are in luck!
After your cruise be sure to come back to get some spices
You can visit the market at the end of your roundtrip Seattle itinerary and bring some spices, teas, dried pastas, bottled truffle oil and vinegars and teas home with you. You cannot bring meats or cheeses over the border with you but you can enjoy a sample of them while you are there.
If your home is in the USA then you are able bring some of these delicious items home with you.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium an amazing thing to put on your must visit while in Seattle.
The aquarium promotes marine conservation and educates over 800,000 visitors each year on the impact of mankind on marine life.
The aquarium also does extensive research in the fields of the impact of man on marine life.
In 2007, the aquarium expanded and added an 18,000-square-feet. They also added a 2,625-square-foot gift store and a café to the aquarium.
Window on Washington Waters opened in 2007. It is a 120,000-US-gallon tank. This exhibit was meant to replicate the coastal waters of Washington state. This features native marine life including salmon, rockfish and sea anemones.
You can time your visit with dive shows which take place a few times during the day. There are dive shows which take place several times during the day. The divers wear special masks and are able to talk to the people watching.
One of the highlights of the Aquarium is the underwater dome.
This is an exhibit that is viewed from a spherical undersea room, so you are surrounded by the saline. It is 400,000 US-gallon tank. This Underwater dome was opened in 1977.
This is a perfect spot for the best instagram pictures!
So Many More Things to See and Do
There are so many more things to see and do in Seattle, I only listed my top 3.
Some of the other things include:
• Starbucks Roastery – One of only 6 in the world
• Olympic Sculpture Park.
• EMP Museum
•Ye Olde Curiosity Shop.
• The Space Needle.
And so many more exciting things to do here in Seattle
If you have any questions about some of this locations please reply to this email it will not bounce back as an unmonitored address, you will be emailing me directly. Thats the perk with working with me. Personalized service!
you can send me an email anytime at Kathleen@PlentyofSunshineTravel.com and I will respond as soon as I can.
I have a few group cruises that go to Alaska. If the dates fit with your schedule then you get some amazing perks by joining in our group.
Plus you will be cruising with me. So, if you need anything while on the cruise, I am there for you.
