Before setting sail on your Alaska cruise from Seattle, immerse yourself in the city’s unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Known as the Emerald City, Seattle offers world-class dining, vibrant bars, and endless shopping opportunities. Explore iconic spots like the Space Needle and the dazzling Chihuly Garden and Glass, admire panoramic views from Kerry Park, and enjoy waterfront strolls at Olympic Sculpture Park. Rich in green spaces, the city boasts parks such as Discovery Park and Seward Park, where you can admire breathtaking views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Puget Sound provides a gateway to serene outdoor activities like kayaking, whale watching, or sailing on a tugboat. When evening falls, Seattle’s rooftop bars come alive with local brews and crafted cocktails, offering perfect spots to relax and soak in stunning cityscapes before departing on your unforgettable Alaska cruise journey.
From $708/person
Pharaohs Maare
From $728/person
Pharaohs Maare
From $950/person
Pharaohs Maare
From $1028/person
Pharaohs Maare
From $1102/person
Pharaohs Maare
From $1468/person
Pharaohs Maare
From $1538/person
Pharaohs Maare
A visit to Seattle before your Alaska cruise promises a rich blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. The city’s iconic Space Needle offers panoramic views of downtown, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier, while the Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases stunning blown-glass sculptures in vibrant colors. Stroll through the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park to admire large-scale art installations alongside waterfront views. For outdoor lovers, parks like Discovery Park and Seward Park provide peaceful escapes with breathtaking vistas of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. The Seattle Aquarium offers a lively glimpse into the Puget Sound’s marine life, while culinary enthusiasts can savor award-winning dishes, including the famous Clam Chowder, alongside Seattle’s signature coffee culture epitomized by Starbucks. With its combination of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and flavorful cuisine, Seattle is the perfect gateway to your unforgettable Alaska cruise adventure.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the natural beauty of Puget Sound, a magnificent body of water embraced by towering royal mountains and lush green forests. This ancient waterway offers a peaceful retreat where you can witness playful dolphins and seals breaching the surface, or catch a rare glimpse of majestic orcas gliding through the waves. Whether you choose to explore by boat, kayak in calm waters, or simply relax in the serene environment, Puget Sound’s diverse marine life and stunning landscapes promise an unforgettable experience, showcasing nature at its finest. The area is home to over 3,000 species of marine creatures, including seals, sea lions, river otters, gray and humpback whales, and a wide variety of fish and seabirds that contribute to the rich biodiversity of this coastal ecosystem.
Pay tribute to the origins of global coffee culture at the original Starbucks located in Pike Place Market, Seattle. Established in 1971 by founders Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, this historic store first sold fresh-roasted coffee beans, tea, and spices for customers to take home. Although Starbucks later moved from its very first location at 2000 Western Avenue to 1912 Pike Place in 1977, this iconic store retains its vintage charm with its original logo and vintage signage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the familiar aroma of freshly ground beans and savor carefully crafted coffee drinks in a warm, inviting environment. The story of Starbucks reflects the rise of a local startup into a global coffeehouse phenomenon, making a visit here a meaningful experience for fans and travelers alike.
Dine at the prestigious seafood restaurants and bars located in Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market, where fresh, local seafood takes center stage against stunning waterfront views. Savor signature dishes like the pan-seared Dungeness crab cake and succulent grilled salmon, each crafted to celebrate Seattle's rich maritime heritage. This dining experience offers a flavorful journey that will delight your palate and deepen your appreciation for the Pacific Northwest’s bountiful waters and culinary traditions. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and fresh flavors that make Pike Place a must-visit destination for seafood lovers.
The Seattle Center Complex is a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment, offering a diverse array of impressive attractions. Marvel at the stunning glass artwork by Chihuly in the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, a colorful masterpiece showcasing intricate blown-glass sculptures. Dive into exploration at the Pacific Science Center, where interactive exhibits and a planetarium bring science to life, or immerse yourself in the world of music, film, and pop culture at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). For breathtaking city views, ascend the iconic 605-foot tall Space Needle, where panoramic vistas of Seattle’s skyline, the shimmering Puget Sound, and the majestic Mount Rainier await. Together, these attractions make the Seattle Center a must-visit destination that blends art, science, history, and unforgettable experiences.
The Seattle Underground Tour offers a fascinating journey beneath the streets of Pioneer Square, transporting you back to Seattle’s gold rush era. This unique tour explores the hidden network of underground sidewalks and storefronts, remnants of the city before the 1889 Great Fire devastated downtown. As you walk these tunnels, your guide shares intriguing stories of Seattle’s pioneers, the dramatic rebuilding above you, and the transformation of the original streets into what is now the city’s subterranean level. Afterward, head to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park at Pioneer Square to deepen your understanding of Seattle’s role in the gold rush and how it shaped the city’s vibrant history. This immersive experience reveals a captivating layer of Seattle’s past that few get to see.
Seafood reigns supreme in Seattle, with specialties like Dungeness crab, Geoduck clams, and Penn Cove mussels being local favorites. At Pike Place Market, you can also enjoy delicious Chinese-style dumplings and the iconic Beef Pie, a hand-held treat perfect for on-the-go. For a unique snack or breakfast, try the Crackel, a delightful pretzel-croissant hybrid beloved by locals. This variety of fresh and flavorful options showcases the city’s vibrant culinary scene deeply rooted in its maritime heritage and multicultural influences.
Pike Place Market was opened in 1907 as a solution for local farmers to sell their fresh produce directly to consumers, bypassing unethical middlemen. Located in the heart of Seattle, this historic market quickly grew from a few farmers’ carts to an iconic space filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. But Pike Place is not only about food; it also boasts a vibrant arts and crafts scene, featuring artisans offering handmade jewelry, ceramics, and beauty products. During your Seattle cruise holiday, explore the hip boutiques on Belltown Avenue NW for unique finds, and visit larger shopping centers for well-known brands, making Seattle a perfect place for diverse shopping experiences.