Seattle Cruise Port Guide
Cruises from Seattle sweep you from the shimmering skyline of the Emerald City into Alaska’s raw, untamed wilderness—a realm where spruce and hemlock forests stretch to the water’s edge and serrated, snow-draped peaks line the horizon. Glide through the island-studded Inside Passage, where breaching whales and sleek orcas might just steal the show. In enchanting Ketchikan, lace up your boots for a hike in Tongass National Forest—or take to the air on a thrilling zipline ride over the treetops. Skagway echoes the history of the Klondike Gold Rush, an era of grit, greed, and gold fever. Nothing quite prepares you for the spectacle of the mighty Dawes Glacier, where giant slabs of ancient ice calve with a thunderclap into the still water.
Seattle itself is part innovation hub, part outdoor playground, where glass towers reflect the endless sea and sky. Step onto the nerve-jangling revolving glass floor of the Space Needle, riff with rock history at the bold and brilliant MoPop museum, or graze your way around colorful Pike Place Market before relaxing with a coffee in the world’s very first Starbucks.
Itineraries
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Featured Ports
Ketchikan
Self-styled Salmon Capital of the World, pretty Ketchikan is the place to be to watch the astonishing display of millions of shimmering silver fish surging upstream to spawn. The city is hemmed in by the dense Tongass National Forest, where you can hike under spruce and hemlock trees, spotting bears foraging in rushing streams. Or take a wildlife safari in search of whales and sea lions. In town, shop for local crafts on Creek Street, a stilted walkway with a colorful history.
Endicott Arm
Glide through the pristine Endicott Arm fjord, 30 miles of raw beauty. Look out for harbor seals basking on floating chunks of ice and waterfalls cascading down the mountain peaks. Scan the shoreline for brown bears, moose, and even wolves. At the end of the fjord, come face-to-face with the mighty Dawes Glacier, 600 feet tall and half a mile wide. Stand on deck breathing the cold air, waiting for a dramatic roar as massive chunks of ice split from the glacier and cascade into the milky water.
Skagway
Historic Skagway is defined by Gold Rush history. Step into the iconic Red Onion Saloon, established in 1898, or climb through magnificent mountain scenery on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad, tracing the treacherous White Pass of the Klondike Gold Rush. You could trek part of the Chilkoot Trail, another route once braved by fortune hunters. For a more serene experience, drift through nature on the Taiya River against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and hanging glaciers.
Our Ship Sailing Out of Seattle
Why Embark on an Alaska Cruise from Seattle with Celebrity Cruises
Experience the adventure of a lifetime when you cruise to Alaska from Seattle on the state-of-the-art Celebrity Edge, the perfect ship from which to gaze in awe at the magnificent scenery of the 49th state. Sail past towering glaciers and admire sweeping views from a vantage point on the Magic Carpet, high above the water. Relax on your private veranda with a steaming mug of hot chocolate as you search for whales, bears, and bald eagles in the Inside Passage. Marvel at the incredible calving displays of Dawes Glacier while an onboard naturalist describes every detail of the captivating sight.
After a busy day exploring ashore, relax in the warm water of the pool in the glass-enclosed Solarium, or unwind in the Spa. Sip an expertly-made martini at the Martini Bar and savor globally-inspired cuisine at the onboard restaurants. Elevate your Alaska vacation with The Retreat, which gives you a beautiful suite, an exclusive lounge and sundeck, and dining at the prestigious Luminae at The Retreat.
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Top Sights & Attractions in Seattle
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located in the heart of Seattle, the magical Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit features some of the most whimsical and intricate glassworks of world-renowned glass artist, Dale Chihuly, who was born in nearby Tacoma. Blending in perfectly with the lush, green garden theme of the Emerald City, the glassworks are on display in an open-air museum. Time your visit to take in a jaw-dropping demonstration of the art of glass blowing.
Space Needle
Seattle’s most famous attraction, the slender Space Needle, is also the most easily recognizable structure in the city’s distinctive skyline. Towering over the neighboring buildings, the Space Needle features an observation deck shaped like a spaceship approximately 520 feet in the air, offering breathtaking 360-degree views. If you’re feeling brave, walk on The Loupe, the world’s first and only rotating glass floor.
Pike Place Market
No visitor to Seattle ever forgets the color, mouth-watering displays, and buzz of Pike Place Market, one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the U.S. At the fish market, watch as local vendors toss fresh-caught fish in the air, passing each fish through the market until it reaches the customer. As you enter the market, rub the snout of “Rachel”, a life-sized piggy bank cast in bronze; donations support local charities.
Seattle Shore Excursions
Top Things to Do in Seattle
Delve Into Pop Culture
Immerse yourself in the history of pop, rock, and grunge at the extraordinary MoPop, or Museum of Pop Culture, housed in a shimmering, curvy structure designed by Frank Gehry. As well as a display of legendary musical instruments, including guitars, there’s a Sound Lab where you can show off your own musical skills, lay down vocal tracks, have a private jam session, and even perform to a virtual audience. MoPop also includes the Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction, heaven for any sci-fi fan.
Ascend to the Highest Viewpoint
The Space Needle may be the most easily recognizable structure on the Seattle skyline, but it is not the tallest. The Columbia Tower at the Columbia Center reaches a height of 937 feet and has 76 floors. Head to the Sky View Observatory on the 73rd floor and take in the spectacular and awe-inspiring views of Seattle, the island-specked sound, and distant forests and mountains.
Day Trip to Puget Sound
For rugged landscapes, breathtaking views, and wildlife, look no further than Puget Sound. The Sound provides postcard-like views of snow-capped mountains behind evergreen forests stretching for miles until they meet the sea right in front of your eyes. This is the perfect place to look out for orca, humpbacks, and gray whales, with views on a clear day of snow-capped Mount Rainier in one direction and the Olympic range in the other.
