For more than 125 years Seattle has been the gateway to Alaska and is the largest cruise home port for round-trip itineraries to Alaska’s Inside Passage. Seattle is a rich destination in itself, offering a unique opportunity to sell the city as more than just a transit hub.

Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 are centrally located to Seattle’s downtown core offering visitors access to the city’s top attractions, experiences and amenities. Pier 66 is located centrally on Seattle’s recently redesigned waterfront – just steps to the iconic Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and Olympic Sculpture Garden. Pier 91 is located at the north waterfront, just a short, 10-minute drive from Seattle’s downtown hotels or its historic Fisherman’s Terminal and Ballard Locks.  

By encouraging travelers to extend their stay, travel agents can enhance their clients' overall trip with minimal extra planning. Highlighting convenient accommodations near the cruise terminals and must-see attractions within easy reach can make the proposition even more attractive.

Curated City Break Itineraries

Developing curated itineraries with highly regarded visitor programs like Seattle CityPASS or the shorter Seattle C3 option, city tours, or guided outdoor adventure can simplify decision-making for travelers. Be sure to include diverse experiences like exploring the historic Pioneer Square and Seattle’s Underground, enjoying craft coffee in Capitol Hill, or taking a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park or Olympic National Park. For those interested in arts and culture, suggest visits to the Seattle Art Museum or the Museum of Pop Culture. Tailored itineraries can cater to various interests, ensuring that every traveler can find something to love about Seattle.

Seamless Travel Experiences

Ensure the transition between the cruise and the city break is seamless by providing information on transportation options, luggage storage solutions, and tips for navigating the city.

A unique selling point is that the Port of Seattle owns both the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and the two cruise terminals and offers coordinated services for visiting guests. For example, travelers have the option to use concierge luggage storage at SEA Airport and each of the cruise terminals. In addition, the Port of Seattle offers Port Valet, a free luggage service for disembarking cruise passengers that provides complimentary transfer of bags from the ship directly to the airport and on to their departing flight for collection when they arrive home, allowing cruise passengers to explore Seattle bag-free before going to the airport. This program is available to international and domestic passengers with qualifying direct flights.

Recommending pre-booked tours or dining experiences can adda touch of exclusivity and convenience. For travel agents, offering packages that include these elements not only enhances the client's experience but also positions you as a thoughtful and efficient planner.

Engagement Tip for Travel Agents

Highlight the ease of extending a cruise vacation with a Seattle city break by emphasizing the city's diverse attractions and experiences as complementary to their Alaska cruise. Showcasing these diverse offerings can make the prospect of a pre- or post-cruise stay appealing and provide better client satisfaction.