Fascination — 11-Night Alaska

Cruise ships in Seattle typically berth at either Pier 66 (Bell Street Cruise Terminal) or Pier 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal). Pier 66 is in the downtown area, within easy walking distance of many attractions. Pier 91 is about 3 to 4 miles north of the city center; walking from this terminal to downtown is generally not practical.

• Walk10-20 minutesFree

  This is only an option if your ship is docked at Pier 66, which is directly adjacent to downtown Seattle.

• Cruise line shuttle15-25 minutesTypically around $8-12 USD per person each way

  Most cruise lines offer a shuttle service from Pier 91 to a central downtown location, such as near Pike Place Market; confirm availability and current pricing with your line when you book.

• Taxi or rideshare15-20 minutesUsually about $25-35 USD per car

  Taxis are often available at the terminal exit, while rideshare services can be booked via app; fares vary with traffic and demand.

• Public bus30-45 minutesAround $2.75-3.00 USD per person

  From Pier 91, this requires a walk of about 15 minutes outside the terminal area to find a bus stop; check the King County Metro website for current routes and schedules.

Watch out. If your ship docks at Pier 91, plan for transport as the distance to downtown is too far for most passengers to walk comfortably.

Worth doing here

• Pike Place Market

  This historic market offers a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts, fresh food, and unique shops, appealing to diverse interests.

  It is a short walk from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal. Entry is free, but budget time and money for exploring food stalls and artisan goods. Allow about 2-3 hours.

• Seattle Center and Space Needle

  The iconic Space Needle provides panoramic city views, and the surrounding Seattle Center offers attractions like the Chihuly Garden and Glass, suitable for various ages and interests.

  Reach the Seattle Center via a moderate walk or a ride on the Monorail, which typically costs around $3-4 each way; confirm current fares on the day. Space Needle admission is usually about $35-40 per person, and Chihuly Garden and Glass is a separate fee, often around $30-35. Allow 3-4 hours for these attractions.

• Waterfront Exploration

  The Seattle waterfront offers scenic views of Puget Sound, with attractions like the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel providing relaxed entertainment options.

  This area is easily walkable from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal. Seattle Aquarium admission is typically around $35 per adult, and a ride on the Great Wheel usually costs about $18-20 per person. Allow 2-3 hours to enjoy these sights.

• Bainbridge Island Ferry Ride

  A ferry ride across Puget Sound offers excellent scenic views of the Seattle skyline and mountains, leading to a pleasant small town with shops and cafes.

  The ferry terminal is a moderate walk from some cruise terminals. Walk-on ferry tickets are typically around $9-10 round trip for adults; check current prices with Washington State Ferries. The ride takes about 35 minutes each way, and you will want 1-2 hours to explore the island, making it a 3-4 hour outing.

Cruise ships typically dock at one of several piers (Broadway, Railroad, or Ore Docks) in Skagway. The downtown area is usually about 0.2 to 1 mile (approximately 300 meters to 1.6 kilometers) from the ship, making walking a realistic option for most passengers.

• walkabout 5-20 minutesfree

  The walk from the docks to downtown Skagway is generally flat and offers immediate access to the historic district.

• port shuttleabout 5-10 minutestypically free, or around $3-5 USD per person

  Some cruise lines provide complimentary shuttles from longer piers; check with your ship, or local operators may offer paid shuttles near the gangway.

• taxiaround 2-5 minutesusually about $5-10 USD per car

  Taxis are available near the docks, primarily useful for those with mobility concerns or heading directly to an excursion meeting point outside the immediate downtown area.

Watch out. The specific pier your ship uses can mean a longer or shorter walk to town; always confirm your ship's docking location to gauge your walking distance.

Worth doing here

• White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

  This historic train ride offers stunning mountain scenery and a vivid connection to the Gold Rush era, enjoyable for nearly all ages and activity levels.

  This is a half-day activity, typically around 3-4 hours round trip from the Skagway depot, which is often a short walk or shuttle from the cruise ship. Tickets usually range from around $135 to $160 USD per person; confirm with the railway for current pricing and schedules when booking. It is often best to book in advance.

• Explore Historic Skagway Town

  The charming, walkable town offers insights into Gold Rush life with wooden boardwalks, restored buildings, and local shops, suitable for a relaxed pace.

  Most of the historic district is within an easy walk of the cruise ship dock, taking anywhere from one to three hours depending on how much you browse. There is no admission fee to walk around town, though individual shops or museums may charge a small entry fee, typically around $5-10 USD.

• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center

  This provides a deeper understanding of the Gold Rush story through exhibits and ranger programs, appealing to those interested in history without extensive walking.

  Located in the heart of town, it is a short walk from the cruise ship docks and can take an hour or two to explore. Entry is free; check their official website for current opening hours and program schedules.