If you are taking an Alaska cruise from Seattle, there is good news. There are nonstop flights from Incheon to Seattle, and the airport is not far from downtown, making the trip simpler than traveling to Europe. Seattle does have one catch, though: its two cruise terminals are far apart, and one of them is difficult to reach by public transit.
This article walks through the day before embarkation and the morning of boarding in Seattle. It covers how to check which pier your ship uses, choose a hotel accordingly, get there from the airport, and manage your time on embarkation morning. We include only times and distances confirmed in official guidance from the Port of Seattle and cruise lines.
First, the takeaway: arrive the day before, and find out “Pier 66 or Pier 91?”
When the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) surveyed about 4,000 cruise passengers across 8 countries in 2022, 69% said they stayed at least 1 night before boarding. Even with a nonstop flight, it is best to arrive a day early. Flights can be delayed at any time, and if you booked the cruise separately, the cost and effort of getting to the next port if you miss the ship are your responsibility. The time needed for U.S. immigration makes arriving on embarkation day especially tight.
If you remember just one thing about Seattle, check whether your ship uses Pier 66 or Pier 91. This determines both where to stay and how to get to the ship on embarkation day.
The Two Cruise Terminals in Seattle
- Pier 66, Bell Street Cruise Terminal:It is on the downtown waterfront. The Port of Seattle says it is a 6-minute drive or a 20-minute walk from Westlake.
- Pier 91, Smith Cove Cruise Terminal:It is northwest of downtown, near Magnolia. It is a 15-minute drive from Westlake.
Which cruise line uses which pier can vary by season and ship, so check with the boarding documents or cruise line app rather than relying on blog reviews. The Port of Seattle says there is no light rail service to Pier 91, and that reaching it from a city bus stop involves steep stairs and about a 10-minute walk, so it recommends a taxi or rideshare. It also notes there is no direct bus from downtown to Pier 66.
Where to stay the night before
If you are sailing from Pier 66: Downtown waterfront and Pike Place Market
This is the most convenient option, as you can even walk to the terminal. The evening before, you can explore the Pike Place Market area and adjust to the time difference. If you have a lot of luggage, take a short taxi ride on embarkation morning.
If you are sailing from Pier 91: North of downtown (Belltown or near Seattle Center)
You will need a car to reach Pier 91 anyway, so staying north of downtown or near Seattle Center, closer to the pier, can reduce travel time. On embarkation morning, take a taxi or rideshare directly from your hotel.
Whichever area you choose, ask your accommodation whether it offers luggage storage after checkout. Ask in advance; it is useful if you want to check out early in the morning and walk around downtown before your boarding time.
How to get from the airport to your accommodation
Direct flights operate from Incheon to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (check the airline and day of the week when booking). The Port of Seattle says the airport is 15 miles (about 24 km) from downtown, a 30–45-minute drive.
- Link light rail 1 Line:Take it from the airport station directly to Westlake Station downtown, without a transfer. It is the most economical option if your hotel is downtown, and trains run every 8 minutes during busy periods.
- Taxi or rideshare:Board on Level 3 of the airport parking garage. This is convenient if you have a lot of luggage or arrive late.
- Cruise line transfer bus:: Depending on the cruise line, paid buses connecting the airport and terminal may be available. Many are only offered on embarkation day, so check the cruise line’s add-on services.
How to get moving on embarkation morning
Use this as your reference time on embarkation day: the arrival time slot selected in your cruise line app or during online check-in. Holland America accepts check-in from noon until 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure, while Royal Caribbean asks guests to arrive during their selected time slot. MSC closes check-in 2 hours before departure.
- The Port of Seattle advises guests to avoid the terminal drop-off congestion from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.unless that is their assigned arrival window. If your assigned time falls in this period, leave early to account for the drop-off line.
- Pier 66 is only a few minutes by car from downtown, but allow at least 15 minutes for Pier 91, plus time for your rideshare to arrive.
- Pack your passport, boarding documents, regular medications, and a change of clothes for a day in your carry-on. You can check larger bags at the terminal, and they will be delivered to your cabin a few hours later.
Alaska cruises often call at Canadian ports. Before departure, check your passport validity and U.S. re-entry requirements, such as an electronic travel authorization.
The first few hours after boarding
Your cabin may not be ready immediately after boarding. Pack a change of clothes, a charger, and a light jacket in your carry-on. Even in summer, the wind on deck can be cold on an Alaska sailing, and a jacket will let you enjoy the departure scenery longer.
All passengers must take part in a safety drill before departure. Follow your cruise line’s instructions for the format and timing. As you leave Seattle, you can see both the city skyline and the waters of Puget Sound from the deck.
What to check so you do not miss your ship
- Pier number: whether it is Pier 66 (Bell Street) or Pier 91 (Smith Cove). Check before choosing where to stay.
- Arrival time slot and check-in cutoff: Many cruise lines close check-in 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure.
- Terminal drop-off congestion: allow extra time, taking the 11 a.m.–1 p.m. period into account.
- Entry requirements: check the documents required for U.S. entry and Canadian port calls before departure.
- Flight arrival date: arrive at least the day before, even if you have a nonstop flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go straight from the airport to the cruise terminal?
It is possible if you arrive the day before and stay near the airport. In that case, a taxi, rideshare, or cruise line transfer bus is straightforward. The light rail does not reach Pier 91, so if you take it, get off at Westlake Station and transfer to a car.
Is the terminal close to the train station (King Street Station)?
The Port of Seattle says King Street Station is 1.5 miles from Pier 66 and 4 miles from Pier 91, with no direct bus service to either. Take a taxi or rideshare.
Can I take a flight home on the day I disembark?
Disembarkation finishes later than the ship’s arrival time, and the drive to the airport takes 30–45 minutes. For tips on choosing a flight on disembarkation day, see Flights on Cruise Disembarkation Day: What to Check When Planning Your Trip Home.
Plan the days before and after around your cruise dates
Alaska cruise itineraries departing from Seattle are listed on the Seattle port page. If you have already chosen a cruise, the Cruise Planner lets you coordinate flights, a hotel for the night before, and a day ashore at your port of call based on your departure date and pier. For the latest time to return to the ship at a port of call, see Why Start with the All-Aboard Time.
Sources checked (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Port of Seattle cruise terminal and transportation guide: portseattle.org , portseattle.org
- Sound Transit Link light rail 1 Line: soundtransit.org
- Holland America embarkation and check-in information: hollandamerica.com
- Royal Caribbean embarkation arrival time information: royalcaribbean.com
- MSC Cruises embarkation information: msccruisesusa.com
- CLIA 2022 cruise passenger survey (69% stayed before boarding)
For more detailed travel advice, plan your trip with AI in the Cruise Planner below.
