CME Cruises Arriving in Seattle, Washington

Your incredible Alaskan journey has concluded, but the adventure doesn't have to stop at the pier. We strongly encourage you to think of Seattle not as your departure gate, but as the perfect urban epilogue to the wild beauty you've just experienced. While many travelers make a beeline for the airport, those who extend their stay for a day or three are rewarded with a deep dive into one of America's most dynamic and scenic cities. This isn't just a place to pass through; it's a destination that merits its own chapter in your travel story. Your Post-Cruise Seattle Itinerary Upon disembarking, we recommend heading to your downtown hotel to drop your luggage. From either the Bell Street Pier at Pier 66 or the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, a short taxi or rideshare will place you in the heart of the city, ready to explore. Day 1: The Sensory Heart of the City Once settled, make your way to the one place that defines Seattle: Pike Place Market. This is not a tourist trap; it's a living, breathing institution and a feast for the senses. Witness the famous fish-throwing mongers at Pike Place Fish Market, inhale the aroma of countless flower stalls, and sample artisanal cheeses from Beecher's. Grab a coffee at the original Starbucks (expect a line, but it's a pilgrimage for fans) or, better yet, discover one of the many other exceptional local coffee roasters nearby. For lunch, the market offers endless choices, from fresh piroshkies to world-class clam chowder. Spend the afternoon wandering its multi-level maze of craft stalls, comic book shops, and unique purveyors. For the evening, the adjacent Belltown neighborhood or the area around the market offers some of the city's best dining, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest's incredible bounty. This is the place to indulge in fresh oysters and perfectly prepared salmon. Day 2: Iconic Views and Neighborhood Charm Dedicate your morning to the Seattle Center, the legacy of the 1962 World's Fair. We advise booking tickets in advance for the Space Needle to secure your preferred time and enjoy the staggering 360-degree views. Right at its base is the unmissable Chihuly Garden and Glass. Even if you don't consider yourself a museum-goer, the vibrant, otherworldly glass sculptures are breathtakingly beautiful and universally appealing. For music, film, and pop culture enthusiasts, the Frank Gehry-designed Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is an absolute must. In the afternoon, choose a neighborhood that speaks to you. Explore Pioneer Square, Seattle's oldest district, with its stunning Victorian architecture, art galleries, and the fascinating Bill Speidel's Underground Tour, which reveals the city's buried history. Alternatively, head to the quirky, bohemian neighborhood of Fremont to see the famous Fremont Troll lurking under the bridge and browse its independent shops. Day 3: Aviation History or a Maritime Escape If you have a later flight, spend your final morning at the Museum of Flight. Located just south of downtown near the airport, it's one of the world's premier air and space museums. Its vast collection, featuring everything from the first Boeing aircraft to a Concorde and a Space Shuttle Trainer, is genuinely awe-inspiring and logistically convenient for your departure. For a more scenic farewell, take a 35-minute ferry ride from the downtown waterfront to Bainbridge Island. The journey itself is a highlight, offering the single best view of the Seattle skyline against the backdrop of Mount Rainier (on a clear day). Spend a couple of hours strolling through the island's charming main street before ferrying back. Getting to the Airport When it's finally time to depart, the Link Light Rail is the most efficient and affordable way to get from downtown to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac). The ride takes about 40 minutes, bypassing all traffic. By giving yourself these extra days, you transform your trip from a great cruise into a comprehensive Pacific Northwest experience, blending the untamed wilderness of Alaska with the innovative, caffeinated, and creative spirit of the Emerald City.