Seattle or Vancouver? Where To Start Your Alaska Cruise ?
Explore the friendly and dazzling port of Vancouver and come face to face with Mother Nature’s greatest masterpieces.
From 6-night getaways to immersive, 13-night Cruisetours that combine the wild, forested beauty of Alaska’s coast with the majesty of Denali National Park, there’s an Alaskan cruise style and length to suit you.
Seattle can be very convenient for departure as it has many affordable flight options. For those who depart from Vancouver, a passport is required to fly into this Canadian port from the United States.
Cruises from Vancouver depart from spring through fall.
Located on the southwestern coast of British Columbia, Vancouver is Canada's third most populous city. The bustling metropolis is known for its cultural diversity, which is on display in areas like Chinatown, brimming with authentic eateries and apothecaries. Gastown, Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, exudes historic charm thanks to cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture harmoniously interspersed with trendy boutiques and galleries. Outdoor activities abound in the urban Stanley Park, home to gardens, beaches, trails, totem poles and the seawall amid a lush forested setting totaling about 1,000 acres. The city is a jumping-off point for whale-watching tours, which reward keen eyes with glimpses of orcas and humpback whales as well as pelicans, puffins and bald eagles. A short hop northward across the harbor into North Vancouver is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where seven bridges and a cliff walk delight thrill-seekers.
Canada Place Ship Terminal
999 Canada Place
Vancouver, BC, CANADA
The Port of Vancouver is 25 minutes from Vancouver's International Airport (YVR). Parking is available at the Canada Place Ship Terminal for C$26.00 per day (for 3 days or more). Rates are subject to change by the Port Authority.
Located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, with a backdrop of Washington state forests, mountains and sparkling Puget Sound, Seattle has been the natural gateway to Alaska for more than 100 years.
Cruises from Seattle depart from spring through fall.
The bustling Washington port known as the "The Emerald City" is both a culturally rich metropolis and a gateway to beautiful natural attractions. In the shadows of the widely recognized Space Needle, the Seattle Center is home to the city's sports arena and many museums and theaters. The lively Pike Place Market and the mammoth "Hammering Man" sculpture are downtown must-sees. Visitors also flock to the waterfront for fresh seafood, the Harbor Steps park or to board a ferry bound for Puget Sound. Seattle is served by both the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal and Terminal 91.
Port of Seattle
Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal (Pier 66)
2225 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
Norwegian and Oceania passengers use the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal.
The Port of Seattle's Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal is located just 14 miles from Seattle Tacoma International Airport. Parking is available at the cruise terminal for $24.00 per day (rates subject to change by Port Authority).
Terminal 91
2001 West Garfield St.
Seattle, WA 98119
Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean passengers use Terminal 91.
Terminal 91 is located about 17 miles from Seattle Tacoma International Airport. The Smith Cove Terminal parking lot is available to all Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean cruise passengers. General parking is available for $27.00. Rate includes tax. All customers will receive a $1 per day discount if they book parking online.
Seattle and Vancouver are two of the most popular embarkation ports for Alaska.
Port of Seattle Highlights
While waiting to board your cruise, you can enjoy the comfort of the Port of Seattle. All cruises depart from this port, running on Pacific Standard Time. If you're interested in visiting the famous Pike Place Market or Pioneer Square nearby, you can book an excursion and get taken directly to your destination. Buses, taxis, bicycles, and ferries are also available if you want to get around on your own.
You can take two exciting jaunts right in the city, both of which end at the airport, making it an easy bonus to add to the end of your cruise.
The first excursion is the Best of Seattle tour, which allows you to visit Seattle's most notable attractions. This includes visiting the Space Needle, where you can get an overhead view of Seattle. You can check out Pike Place Market, which is the oldest farmers market on the West Coast.