CRUISES FROM Seattle, USA

Cruise from and to Seattle, Alaska | MSC Cruises

Your new favourite city awaits on Seattle cruises.

Set in the northwest of Washington State, Seattle is known fondly as the Emerald City and boasts a whole lot of unique cultural attractions and a thriving culinary scene. Discover Pike Place Market, walk through the city’s musical past and present in the Museum of Pop Culture, or ascend the Space Needle for an aerial perspective.

Many of the city’s best views are from the water, and an Alaska cruise from Seattle showcases this before heading north towards untamed wilderness. Cruise from Seattle to Alaska in 2026 for the opportunity to reach the southeastern fishing city of Ketchikan, spot wildlife in Icy Strait Point in Hoonah and admire the spectacular Tracy Arm fjord.

No Alaska cruise from Seattle is complete without a visit to Juneau (accessible only by air and sea) and Sitka, before returning to Victoria, the island capital of Canada’s British Columbia.

Cruises from Seattle to Alaska with MSC Cruises will allow you to explore the very essence of this unique region. You’ll leave with no doubt as to why it remains one of the world’s most celebrated cruise opportunities.

Best Seattle cruises

Seattle is near-overflowing with urban charm thanks to its cultural riches, including bucket list sights like the soaring Space Needle and the kooky Museum of Pop Culture. And remember that Seattle is also a gateway to an unspoilt wilderness, as will be revealed on an Alaska cruise from Seattle.

Cruises from Seattle in 2026

Fully immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Alaska with a range of spectacular cruises from Seattle. Departing from the Emerald City by water, you’ll quickly understand why Seattle has earned this affectionate nickname – thanks to the stunning swathes of greenery that envelope it.

Celebrated for its invaluable musical history, its status as the birthplace of leading tech companies, its dramatic architecture and its beautiful Puget Sound estuarine system, a cruise from Seattle is instantly rewarding. Cruises from Seattle to Alaska then dip into the very best of the coastline as you explore the northwestern reaches of the continent.

Ketchikan is known for its Native American totem poles, nearby Misty Fjords National Monument and snow-capped mountains. Icy Strait Point in Hoonah is every bit as spectacular and unspoilt, and excursions here allow you to take advantage of the outdoor lifestyle Alaska is famous for. Tracy Arm, a fjord near the Alaskan capital of Juneau, is a highlight on a cruise from Seattle, as is a stop in Sitka and a return stop in Victoria, the capital of Canada’s British Columbia.

Cruise from Seattle, Alaska | MSC Cruises

Cruises from Seattle FAQs

Where do MSC Cruises’ ships dock in Seattle?

Your cruise will depart from Seattle cruise Terminal 91. This conveniently located terminal is north of downtown Seattle, a short journey from popular attractions like the iconic Space Needle.
The terminal is also close to Pike Place Market, the oldest farmers' market in the country and still one of Seattle's most popular attractions, not least for its variety of artisanal shops, crafts vendors, eateries and booksellers. You may find the time to pop into one of these shops for some hand-crafted wares or a good book to read during quiet moments while cruising, before making your way to Terminal 91 West, taking in a last glimpse of the bay's splendour, before heading north towards Alaska.

How do I reach the car park at the Seattle cruise port?

There is on-site parking at Terminal 91 in the Seattle cruise port, plus other local parking options at nearby Armory. Both offer convenient access to your cruise ship, with shuttles to transport both you and your luggage. Prior reservations are recommended for both parking areas.

To reach the cruise terminal car park from I-5 (Interstate 5) South, follow signs for the exit at Mercer Street and take the exit. Stay on Mercer Street until it merges with Elliott Avenue, continuing on and past signs to Magnolia Bridge. Then turn right onto 14th Avenue West and follow the ramp to join Magnolia Bridge. Exit right and follow signs to Smith Cove Park and the cruise terminal. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right and follow the signs towards cruise terminal parking.

To reach the car park from I-5 North, follow signs for the Mercer Street exit and then take the exit. Stay on Mercer Street until it merges with Elliott Avenue, continuing on Elliot Avenue and following signs for Magnolia Bridge. Turn right onto 14th Avenue West and follow the ramp to join Magnolia Bridge. Exit right and follow signs to Smith Cove Park and the cruise terminal. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right and follow the signs towards cruise terminal parking.

To reach the car park from I-90 West, move on to I-5 North from I-90 West and then follow the directions above from I-5 North.

How do I get to the Seattle cruise port from the train station?

There is no direct rail access to the cruise terminal, but if you’re arriving in Seattle by train, it’s easy to reach the cruise terminal via other modes of transport. The most convenient train station close to Terminal 91 West is King Street Station, a major hub for various Amtrak services, located approximately four miles away.

From King Street Station, reach Terminal 91 West by taxi or ride-share. Alternatively, Seattle’s D Line buses deliver passengers within walking distance of the cruise terminal, or within reach of a shuttle (alight at Elliott Ave W & W Galer Street if seeking a shuttle to the cruise terminal after catching a D Line bus from King Street Station).

How do I get from Seattle Airport to the cruise port?

It’s possible to reach the cruise terminal from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport using public transport and/or private taxi. The quickest and easiest option is to take a taxi from the airport directly to the cruise terminal. Expect this journey to take approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, take the tram from the airport for roughly 35 minutes to the Symphony stop. From 3rd Avenue and Pike Street, take a 15-minute bus ride in a northerly direction to Elliott Ave W & W Galer St, which is approximately a six-minute walk or a short shuttle ride away from Terminal 91.

If driving from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to the cruise terminal, you can expect the journey (of around 16 miles) to take approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

 

Where can I cruise from Seattle?

Cruises from Seattle to Alaska deliver a unique combination of famous cities, spectacular nature and unique wildlife along the North American West Coast.

Leaving Seattle’s famous skyline and Mount Rainier backdrop behind, you’ll sail north along the coast to incredible destinations like Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau (Alaska’s capital city) and Sitka before returning to Victoria, Canada.

All ports offer unrivalled access to the very best Alaskan scenery. Sail alongside snow-capped peaks and dense forests, and through otherworldly fjords. All port stops on an Alaskan cruise tap into what makes this region world-famous, as well as serving up a mix of adventure, culture and pure Alaskan wilderness.rt.

How long is a cruise from Seattle to Alaska?

Alaska cruises from Seattle typically last seven nights. This allows for enough time to explore a vast coastline and its wild attractions. A seven-night cruise from Seattle stops at the region’s most well-known towns and cities (as well as a few lesser-explored spots), providing an ideal introduction to the region.

The unspoilt wilderness of Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point in Hoonah and Tracy Arm are all within reach on a seven-day cruise, as is Juneau, the stunning Alaskan capital that’s accessible only by air or sea, thanks to the rugged terrain surrounding it. Returning via the picturesque island city of Victoria, Canada, you’ll have ample time to fully absorb what it is about this stretch of North American coastline that has captured imaginations and hearts for years.

How much is a cruise to Aaska from Seattle?

Whatever budget you’ve allocated for an Alaska cruise from Seattle, MSC Cruises can provide you with the ideal getaway. Cruises from Seattle vary in cost depending on the length of the itinerary. Shorter cruises offer a more budget-friendly option while still providing the perfect taster to this unique region. And remember that our Cruise deals from Seattle can help you unlock your ideal Alaskan adventure at a great price.


What is the weather in Seattle?

Seattle’s weather is generally mild. Dry, sunny summers follow cool, wetter winters, meaning that its climate offers a balance of rainfall and temperate days, seldom reaching uncomfortable heat, even in the peak of summer.

Between May and September, when MSC Cruises offers Alaska cruises from Seattle, you can expect mild, crisp mornings that become increasingly sunny. These months usually offer weather that’s perfect for exploring the great outdoors without facing colder winter months.

Spring kicks in during May, and by June the temperatures become warmer and summer days become longer. Still, a cooling breeze is also common, and it’s during this time that the city’s verdant parks and gardens typically burst into bloom – the perfect time to visit for a glorious mix of colour and warmth.

July and August offer warmer temperatures and less chance of rain, with temperatures often reaching a very manageable mid-20°C. September sees temperatures gradually dip below the 20s, but days are still typically sunny and fresh.

What is Seattle known for?

Washington State, where you’ll find the city of Seattle, is famous for spawning several leading technology companies (including two globally recognised names – Microsoft and Amazon), as well as various acclaimed and uniquely talented musicians, such as guitar icon Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain, former frontman of grunge pioneers Nirvana. You’ll still hear their music being celebrated at venues around Seattle, and you won’t have to look far to uncover other enriching musical happenings scattered around the city.

Seattle itself is famous for Pike Place Market, a vibrant and historic market known for its fish-throwing vendors and the world’s first Starbucks coffee shop, which opened in 1971.

Seattle’s skyline has also become a world-famous sight, punctuated by the soaring Space Needle and the stunning saltwater bays of Puget Sound – as well as the backdrop of the ever-present Mount Rainier. See it all and much more on a cruise to Seattle.

What to do in Seattle?

Seattle offers a blend of urban attractions and easily reachable outdoor pursuits. This is a city where a good coffee or a live gig are never far away, but where dense forests also remind you how close you are to untamed wilderness.

The best things to do in Seattle cater to refreshingly diverse tastes. Ascend the famous Space Needle for panoramic views and explore the city’s storied musical history at the Museum of Pop Culture. Walk through buzzy Pike Place Market to sample local delicacies, and order a coffee from the world’s first Starbucks.

Answer the call of the wild by exploring the mighty Puget Sound estuary by ferry or take a hike on scenic trails over at nearby Discovery Park. Those seeking out further adventures can gear up for a kayaking or paddle-boarding session on Lake Union, which is also famous for its houseboats and Seattle skyline views. In other words, you’ll never be short of great things to do in this multilayered city.