Seattle Cruises 2021/2022

Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle Cruises Things To Do

• 
  Get lost at Pike Place Public Market

  Pike Place Market is a significant public market that opened in 1907. It's one of the oldest farmer's markets that is still running in the whole country! It is most famous for its fish sellers, but there are also stalls filled with local produce, souvenirs, food, arts and crafts, etc. If you get hungry while walking around, there are many different dining spots throughout the market. Honestly, even if you don't plan on purchasing anything, spend at least an hour or two visiting the iconic Pike Place Public Market.

  You Should Know

  The fish market usually isn't open on Sundays, so plan your trip to the market wisely.

• 
  Take a photo at the Gum Wall

  The Gum Wall is exactly what it sounds like: a brick wall completely covered in chewing gum! It's right near Pike Place Public Market in Post Alley, so it's near the more popular spots to visit in downtown Seattle. Though it sounds super gross, it's one of the most-visited attractions in the city. It started back in 1993. People waiting to enter a show at the Post Alley's Market Theater would often just take their gum and stick it right onto the wall. Before long, it turned into the phenomenon that it is most well-known today.

  You Should Know

  The entire wall was scrapped entirely off and cleansed in 2015, which was the first time. Within a few days, citizens started sticking their gum on the wall again!

• 
  Try coffee at the original Starbucks

  The original Starbucks opened up in Seattle in 1992, right near the Pike Place Public Market! It's located in a tiny 1,000-square-foot building, and the sign outside still features the old, original logo. Though it's so tiny, it's one of the most-visited Starbucks locations because of its history. They serve the same coffees that you can find at other Starbucks, but it's more exciting because it's the original location! If you want to try more unique flavors, consider checking out the Starbucks Reserve, another Seattle location.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The line at this Starbucks is always long. You can typically expect to wait at least 20 minutes until you get your order taken. Try to visit either right before lunch or right after lunch to avoid the majority of the crowds.

• 
  Stroll through the Chihuly Garden and Glass

  Chihuly Garden and Glass is an art museum in Seattle that first opened in May 2012. It displays many of Dale Chihuly's delicate and intricate glasswork pieces that truly look mesmerizing to the eye. Dale Chihuly is a Washington native who studied glassmaking at the University of Wisconsin and later went to the Rhode Island School of Design. He became one of the most well-known glass artists, and his work can now be found in over 200 museums around the world. 

  You Should Know

  It takes about 1 to 2 hours to experience the full museum thoroughly, but that can vary.

• 
  See Seattle from above at the Space Needle

  The Seattle Space Needle is 605 feet tall and is home to a fantastic observation deck and restaurant with a breathtaking view. It first opened in 1962 and was created for the World's Fair that year when the theme was space-related. It was completely renovated in 2018. From the top, visitors can view Seattle's downtown area, the mountains, and Puget Sound. It's a can't-miss attraction when visiting Seattle. If you can only visit one spot, check out the Seattle Space Needle!

  You Should Know

  Keep in mind that the last entrance is 45 minutes before the closing time listed for each day. The Seattle Space Needle is open every day of the year but may occasionally have to close for special events.

• 
  Support locals at Ballard Farmers’ Market

  The Ballard Farmers' Market runs year-round in Seattle and is filled with over 100 different stalls and vendors. Many of them sell local produce and other foods, but many vendors also sell complete dishes, such as sandwiches, ramen, and more! The farmers market first opened in 2000 and only sells things produced directly in Washington to help give back to its local workers. It's only open on Sundays, so unfortunately, you might have to miss out on this market if you are visiting during the middle of the week.

  Best Time To Visit

  Because the farmer's market is only open on Sundays, usually for only 5 hours, it's pretty busy no matter what time you visit. You can visit with the least amount of people right when it opens.

• 
  Explore the Museum of Pop Culture

  The Museum of Pop Culture, also commonly referred to as MoPOP by locals, is a museum that was founded in 2000 by Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft. Some exhibits are permanent, and some are rotating. Examples of past exhibits include Minecraft: The Exhibition, Body of Work: Tattoo Culture, and Infinite World of Science Fiction. In addition to being filled with some fantastic exhibits, the building itself is a true marvel. The architect was Frank Gehry, and it features some of the most unique architecture in the world. Even if you don't plan on going inside the museum, at least see it from the outside!

  You Should Know

  You can quickly get to the Museum of Pop Culture by using the monorail if you don't have a car! Make sure you grab a map to make the most of your time at the museum.

• 
  Ride the Seattle Great Wheel

  The Seattle Great Wheel is a grand Ferris wheel that opened in 2012. It stands at 175 feet tall and is located right on Pier 57 near Elliot Bay. For a time, it was the biggest Ferris wheel of its kind when it was first built! This is great fun no matter your age, and it's one of the best ways to get some great coastal views of Seattle if you don't have time to visit the Seattle Space Needle. To ensure that you get to go on, make sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time online.

  You Should Know

  The Ferris wheel is opened at different times throughout the week and the year. However, if you can opt to visit after the sun goes down, you'll have some impeccable night city views.

• 
  See the sculptures at Olympic Sculpture Park

  The Olympic Sculpture Park is a free public park that opened in 2007. It covers 9 acres and includes a beach and a beautiful open-air sculpture museum that can't be missed. The nearby Seattle Art Museum owns it. In addition to the outdoor sculptures, this park also gives one of the best views of the coast and the Seattle Space Needle. If you're looking to explore a free outdoor area of Seattle, make sure you stop by Olympic Sculpture Park.

  You Should Know

  There is metered parking available near the park. If you are interested in having a guide for your visit, you can hop on a 60-minute free tour of the entire park and learn about its sculptures and history!

• 
  Check out the Seattle Aquarium

  The Seattle Aquarium is a huge aquarium that opened in 1977. It's right on Pier 59 and is located only a short walk from the Seattle Great Wheel. Plan on spending at least an hour and a half exploring the museum's inside, though this number can vary. There are a wide variety of exhibits inside the museum. Some of their displays include Life of a Drifter, Birds and Shores, Underwater Dome, and Puget Sound Fish. There are also fun shows that you can join in on throughout the aquarium.

  You Should Know

  If you happen to have jackets or baggage with you that you don't want to carry around the aquarium, you can put them into the storage lockers right at the entrance.

Seattle Cruises When To Visit

• Spring and Fall - September to November and March to May - Shoulder Season

  The shoulder seasons in Seattle have a bit of colder weather, and not many people visit during this time. This makes prices for accommodations quite affordable, but you can still go out and walk around the city without feeling too cold. During the spring season, the temperature averages around 58°F, while the fall months average just about the same.

• Summer - June to August - High Season

  The summer months are the warmest time of year in Seattle. The temperature during these months averages around 67°F usually. Because so many people visit during this time, accommodation prices are at their highest.

• Winter - December to February - Low Season

  The winter is the rainiest time of year in Seattle. The weather is quite cold during this time and is typically in the low 50's and high 40's. Accommodation prices are at their lowest, but some fun attractions might have shortened hours due to the lack of visitors.

Seattle Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Seattle cruises?

  Seattle cruises are one of the best ways to explore the world while having your belongings and room travel with you! They're perfect for all types of travelers, including families, couples, and solo travelers. You'll be able to relax on travel days and explore on days that the boat is docked!

• What’s included on a Seattle cruise?

  Each Seattle cruise includes accommodation and dining. However, the options for each of those can vary drastically from cruise to cruise. You'll also have amenities in your room, such as a television, hairdryer, etc. This tends to change depending on which cruise line you book your cruise with.

• What’s the best Seattle cruise?

  Truthfully, no Seattle cruise is better than another. Each cruise is so vastly different from the other because of the length, cities it stops at, and amenities onboard. That's why it's essential to find what Seattle cruise is most perfect for you.

• How much do Seattle cruises cost?

  Seattle cruises have different prices depending on the length and cruise line you opt to book. Some cost as little as $80 a day while others cost upwards of $100 per day. It just depends on which one you book!