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Noordam at Port of Seattle

Everything you need for boarding Noordam (Holland America) at Port of Seattle. Terminal info, parking, restaurants, hotels, and pro tips.

Upcoming Sail Dates

DateTerminal
Sun, Aug 16, 2026Terminal: Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91)
Sun, Aug 23, 2026Terminal: Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91)
Sun, Sep 6, 2026Terminal: Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91)
Sun, Oct 4, 2026Terminal: Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91)
Sun, Oct 11, 2026Terminal: Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91)

Most cruise lines assign an arrival window during online check-in, and arriving inside that window is the best way to avoid the longest terminal lines. General boarding usually runs from late morning into the early afternoon, but the exact timing varies by ship, port, and sail date. Follow the check-in instructions your cruise line sends you — they always take priority over general guidance.

Where does Noordam depart from at Seattle?

The current schedule lists Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91). Confirm your terminal with the cruise line before traveling.

Drop-off: Take W Garfield Way to the terminal entrance at 2001 W Garfield Way. Follow the cruise ship signs from Elliott Ave W. There's a covered drop-off area where porters will take your luggage (tip $2-3 per bag). After dropping off bags and passengers, continue to the parking lot.

When should I board Noordam?

Holland America online check-in typically opens several weeks before sailing through your booking or the Navigator app, and many departures ask you to select a check-in appointment or arrival window. Completing it early typically shortens your time in line at the pier.

Windows and opening dates vary by ship, homeport, and loyalty tier, so always follow your cruise line's instructions for your specific sailing.

Where can I park for a Noordam cruise?

  • Driving & Port Parking: Pier 91: packages from $187/week (about $27/day). Pier 66: $30/day. Off-site lots: $15-20/day with shuttle.

Rates change — check parking and transportation options near Seattle before you travel.

Official Terminal

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91)

Drop-off: Take W Garfield Way to the terminal entrance at 2001 W Garfield Way. Follow the cruise ship signs from Elliott Ave W. There's a covered drop-off area where porters will take your luggage (tip $2-3 per bag). After dropping off bags and passengers, continue to the parking lot.

Parking: Parking at Smith Cove is prepaid and priced by voyage length rather than by the day — about $187 for a 7-day cruise in the economy zone, with fees, taxes and the terminal shuttle included (USP Parking, checked July 29, 2026). A reservation isn't strictly required for general parking, but the operator recommends booking ahead to guarantee a space in peak Alaska season, and cancellations must be made seven days before your booking date. Oversized and RV spaces exist but are limited, reservation is mandatory for that zone, and the operator prices it separately — check when you book.

Check-in tips:

  • Complete your cruise line's online check-in and have your boarding pass on your phone before arrival
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID. A passport isn't strictly required on a round-trip Seattle sailing, but bring one anyway — and it is required if your cruise ends in Vancouver rather than returning here
  • Arrive during your assigned boarding time — arriving early won't get you on the ship faster
  • There's no light rail here, and the nearest bus stops leave a walk that isn't realistic with cruise luggage — plan for rideshare, shuttle, or private vehicle

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal parking & drop-off at Port of Seattle

Getting to the Port

From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

SEA is about 15 miles south of the cruise terminals — roughly 25-40 minutes by car depending on I-5 traffic. This is the closest major airport and where the vast majority of cruise passengers arrive.

Uber/Lyft: $40-65 depending on traffic and surge. Shared shuttle: $20-30/person. Private car service: $80-120.

Driving & Port Parking

Both terminals have on-site parking. Pier 91 (Smith Cove) sells cruise-length packages through Seattle Port Parking (7-day economy $187, about $27/day). Pier 66 (Bell Street) has a 1,500-space covered garage at $30/day with a sky bridge to the terminal. From I-5, take the Mercer St exit for Pier 91 or the Seneca St exit for Pier 66.

Pier 91: packages from $187/week (about $27/day). Pier 66: $30/day. Off-site lots: $15-20/day with shuttle.

Hotel Shuttle Services

Several downtown hotels offer scheduled shuttles to the cruise terminals during Alaska season (May-September). The Mayflower Park Hotel, Hyatt House, and Seattle Marriott Waterfront all offer shuttle service. Quality and frequency vary.

Free to $15/person depending on hotel. Often included in cruise packages.

Uber/Lyft

Rideshare is widely available throughout Seattle. Both terminals have designated drop-off areas. Traffic on I-5 can be unpredictable, especially on weekend mornings.

Downtown to Pier 66: $10-15. Downtown to Pier 91: $12-18. Airport to either terminal: $40-65.

See all parking & transport options →

Nearby Restaurants

Beecher's Handmade Cheese

World-famous mac and cheese made fresh at Pike Place Market. Kids go crazy for it.

$

The Crab Pot

Waterfront seafood feast where you eat off the table with mallets — dinner and a show

$$-$$$

Ivar's Fish Bar

Seattle's waterfront fish and chips since 1938, with seagulls to feed while you eat.

$

Alibi Room

A Post Alley pizza spot near the gum wall, easy to miss, turning out brick-oven pies the whole family loves.

$$

See all restaurants →

Nearby Hotels

Affiliate links. If you book a stay through Booking.com we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep CruiseDayGuide free, and it never changes which hotels we recommend.

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

Apartment-style suites with full kitchens and free breakfast. Everything a family needs.

5 min drive to Pier 66, 12 min drive to Pier 91$$

Embassy Suites Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square

All-suite hotel with free breakfast and evening reception — two-room suites give families space

10 min drive to Pier 66, 18 min drive to Pier 91$$

Seattle Marriott Waterfront

A 5-minute walk from Pier 66 with park-and-cruise — close enough to walk to the terminal with your bags.

5 min walk to Pier 66, 10 min drive to Pier 91$$-$$$

Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown

A reliable Hampton with free breakfast and a great downtown location, budget-friendly for families.

8 min drive to Pier 66, 15 min drive to Pier 91$$

See all hotels →

Local Tip

Holland America's Noordam uses Pier 91, which sits north of downtown in the Magnolia neighborhood. The closest grocery run is the QFC on Dravus Street in Interbay, about a 5-minute drive — stock up there because there's nothing at the terminal itself. Parking at the on-site lot is prepaid online with USP Parking — about $187 for a 7-day cruise in the economy zone, fees and shuttle included.

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