CruiseDayGuide

Royal Princess Near Port of Seattle

Everything you need for boarding Royal Princess (Princess Cruises) at Port of Seattle. Terminal info, parking, restaurants, hotels, and pro tips.

Upcoming Sail Dates

Official schedule · Verified Jul 29, 2026

Sources: CruiseTimetables, Port of Seattle cruise schedule, Port of Seattle Cruise Schedule PDF

DateTerminal
Sat, Aug 1, 2026Terminal: PIER-91
Sat, Aug 8, 2026Terminal: PIER-91
Sat, Aug 15, 2026Terminal: PIER-91
Sat, Aug 22, 2026Terminal: PIER-91
Sat, Aug 29, 2026Terminal: PIER-91
Sat, Sep 5, 2026Terminal: PIER-91
Sat, Sep 12, 2026Terminal: PIER-91
Sat, Sep 19, 2026Terminal: 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 Royal Princess 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 Royal Princess?

Princess check-in typically runs through the Princess app (MedallionClass), where you complete your documents and select an arrival window ahead of the sailing. Finishing everything early typically puts you in the faster walk-through lane 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 Royal Princess 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: The on-site lot has 800 spaces at $27/day, operated by Republic Parking. Reserve and prepay online to guarantee a spot — summer weekends sell out. RV and oversized vehicle parking is $40/day and must be reserved in advance. The lot has a complimentary shuttle to the terminal entrance. Credit cards accepted; no cash.

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 and your passport (required for Alaska cruises)
  • Arrive during your assigned boarding time — arriving early won't get you on the ship faster
  • Public transit does not serve Pier 91 — plan for rideshare, shuttle, or private vehicle

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 iconic waterfront fish and chips since 1938 — feed the seagulls while you eat

$

Alibi Room

Hidden pizza spot in Post Alley near the gum wall — brick-oven pies the whole family loves

$$

See all restaurants →

Nearby Hotels

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

Apartment-style suites with full kitchens and free breakfast — everything families need

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

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 to port$$

Seattle Marriott Waterfront

Right across from Pier 66 with park-and-cruise — walk to the terminal with your bags

Walk to Pier 66, 10 min drive to Pier 91 to port$$-$$$

Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown

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 to port$$

See all hotels →

Want the complete Port of Seattle cruise guide?

Restaurants, activities, hotels, terminal tips, parking, packing lists, and boarding advice — all in one page.

View Full Guide