Port of Seattle Cruise Guide

A boutique hotel inside Pike Place Market. Step outside and you're in Seattle.

Why we picked it: The only hotel inside Pike Place Market. Elegant rooms with views of Elliott Bay, the market, and downtown. Rooftop deck with panoramic views. Walking distance to everything — restaurants, shops, the waterfront.

Pro tip: Book a bay-view room for sunset views over the Olympic Mountains. Most guests never find the rooftop deck, which is worth seeking out. Walk to the waterfront and cruise terminal in minutes.

Parking: Valet parking available for a nightly fee. No cruise parking.

Stylish boutique hotel with free wine hour — walkable to Pike Place and the waterfront

Why we picked it: Classic Kimpton charm in a great downtown location. Complimentary evening wine hour is a nice pre-cruise treat. Bold, colorful rooms with high ceilings. Walking distance to Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square.

Pro tip: The free evening wine hour is a great way to start your pre-cruise night. Pet-friendly if you're traveling with a furry companion before boarding. Ask about cruise shuttle availability.

Parking: Valet parking, charged nightly. No long-term cruise parking.

Hip mid-range boutique in the heart of downtown, walking distance to everything.

Why we picked it: Fun, colorful boutique hotel with a playful vibe. Walking distance to Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, and the waterfront. Free coffee in the lobby and complimentary bike rentals. Solid value for the location.

Pro tip: Ask about cruise transportation when booking. The location on 5th Ave is perfectly central — you can walk to Pike Place in 10 minutes. Free afternoon pineapple treats and coffee are a nice touch.

Parking: Valet parking available for a nightly fee. No cruise parking packages.

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

Why we picked it: Spacious suites with separate living areas and full kitchens — perfect for families who need room to spread out. Free hot breakfast saves time and money. Complimentary shuttle to both cruise terminals. Walking distance to the waterfront.

Pro tip: Book a suite with a kitchen so you can prep snacks for the car or keep drinks cold. The free shuttle to both terminals runs during cruise season — confirm timing when you check in. Grocery delivery is easy if you want to stock the fridge.

Parking: Self-parking available for a nightly fee. No long-term cruise parking.

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

Why we picked it: Every room is a two-room suite — separate bedroom and living area means parents get privacy. Free cooked-to-order breakfast and evening reception with snacks. Indoor pool for pre-cruise swimming. Close to Pioneer Square attractions.

Pro tip: The evening reception includes free drinks and snacks — a nice way to wind down before cruise day. The indoor pool is a lifesaver for burning kid energy. Ask about cruise shuttle options when booking.

Parking: Self-parking available for a nightly fee. No dedicated cruise parking.

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

Why we picked it: A great location for Pier 66 cruisers — an easy 5-minute walk to the terminal. Park-and-cruise packages available during Alaska season so your car stays safe while you sail. Reliable Marriott quality with waterfront views.

Pro tip: The park-and-cruise option is worth asking about if you're driving to Seattle — drop bags at the hotel, park, walk to the terminal. Request a waterfront room for bay views.

Parking: Park-and-cruise packages during cruise season. Self-parking otherwise, charged nightly.

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

Why we picked it: Free hot breakfast, clean rooms, and a central location near Seattle Center. Walking distance to the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center — perfect for a pre-cruise day of activities. Hampton's consistent quality means no surprises with kids.

Pro tip: The free breakfast is substantial — eggs, waffles, pastries. Fill up before cruise day to save on airport/waterfront food. Close to the Monorail which connects to Westlake Center downtown. Great value during Alaska season.

Parking: Self-parking, charged nightly. No dedicated cruise parking.

Historic charm plus cruise shuttles to both piers, and connecting rooms that work well for families.

Why we picked it: A scheduled cruise shuttle to both terminals, for a per-person fee, takes the stress out of embarkation morning. Connected to Westlake Center for last-minute shopping. One block from Pike Place Market. Request connecting rooms for family-sized space.

Pro tip: The cruise shuttle can fill up, so reserve your spot when you book the room. Light rail from Sea-Tac stops at Westlake Center next door, making the airport-to-hotel transfer dead simple. Ask about family rates for the shuttle.

Parking: Valet parking, charged nightly. Shuttle to both cruise terminals for a per-person fee.

Modern hotel with studio suites near the waterfront. Cribs and rollaway beds available.

Why we picked it: Modern rooms with mini-kitchens in the studio suites. Bistro restaurant for quick meals. Near the waterfront and Pioneer Square for pre-cruise exploring. Reliable Marriott quality at a mid-range price point.

Pro tip: Book a studio suite for the extra space and mini-kitchen — handy for warming bottles or storing snacks. The Bistro serves grab-and-go breakfast for early embarkation mornings. Close to the light rail for easy airport connections.

Parking: Self-parking available for a nightly fee. No dedicated cruise parking.

Omakase from a James Beard-nominated master at Pike Place, and the finest sushi in Seattle.

Closed Tue

What to order: The omakase (chef's choice) at the sushi bar is the experience — multi-course parade of the day's best fish. If the bar is full, the a la carte menu in the dining room is still exceptional.

Pro tip: Omakase seats are extremely limited — book weeks in advance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime meal. If you can't get a reservation, try walking in right at opening for the a la carte dining room.

Parking: Pike Place Market garage. Restaurant is inside the market.

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

What to order: Brick-oven pizzas are the star — simple Margherita or pepperoni for kids, more adventurous toppings for adults. Salads are fresh and generous.

Kids: Pizza is always a win with kids. The tucked-away entrance makes it feel like a treasure hunt. Booths work well for families, and kids are welcome into the evening.

Pro tip: Kids love the adventure of finding this tucked-away spot down Post Alley. Walk past the famous gum wall on the way. It stays family-friendly into the evening, and pizza doesn't take long.

Parking: Pike Place Market garage. Tucked in Post Alley — look for the small sign.

Award-winning chowder in Pike Place Market, where the line moves faster than it looks.

What to order: The New England clam chowder has won national awards, but the Dungeness crab bisque is the one people overlook. Get a bread bowl and you won't regret it.

Pro tip: The line at the Post Alley location looks long but moves quickly. Go before the lunch rush if you can. They also have a less-crowded location in Pacific Place mall.

Parking: Pike Place Market garage on Western Ave. Street parking is tough on weekends.

Craft brewery in Pike Place Market with waterfront views, pouring local beer alongside wood-fired pizza.

What to order: Their IPAs are some of the best in the PNW. Wood-fired pizzas pair perfectly. The fish and chips use fresh-caught local fish. Pretzels with beer cheese are a solid starter.

Pro tip: Grab a seat on the outdoor patio overlooking Elliott Bay and the Great Wheel. It's the best view in Pike Place Market. It gets crowded later in the day, so arrive early for the best seats.

Parking: Pike Place Market garage. The brewery is on the MarketFront expansion with outdoor seating.

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

What to order: The 'World's Best' mac and cheese lives up to the hype. Grilled cheese sandwiches are simple and perfect for picky eaters. Their tomato soup is a great pairing.

Kids: Counter service so no waiting for a table. Mac and cheese is universally loved by kids. Small space but quick turnover.

Pro tip: Kids love watching the cheese being made through the glass windows. It's a mini science lesson before a meal. Order at the counter and grab a seat if one opens up.

Parking: Pike Place Market garage on Western Ave. Quick counter-service — no long wait.

Tom Douglas's artisan pizza spot, doing wood-fired pies with local ingredients in a cozy space.

What to order: The mushroom pizza with truffle cheese is a parent favorite. Margherita and pepperoni for kids. Their salads use local greens and are surprisingly kid-approved.

Kids: Simple pizza options for kids. Warm, casual atmosphere that doesn't feel stuffy. Quick service so kids don't get restless.

Pro tip: Walk-in only, no reservations. Go at an off-peak hour with kids to avoid the wait. Pizzas come out fast once you're seated.

Parking: Street parking on Virginia or Lenora. Close to the Pike Place Market garage.

Family-friendly waterfront chain with reliable seafood and great lake views

What to order: Award-winning clam chowder, fish and chips, and wild salmon. Kids menu has grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and mini fish and chips.

Kids: Full kids menu with crayons and activity sheets. High chairs and boosters. Waterfront patio where kids can watch the boats on Lake Union.

Pro tip: The South Lake Union location has the best views and the most space for families. Less crowded than downtown spots. Crayons and coloring pages keep little ones busy.

Parking: Free parking in the South Lake Union lot. Easy access from both terminals.

Belltown's buzziest seafood spot, serving inventive Pacific Northwest plates in a sleek setting.

What to order: The whole roasted Dungeness crab is the star. Wood-grilled octopus and the daily fish specials never disappoint. Craft cocktails are worth the splurge.

Pro tip: Located inside the Palladian Hotel in Belltown. Walk here from Pike Place Market in 10 minutes. The bar scene is vibrant if you're looking for a last-night-on-land cocktail.

Parking: Street parking on 1st or 2nd Ave. Valet available at the Palladian Hotel entrance.

Irreverent biscuit joint with massive portions — Seattle breakfast with attitude

What to order: The Hot Mess Bitch — a biscuit smothered in sausage gravy with a fried egg. Gritty Scramble is loaded with cheese. Wash it down with a coffee from their in-house espresso bar.

Pro tip: Long lines on weekends but they move. There are multiple locations — the Belltown spot on 1st Ave is closest to the terminals. Portions are huge, so split if you're not starving.

Parking: Street parking in Belltown or Pike Place Market garage.

Three floors of Pike Place Market views, and a classic breakfast with a panoramic twist.

What to order: Pancakes and eggs on the top floor with water views. Their Eggs Benedict is a staple. Simple breakfast plates that even picky eaters approve of.

Kids: Straightforward breakfast menu kids love. High chairs available. The ferry-watching from the third floor keeps kids entertained between bites.

Pro tip: Ask for the third floor, which has the best views of Elliott Bay and the ferries. Breakfast is served all day. It gets crowded on weekend mornings, so arrive early.

Parking: Pike Place Market garage. Enter through the market — look for the neon sign.

Build-your-own pizza assembly line — everyone gets exactly what they want

What to order: Custom pizzas — kids pick their own toppings Subway-style. The Calexico (spicy chicken) is a parent favorite. Unlimited toppings at no extra charge.

Kids: Kids love picking their own toppings. Fast service — pizzas ready in minutes. No-fuss environment where nobody cares if kids are loud.

Pro tip: Born in Seattle, so this is the original. The fast-casual format means you're in and out quickly. Perfect for families who can't agree on toppings.

Parking: Street parking downtown or nearby garages.

Panoramic Elliott Bay views and fresh Northwest seafood. The pre-cruise splurge.

What to order: Dungeness crab cakes, pan-seared wild salmon, and the seafood tower for the table. The brunch menu is excellent — bloody marys with a view.

Pro tip: Request a window seat for unobstructed views of the ferries crossing Elliott Bay. Weekend brunch reservations are a must. The happy hour has great value on oysters.

Parking: Validated parking at Pike Place Market garage with purchase.

Tucked below Pike Place and easy to walk right past, an Italian room doing romantic candlelit dinners since 1981.

What to order: Order the handmade pasta. The rack of lamb is a long-running favorite, and the wine list is deep and reasonably priced for the quality.

Pro tip: No sign outside — look for the stairs going down in Post Alley near the gum wall. Perfect for a special pre-cruise dinner. Make a reservation, especially on weekends.

Parking: Pike Place Market garage. The restaurant is down the stairs in Post Alley — easy to miss if you're not looking.

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

What to order: The SeaFeast is the experience — a bucket of crab, shrimp, clams, and corn dumped right on your table. Kids get mallets and bibs. Fish and chips for the less adventurous.

Kids: Bibs and mallets make this dinner feel like playtime. Kids menu available. Arcade and Pier 57 carousel steps away for post-dinner entertainment.

Pro tip: Sit by the windows for water views. The SeaFeast is messy and fun — perfect for kids who like getting their hands dirty. There's a carousel and arcade on the pier right outside.

Parking: Waterfront parking lots along Alaskan Way or the Pike Place garage.

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

What to order: Classic fish and chips with a side of clam chowder. The fish tacos are surprisingly great. Corn dogs for the kids who refuse seafood.

Kids: Outdoor eating on the pier with bird-watching entertainment. Simple menu kids know and love. No reservations needed — just walk up and order.

Pro tip: This is the walk-up counter on the pier, not the sit-down restaurant upstairs. Way cheaper and more fun. Kids love tossing fries to the seagulls (it's a Seattle tradition).

Parking: Waterfront parking along Alaskan Way. Walk-up counter — no parking stress.

The definitive Seattle skyline viewpoint, where the Space Needle, downtown and Mount Rainier line up in one frame.

Best for: Photographers, romantics, anyone wanting the postcard shot of Seattle

Pro tip: This tiny park on Queen Anne Hill is where every Seattle photo is taken. On a clear day, Mount Rainier looms behind the skyline. Go in the evening for sunset if your schedule allows. Very small park — no parking lot, so Uber is easiest.

Blown glass art installations right beside the Space Needle

Best for: Art lovers, couples, anyone who appreciates color and creativity

Pro tip: The outdoor garden is spectacular — glass sculptures among real plants with the Space Needle towering above. Best photos are from the Glasshouse, a 40-foot-tall steel-and-glass structure. Book the Space Needle combo to save significantly.

Watch boats rise and fall between Puget Sound and Lake Union — plus salmon in season

Best for: Nature lovers, engineering nerds, anyone wanting something off the tourist trail

Pro tip: The fish ladder has underwater viewing windows where you can watch salmon migrating upstream from June through September — timing aligns perfectly with cruise season. The botanical garden adjacent is free and beautiful. Closest attraction to Pier 91.

A free waterfront art park with massive sculptures and killer views, more Instagrammable than you'd expect.

Best for: Anyone wanting fresh air, art, and waterfront views before boarding

Pro tip: This free outdoor sculpture park stretches from Belltown down to the waterfront with huge metal sculptures, a zigzag path, and views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Great for photos. Walk here from Pier 66 in 10 minutes.

Free summer fun at its finest. A giant musical fountain where kids can splash and play.

Best for: Kids who need to run and splash before sitting on a ship

Pro tip: The fountain shoots water in patterns synced to music — kids run through the jets on warm days. Bring a change of clothes (or plan to change into cruise outfits after). Works perfectly combined with the Space Needle or Children's Museum right next door.

Watch fishmongers hurl salmon through the air. Free entertainment that kids never forget.

Best for: All ages — the fish-throwing is exciting for everyone

Pro tip: Head to Pike Place Fish Co. (the main fish stand as you enter the market). They throw fish throughout the day when customers buy them. Hang around for a few minutes and you'll see the action. Kids can also watch the crab tanks and talk to the fishmongers.

Play real instruments in the Sound Lab and geek out on sci-fi props. Way more fun than it sounds.

Best for: Music fans, gamers, sci-fi lovers, anyone who likes Nirvana or Marvel

Pro tip: Head straight to the Sound Lab — you can play guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards in private rooms. The indie game exhibit is also a hit. The fantasy and horror exhibit has original movie props that are genuinely cool. The Sound Lab lets you play guitars, drums, and keyboards — even if you've never touched an instrument. The Nirvana and Hendrix exhibits are world-class. The building itself, designed by Frank Gehry, is a photo-worthy landmark.

A gentle Ferris wheel ride with panoramic water views, in enclosed gondolas that keep everyone comfortable.

Best for: Families looking for a quick, easy waterfront activity

Pro tip: Three full rotations — about 15 minutes. Fully enclosed and climate-controlled, so even nervous kids feel safe. The VIP gondola has a glass floor but the regular ones are perfectly exciting for young kids. Great for spotting your cruise ship in the harbor. Three full rotations per ride — about 15 minutes total. Fully enclosed and climate-controlled, so rain doesn't matter. Night rides are especially cool with the city lit up. Right on the waterfront — combine with a walk and some food.

Interactive science exhibits, an IMAX theater and a tropical butterfly house, all education disguised as fun.

Best for: Curious kids who like to push buttons and pull levers

Pro tip: The tropical butterfly house is magical for little ones — butterflies land right on them. The IMAX theater shows are perfect for rainy days (and in Seattle, you should always have a rain backup). Located at Seattle Center near the Space Needle.

Touch pools, sea otters, and a massive new Ocean Pavilion — kids can't get enough

Best for: Families with kids who love animals and ocean life

Pro tip: The new Ocean Pavilion is the highlight — a massive coral reef exhibit with sharks and rays. The touch pools with starfish and sea anemones are always a hit with little ones. Go early to beat the school groups.

Hands-on play museum at Seattle Center, where little ones can run wild before a week on a ship.

Best for: Families with kids under 8

Pro tip: The Global Village exhibit lets kids 'travel' through different cultures — great prep for a cruise. The outdoor Nature Walk area is perfect on dry days. Located at Seattle Center, so combine with the Space Needle or fountain play.

Red brick buildings, art galleries and the Underground Tour, all in Seattle's oldest neighborhood.

Best for: History buffs, architecture fans, couples looking for a unique experience

Pro tip: The Underground Tour takes you beneath the streets to see the original city level buried after the 1889 Great Fire. Book in advance, because tours can sell out in summer. The neighborhood has excellent independent bookshops and galleries.

Watch guys throw fish, hit the gum wall, find the original Starbucks. It's actually cool.

Best for: Everyone — great for exploring, snacking, and photo ops

Pro tip: The gum wall in Post Alley is gross and Instagram-perfect. The fish-throwing at Pike Place Fish Co. happens throughout the day — hang around a few minutes and you'll see it. The lower levels have quirky shops and hidden staircases worth exploring. Skip the long line at the original Starbucks, since the coffee is the same as any other location. Spend that time exploring the lower levels instead, where local artisans sell handmade crafts. The MarketFront expansion has Elliott Bay views. Go early in the morning for the least crowded experience.

Revolving glass floor 500 feet up — stand on it if you dare

Best for: Anyone wanting epic skyline views and the thrill of a glass floor

Pro tip: The Loupe is a revolving glass floor on the lower observation level — the trick is to lie flat on it for the most intense view straight down. Open-air observation deck on top is windier than you think. Night visits have a completely different vibe. Book a combo ticket with Chihuly Garden and Glass next door, which costs less than buying the two separately, and both attractions are unmissable. The revolving glass floor (The Loupe) is on the lower observation level. Go on a clear day for views of Mount Rainier.

Ride the retro monorail from downtown to Seattle Center, two minutes that feel like time travel.

Best for: Quick and fun transportation to the Space Needle area

Pro tip: Built for the 1962 World's Fair and still running. It goes from Westlake Center in downtown to Seattle Center (Space Needle, MoPOP, Chihuly) in about 2 minutes. It's more of a fun experience than practical transportation, and it runs frequently through the day.

Waterfront carousel and games. A tidy half-hour energy burn before boarding.

Best for: Quick fun for antsy kids between bigger activities

Pro tip: Right on the waterfront at Pier 57. The carousel has water views. Combine with Ivar's Fish Bar next door for a quick lunch. Good for killing time if you're waiting for cruise boarding to start. Located at Pier 57, right next to The Crab Pot restaurant. The arcade has a mix of classic and modern games. The carousel has waterfront views. Great for killing 30 minutes if you're early for boarding.