seagunthera

6 hours ago, Gardyloo said:

I think it was deleted altogether, and about time.

 

Like most big cities in the US (and, indeed, worldwide) Seattle has a problem with homelessness.  Many people feel the city should be doing more to address the situation, but the reality is that under Washington state law, cities (as opposed to counties and the State itself) have few powers to intervene; the courts, health systems, jails... are run by other levels of government.  Sending homeless street people to jail doesn't work when the jails are overcrowded to begin with or when a shortage of prosecutors means only the most serious cases go to court.   King County's jail population had to be reduced drastically during the pandemic as the jails were becoming Covid "hot spots" second to none.

 

The pandemic also had a big impact on downtown Seattle, much the same as in other big cities.  Many office workers stayed home and telecommuted, with the result that many downtown businesses that depended on them went bust - cafes, shops, etc.  Seattle is starting to come back, but it's not going to be overnight.

 

But in reality, the situation isn't all that terrible.  There are a couple of streets and corners that pedestrians might want to avoid, particularly at night, but these are isolated.  There have been no reports of tourists being assaulted or harmed by street people for years; and talk of "violence" or "rioting" in Seattle is two years old.  By the time cruise season starts, trust me, the tourists will outnumber the street people by several orders of magnitude.  

 

Our city is also one of neighborhoods, many of which are delightful and worthy of exploring.  We have world-class museums, parks, places to play and eat, ferries to ride and kayaks to paddle.  You can see three national parks from downtown Seattle, walk through a nature reserve that feels like you're a million miles from the city, even though you're right in the middle of it.  

 

So come, enjoy our town, and don't overly concern yourself with imaginary safety issues.  Of course, use good judgement, particularly when crossing streets or train tracks, and do try to get out of downtown so you can see some of the reasons we choose to live here.  You won't regret it.

 

West Seattle water taxi

 

 

Fishermen's Terminal

 

 

Seattle Center, Memorial Day weekend

 

 

Museum of Flight

 

 

Alki Beach

 

Thank you for your response and gorgeous photos.  I have enjoyed Seattle's beauty during pre/post cruise visits in the past and am hoping to replicate that same experience this time around.

I am far from being alone in my concern about sailing in and out of the city and if Seattle wishes to continue on their comeback trajectory, the city would be smart to go out of its way to put at ease the mind of the average traveler.  Offering specific areas to avoid rather than glossing over the unfortunate reality would go a long way IMHO. I am a city girl, street savvy, born and raised in LA; just think how many people are not and are avoiding Seattle based on what is being reported in the news.  

If you can pinpoint any blocks/areas I should avoid, it would be much appreciated. 

2 hours ago, Glaciers said:

The video is a sad representation of what many visitors think Seattle is like.  Unless you’re seeking out these areas, most of what is seen isn’t anywhere near where a visitor would be staying or exploring. Most of the locals who live in the area know the downtown area has improved significantly in the recent past and don’t see any huge out of the ordinary safety concerns.  But, because of videos like this, some think the entire downtown area is a wasteland.

 

There is another video as someone is walking through Belltown and passing a block that is all boarded up with graffiti on the walls.  The narrative is that it is because of all the homelessness and crime. Actually, the building is being prepared to be demolished and had nothing to do with either although for someone visiting Seattle it would look pretty bad.

 

Much of what has been posted is very misleading, like this video.

 

And, Garyloo, that can’t be Seattle, there’s no homeless  people!

This is exactly why I started this post and began with: "So much is made on the news of the homeless situation and lawlessness in Seattle these days- I'm wondering what the reality is?"  The hope was that residents or past/recent cruisers might offer suggestions for places to avoid while putting travelers at ease about the remaining downtown area as a whole. The crime stats don't lie and are fairly high over the past three months (especially in QA and DT).  It's too bad the post devolved into responses from defensive folks looking to make a political/social statement and/or cause drama.  Other than 3rd Street, can you point to any other areas a person on foot might want to avoid? Thanks in advance for any insight you are able to offer. 

3 hours ago, psuboater said:

The last thread about the state of Seattle was deleted, but in that post, I took pictures of the touristy areas in Seattle on my way to and from work.  I live outside of the city now but my office is downtown Seattle. There have been vast improvements to downtown since Summer 2020, and even more so than this winter, as they know tourist season is their bread and butter.

 

You grew up in Los Angeles, so the problems in Seattle are like that in LA, but on a lesser scale (I had a vendor meeting with a manufacturer in Skid Row a few years back and work put me in a hotel in downtown LA  - I definitely feel safer in Seattle). Treat Seattle like  you do any major city, and you will be OK. 

 

Avoid 3rd Ave - that street was never great before the pandemic and while I've walked on it plenty of times, you can easily walk on 2nd, 4th or 5th and have a better experience. Pioneer Square has been massively cleaned up - but if you're still nervous, wait to explore the International District/Pioneer Square the afternoon of a Sounders or Mariners game - there'll be tons of people and security around.

 

I don't blame you for the news making you nervous - since I go into the office on a voluntary basis, the local news was making me second guess my decision.  Does it still have big city problems? Yes. Do I feel safe going downtown alone being a female who's under 5'1"? Also yes.  I also spent the night in the city when a friend came to visit, and Capitol Hill felt safer in January than it did pre COVID. 

 

The one thing you do have to be prepared for are hills - San Francisco is named the hilly city on the West Coast, but Seattle can give you a run for its money! 🙂 Enjoy our city. 

Thank you for thoroughly reading my post and for the warning about 3rd Street.  It's exactly the kind of info I am looking for and appreciate it.  When I opened my post with "so much is made on the news of the homeless situation and lawlessness in Seattle these days- I'm wondering what the reality is?" I was hoping to hear from actual residents to clarify what is being reported on various news outlets versus what is actually happening (and where). 

Wow re: your story about Skid Row!  It's so sad when tourists book some of the awesome hotels close to that area only to arrive and realize they are far from safe walking the street during the day (let alone held hostage in the hotel by night).  I do my best to guide people who ask questions about LA here on CC and am so grateful you took a moment to respond to mine.

10 minutes ago, nowornever said:

Hi segunthera, Since I'm from the east side of Lake Washington & I don't get to downtown often, I am reluctant to offer an in depth opinion since others on this board live in Seattle itself.  I just know that I am not completely comfortable downtown these days.  It's very hard to deny that crime exists in the downtown core with a straight face.  There are others with a vested interest in making it look like nightmare city.   One good thing you've got going for your stay is that in May it will stay light fairly late into the evening.  Here is a link to the "official" crime stats as of the end of March.  So judge for yourself.  I would certainly choose a hotel with a good concierge to guide your visits & arrange dinner & a tour.  There are so many beautiful areas and vistas so make sure you maximize your short time here with fewer distractions.  A top-notch hotel with good services is your best bet.

 

Here's the link:  http://www.seattle.gov/police/information-and-data/crime-dashboard   Enjoy your stay.

Thanks so much for the advice and stats.  I've been to Seattle several times and have thoroughly enjoyed each of my stays.  I usually opt to rent an airbnb as I do like to support the people vs. big hotel chains but I think I will take your advice and this time around book a stay at a reputable hotel.  

Now that I'm researching (I was being lazy by asking locals for help), I came across this video of homeless encampments taken four months ago. While I may not agree with some of the opinions stated in this video, it does show areas of concern. 

7 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

It's not as bad as one TV network would like you to believe. 

I don't play politics. The reports I'm reading come from Seattle based news organizations.  

8 minutes ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

In addition to beautiful vistas, the Seattle area has some beautiful flowering bushes, like this camellia.

 

 

Again, gorgeous.  This is what my post is about, however:  https://www.seattletimes.com/business/mixed-signals-on-the-state-of-downtown-seattle/

In short: a recent poll found that 24% of tourists felt safe in downtown Seattle during the day and 14% at night due, in part, to the 900% increase in homeless tents/encampments.  I would think the people of Seattle would want to do everything in their power to encourage and keep safe the tourists willing to come to the city during this difficult time.  While I love the flowers and mountaintops, some real-world info on areas to avoid would be most appreciated. 

9 minutes ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

The full moon setting behind the Salish Sea and the snow covered Olympic Mountains on Easter morning.  

 

 

Gorgeous!  You certainly are privileged to live in such an amazing part of town. 

25 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

Yep...the last one just disappeared off the front page a week or so ago...

Thank you, I will find it and give it a read.  I have a cruise planned leaving out of Seattle so I was hoping to get a handle on where to stay and feel good about walking (I won't have a car) around during the day/night.  I am born and raised in a big city (Los Angeles) so I'm not trying to "bash" Seattle but rather, get a better handle on the current situation.  I can't imagine the homeless encampments and growing crime stats I see reported in the news are a total fabrication.  I have answered similar questions for those here on CC leaving out of San Pedro and in no way become defensive about the current issues facing my fabulous city.

Manhattan Beach is great for a few days (as is Hermosa Beach or Redondo Beach).  With traffic, it'd take you a good 30 min to get to the port from any of those locations.  If you're looking to just stay at an awesome resort, Terranea in Palos Verdes is amazing and super close to the port.

So much is made on the news of the homeless situation and lawlessness in Seattle these days- I'm wondering what the reality is? I would love to hear from locals and/or those who begin taking the Alaskan cruises next month. 

3 hours ago, KKB said:

Oct 18 from LA

Thanks.  I can't find any description.  Are there bands playing, etc.?

26 minutes ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

I just checked at Optum's website : https://store.optum.com/shop/category/tests-devices/covid-19-home-tests/ and they appear to be in stock - added to cart and got to checkout screen w/o any indication of stock issues on either the two pack or three pack.  One difference I did note vs a few weeks ago when I last checked is that the 2 pack no longer qualifies for free shipping, but the 3 pack does (order needs to be $75 or more to qualify now).

 

eMed appears to also have the 6-pack in ready supply: https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack 

 

Do you happen to know if one order of two tests may be used for two different people? If so, do you both share a Telehealth appointment or schedule individually?   Thanks so much to anyone who can offer experience with his. 

Used Radeas on a cruise a few months back with zero issues.  Just tried to book a testing appointment for Alaska cruise in June on their site and it's super glitchy and won't allow me to pick the time I want.  The app is also giving me a white screen when I try to select a time.  Emailed Radeas several times and have been given the runaround; I've decided to look elsewhere. 

How do you use gift cards on Princess? Are they able to be added to OBC or can you use them to purchase spa, etc. online?

On 4/3/2022 at 11:13 AM, KKB said:

Looking at a 4 day 80s cruise on the Sapphire with BFF.

A balcony is $800 each (AI)

Club Mini-suite is $975 each.

To me it's a no brainer--but what perks do Club MIni-suites?

 

I usually select a Club Class cabin.  A few months back I was on the Majestic and had the absolute best dining service in CC.  In June I booked another CC cabin and  look forward to the ease of walking in to dine without hassle.  One other "perk" I haven't seen listed are evening canapés.

Side note: an 80's cruise, you say? When is this sailing and from which port? 

2 hours ago, lbfluffy said:

We would love to go the week you are going. We would be celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary on the 28th, but our friends invited us to join them. This was the week they chose. Our one friend is a nurse so he had to work around others. It’s ok, we depart on Father’s Day. We haven’t got our cabin assignment yet. I asked my agent to look into the cabins on the sun deck, by the retreat pool. It’s like the Hollywood Conservatory the Majestic has, but not covered. I will probably post my thoughts of the ship, but not a full review. I’ll be busy running around probably!

Zero pressure, of course, the main thing is to enjoy the new ship!  That said, feel free to text me with any insight the two of you have during your sailing:). I'll be onboard with my sister and am curious to know if a Chef's Table is happening and also what the entertainment looks like (nothing can beat our comedian though, IMNO;). 

14 minutes ago, lbfluffy said:

When are you going to Alaska. We are booked for June 19th 

HELLO!  Was thinking about the 19th but my fave cabin wasn't available. We set sail the following week. I'm so excited you'll be on the week before (can't wait to hear allll about it). Will you do a review?

1 minute ago, EDDY0827 said:

Nice pick with M107! A VERY coveted mini, largest balcony on the ship. I was in M102 in August, I will book any of the forward facing cabins for Ak. Lots and lots of smooth sailing in AK, perfect for your balcony, and yes, you have access while underway. 10/10 experience.

Thank you! I was on the Majestic in February and stayed in M108.  I just love that layout.

I booked this cruise in June because I have the week off and want to see the new ship.  That said, for all you seasoned cruisers out there- what do you think of cruising Endicott Arm and visiting Dawes Glacier?  Thoughts on the ability of this huge ship to navigate an Alaska route? I booked a mini suite with the enormous balcony right above the bridge (M107) so while it will be windy, cold, and potentially rainy out there, I hope to see some gorgeous scenery. 

PS- if anyone is headed out on the 6 voyages prior to mine, I'd love to hear your thoughts after you return. 

Excursions to the summit are still happening on the train I believe. 

Done this cruise and will likely join you in Feb.  Not a booze cruise whatsoever. 

Anyone know who is on the Discovery?  I'm sailing last week of June. Thanks!

4 hours ago, mpdog42 said:

Still waiting to hear if there will be testing in Seattle...No word from Princess...

I'd like to know the same thing.  Keep us posted if you hear/read anything...

On 3/27/2022 at 3:51 PM, andydunn said:

Yeah, we were told no chef's table or winemakers dinner too. Though given no reason. Sad face....

 

Still we have the giant balcony M107 so life could be worse 

I LOVE this cabin and have it for a June sailing to Alaska!  Got off the Majestic (where I also had the cabin) last month and am wondering if the cabin steward ties the furniture down or tucks it in at night?  On my last cruise, they did that but the furniture wasn't teak so I'm hoping it's heavier. The majestic had two full loungers and a table with two chairs. What does the Discovery have?  THANKS!