psuboater

Thank you! Which ones are the close berths, and which one is the problem berth?

Whoa! That seems expensive on both ends. Premier for me (when I select limited van service, it's been max one stop out of our way) it's about $90 from SEA to the ferry 45 minutes north of the city. A cab or Uber from the airport to the city shouldn't be more than $60. There's also the light rail which is $2.75 from the airport and a 12 minute walk to the Pan Pacific hotel if you're traveling light.

If you have time, I highly recommend the Amtrak Cascades. It's about a 3.5 hour journey, but a lot of it hugs the coastline and will give you fantastic views of the mountains, water, and sea life! My commuter train shares the same line and it never fails to put a smile on my face. I got tickets for this April at $33pp in Coach. There is now trains 2x a day, and it might increase by the time you arrive in September. Not sure how much you saved and are looking to spend, but the Seaplane service on Harbour Air from Lake Union to downtown Vancouver resumes this summer. The flight takes under an hour and is a truly NW experience - flights start at $255. A regular old airplane from SEA to YVR is $128pp one way right now in September, via Alaska Air or Delta.

I take Premier Airport Shuttle almost everytime I go to and from the airport as I now live about an hour from SEA. The drivers are always so polite and excellent drivers (They got me home safely from the airport during our last snow storm this past December!), they're on time and their vans are always clean. Highly recommend! https://premierairportshuttle.com/

Me three! 20 days, can't wait!

Looks like you're coming in October -- which has been hit or miss for rain, but the past couple of years it's been pretty sunny in October. We don't get rain in "buckets" typically, especially that early in the season, we're pretty similar to the weather you get in Ireland - cloudy and misty is most of the winter. Days that have steady, soaking rain don't usually happen until late November. It's been awhile since I've taken that elevator, but there should be one on the pier side. Also to avoid roaming fees, the hotel you're staying at will be more than happy to hail you a cab if need be. Enjoy our city!

Agreed- while I never come into cruising thinking it's going to be the best food I've ever had, value the experience on Celebrity. One of the experiences I look forward to is having dinner at the Sunset bar from the OV. We went on last June and while we noticed some cut backs, it still didn't ruin the experience. Looking at the offerings at the OV this month from that YouTube report honestly was shocking. So if you're taking away a nightly experience like that for us, I will take my dollars elsewhere. .

we thought about trying out Princess for next months cruise (5 day Baja) but went with NCL due to the promotion they were giving, but that's good to keep in mind for the future! I believe the only 7 day options to Bermuda from NY are X and NCL, so there might be a forced hand at play there.

My mom and I take a yearly trip to Bermuda on the Summit. We also just found a last minute NCL cruise next month. I absolutely will be comparing both trips this year and if the cuts are this substantial on X, we'll book on NCL's Bermuda trip starting in 2024.

Most airport hotels are close enough to the light rail station that runs every 7-12 minutes that will take you directly into the city. It's about a 35 minute trip each way, but it's easy. Most likely you'd take your hotel shuttle to the airport, then follow the signs for the light rail. I'd skip the car, driving in Seattle is a pain in non-tourist season, and you'll be paying a lot for the rental+parking and frustration. It's $2.75pp, per way. Even if you took the light rail in the morning and an Uber on the way back to your hotel, you'd come out ahead instead of the car rental. If you and your family are comfortable with public transportation, this might be the best of both worlds.

This is exactly why we loved the Oceanview Cafe for dinner. The Stirfry was my absolute favorite because I was able to control (as much as one can dining out) how healthy I wanted to be. The grilled fish or chicken made to order with a salad was also a go-to choice. Our favorite meals are taking our OVC meals out on the Sunset bar. With the smaller class ships (Summit) having limited dining options, I'm a bit worried what this will look like for our cruise in June.

Are you looking for included breakfast or does it not matter? Depending on budget, my recommendation would be the Edgewater. I don't believe they're more than 4 floors high, have a wonderful restaurant (although not cheap!) and depending on your cruise (NCL, Princess), you will be in walking distance to Pier 66. It also appears they have a fridge in the room. Another reccomendation would be the Marriott Waterfront, which offers breakfast and has a fridge in the room.

If you do not have TSA Precheck or CLEAR, SEA's Spot Saver can be a lifesaver during the busiest times of the year. It's a free service that allows you to reserve a spot of time for you to go through security: https://www.portseattle.org/SEAspotsaver

There's no heated loungers in Persian Gardens on the Summit, unfortunately. It's just a long bench up against the wall.

This might not be the right thread as this is hotel recommendations, but here is my mega list. For most things in downtown Seattle, if you're active, you can walk to wherever you need to go, keeping in mind we are VERY hilly (most people only think of SF for hills). 1) Din Tai Fung/Dough Zone ($$)- I like both - they are excellent choices for dumplings and noodles. Din Tai Fung is a global chain where Dough Zone is more local, but you can't go wrong with either. These two places are where I'd miss if we left Seattle. 2) Sushi ($$$) -Momji Sushi in Capitol Hill is PHENOMENAL. There are a lot of good sushi places, but this is a standout for me. 3) Salt and Straw ($) - technically a Portland import and growing nationally, but the best ice cream in the country, hands down. 4) Canon ($$$) - expensive, but their craft cocktails are theatre in itself. On the drink menu, the icon next to the drink description is what it will be served in. Some examples - a glass apple, a metal canon, an IV bag, a Nintendo Cartridge....and more! 5) Rhein Haus ($) is a cozy traditional beer hall with great appetizers. 6) Butcher's Table ($$$$) - is our favorite steak place in the city. I love the ambiance and their steak flights are worth it. 7) Bateau ($$$$) - They were just featured in the NY Times - they pride themselves on using all cuts of meat of the cow - so you'll get cuts that you won't see on most menus. The earlier you can make a reservation in the night, the better- when a cut is gone, it's gone for the evening. 8. Starbucks Reserve Roastery ($) -- skip the "original" Starbucks at Pike Place and go to the Roastery and Reserve room in Capitol Hill. It's a Willy Wonka of coffee - with giant copper roasters, artesian sandwiches, craft cocktails and unique Starbucks gifts for the Starbucks obsessed. The proscuitto, parm, and argula on croissant seems like it can be made anywhere but it is so heavenly. 9. Another Starbucks trick - the Starbucks in Columbia Tower on Floor 40. It's free to go in, and you get views of the city higher than the Space Needle. 10. Craft Beer - We have some of the best craft beer in the country because most hops are grown in Yakima Valley, WA. Be sure to try Reuben's Brews, Fremont Brewing, Cloudburst and Holy Mountain. 11. Some Random Bar ($$) - In Belltown, used to be my go to for Happy Hour. Try the crab nachos and the house made pina colada (for real - wouldn't think Seattle = Pina Colada, but yes, awesome) 12. Dino's Tomato Pie ($)- If you're missing East Coast pizza, this is the closest thing to it. It's owned by a ex-Jersey guy, and we would happily pay out the nose for delivery to get this pizza. I almost brought it home on the train with me. 13. The Pink Door ($$$) - Views of the Sound from Pike Place Market - excellent Italian food, and sometimes there's circus-like acts of entertainment. 14. Quick bites at the Market: Grabbing a Grilled Cheese at Beechers ($) - then walking through the market where the arts and crafts are on the top floor - you'll come to an outdoor patio with views of the sound that's kind of hidden away, and therefore, not as crowded. For a less touristy selection at the market - Farvahar Persian Cafe ($) is a family run stand that is so good. 15. Copperworks Distillery ($$) - Located right near the touristy pier, the building is amazing and their spirits are good enough to take home. (Still Seattle, but not downtown but worth an Uber): 12. Windy City Pie (Greenlake) ($) - really intereting Chicago style pies 13. Cafe Munir (Ballard/Crownhill) ($$) - Our favorite local joint in Ballard for Lebanese food - I miss their hummus and garlic sauce so much. 14. Pestle Rock (Ballard) ($$) - This is Northern Thai food - so beyond a Pad Thai and a Curry Chicken - really interesting dishes. 15. Ray's Boathouse (Ballard) ($$$) - a Seattle staple that's on the water and great seafood. 16. The Masonry (Fremont) ($$) - Great coal fired pies and an amazing craft beer selection, with outdoor seating/fire pits.

I'm a local here, and I've done two Argosy boat tours for work events. If this is your first time here, it''s not a bad way to learn about the city and the geography. If the history/facts part doesn't interest you, then I agree with the other posters to take the Washington State ferry to Bainbridge. Bainbridge has a town that's in walking distance from the pier, and has a lot of cute shops, wineries and as others have mentioned, the ferry ride is part of the experience. I've also done the Seattle Underground tour at a work event and while I worried it was going to be boring for having lived here, I (and everyone else) really enjoyed it. It's really cool to see the underground Seattle and the tour guides were fabulous as well. The Ballard locks are a great place to visit - the gardens you walk through to get to the locks are beautiful (the vividness of the flowers in Spring/Summer here never fail to dazzle me!), and then you can spend the afternoon exploring Ballard- their downtown is filled with breweries (Reuben's is my favorite), shops and restaurants. Pestle Rock is a Northern Thai restaurant that has dishes you don't see usually in US Thai restaurants and is a unique experience. Can't go wrong with Ray's Boathouse on the water for fish. It's a Portland import, but Salt and Straw is a must try if you haven't been for ice cream. Skip the "first" Starbucks near Pike Place. It's technically not even the first, and all it is is a tiny storefront that people wait hours for during the peak season. The Reserve Roastery in Capitol Hill, however, is worth a visit if you're a Starbucks fan. Craft cocktails, speciality drinks and merchandise you can't find anywhere else. The Space Needle is expensive, but with their renovation I feel that it's worth it, especially for first time visitors. The observation deck has been redone to be all glass for unobstructed views (not for the faint hearted!). For a free version of the skyline, go to Columbia Tower on 5th Ave and take the elevator up to the Sky Bridge. There's a Starbucks up on the 42nd floor that's open to the public that will give you great views on a clear day.

Wanted to add the Hilton Garden Inn at South Lake Union is centrally located (still will have to take a cab to Pier 91), reasonably priced and clean. I live outside the city now, and use the HGI to stay overnight when I want to go out downtown.

Spent a 4 day weekend in San Diego this past Spring. My husband and I are big fans of Zoos, but we felt disappointed in the San Diego Zoo. I felt that the sprawl of the zoo was more shops than animals (especially for $70pp) and most habitats felt small. We were surprised as the zoo is touted as one of the first to fight for conservation for animals. The park surrounding the zoo, Balboa park, is a must see. We really enjoyed the "Museum of Us", but you can spend a whole day enjoying the park and all the views that it has to offer. La Jolla is a quick uber ride away and a beautiful way to spend the afternoon. We had brunch outside at Cody's and then walked the trail by the coast and admired the sea lions and otters. Another way you can spend the day is taking the ferry to Coronado island and walking around (or taking a bike). We enjoyed a beer on the Pacific at the Hotel del Coronado and spent the day taking in the gorgeous houses and flowers. For food, we went back to J&Tony's Discount Negronis several times. It's a funky bar with fantastic drinks and food. We would go back to San Diego just for this bar. We enjoyed breakfast at Breakfast Republic (get there early!). For Mexican, Blind Burro did not disappoint. For a WOW dinner, Louisiana Purchase had a fantastic crab boil and lobster pasta. Not far for Lousiana Purchase was a family owned Greek restaurant called Olympic Cafe - if I could take back the spicy feta dip home with me I would have! We stayed at the Westin Gaslamp. Nice pool and fitness center and in the middle of walking distance of everything. One thing to keep in mind - wear sunscreen! The temperatures are a perfect 75-80 but with an ocean breeze, so the sunburn catches up with you quickly. One of my worst burns was the first day in San Diego where I didn't even feel I was burned until it was too late. Enjoy!

I would still highly recommend using SEA Space Saver if you do not have TSA Precheck: https://www.portseattle.org/SEAspotsaver

An easy place in Pike Place is under the red neon sign, next to the copper pig. Those are easily recognizable landmarks right at the entrance. To get to the International District, you can take the 11 from Pine Street and 4th Ave to Madison Park and it's 3 stops. The 49 toward U-District Station Capitol Hill will also take you there. If you end your day in the ID, then there is a light rail station right there that will take you directly to the airport. Please be aware there's a bit of a walk from the light rail station at the airport to the terminal, although it is a safe, covered walk. Whether you choose Taxi or Uber - it might be easiest to get taxi from the pier, and if you're departing from Pier 91, it's a bit of a walk to the Uber/Lyft pick up, something to keep in mind with seniors.

Depending on your airline; you can participate in Port Valet: https://www.portseattle.org/page/port-valet-enjoy-seattle-luggage-free From Pier 66, you're right downtown. Pier 91 you'll need a quick Uber. You can explore the Chihuly museum, Space Needle, the Seattle Art Museum outdoor sculpture park, Pike Place. Skip the "first Starbucks" at Pike Place and head to the Roastery and Reserve Room in Capitol Hill. Grab a ice cream cone from Salt and Straw. Get dinner at Din Tai Fung for dumplings. You can kill an entire day downtown before your flight, then grab the light rail directly down to the airport for $2.75pp.

CLEAR is offering a free 2 month trial, might be something to look at. However, if you're checking luggage, you're still at the mercy of the airline counter for timing, which will make it harder. If you are carry-on only, plus TSA, PLUS CLEAR, then I would feel comfortable with 11am, but that's a tough trifecta.

Just to add, Pier 66 is smack in the middle of downtown. Pier 66 will be a zoo with disembarking passengers plus rush hour traffic if you're embarking during a weekday. The Edgewater will be a great place to decompress after your flight, enjoy gorgeous views of the water, and have a safe place to store your luggage.

Not OP, but I've seen a lot of posts of people who really love a certain type of soda - Diet Dr. Pepper comes up as a frequent choice to board with as cruises don't typically carry it. Or if your cruise line is Pepsi owned and you like Coke products or vice versa, that comes up too. Not my thing but I won't stand in the way of someone's happiness on vacation 🙂