Post-cruise Seattle w/luggage

[GloriaF]

We arrive back in Seattle 7 AM or earlier, flight leaves 7 PM June 18, 2022.

Considered Princess post-cruise excursions, but only 4 hours, so still lots of time left before flight.  And it is $149. X 2 = $298.

Figured a rental car for the day would be ideal and similar in cost, but know husband will balk at driving in new city.

Question is what to do with luggage all day.  I'm sure we can play tourist and find plenty to entertain ourselves w/o luggage.

Does Princess still offer transfers w/luggage to airport, and is it possible to check our bags in 10 hours before flight?

 A luggage storage locker probably doesn't exist in our crazy world of explosives/bombs being set off.

Any ideas?

Edited April 5, 2022 by GloriaF

[Glaciers]

Check this site to see if you qualify for Port Valet. After setting your bags out in the evening before disembarking, the next time you will see them is at your final destination.

https://www.portseattle.org/page/port-valet-enjoy-seattle-luggage-free

 

The Edgewater Hotel will store bags for non-guests but they are near the Pier 66 terminal along the waterfront downtown. Appears you may be using Pier 91.

[GloriaF]

Thanks, Glaciers!  I think Princess does use Pier 91.  We will be heading downtown, so could detour by Edgewater Hotel perhaps (not knowing Seattle geography), but I will first check out the Port Valet.  

 

Update:  Port Valet seems to be the answer!  Should I reserve now or onboard the ship?  My gut tells me to do it onboard since Princess may have special tags for Port Valet, but I don't want them to be full and unable to take our bags.  Advice?

 

 

Edited April 5, 2022 by GloriaF

[princeton123211]

47 minutes ago, GloriaF said:

We will be heading downtown, so could detour by Edgewater Hotel perhaps (not knowing Seattle geography), but I will first check out the Port Valet.  

The Edgewater is worth a visit in its own right-- even if you didn't need them to store luggage for you. Uniquely sitting out over a pier in the harbor its famous for being the place where The Beatles stayed in the 60's and has been a celebrity favorite ever since. 

 

The restaurant and bar are very good and give you great vistas over the harbor. 

[zook388]

I was in pretty much your exact situation after my Alaska cruise in August 2019. Late flight out of SEA and we wanted to explore the city first. Port Valet was perfect. We didn't even know about it prior to the cruise, so I don't think you need to reserve in advance.

[GloriaF]

zook388, thanks!  What did you use to get from the city to the airport?  I was looking at taxis, etc, and realized without luggage we might could do the train for less -- IF we can figure out Seattle's varied public transit system!  After a full day of sightseeing and a long flight back to the East coast (through JFK, no less), I'm thinking call a taxi and relax!

 

Edited April 5, 2022 by GloriaF

[claireruth]

We used this service in Chicago; I checked and they have locations in Seattle, too.  It was so easy!  It was a UPS Store, and we dropped our bags off there (registered online ahead of time), wandered downtown Chicago, then picked them up when we were ready to go to our Airbnb.

 

Bounce: Luggage Storage Near Me - Left Luggage & Lockers (usebounce.com)

[Glaciers]

16 hours ago, GloriaF said:

What did you use to get from the city to the airport?  I was looking at taxis, etc, and realized without luggage we might could do the train for less...

 

Yes, without luggage the light rail from downtown to the airport is a snap. When looking at where you’ll be exploring keep the Westlake Center in mind. It’s in the downtown core at Westlake and about 3 blocks from Pike Place Market and is also where the monorail station is for transportation to the Seattle Center/Space Needle.

https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/routes-schedules/1-line?direction=0&at=1649228400000&view=table&route_tab=schedule&stops_0=1_990006%2C1_99913&stops_1=1_99914%2C1_990005

[newbie1900]

How does Port valet work with customs?

[Ferry_Watcher]

42 minutes ago, newbie1900 said:

How does Port valet work with customs?

There is no customs - i.e., CBP officers looking at your luggage.  The officers are only looking at your passport or birth certificate as you leave the terminal building.

If you made high $ purchases on the ship, you are escorted off and brought to the CBP office.

[GloriaF]

Glaciers, thanks again!!  You have been wonderful with all the right answers!

[Glaciers]

For anyone exploring Seattle for just a day, there’s little advantage in getting an Orca card as many suggest for longer stays. You can pay at each station per trip or, what we do, download the Transit Go app so you don’t need to stop to pay, as you can do it any time prior to using the transportation options.

 

This site makes it look a tad intimidating but it’s very easy to use.

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/fares-orca/transit-go-ticket.aspx

[newbie1900]

1 hour ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

There is no customs - i.e., CBP officers looking at your luggage.  The officers are only looking at your passport or birth certificate as you leave the terminal building.

If you made high $ purchases on the ship, you are escorted off and brought to the CBP office.

Thank you! Good info to have.

[GloriaF]

3 hours ago, Glaciers said:

For anyone exploring Seattle for just a day, there’s little advantage in getting an Orca card as many suggest for longer stays. You can pay at each station per trip or, what we do, download the Transit Go app so you don’t need to stop to pay, as you can do it any time prior to using the transportation options.

 

 

This site makes it look a tad intimidating but it’s very easy to use.

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/fares-orca/transit-go-ticket.aspx

 

I noticed that the Orca card is free for those over 65, which includes my DH & I.  We will most likely take the HOHO bus around Seattle, but could use the (free) Orca card for train to airport, I guess.

[Ferry_Watcher]

I know for residents, in order to get the senior rate Sound Transit Orca card, we need to apply (in person, I believe) with proof of age to get the senior Orca card.  Not sure if a senior rate is available on the tourist daily card.

[Glaciers]

3 hours ago, GloriaF said:

 

I noticed that the Orca card is free for those over 65, which includes my DH & I.  We will most likely take the HOHO bus around Seattle, but could use the (free) Orca card for train to airport, I guess.

The Orca card itself is free for seniors but you add money to it in order to use it. The fares are the same regardless of how you pay, Orca, Transit Go or by CC at the station.

[GloriaF]

Thanks, Glaciers & Ferry Watcher for the clarification about the Orca card!  

 

Since we are planning to take a  1 day HOHO bus, the only time we would use it is to get to the airport as we leave, and it's easy enough to scan a credit card.

 

Are there public transit connections near Pier 91 to downtown?  I just assumed we would take a taxi or shuttle, whatever is available when we exit the ship, but with no luggage...

[Ferry_Watcher]

No easy way to get to public transportation, but could be done if you were determined.  Best and easiest way would be to take an Uber.  You might consider heading to Pike Place Market for breakfast to start your day.

[GloriaF]

Thanks, Ferry-Watcher!  I suspected as much since Pier 91 seems to be off the mainstream path.  We will just grab an Uber or a taxi.  

 

Again, thanks for the suggestion Pike Place Market for breakfast!. We were there once in 2005 and I definitely want to visit again.

Edited April 7, 2022 by GloriaF

[Ferry_Watcher]

@GloriaF, another breakfast spot I recommend is the Bay Cafe located at Fishermen's Terminal, which is about a 10 minute drive from Pier 91.  Fishermen's Terminal is homeport of the Seattle fishing fleet.  Each spring there is a 'Blessing of the Fleet' ceremony, and you can pay respects at the Memorial dedicated to our lost fishermen.  

If you do go to breakfast at the Bay Cafe, you can visit the Memorial and walk the docks.

Afterwards, you can take an Uber to the Market, or wherever in DT Seattle.

 

https://baycafefishermansterminal.com/

 

https://www.portseattle.org/maritime/fishermen-terminal

[Lisa Sox Fan]

Last year we had a later flight after the cruise.  We used port valet to take our luggage.  We got tickets to the Mariners game during the day.  I figured we wouldn't have to worry about the weather because they have a dome so if it was a rainy day, we could stay dry. 🙂  It ended up being a gorgeous day and a fun day at the ballpark.  We left our carryon bags with LugNot on 1st Ave for $6 a bag since we couldn't bring them into the park with us.  We took the light rail to the game and back, grabbed dinner downtown then grabbed the light rail to the airport.  It is very easy.

[skings]

Hi just got an fantastic rate for Hilton Garden Inn on Boren St. I am disembarking on May 13th from Ovation of the Seas. I am older lady with a walker and luggage. Would Uber or Lyft be the best way to this hotel from port? Seems to be lots of public transportation and restaurants in the area for use on my 3 day visit. Is it okay to take the buses and streetcars to wherever, I can walk a couple of blocks.

Thanks for any feedback.

[Ferry_Watcher]

Hi @skings  Friday May 13 will be the first double ship day at Pier 91 with both the Ovation and the Solstice disembarking passengers that morning.  I expect that it will be a hectic morning, with lots of passengers, as well as staff (new and returning) just getting back into their groove.  Please have patience!

 

Since you use a walker, I highly recommend that you consider requesting wheelchair assistance to get you and your luggage thru the luggage hall.  A porter can bring you and your luggage to the Uber/Lyft shuttle (just outside the terminal front entrance).  It's a short ride to the Uber/Lyft lot, but too far for someone with a walker and luggage (IMO).

 

As for your hotel location, I think it is a bit outside what I consider the DT core (for tourists), and with your use of a walker, you may need to use Uber/Lyft daily during your visit.  We can ask a fellow CCer who live in DT Seattle, @Glaciers, for their opinion about your hotel's location.

 

[skings]

Thank you, lots of good info     

[Glaciers]

@skings

It’s not in a bad location although there’s not much nearby and with a walker you’ll need to take a taxi/uber/lyft to just about anywhere.  It would need to be a very good rate. Although more expensive any hotel within a few blocks of Westlake Center is better for exploring with many restaurants nearby. Don’t use CC exclusively for this info. Check out Trip Advisor.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g60878-i74-Seattle_Washington.html

 

For a better location and a decent rate, look at the Mayflower.