Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. Even more popular is the departure port for most Alaska cruises is the The Port of Seattle. The Port of Seattle owns and operates the 18th busiest airport in the world — Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The Port of Seattle is also regarded as one of the worlds busiest cruise ports, handling 190 ship calls and nearly 755,000 passengers during the 2007 season alone. The Port’s passenger cruise terminals are located at Pier 66 and Terminal 30.
Five major cruise lines feature weekly service from Seattle aboard 10 premier vessels. Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises depart from the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66. Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean depart from the Terminal 30 Cruise Facility. Celebrity Cruises offers weekly departures to Alaska onboard the Infinity, plus 3 and 4 day Pacific Northwest itineraries on the Mercury. For sales information please contact your local travel agent or call (800) 722-5941.
Holland America Line offers seven-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on the ms Amsterdam, ms Oosterdam and the ms Westerdam. Holland America passengers depart from the Terminal 30 Cruise Terminal located at the south end of Seattle’s downtown waterfront. For sales information please contact your local travel agent or call (877) 932-4259.
Norwegian Cruise Line has made Seattle its homeport for seven-day summer cruises to Alaska on board the Norwegian Star and Norwegian Pearl. Passengers depart from the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 on Saturdays and Sundays. For sales information please contact your local travel agent or call (800) 327-7030.
Royal Caribbean offers seven-day cruises to Alaska on the Rhapsody of the Seas departing from Terminal 30 every Friday. For sales information please contact your local travel agent or call (866) 562-7625.
About Seattle Cruises Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruises’ Infinity and Summit feature AquaSpas with thalassotherapy pools and a wide assortment of beauty treatments. Art aficionados on their way to Alaska will also appreciate the Celebrity’s impressive art collections as well. Guests aboard any of Celebrity’s 11 ships can expect an endless number of unforgettable cruises filled with excursions highlighting culture, wildlife, history, and geology. Alaska excursions will include all highlights along with everything from flightseeing and flights to the Arctic Circle to dog sledding.
Princess Cruise Lines and Holland America Cruise Line is considered the best Seattle to Alaska cruise line thanks to their excellent cruisetours. These cruise lines currently lead the industry in interior voyages (Alaska and Yukon Territory) and Holland has exclusive passage into the Yukons Kluane National Park, as well as Tombstone Territorial Park. Princess Cruise Line’s 7-day Gulf of Alaska cruise should be noted as well.
While the majority of Alaska cruise lines mentioned above are kid-free, there are several cruise lines that top the list for families interested in an Alaska cruise. Carnival Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line feature special shore excursions for kids and teens, as well as onboard activities that will keep kids busy during long days at sea. Royal Caribbean may also be a bit more family friendly.