The Best Alaska Cruise Ports And Choosing The Right Itinerary For You
Thinking about setting sail for Alaska? Not sure which itinerary to choose? This article is all about the highlights and best Alaska cruise ports to help you !
This article doesnt include a review of different cruise ship companies, rather it is information about the ports you may visit and how to decide based on whats most important to you. Great news to get started you really cant go wrong here as all the Alaska ports of call are interesting and different in their own ways and all are surrounded by life affirming natural beauty!
Ill also talk about how to decide between a cross gulf cruise or inside passage only , a big ship or small ship and options for scenic cruising around glaciers. I spent seven seasons working in the Alaska cruise industry and have visited all of these ports multiple times and even lived in two of them, so Im excited to share my insider knowledge with you!
Cruise Ship Terminal Directions And Parking
- From Interstate 5 Southbound – use Mercer Street Exit from I-5 . Continue on westbound onto Elliott Ave. Follow the signs to Pier 91.
- From Interstate 5 Southbound – exit on Union St , continue to 4th Ave. Turn right on 4th Ave. Turn left onto Wall St. Turn right on Western Ave. Follow the signs to Pier 91.
- From Interstate 5 Northbound – use Mercer Street Exit from I-5 , continue westbound onto Elliott Ave. Follow the signs to Pier 91.
- There is a 1700-cars secure parking garage located across the street including 25 handicap lots 783-
- There is a 1000-cars secure parking garage and free of charge shuttle service to the terminal.
Cruise parking prices are:
- At Seattle Cruise Park , parking costs USD 157 USD or USD 2000 .
- HomeTowne Studios costs USD 5/day, Quality Inn Seatac Airport Parking costs USD 4,50/day.
Port Seattle, along with its 2 cruise terminals also has cargo terminals and drydock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs.
- UN-LOCODE – USSEA
- two dedicated cruise terminals
Alaska Cruise Ship Season Will Restart Without Canada Skipping Bc Stops
There are concerns over any possible permanent ramifications of new US legislation that allows cruise ships bound for Alaska to bypass British Columbia ports for the period the US-Canada border remains closed.
The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act was passed by the US Senate last week, and on Thursday it was also approved by the US House of Representatives. The act will now be sent to President Joe Biden for its signing.
Cruise ships usually stop in Vancouver, Victoria or Prince Rupert on their way to Alaska, but this is currently not possible with the Canadian federal governments ban on these vessels until at least February 28, 2022 a policy that has been in effect since the middle of March 2020 in response to the onset of the pandemic and the coronavirus outbreaks on cruises.
The act provides a temporary exemption through February 2022 from the policies, but there are concerns this could become permanent in a move that benefits US destinations.
The legislation was introduced by Alaskan senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, who wanted to save at least a portion of the economic benefits that struggling Alaskan tourism-dependent communities Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Anchorage typically see this time of year from cruise ships.
We ask Canada to enable an exemption process, with the ability to expedite, forConditional Sailing Certificated cruise ships, reads the letter.
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Alaska Cruise Itinerary From Seattle
All seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle sail round-trip. They can cruise as far as Hubbard Glacier, although most cruise lines sail to Tracy Arm, Endicott Arm, and a select few to Glacier Bay National Park. Sailing round-trip means a Seattle departure has no option to add a land-based itinerary. Traditionally, all sailings from Seattle were seven days, but Norwegian and Oceania have recently added nine to eleven days options, although still round-trip.
Since Seattle is further south than Vancouver, it takes a half-day longer to get to its first stop in Alaska. If your first scheduled stop is Juneau, the capital, it will take 1-1/2 days to reach the Alaskan city. So, instead of arriving at 9 am, vessels dock at noon or 1 pm instead.
While this may not seem like a big deal, I have been to Juneau four times, and its a port that offers the most shore excursions. Must-visit Mendenhall Glacier requires a shuttle to access it, and the last return bus leaves at 5:30 pm. Other attractions like Roberts Tramway also close early. So, when arriving in Juneau later in the day, options for Alaska cruise excursions may be limited.
The first day and a half are sea days out of Seattle, and the last day generally ports in Victoria on Vancouver Island. Cruises usually include one fjord or group of glaciers. However, sometimes mega-ships may not include any glacier sightings since their size limits their itinerary options.
Alaska Cruise Itinerary From Vancouver
Alaska cruises from Vancouver have many options. The seven-day itineraries sail either a round-trip or one way. One-way cruises to and from Whittier and Seward have the option to add on a land-based itinerary to Denali National Park. Staying in a lodge at Denali increases the chance of seeing the big five. The big five include moose, grizzly bears, grey wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep.
These cruise and land itineraries end or start in either Anchorage or Fairbanks for easy access to an airport. The one-way itineraries, either northbound or southbound, include cruising through College Fjord. Located in Prince William Sound, the fjord contains multiple valley and tidewater glaciers named for famous colleges. Booking a back-to-back gives the cruiser multiple glacier viewings.
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Small Ship Alaska Cruises From Seattle
At this time, AAA does not offer 3-day Alaska cruises from Seattle, small boutique cruises from Seattle to Alaska, or cruises from Seattle to Alaska one way.
Please contact one of our travel agents with any questions you may have about our Alaska cruises leaving from Seattle.
We hope to see you soon on one of our cruises!
Ready For A Ketchikan Cruiseall Of These Alaska Cruises Make A Stop In Ketchikan
Take a Ketchikan cruise aboard one of the 19 Cruise Lines that stop in Ketchikan, Alaska. The port of Ketchikan has proven itself as one of the favorite ports on a cruise to Alaska because of the incredible wildlife, wide range of tours available, and beauty that surrounds the island. And with an average of 20 cruise ships a week, you are sure to find a Ketchikan cruise that fits your budget, timeframe and expectations!
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Heres When Alaska Cruises From Seattle Will Start Again And Which Lines Will Resume
A cruise ship seen off Alki Beach on Sunday, May 12, 2019 in West Seattle. Several cruise lines plan to resume cruises between Seattle and Alaska as early as July. TNS
Cruises from Seattle to Alaska are set to return this summer after federal lawmakers cleared the way for sailings that have been on hold since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
The move signals the return of a significant slice of downtown Seattles economy, where some waterfront businesses plan staffing around the cruise schedule. But significant questions remain about exact safety protocols the cruise lines will enforce.
Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line said Thursday they would resume cruising to Alaska for a partial season starting in July for passengers who have proof of vaccination.
Princess Cruises will sail seven-day cruises from July 25 through Sept. 26. Sales will begin on May 21.
Holland America Line will resume seven-day cruises to depart on Saturdays from July 24 through Oct. 2.
Carnival will depart weekly from July 27 to Sept. 14. Most trips will be seven-day cruises, with one eight-day trip that has one additional stop.
Norwegian Cruise Line has also started selling tickets for August sailings from Seattle to Alaska, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.
Proof of vaccination will be required, the companies said Thursday. Decisions about masks, social distancing and precise quarantine procedures are still to come.
Bell Street Pier 66 Cruise Terminal
Terminal 66 was inaugurated in May 2000. In 2017 was completed the USD 30 million terminal expansion project.
NCL’s USD 30 million investment into Pier 66 allowed in Seattle to be homeported the ever-largest Alaskan ship – Norwegian Bliss. The liner started turnaround operations in June 2018 with 7-day Inside Passage cruises. To handle new ship’s capacity , Terminal 66 was expanded from 44,000 ft2 to 151,000 ft2 . On May 23, 2017, representatives from Port Seattle and NCLH-Norwegian celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Pier 66 Terminal. Upgrades included a mobile gangway , renovated check-in area and VIP lounge.
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About Cruising From New York
When you choose to cruise from NYC, you can enjoy the same amenities of a typical Florida cruise, but departing from the convenience of New York terminals. If youre traveling from other cities in the US, you can enjoy attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square or Carnegie Hall in addition to your cruise vacation.
Cruises that depart from New York are popular among native New Yorkers and tourists from around the world. Natives enjoy taking a cruise that doesnt involve the hassle of flying, and tourists love adding New Yorks best attractions to a cruise vacation.
Used as a ship departure location since the 1930s, the Manhattan Cruise Terminal went through significant modernization improvements over the past decade. Starting in 2004, $200 million went into the terminals, allowing Pier 88 and Pier 90 to accommodate larger cruise ships. An additional $4 million in Passenger Boarding Bridges went toward accommodations for newer and larger ships. The result is one of the more modern cruise facilities in the U.S., with adjustable gangways, expanded pier aprons, and separate arrival and departure points for decreasing congestion and improving efficiency.
Cruises From New York
Norwegian GemNorwegian BreakawayNorwegian GemNorwegian BreakawayNorwegian EscapeNorwegian GemCaribbean PrincessEmerald PrincessRoyal PrincessRegal PrincessDawn PrincessRuby Princessms EurodamCarnival HorizonQueen Mary 2Carnival HorizonDisney Magic Regal Princess Hot New York Cruise Deal Ship: Norwegian Getaway
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Smith Cove Pier 91 Cruise Terminal
- address – “Cruise Terminal 91 , 2001 West Garfield St., Seattle, Washington 98119 “
- GPS coordinates – pending
- 2 berths
- Pier 91 terminal serves the ships of Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Disney and Royal Caribbean.
- Pier 91 cruise terminal was opened in 2009. It has mechanized gangway for embarkation/disembarkation from floor 2 .
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is close to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and to downtown . The terminal is located on Pier #90 and Pier #91, at approx 2 mi from downtown in northwestern direction. This port used to serve as an industrial port and a resupply base and still looks a kind of industrial. The Smith Cove terminal offers car rental desk, concierge, luggage handling, retail kiosks, check-in and customs. Close there is a parking and shuttle minibus service which is free. The passengers can pick up a cell phone car lot. It has two cruise ship moorings.
Awesome Cruises That Depart From Canadian Ports: Quebec City To The Bahamas
In October, Royal Caribbean , will pick up passengers in Quebec City and transport them from Canadian soil to the Bahamas. The 14-day experience has several stops that takes travellers from Quebec to PEI, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, then on to Maine, Massachusetts and Florida and finally further south to Nassau, Bahamas. The cruise finishes in Florida, so snowbirds that want to escape the falling temperatures back home can stay behind and soak up the sun.
On board, theres something for everyone, from fitness classes to rock climbing walls, a variety of swimming pools as well as nightly Broadway-inspired shows and numerous restaurants serving up everything from Italian to Japanese cuisine.
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Your Next Voyage Is A Couple Of Clicks Away Contact Us Today
To learn even more about cheap cruise deals from New York or for any further assistance you need to finalise your booking, be sure to contact us. Cruise Guru boasts an incredible team of fantastic cruise specialists who, through their years of experience, will happily help find the perfect cruise that suits your preferences. Call us on or complete a and one of our outstanding cruise specialists will get to you shortly.
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Land Reclamation And Ocean Dumping
Channelization and landfilling began in the colonial era and continued well into the 20th century.
Early materials were shellfish and other refuse, and later construction debris from projects such as the New York City Subway and Pennsylvania Station. Rubble from the bombing of London was transported for ballast during World War II. New land has been created throughout the port, including large swaths that are now Battery Park City, Ellis Island, Liberty State Park, Flushing MeadowsCorona Park, and the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
From 1924 until 1986, sewerage sludge was hauled by tugboat and barge to a point 12 miles offshore in the Atlantic. From 1986 to 1992 it was dumped at a site 106 nautical miles from Atlantic City, after which ocean dumping was banned.
Barges were also used to transport waste to Fresh Kills Landfill, the worlds largest, which operated from 1948 to 1991. Both operations were known to be detrimental to Long Island and Jersey Shore beaches, notably the 1987 Syringe Tide.
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Port Of Seattle Sees Hope For A 2021 Alaska Cruise Season After Latest Cdc Guidance
SEATTLE New guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says if 98% of the crew and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated, cruise ships could potentially sail from U.S. ports and bypass simulated test voyages.
That’s good news for the Port of Seattle, which would very much like to see its $900 million dollar cruise business to Alaska start up again, at least salvaging the last 25% of the 2020 season.
We are hopeful, but no doubt, its a steep hill to climb, says Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Managing Director for the maritime side of the Port of Seattle. The guidance is much clearer than its been. But we are working all the pieces, but this provides hope for a cruise season in 2021.
Unlike Miami, Florida or Southern California, what makes the Seattle to Alaska market more complex is the requirement that a foreign-flagged ship hauling passengers from one U.S. port to another U.S. port must make a stop in another country, based on U.S. law. Most of the Alaska-bound cruises coming out of Seattle are on foreign-flagged ships.
That other factor is Canada, which has maintained tight border rules with the U.S. during the pandemic. Canada has already said foreign cruise ships wouldnt dock in the country until 2022.
Stebbins says her office as well as congressional delegations from multiple sates are working that issue.
Chiron says it can take 90 days to get ships ready and staffed up with crews and passengers booked, and that may not leave much of a season.
What Safety Measures Will Be In Place
With coronavirus measures constantly changing, it is difficult to predict exactly what cruises will look like, especially in the United States.
Last year, the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry group that represents most of the largest cruise companies, announced a mandatory set of health protocols that will be implemented as part of a phased-in resumption of operations.
The core elements include:
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Best For Families With Younger Kids
Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships. Disney kicks that up a notch with meet-and-greets with its beloved characters on board. You can hang with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival and there are DreamWorks personas aboard Royal Caribbean ships.
Top Cruises From Seattle To Alaska
In search of your next adventure? How would you feel about embarking on an Alaska cruise leaving from Seattle?
Joining an Alaskan cruise enables you to experience the dynamic energy of the Emerald City before boarding and heading into the wild, natural beauty of Americans Last Frontier.
If youre looking for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle, continue reading for AAAs top suggestions or contact us to speak directly with one of our knowledgeable travel agents about your upcoming trip.
Whether youre looking for short Alaska cruises from Seattle or ones that are over a week long, AAA has numerous cruise options for you to choose from each one capable of delivering memories that will last a lifetime.
Join a 7-Day Alaska Cruise From Seattle by Royal Caribbean International
Experience Glacier Bay On This 7-Day Cruise by Princess Cruises
Savor Delicious Food & Rugged Alaskan Coastline on This 8-Night Cruise by Carnival Cruise Line
Join an Exciting 7-Night Celebrity Cruise to Alaska From Seattle
Enjoy Food & Excursions On This 7-Night Cruise by Holland America Line
Relax on Decadent Alaska Cruises From Seattle by Oceania Cruises
Enjoy Roundtrip Alaska Cruises From Seattle by Norwegian Cruise Line
Benefits of Doing an Alaska Cruise From Seattle
Small Ship Alaska Cruises From Seattle
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