The placement of lucky coins, a time-honored maritime tradition for new sea-going vessels, was held aboard TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7, a 2,900-guest ship nearing the end of construction at a Finnish shipyard.
Ship Captain Omar Caruana joined members of the crew and shipyard employees for the Lucky Coin Ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on April 30, 2024. According to tradition, 10 lucky coins are placed in a box, which is then welded to the ship’s deck 15. It means there is a “nest egg” on the ship and she is ready to sail.
Captain Caruana has been working at the shipyard in Turku, Finland, since February, as finishing touches and final preparations are made to the 111,500-gross ton vessel.
“I will remember this moment for the rest of my life,” Captain Omar Caruana said during the coin ceremony.
Mein Schiff 7, the seventh in the TUI Cruises’ fleet, was floated out of her construction bay in December 2023, and work on the interior design of the ship began. TUI Cruises is a joint venture of the TUI Group and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Mein Schiff 7 Lucky Coin Ceremony
The ship is due to enter service in June 2024, and will soon begin a series of sea trials, when major operational systems such as propulsion, navigation, and safety will be evaluated. Meanwhile, start-up crew members will soon move into their cabins as construction comes to a close.
The ship was built with several environment-friendly systems. It is designed to use lower-emission marine diesel with a sulfur content of just 0.1%. Built with catalytic converters, the vessel was constructed to achieve nitrogen oxide emissions roughly 75% lower than traditional fuels.
In addition, Mein Schiff 7 can run on methanol, prospectively green methanol, which is considered a climate-friendly fuel when it is produced from renewable energies. The use of green methanol would make the ship’s propulsion almost CO2-neutral.
In light of the ship’s environmental sustainability systems, the cruise line chose the Mein Schiff fleet’s environmental officer, Fenia Kalachani, to serve as godmother of the new vessel.
Ship to Be Christened in At-Sea Ceremony
TUI Cruises earlier revealed that June 22, 2024, will be the christening date for Mein Schiff 7. The ceremony will be held at sea as part of a 2-day christening cruise, with Kalachani christening and naming the ship.
The cruise will depart Kiel, Germany, on June 21, 2024, and sail in the Danish South Sea, also known as the South Sea Islands, an archipelago off southeast Denmark. Following the onboard naming ceremony, the ship will return to Kiel on June 23, 2024, the capital city of Germany’s Schleswig-Holstein state, where the annual Kiel Week festival will be underway.
Kiel Week is a major sailing regatta, with competitions, live music, food, and other entertainment. Guests will be able to enjoy the event after debarking the ship.
Mein Schiff 7‘s inaugural season will feature voyages in the Baltic region, and the Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle, calling at ports such as Stavanger, Eidfjord, Molde, North Cape, and Longyearbyen on Spitzbergen. A special 5-day themed cruise is set for departure on September 22, 2024, focused on German hip-hop music and sailing from Warnemünde to Hamburg.
The new vessel will offer mostly ocean-view cabins, 12 restaurants and 17 lounges, a gym, sports courts and a climbing wall, a full spa, and an outdoor pool.
TUI Cruises has two more ships under construction. The 160,000-gross ton Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff 9 are being built at a Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Both are powered by LNG (liquified natural gas), and the ships are slated to launch in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
The 2024 cruise season has officially opened at Scotland’s Greenock Ocean Terminal, with Princess Cruises’ 3,560-guest Regal Princess becoming the first ship to call at the facility in Inverclyde, the port for Glasgow.
The Greenock Ocean Terminal, which recently launched a new visitor center, welcomed 91 cruise ships in 2023, breaking the port’s 2022 record by a substantial 25%. Port officials expect 79 ships to call in 2024, bringing an estimated 115,000 cruise guests to the region.
Early bookings for 2025 indicate the port will break its 2023 arrivals record. Meanwhile, the 2024 season will be the first full cruise season for the £20 million ($25 million USD) visitor center, which opened in August 2023, about midway through last year’s season.
The center features an arrivals and departures hall, a museum/art gallery, and a restaurant, and has already created 70-plus local jobs and added some £26 million ($32.5 million USD) to the Scottish economy.
“We’re looking forward to another busy cruise season at Greenock Ocean Terminal, the first since our new visitor centre was launched,” said Jim McSporran, Port Director at Peel Ports Clydeport.
“The impressive centre is not only a superb facility for cruise passengers, but it also enhances our ability to attract these fantastic vessels to Inverclyde from all over the world, which has a positive impact on local businesses and Scotland’s broader economy,” added McSporran.
Regal Princess at Greenock Port (Photo Courtesy: Peel Ports)
Along with the new visitor center, recent upgrades to Inverclyde include a new floating pontoon cruise ship berth that enables the port to accommodate ships up to 1,115 feet long. The maximum length enables most mega-ships to call, and is just shy of the 1,186-foot-length of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships.
The improvement project, which was led by Inverclyde Council, was part of a £1 billion ($1.2 billion USD) Glasgow City Region City Deal funded by the Scottish and UK governments, Peel Ports, the operator of Greenock Ocean Terminal, and some private contributions.
Inverclyde is comprised of three towns: Port Glasgow, Greenock, and Gourock, as well as a few small villages. The area has a shipbuilding and seafaring history and offers visitors a wealth of outdoor activities plus a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Queen Anne Visit a Highlight for the Port in 2024
One of the major highlights of the 2024 season is the upcoming visit by Cunard’s new ship, Queen Anne, which will call at Greenock during her 14-night maiden British Isles Festival Voyage. The ship was officially delivered to the line in mid-April.
Queen Anne Ship Sea Trials (Credit: Cunard Line)
The 3,000-guest Queen Anne will depart from Southampton on May 24, 2024 and call at Edinburgh, Invergordon, Greenock, Belfast, and finally Liverpool, where her naming ceremony will be held on June 3, 2024. Following her christening, QueenAnne will call at Cobh, Ireland, before returning to Southampton.
Other cruise ships scheduled to call at Greenock include Disney Cruise Line’s 4,000-guest Disney Dream; Celebrity Cruises’ 3,400-guest Celebrity Apex; Silversea Cruises’ 600-guest Silver Spirit; Royal Caribbean’s 2,700-guest Jewel of the Seas; Azamara’s 670-guest Azamara Onward; Carnival Cruise Line’s 2,124-guest Carnival Legend; and Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,340-guest Norwegian Dawn, among others.
“Inverclyde’s cruise tourism sector has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and we’re delighted it’s going to be another busy year at Greenock Ocean Terminal with some really impressive liners arriving,” said Stephen McCabe, Inverclyde Council representative.
Cruise guests arriving to Greenock can travel to Glasgow by train in about 20 minutes and enjoy many area tours and excursions.
Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled its newest gift for the most loyal passengers, part of the VIFP program for travelers who have reached the Platinum and Diamond levels of accumulated cruise points.
The new gift is a stylish navy blue tote bag, convenient and useful for beach days, visits to the pool, or just carrying along essentials around the ship, while exploring a port of call, or on any shore tour.
The new gift has been revealed by the cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, on his popular Facebook page, and is already met with great excitement by Carnival cruise fans.
“The new VIFP gift is on some ships and will be across the fleet in the coming weeks. It is a tote bag,”Heald announced.“I hope you like it.”
The rectangular tote bag is Carnival Cruise Line’s signature navy blue, with sturdy red canvas handles sewn to each side for easy carrying. A leather patch with the Carnival Cruise Line logo and “VIFP CLUB” is attached to the side, and the light-colored interior is lined with a print proclaiming “Very Important for Pool Days” as a fun nod to the loyalty program’s acronym.
The bag is a simple tote bag without a top zipper or any interior pockets, but does have room to carry a few useful items as needed. While the tote bag is not yet available fleetwide, guests have reported already receiving it on Carnival Breeze, Carnival Elation, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Dream, and other ships.
Supplies are undoubtedly being rolled out to other vessels, but exactly when the new gift debuts will depend on how many of the previous gifts are still available and how many Diamond and Platinum level guests claim their free gifts. The bags must be picked up at the Pixels photo gallery.
This loyalty gift is the third in a matching set Carnival Cruise Line first announced in February 2023. The first in the collection was a “bum bag” or “fanny pack” belt bag, and the second was a small vanity bag. All three have matching navy blue coloration, red accents, and the VIFP leather patch.
About VIFP Gifts
All returning Carnival cruisers receive benefits for their loyalty, but the free gifts are only offered to the top two tiers of the “Very Important Fun Person” (VIFP) program. Platinum level guests have accumulated 75-199 cruise points, while Diamond level travelers have 200+ points. Carnival Cruise Line counts points as days sailed with the cruise line.
Points are not accrued for some promotional sailings, such as media cruises or non-revenue fares, or for some charter sailings. Points are only officially counted after a sailing is completed, and are credited to guests’ loyalty accounts within 14 days of debarkation.
Guests at the two lowest levels of the program – Blue (first sailing) and Red (up to 24 points) only have limited benefits and no free gifts. When guests reach the Gold level (25-74 points), they receive a commemorative gold VIFP pin on every sailing as a great souvenir of their voyage.
Platinum and Diamond level guests receive the most benefits, with their own collectible pins as well as the logo gifts and other perks.
All pins and logo gifts must be collected from the Pixels gallery no later than two days before the end of the cruise. On more popular sailings, such as inaugural voyages or longer Carnival Journeys cruises that have higher numbers of Diamond and Platinum guests, it is wise to collect gifts earlier in the sailing or else supplies may run out.
Previous loyalty gifts have included drink koozies, hats, fleece blankets, beach towels, luggage tags, insulated tumblers, and a wide variety of other items. There is no set schedule for how often gifts are changed, and the selection often depends on how popular a gift is, manufacturing costs, and other details, including guest feedback about which items are most – or least – popular.
Princess Cruises, facing geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and surrounding regions, has announced a revision of its 2025 World Cruise itineraries. The cruise line has opted to reroute its global voyages to bypass the Middle East and Asia, instead shifting focus to Europe and Africa.
Modifications to the 2025 World Cruise are comprehensive, affecting both Island Princess and Crown Princess voyages.
Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises, emphasized the decision’s necessity, stating, “A Princess World Cruise is truly the voyage of a lifetime and after careful consideration with guidance from global security experts and government authorities, we know our guests will understand and appreciate the change to our upcoming 2025 itineraries to avoid certain areas.”
Thornton went on to explain, “These global events beyond our control have necessitated these reroutings but we are pleased to continue to ensure these world cruises retain destination-rich itineraries with incredible stops along the west Africa coast and the Mediterranean.”
The tension in the Red Sea is due to rebels, who began using armed drones and sea mines to disrupt maritime traffic while attempting hijackings and attacking ships earlier in 2024.
Multiple cruise lines, including Princess Cruises’ 2024 World Cruise, rerouted voyages in 2024 to avoid the region. As tensions have not lessened in the area, Princess Cruises will continue to avoid the region in 2025.
Princess Cruises Alters 2025 Routes
In 2025, Island Princess is offering two roundtrip World Cruise options, the first departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 5, 2025, and the second from Los Angeles on January 20, 2025. Its updated itineraries include over 36,700 nautical miles of travel and feature 46 destinations across 24 countries on six continents.
Notably, the revised routes include first-time stops at locales like the Greek Island of Patmos and the historic city of Volos, Greece, near the Monasteries of Meteora.
Scheduled to arrive in Sydney, Australia, on February 16, the itinerary revisions occur on journeys following Sydney through April 9. During this time, Island Princess will experience 32 days at sea. Calling on Melbourne and Perth, Australia, the ship will arrive in Mauritius on March 3.
Island Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Andres Felipe Perez)
Instead of navigating north, through the Red Sea, and to ports in the Middle East and Asia, Island Princess will head south to Cape Town, where it will have an overnight call to host embarkation and disembarkation for its next segment.
Originally scheduled to take place in Dubai, U.A.E., on March 14, passengers scheduled to depart from or sail from Dubai on the original leg will now need to disembark or join the cruise from Cape Town on March 9.
This change means a shortened itinerary for some passengers and longer travel distances, with direct flights between the two cities taking more than 9 hours. To compensate for the changes, Princess Cruises is refunding the amount equivalent to four days of cruise fare. Those joining early will not be charged anything additional.
All guests affected will also receive $300 onboard credit, “as a gesture of good will.” No mention of airfare compensation was announced.
The voyage will continue north along Africa’s western coast, calling in Namibia, the Cape Verde Islands, Madeira, Portugal, and Gibraltar. It will then enter the Mediterranean for calls in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, and Montenegro. As originally scheduled, the voyage will arrive in Valletta, Malta, on April 9.
Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock.com
Similarly, Crown Princess will depart on its World Cruise from Auckland, New Zealand, on May 31, 2025, and Sydney on June 4, 2025. Its voyage will span 113 days, visit 42 destinations in 22 countries, and call on five continents.
The ship will also bypass the Red Sea and travel via Africa instead of the original Middle East and Asia itinerary. However, its new lineup is still being finalized and will be announced at a later date.
Just hours after receiving an email promising an update the day before embarkation, Royal Caribbean International has again reached out to guests booked on the May 3, 2024 departure of Radiance of the Seas, this time with great news. Repairs to the technical issue impacting the ship’s propulsion system are nearly complete, and the sailing is confirmed to be going ahead as planned.
“We know you’ve been preparing to join us for our Radiance of the Seas May 3rd, 2024 sailing. We’re happy to share that our teams are finishing up the technical work onboard right on schedule and we’ll be ready to welcome you on May 3rd, as planned!”the email read.
This good news follows several days of uncertainty as Radiance of the Seas has been undergoing repairs for an unspecified “technical issue” that impacted the ship’s top speed.
The ship first developed propulsion difficulties while repositioning from Los Angeles to Vancouver, which caused both ports of call on that 4-night sailing to be cancelled in the hopes that an earlier arrival to Vancouver would permit adequate time for repairs.
Unfortunately, the ship was unable to set sail on the planned April 26 departure, which would have been the vessel’s first Alaska cruise of the season. The situation was frustrating for booked guests, who were first permitted to embark with a planned departure delay only to be told a day later the cruise was cancelled after all.
Docked Radiance of the Seas (Photo Credit: meunierd)
Guests for the May 3 cruise have been anxiously awaiting news for their sailing, and this latest communication is sure to be welcome indeed.
The 7-night cruise is a one-way voyage from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska, visiting Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Skagway along the way. The last day of the cruise includes outstanding scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier before the ship is scheduled to arrive in Seward on May 10, 2024.
Radiance of the Seas is offering alternating northbound and southbound Alaska sailings between Vancouver and Seward through the Alaska season, with her last departure from Vancouver on September 6, and her last from Seward on September 13. The ship will also offer one final roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver departing on September 20, before she closes the season and repositions to Tampa.
It is hoped that the technical issue has been fully corrected, and the 90,090-gross-ton vessel will have smooth, on-time sailing throughout her season in the Last Frontier.
Radiance of the Seas can welcome 2,143 guests at double occupancy and as many as 2,466 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled.
Alaska Season Underway
Alaska is a top destination and a bucket list vacation for many travelers, and cruising is an amazing way to explore multiple destinations in the largest state in the US.
Radiance of the Seas In Vancouver (Photo Credit: TamasV / Shutterstock)
From Vancouver, Princess Cruise Line opened the season in mid-April with Ruby Princess, and Holland America Line has also begun its season of Alaska sailings with several vessels.
Radiance of the Seas will be the first Royal Caribbean International ship to begin a regular Alaska season from Vancouver, despite the delay as the ship has undergone these necessary propulsion repairs.
Guests aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas have been informed they will not be able to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico as planned, but will instead be visiting St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. While a cancelled port of call can be disappointing, this gives travelers the unique opportunity to enjoy an amazing festival in St. Thomas.
Earlier this month, MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia inadvertently impacted a mooring dolphin on Pier 3 West in San Juan, causing structural damage that has meant the pier is unable to be used. While repairs and inspections are currently underway, this means that Wonder of the Seas will be unable to visit on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 as originally planned.
While there are other docks available for cruise ships to berth in San Juan, the overall dock length and configuration of other berths may be unable to accommodate the 235,600-gross-ton, Oasis-class Wonder of the Seas, the second-largest cruise ship in the world. Adjacent water depth to accommodate the ship’s draft may also be a factor in the cancellation.
Instead, Wonder of the Seas will now visit Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Food Fair Day.
“The Port Authority is thrilled to welcome this unscheduled visit by the Wonder of the Seas,”said Carlton Dowe, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority.
“The Carnival Food Fair is one of the ultimate showcases of our local cuisine, treats, arts and crafts, fresh produce, and music. We are certain that this unique cultural experience will entice our cruise visitors to return for a longer stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The festival is a free event attended by thousands every year. Nearby streets are diverted to one-way traffic and free ferry and shuttle service is provided to help with crowds. Some taxi services near the cruise port will also be restricted to accommodate fair traffic, which might impact shore tour availability and timing.
Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
Visitors will have the opportunity to sample an amazing array of local treats, including lobster, jonny cakes, beef and salt fish pates, kalaloo, tamarind stew, mango and pineapple tarts, passion fruit juice, and many other delicious Caribbean dishes.
Local art, paintings, and crafts will also be available for purchase, such as Caribbean and iguana dolls, coconut monkeys and birdfeeders, and other unique options that can be amazing souvenirs of a truly unique visit.
Other events during the fair will be live music from local bands, traditional cultural dances, and appearances by political figures and local celebrities.
Two other cruise ships are also scheduled to visit Charlotte Amalie on May 1 with time to enjoy Food Fair: MSC Seascape and Disney Fantasy.
Not the First Cancelled Port for the Cruise
The cancellation of San Juan for Wonder of the Seas‘ current sailing – a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary that departed Port Canaveral on Sunday, April 28 – is not the only original port of call removed from the itinerary.
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas
The ship was also to visit Labadee, Haiti, on Friday, May 3. In light of recent unrest and violence in Haiti, however, Royal Caribbean International has removed Labadee from all ships’ itineraries at least for the next several weeks. Some sailings through the summer months have also had the port cancelled, and it is unclear when regular visits to Labadee might resume.
Instead, various ships are being rerouted to different destinations, including Grand Turk, St. Maarten, or Perfect Day at CocoCay, among others, depending on the sailing route and port availability.
Because Wonder of the Seas will now be sailing further east to visit St. Thomas, the ship will also be visiting St. Maarten rather than Labadee.
Wonder of the Seas can welcome 5,734 guests at double occupancy, and up to 7,084 travelers if fully booked with all berths filled. The ship is also home to approximately 2,300 international crew members.
While Seattle may be more famous for its coffee culture and bustling tech industry, this seaport city also serves as an important embarkation point for many leading cruise lines.
Whether you are planning an Alaskan cruise that departs from the Emerald City or embarking on a completely different itinerary, you will want to familiarize yourself with the Port of Seattle, its cruise ship terminals, and what the city itself has to offer.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all of the essential information you should know so you can enjoy a stress-free travel experience. We will cover everything from directions to and from the port to how you can make the most out of your time in the city and surrounding area.
The Port of Seattle operates two dedicated cruise terminals—Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 along the waterfront near the city’s downtown core and Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, just northwest of it. Given that the two terminals are located several miles apart, it’s important to double-check where your ship is departing from before you set off.
If your cruise departs from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66, you will need to follow directions to 2225 Alaskan Way, South Seattle, Washington 98121.
On the other hand, to get to a cruise ship docked at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, you will follow directions to 2001 West Garfield Street, Seattle, Washington 98119.
Distance From Seattle Cruise Ports to the Airport
Both of the Port of Seattle’s main cruise piers are within a fairly convenient distance of Seattle’s airport, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. For those flying into Seattle prior to their cruise, the amount of time it will take will depend on which of the two piers your ship is departing from and traffic conditions when you arrive.
Sea-Tac Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) (Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock)
On average, you can expect a 25-minute drive to downtown’s Bell Street Cruise Terminal or a 30 to 35-minute commute to the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 66.
With that said, traffic into downtown Seattle can be pretty congested if you arrive during rush hour, so you should give yourself extra time if you are hoping to drive from Seattle’s airport to either pier between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. or between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., especially on a workday.
Directions:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (14.1 miles):
Get on WA-518 W from Airport Expressway (drive for 2.3 miles)
Take WA-509 N and Highway 99 N to Alaskan Way S. Once on Alaskan Way S., continue for 1.8 miles. Watch for signs for the Bell Street Cruise Terminal and exit left when you see it. The terminal entrance will be on the right.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (19 miles):
Get on WA-518 from Airport Expressway (drive for 2.3 miles)
Take WA-509 N to Dexter Ave N (after 12.2 miles, take the exit towards Mercer Street)
Drive along Mercer Street before turning left onto Elliot Ave. Follow signs for the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal
Transportation Options from the Airport to Seattle Cruise Ports
For those flying into Seattle, rather than driving directly to their respective cruise terminal, numerous options make it easy to get from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Several low-cost shuttle services link the airport and the Port of Seattle. With well-marked pick-up and drop-off points at each terminal, this is a good option for those looking to cut down on transportation costs.
Seattle’s Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (Photo Credit: lenic / Shutterstock)
If you prefer to travel directly to your designated departure point, taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals. Not only is getting a cab easy, but all of Seattle’s major taxi companies offer flat rates between the airport and the two cruise terminals.
Given Seattle’s reputation as one of the major tech hubs in the United States, you won’t be surprised to learn that rideshare services, including Uber and Lyft, are also plentiful and easy to reach.
In fact, you will even pass by one of Uber’s main engineering offices on your way to either cruise port, which explains why so many drivers are available. While these can be affordable, ensure you avoid surge rates if you arrive during rush hour, as it can cost more than a taxi.
Parking at Seattle Cruise Port
Overnight and temporary parking is available at both terminals. Bell Street Cruise Terminal has covered parking on the other side of the road from the terminal and a sky bridge connecting the parking garage to the terminal entrance. There are plenty of spaces, and overnight parking is available for $23 per day. We recommend booking your spot ahead of time.
Bell Street Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 also has on-site parking and a free shuttle that helps cruise passengers travel between the terminal entrance and the parking lot. Parking is a little bit more expensive at $29 per day, but you can save $2 per day if you book online ahead of time.
Traveling by Train to the Port of Seattle
Amtrak offers budget-friendly train routes connecting Seattle to other major American cities. If you prefer to take the scenic route to your cruise departure point, you can easily take the train to the King Street Amtrak Station, which is located in the city’s downtown core.
From the station, taxis take roughly 10 minutes to the Bell Street Cruise Terminal and about 20 minutes to the Smith Cove Terminal. Again, travel times can vary depending on traffic and downtown construction delays, so you may want to give yourself more time. After all,the last thing you want is to be late for your cruise!
Differences Between the Two Terminals
Apart from the fact that Bell Street Pier is located in the heart of downtown Seattle while Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is situated slightly north of it, near the city’s Magnolia neighborhood, the two terminals are relatively similar.
Both feature modern terminal facilities, including clean and wheelchair-friendly restrooms, numerous seating areas, and information booths. Unfortunately, neither terminal offers complimentary Wi-Fi, but it can be purchased for a small fee. Most cruise passengers find that their cell phone reception is pretty strong, which is rarely an issue for American travelers.
Norwegian Bliss Docked in Seattle, Washington (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock)
The Bell Street Terminal offers a VIP waiting area for passengers who have paid extra. While this isn’t necessary, it can be worthwhile if you plan to arrive early. If you have paid for a suite, you may even qualify for free access to the VIP area, so it is worth checking with your cruise line.
Where the two piers really differ is in size. The Bell Street Terminal caters more to smaller cruise ships and fewer cruise lines, so it is the smaller of the two terminals. For those traveling on a full-size cruise ship, it is more likely that you will depart from the larger Smith Cove Terminal at Pier 91.
Accessibility
The terminal was designed to be highly accessible, so there are plenty of wheelchair ramps. Individual cruise lines also offer wheelchairs and attendants who can help passengers in need of assistance. If you require a wheelchair, it is a good idea to contact your cruise line ahead of time to ensure that they will have one waiting for your arrival.
Cruise Lines that Use the Port of Seattle
Seven major cruise lines use Seattle’s two dedicated cruise piers. As mentioned, Pier 91 is the larger of the two, so it handles the bigger cruise ships belonging to five of the seven cruise lines:
Cruise Ships Docked at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Ian Dewar Photography / Shutterstock)
Cruise Lines Operating Out of Smith Cove Terminal at Pier 91 include Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
The Cruise Lines Operating Out of Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 include Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.
Relationship Between the Port and Alaska’s Cruise Industry
The Port of Seattle is an essential embarkation and disembarkation point for cruises, with itineraries that take them to explore Alaska’s pristine coastline. Thanks to the strategic Pacific Northwest location of the two cruise terminals and Seattle’s world-class international airport, it is one of the preferred choices for some of the world’s most reputable cruise lines.
Cruise Ships Docked in Seattle
While San Francisco, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, both have port facilities that allow Alaska cruises to depart from them, without the Port of Seattle, the entire Alaskan cruise market would suffer. In 2023 alone, 251 cruise ships departed from Seattle on their way to Alaska. Industry forecasts anticipate this number will grow to at least 275 this year.
Not only does the port help hundreds of thousands of travelers explore Alaska’s rugged landscape and untamed wildlife, but it has been doing so for 25 years! This explains why the Port of Seattle is considered to be one of the main gateways to Alaska.
Nearby Amenities
With Seattle being a tourist destination in its own right, many cruise passengers departing from the Port of Seattle will give themselves a few days either before or after their cruise to explore the city. Luckily, there are plenty of amenities and points of interest located within a short distance of the two cruise ports:
Explore Downtown
While they may not necessarily be within walking distance of the downtown core, the two cruise terminals are located relatively close. Bell Street at Pier 66 is just over a mile away from downtown, so you could reach it with a 25-minute walk, but the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is over 3 miles away and would require walking along roads that are not overly pedestrian-friendly.
Photo Credit: Alexander Oganezov / Shutterstock.com
Whether you walk or take a cab, downtown Seattle is home to some truly iconic sights. We recommend going up the Space Needle for a 360° view of the city and the surrounding area. The Seattle Great Wheel also offers some stunning views of Seattle’s downtown waterfront, and tickets are less than $30.
Downtown Seattle is also a foodie’s playground; with restaurants, casual eateries, and countless coffee shops, it’s not difficult to treat your tastebuds while you walk around the downtown area.
Visit the Seattle Aquarium
Seattle Aquarium is roughly half a mile from Pier 66, so passengers could easily walk to it. For those departing from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, it would be about a 1-hour walk or 15-minute drive, but it is well worth visiting.
Seattle Aquarium (Photo Credit: Joy Prescott / Shutterstock)
Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market is just steps away from Seattle Aquarium, so travel times are almost identical. For over a century, the Pike Place Market has acted as the unofficial center of Seattle’s downtown and the heart and soul of the city’s unique culture.
Pike Place Market (Photo Credit: Grindstone Media Group)
With shops catering to tourists and locals, you’ll surely find something that catches your eye. As one of the oldest and largest continuously operating markets in the country, it’s not something you’ll want to miss.
Seasonal Weather Conditions in Seattle, WA
To make sure you’re prepared for your time in Seattle, you’ll want to make sure that you consider the weather:
Summer (June – August)
Temperatures usually range between 65° and 75°F, and rainfall is limited. Bring light clothing and comfortable footwear, as Seattle is a very walkable city.
Fall (September – November)
Daytime temperatures drop to between 45° and 60°F. The cooler temperatures are also joined by increased rainfall and plenty of fog, especially in the mornings. Make sure you bring a waterproof jacket and some warmer layers, especially if you plan on being outside in the evenings.
Winter (December – February)
Temperatures drop to just above freezing but can be as high as 45°F on warmer days. The cold temperatures also bring occasional snowfall, plenty of rain, and really strong winds blowing in off the water. Wear warm layers and a waterproof jacket. Warm socks and insulated footwear are also helpful.
Spring (March – May)
Daytime temperatures return to a more pleasant average of 45° to 60°F. Expect occasional showers, but they tend to be brief. Wear light, removable layers and bring a rain jacket or umbrella with you.
Things to Do in Seattle
As mentioned, Seattle and the surrounding area offer plenty of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. We already mentioned exploring the downtown, ascending the Space Needle, visiting the Seattle Aquarium, and wandering around Pike Place Market, but the city offers much more:
Visit Seattle’s Museums
The Seattle Art Museum is located in downtown Seattle along the waterfront, so it is easy to get to from either cruise terminal. Art lovers will enjoy the eclectic collection and the building’s unique architecture.
Seattle Art Museum (Photo Credit: Yan AMC / Shutterstock)
The Museum of Pop Culture is another must-see if you plan to take in the city’s real cultural experience. It’s located in Seattle’s Uptown neighborhood, so you can check out the Space Needle on your way.
The Museum of Flight is worth a visit for aviation enthusiasts. It’s appropriately located near the airport, so if you are planning to visit, keep the roughly 11-mile journey in mind.
Whether you ride one of the low-cost Washington State Ferries or choose a more intimate experience on a dedicated Harbor Tour, you’ll get the opportunity to see Seattle from a unique perspective.
If your budget allows for it, we recommend an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour. These one-hour narrated tours offer an informative and fun way to see the city from the water.
Discover Seattle’s Rich History and Culture for Yourself
While attractions and guided tours are great, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in everything Seattle has to offer is to simply walk around and discover it for yourself. Explore the diverse neighborhoods on foot, wander into the countless shops, and stroll along the scenic waterfront.
Seattle is a very walkable city; nothing will make you feel more like a local than grabbing a cup of coffee and taking a stroll. Have a seafood lunch and enjoy the salmon, oysters, and sushi the city is famous for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What port do cruise ships leave from in Seattle?
Cruise ships depart from both Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. Both piers are part of the Port of Seattle, so make sure you check with the terminal your specific cruise ship will be departing from.
How far is Seattle Cruise Port from the airport?
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 14.1 miles away from the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and just shy of 19 miles from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91.
How far is Pike Place Market from the cruise terminal?
Pike Place Market is just 0.6 miles from Bell Street Cruise Terminal and 3.1 miles from Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. While you can walk to it along the waterfront, many passengers save time by taking a taxi.
Royal Caribbean International has reached out to guests booked on the next sailing of Radiance of the Seas to let them know that the status of their upcoming cruise has not yet been determined, but they will receive an update by May 2, the day before embarkation. This may be frustrating to some passengers who might only learn about their cruise after their travel plans are already underway.
Many cruise travelers prefer to arrive at an embarkation port a day or two in ahead of setting sail, in case of flight delays or other travel difficulties. Some travelers also prefer to enjoy time in homeport cities before boarding their cruise ship.
Not knowing whether or not the cruise will move forward can cause heightened anxiety and frustration before the vacation begins, but Royal Caribbean is doing its best to keep everyone updated.
“Repairs are still underway, and our teams are working diligently to address this issue. We want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to resolve it as quickly as we can,”the email notification read.“While we continue to make progress, we understand the importance of keeping you informed and will provide you with another update by May 2nd.”
The repairs are due to a technical issue that developed with the ship’s propulsion system during its April 22 cruise, a 4-night sailing repositioning from Los Angeles to Vancouver. Because the ship was unable to maintain top speeds, both ports of call – Astoria and Victoria – were cancelled in order to bring the ship to Vancouver and allow extra time for repairs.
Radiance of the Seas at the Vancouver Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Ric Jacyno / Shutterstock)
Unfortunately, the repairs were not able to be completed as quickly as hoped. While guests embarked the ship on Friday, April 26 as planned for Radiance of the Seas‘ first Alaska sailing of 2024, they were informed that their departure would be delayed until Sunday, April 28.
Then, just a day after embarkation and while the ship was still in Vancouver, guests were alerted that repairs would take longer than anticipated and the April 26 (delayed until April 28) cruise had to be cancelled instead.
Now, it is not known whether the May 3 cruise – a 7-night northbound, one-way sailing from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska – will move forward. It is possible that if additional repair time is necessary, the sailing could be shortened and some ports of call dropped to allow the ship to move the 1,500 miles between Vancouver and Seward more quickly.
As scheduled, the cruise is expected to visit Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Skagway, as well as have a day of scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier.
The next cruise is scheduled to depart Seward on May 10, heading southbound back to Vancouver. If repairs cannot be completed in time for Radiance of the Seas to reach Seward for embarkation, it is possible that cruise may be impacted as well either with a delay or a cancellation. At this time, there is no official confirmation of any changes to the May 10 cruise departure.
History Seems to Be Repeating Itself
Both the propulsion issue as well as the last-minute cruise cancellations for Radiance of the Seas are eerily similar to problems the ship developed in August 2023.
Radiance of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: VIDEOVISTAVIEW / Shutterstock)
After that, a second full cruise also needed to be cancelled as repairs were completed. At that time, guests were notified three days before departure that their sailing could not take place.
The similarity between the repairs in September 2023 and those the ship is undergoing now have guests concerned that the technical issue was not fully addressed during the first repairs. Because the exact nature of the problem has not been disclosed, however, there is no way to know if both incidents are related, or just strangely similar.
This is not the first time the same cruise ship has experienced two very similar incidents.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Freedom, for example, had a fire that damaged her funnel in May 2022, and the sailed with a modified straight funnel for months until a new funnel was installed during dry dock in October 2023. Then, in March 2024, a possible lightning strike started another fire in the funnel, causing it to be removed for a straight funnel once more.
Move over Carnival Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean is ready to prove there is a new fun ship in the Caribbean when it debuts Utopia of the Seasthis July. The Oasis-class ship is poised to transform short vacations with 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, to the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Weighing 236,860 gross tons and measuring 1,118 feet in length and 211 feet wide, the 5,668-passenger Utopia of the Seas will spread the fun across its 18 decks, joined by a charismatic crew of nearly 2,300.
“There will be nothing better on planet earth than having a phenomenal experience and party vibe onboard Utopia of the Seas,”said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
In a new video released to showcase the new ship as a great party cruise, Utopia of the Seas will have many of the party bells and whistles that passengers can find on its sister ship, Wonder of the Seas, with two new bar additions: the Pesky Parrot and The Lime & Coconut.
“The Pesky Parrot is going to have great fruity cocktails and frozen drinks. Bartenders are going to keep the action live and exciting,”said Andre Trabosh, director, product development, Royal Caribbean International, of the new space located on Deck 5 that will feature special surprises for guests.
In addition, the Lime & Coconut will become a centerpiece of the pool deck, which offers five swimming pools and three waterslides. The new bar space will serve up Caribbean vibes with live music and fruity concoctions that give the deck ultimate pool party vibes.
Explore the Party Atmosphere Aboard Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas is redefining what it means to have a party at sea, equipped with 23 bars and five live music venues for continuous entertainment and lively atmospheres.
Among the standouts is Boleros, a Latin nightclub that will feature a revamped menu to include enticing new drinks as well as flavorful zero-proof creations. For a taste of British culture, Bell & Barley will offer a traditional pub with build-your-own gin and tonic experiences alongside its selection of wines and beers.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas
Music enthusiasts can rock out at the Music Hall, which will feature high-energy live sets, and guests can participate in singalongs at Schooner Bar’s piano bar or take the spotlight at Spotlight Karaoke.
For guests who enjoy themed entertainment, The Mason Jar provides a slice of Southern hospitality with live country music and a menu filled with Southern-inspired cocktails and comfort food. Meanwhile, laughter will be on par at the Attic comedy club, and those seeking a more relaxed vibe can head to the Vue Bar, where panoramic ocean views and refreshing cocktails will await.
The ship’s connection to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay enhances the weekend’s party scene, with amenities like Thrill Waterpark, Splashaway Bay, and expansive beaches.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas
“There is no better option for a quick getaway than the combination of Utopia of the Seas and Perfect Day at CocoCay,”said Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez, associate vice president of product development at Royal Caribbean International.
Added Bayley, “Our intention is that people have such an incredible time that they’ll come back again and again.”
Utopia of the Seas will begin its weekend sailing schedule with a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas launching July 19. Besides its visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the getaways will call in Nassau.
