Carnival Panorama has been voted as the best new cruise ship of 2019, according to Cruise Hive readers in this year’s Cruise Ship Awards.
Carnival’s Newest Cruise Ship is Best of 2019
As we continue to announce the results of the 2019 Cruise Ship Awards we are pleased to reveal that Carnival Panorama has won the “Best New Cruise Ship” of 2019. The new Vista-class vessel was up against Spectrum of the Seas from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Encore operated by NCL, Sky Princess from Princess Cruises, MSC Bellissima from MSC Cruises, Costa Smeralda operated by Costa Cruises, MSC Grandiosa from MSC Cruises and Costa Venezia which is also in the Costa Cruises fleet.
Carnival Panorama won the category by a huge amount and has just recently started sailing for Carnival Cruise Line. The ship was constructed by Fincantieri in Italy and is the third Vista-class ship in the fleet. She recently celebrated her naming ceremony in Long Beach, California with godmother Vanna White and launched year-round Mexican Riviera cruises from the terminal on December 14, 2019.
Carnival Panorama is the first new Carnival cruise ship to be based on the U.S. West Coast in 20 years. The ship offers Mexican Riviera cruises including calls at Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.
She features the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea, the first Heroes Tribute bar in the fleet and the largest retail offerings in the fleet. Many popular favorites, such as Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, can also be found onboard, just like the sister ship Carnival Horizon.
The new Carnival cruise ship is 133,500 gross tons with a guest capacity of 4,008 at double occupancy. She has 15 passenger decks and 1,450 crew members.
Full Results for Best New Cruise Ship
Spectrum of the Seas came in a faraway second place in the category. The ship is the first Quantum Ultra class in the Royal Caribbean fleet and was constructed at the popular Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. She is based out of China and is 168,800 gross tons with a guest capacity of over 4,200 at double occupancy. The ship started sailing from Shanghai, China in June 2019 after completing a 46-night Global Odyssey voyage.
In a close third place came the new Norwegian Encore which was one of the biggest highlights of the year. The final Breakaway Plus-class cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line is 167,800 gross tons with a guest capacity of over 3,900 at double occupancy. She features the largest Go-Kart track at sea and debuted from Bremerhaven, Germany on October 31, 2019. Her naming ceremony took place with godmother Kelly Clarkson in Miami on November 21, 2019.
Sky Princess, which is operated by Princess Cruises, came in fourth place. The Royal-class cruise ship began sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida in December 2019. The 147,700-ton vessel has a guest capacity of 3,660 and was built by Fincantieri in Italy.
The giant MSC Bellissima came in fifth place and the second Meraviglia-class vessel for MSC Cruises was constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. She was christened in Southampton in March 2019 and is 171,598 gross tons with a guest capacity of 4,434 at double occupancy.
In Joint sixth place came the Costa Smeralda from Costa Cruises and the MSC Grandiosa from MSC Cruises. Costa Smeralda is the largest ever Costa cruise ship and is powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). She was delivered from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland in early December and is based in Europe.
MSC Grandiosa which is a Meraviglia-Plus class ship was christened in Hamburg on November 9, 2019, and is a massive 181,000 gross tons. She began regular 7-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean on November 23, 2019. In the last place with the least amount of votes from Cruise Hive readers was Costa Venezia which is another vessel operated by Costa Cruises.
Carnival Panorama (Carnival Cruise Line)
Spectrum of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Norwegian Encore (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Sky Princess (Princess Cruises)
MSC Bellissima (MSC Cruises)
Costa Smeralda (Costa Cruises)
MSC Grandiosa (MSC Cruises)
Costa Venezia (Costa Cruises)
Cruise Ship Awards
The Cruise Hive Cruise Ship Awards is now in its sixth year and opened up for voting in mid-September 2019. The results are only according to Cruise Hive readers and don’t reflect any official rankings. With thousands of votes, this year readers have been able to only vote once in each category. Any repeat IP address was not counted along with any suspicious votes.
If you are planning a cruise from Seattle, you are likely to
be overwhelmed with choices. There are different cruise lines, different ports
of call and a wide range of prices. We take an in-depth look at the pros and cons
of taking cruises from Seattle compared to cruises from Vancouver or other West
Coast U.S. ports, so check out the important factors before booking your cruise
from Seattle.
The Pros for Cruises from Seattle
Easy to reach by road
Seattle is very easy to reach by road from Canada or the
western U.S. seaboard. The I-5 Interstate runs north from San Diego CA to the
Canadian border with exits just a couple miles from downtown Seattle and the
cruise terminals.
Easy to reach by air
Seattle-Tacoma Airport (Sea-Tac) has regular flights from all over the USA and international cities further afield. It is very easy to fly into Seattle and get transport to the cruise terminals by taxi, Uber, bus or Link Light Railway. Consider using complimentary hotel transportation between the airport and your hotel, and then from the hotel to the cruise terminal if you are staying in Seattle pre or post-cruise. We cover all the options with our Must-Know Transportation Tips from Seattle Airport to the Cruise Port article.
Save Money Flying to Seattle Airport
Domestic airfares are always cheaper than international flights, so for U.S. residents, flying to Seattle is likely to be a lot cheaper than flying to Vancouver for your cruise departure.
Seattle Sightseeing
You will probably want to stay a night or two in a hotel in Seattle before or after your cruise. Seattle is brimming with top sights that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy panoramic views from the observation platform of the iconic Seattle Space Needle which stands 605 feet (184m) high with amazing views of the islands, the city of Seattle, the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains.
Visit Pike Place Market, the vibrant Chihuly Gardens and Glass Museum, historic Pioneer Square, take a boat trip, go fishing, visit Seattle Aquarium, tour the Boeing factory, visit the Westfield Southcenter (the biggest mall in Northwest USA), the Nordic Heritage Museum and the Pacific Space Center…we could go on and on!
Get around easily with the Link Light Railway
Link Light Railway runs from Angle Lake and Sea-Tac Airport through downtown Seattle to Capitol Hill/ University of Washington. There are currently 12 stops with additional stops planned to serve the new Pier 46 cruise terminal.
Tickets cost from $2.25 to $3.25 depending on the length of journey and must be purchased before boarding, either at the station of via the app. Link trains runs from 5am to 1am daily with services every 6 minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes at quiet times. It’s very easy for visitors to get around the city, to the airport and within taxi or walking distance of the cruise port.
Great food and drink
Seattle is a great place for gourmands to visit as it has fresh seafood delivered daily to the port and local fish market. Fish and chips or a bowl of clam chowder never taste better than at a waterfront cafe in Seattle.
The city is also considered the world center for coffee roasting. It is home to Starbucks Coffee company and many more coffee roasting company HQs. FYI, more coffee is consumed in Seattle than any other American city with 35 coffee shops per 100,000 residents.
Scenic cruise itinerary
The Port of Seattle is located on Elliott Bay at the north
end of Puget Sound. Once your cruise ship leaves Seattle it will navigate
smoothly between the thousands of islands scattered across the Sound to the
north and west of Seattle. It provides a very scenic start to your Alaska
cruise with snowcapped mountains in the Cascades Range rising to the east as you sail towards
Alaska.
Top cruise destinations within easy reach of Seattle
Seattle Cruise Port offers some amazing destinations including Alaska and Hawaii which are too far from most other cruise ports to make them viable. Seattle mini cruises lasting 2-5 days are offered by Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises. Northbound mini cruises are the best way to visit Vancouver along with Victoria and Nanaimo on Victoria Island.
South-bound cruises from Seattle provide a great way to visit Astoria, San Francisco and Monterey. Longer cruises and repositioning cruises take in the California coast, Los Angeles, San Diego and the breathtaking Panama Canal Transit.
Top ports of call on Alaska cruises
Alaska cruises from Seattle offer an easy way to access some
of the most remote cities and outposts in the world. If you are planning to
take an Alaska cruise from Seattle, pick your preferred ports of call and then
find a cruise that includes them.
Not all cruises visit all the ports, national parks and
highlights. For example, if you want to see more wildlife, opt for a cruise
that sails through the deep Inside Passage where orcas, whales and seals are a
common sight.
Popular ports of call on Seattle cruises include:
Victoria (Vancouver Island)
Nanaimo (Vancouver Island)
Vancouver, Canada
Ketchikan, AK (Inside Passage cruises only)
Sitka, AK (Inside Passage cruises only)
Juneau, AK (Inside Passage cruises only)
Glacier Bay, AK (Inside Passage cruises only)
Haines, AK (Inside Passage cruises only)
Skagway, AK (Inside Passage cruises only)
Hubbard Glacier, AK
Anchorage, AK
Whittier, AK
Kenai Fords National Park, AK
From these ports of call, shore excursions provide a unique
and exciting range of activities including dog sledding, glacier climbing,
whale-watching, sea kayaking, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, wildlife
viewing, hunting trips, fishing, backcountry hiking and exploring local towns.
No-Fly Cruises to Hawaii
The best way to take a cruise to Hawaii and visit several of
the islands is on a cruise from Seattle. If you take a longer Hawaiian cruise
(or back-to-back Hawaii cruises from Seattle) you can enjoy the whole
experience without having to fly.
Seattle Port Valet Service
One of the big benefits of cruising from Seattle is the Port Valet Service. Free to cruisers, it collects your baggage from outside your stateroom on the last night of your cruise. It transports your bags to the airport, drops them with your airline and has them checked right through to your final destination.
How’s that for cruise efficiency? You need to organize the Port Valet service while on-board your cruise and label your bags clearly using the baggage tags provided. After that, you’re free to explore the city sights until it’s time to head to the airport for your journey home.
Cons Against Cruises from Seattle
Generally cruises out of Seattle take the Outside Passage while cruises departing from Vancouver take the more scenic Inside Passage between Puget Sound and the Gulf of Alaska.
The Inside Passage has calm waters, fantastic wildlife sightings, spectacular scenery and some additional ports of call including Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Glacier Bay National Park. Check your itinerary before booking to make sure that your Alaska cruise includes all the places and experiences you want to see.
Shorter stay in Victoria Island
If you want to spend time exploring Victoria Island and the
magnificent Butchart Gardens, you need to take a cruise that departs out of
Vancouver. Cruises from Seattle only include a very short stop at the island
with insufficient time for cruisers to visit the main sights.
Few Seattle cruises through the Inside Passage
Most cruises from Seattle unfortunately do not sail up the
Inside Passage, which is a big disadvantage if you want the best wildlife
sightings. The deep waters through the Inside Passage are where orcas, whales
and seals are a common sight.
Rough seas
Cruises from Seattle must sail through open waters to reach
Alaska if they do not include the Inside Passage. This can leave ships open to
rough seas and bad weather. For those suffering from seasickness, this is a big
disadvantage for taking cruises from Seattle rather than from Vancouver,
British Columbia.
High cost of cruise parking
Seattle cruise parking is much more expensive than some
other U.S. cruise ports with on-site parking at Pier 91 starting at $26 per
day. One of the reasons why Seattle cruise parking is so expensive is that it
is all on the waterfront. This is prime land near downtown Seattle with a lot
of competition for the space.
Most cruise port have all the cruise terminals in one area
of the port but in Seattle the cruise terminals are widespread so you need to
know which cruise terminal you are departing from. Pier 91(Smith Cover
Terminal) is 3.5 miles north of Pier 66 (Bell St Terminal). The new Terminal 46
(0.8 miles south of downtown) will add a further choice for cruisers who may
already be confused about where their cruise is departing from.
No ATMS at Seattle cruise terminals
Currently there are no ATMs at Pier 66 and Pier 91 cruise
terminals. International travelers needing US dollars should visit a bank in
downtown Seattle before boarding, or wait for a port of call in Alaska.
Passport requirements
Cruisers sailing from Seattle to Alaska are not required to
have a valid passport and can use an official form of photo ID when
checking-in. However, if the cruise stops at any Canadian port of call before
reaching Alaska, passengers must have a valid passport.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does a cruise from Seattle to Alaska cost?
Prices vary widely for cruises from Seattle to Alaska, depending on seasonal demand, what type of stateroom you choose, how long the cruise lasts and which cruise line you are sailing with. Prices for a one-way cruise with Norwegian cruise Line (NCL) start from $799 for a 7-night cruise in an Interior cabin.
Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruises are slightly more luxurious and therefore more expensive while cruises aboard Oceania are usually over $2000. You also need to add the cost of port taxes, tips, drinks and shore excursions as well as a return flight home from Anchorage (ANC) Airport which can easily double the basic cruise price.
What cruise lines go out of Seattle?
Currently the Port of Seattle serves seven major cruise lines. Pier 91 (Smith Cove) currently serves Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. Pier 66 currently serves Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise line, A new cruise terminal is being developed at Terminal 46 which will accommodate new mega cruise ships and some of the existing cruise lines.
How far is Seattle airport from the cruise terminal?
Distances from Seattle Airport to the Cruise Port of Seattle vary depending on which cruise terminal you are departing from. Seattle Airport is 13 miles south of Pier 66 Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal and 16.7 miles south of Pier 91 Smith Cove Cruise Terminal.
When the new Pier 46 cruise terminal opens it will be 12 miles north of Seattle Airport and the journey by road will take about 18 minutes.
What’s the best thing to do before a cruise from Seattle?
If you only have a short time in Seattle before or after your cruise, make sure you visit Pike Place Market. It is within walking distance of Pier 66 and the new Terminal 46. It has a fascinating collection of stalls selling everything from fresh cut flower bouquets and artisan foods to antiques and china.
The market includes a famous Fish Market where traders entertain shoppers by throwing and catching huge fish between themselves or making fish on display twitch by pulling on hidden threads. There’s a lively Craft Market with over 200 stalls and a host of live entertainers and buskers. The market covers 9 acres and includes plenty of cafes for tasty refreshments and snacks. You’ll find the original Starbucks at 1912 Pike Place, which is well worth a photograph.
Carnival Sunrise has come out on top in the “Best Cruise Ship Refurbishment” category in 2019, according to Cruise Hive readers.
Carnival Sunrise Wins!
Carnival Cruise Line’s newly transformed Carnival Sunrise has won this year’s Cruise Ship Awards in the Best Cruise Ship Refurbishment category of 2019. The ship was up against Norwegian Getaway, Celebrity Millenium, Navigator of the Seas, Diamond Princess and Marella Explorer 2.
The cruise ship which is formerly known as Carnival Triumph underwent more than just a refurbishment, it was more like a complete transformation into a new vessel. The massive $200 million dry dock began on March 1, 2019, at the popular shipyard in Cadiz, Spain and lasted for two months.
Among the new features added during the upgrade were a new Guy Fieri BBQ eatery, WaterWorks park, RedFrog Pub, and an adults-only retreat. There were tons more upgrades, which you can read about right here. All the cabins had a makeover along with decor and furniture shipwide. The undertaking of the transformation was so huge that work actually started on some cabins two cruises before the dry dock.
The ship debuted as the Carnival Sunrise out of Norfolk, Virginia on April 29 with a brand new look, features, and experiences. She kicked off a new season of 4-day to 14-day itineraries from the Norfolk Decker Half Moone Cruise Center. As the ship was pretty much all new she had a naming ceremony in New York on May 23 and taking center stage was godmother Kelly Arison, daughter of Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison.
Full Results for Best Cruise Ship Refurbishment
Carnival Sunrise won the category by a huge margin, and Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas came in second place. The vessel underwent a major $115 million amplification and added new duo waterslides, a reimagined Caribbean pool deck, new dining venues, bars, and a lot more. The 3,386-guest ship arrived in Miami, Florida, with her new look at the end of February 2019.
In third place came Norwegian Getaway, which spent two weeks in Brent, France, to receive some major new upgrades and enhancements. One of the biggest highlights of the refurbishment was the first dedicated Starbucks venue in the fleet along with a new Syd Norman’s Pour House featuring rock hits. The dry dock was completed just in time for the 2019 summer season and was part of The Norwegian Edge program.
Celebrity Millenium, operated by Celebrity Cruises, came in fourth place. The ship underwent an important refurbishment with new carpets, decor, enhanced dining rooms, and much more.
Diamond Princess came in fifth place with not many votes at all. The Princess Cruises vessel completed her 14-day dry dock in Singapore and was part of the cruise line’s $450 million investments across the fleet.
And finally, with the least amount of votes from Cruise Hive readers was the British-operated Marella Explorer 2. The vessel underwent her dry dock in Cadiz, Spain which included a new hull livery as she became apart of the TUI fleet in the UK.
Carnival Sunrise (Carnival Cruise Line)
Navigator of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Norwegian Getaway (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Celebrity Millenium (Celebrity Cruises)
Diamond Princess (Princess Cruises)
Marella Explorer 2 (Marella Cruises /TUI)
Cruise Ship Awards
This is the sixth annual Cruise Ship Awards which first opened up in mid-September to Cruise Hive readers. We received thousands of votes and we only allowed one vote in each category per IP address. Any repeat or suspicious votes were not counted as part of the final result. Do note that the results are only according to Cruise Hive readers and may not be the overall view in general.
We’ve already announced the winner for the Best Cruise Ship Feature right here and we’ll be announcing more over the next few days. Thanks to everyone who has voted!
The SkyRide, which is currently on three Carnival cruise ships, has been voted as the best cruise ship feature for the fourth consecutive time.
Carnival SkyRide Wins Best Cruise Ship Feature 2019
Once again, the Carnival SkyRide, which can be found on the Vista-class cruise ships from Carnival Cruise Line, has won “Best Cruise Ship Feature of 2019” in this year’s Cruise Ship Awards.
It is the fourth consecutive time SkyRide has won this category, which also included the Go-Kart track from Norwegian Cruise Line, The 10-story Ultimate Abyss slide from Royal Caribbean, SeaWalk from Princess Cruises, the AquaDuck from Disney Cruise Line, and the North Star from Royal Caribbean.
Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive
The SkyRide was first introduced on the Carnival Vista in 2016 and it has been designed by Scott Olson from SkyRide Technology. The award-winning feature is located at the top deck and lets guests pedal at their own speed with speeds up to 25 MPH. The ride is 800-feet long and elevated above the deck offering stunning ocean views.
SkyRide can be found on Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and the recently delivered Carnival Panorama. With even more thrilling features on the way this could be the final winning year for SkyRide, we’ll just have to wait for the 2020 Cruise Ship Awards.
Full Order of Results
In second place came the popular Go-Kart track from Norwegian Cruise Line. In fact, it is the third year in a row the Go-Kart track has come in a close second place. The feature was first introduced on the Norwegian Joy in 2017 and then added to Norwegian Bliss in 2018 and more recently the Norwegian Encore.
The innovative North Star which takes guests up above the ship in a London Eye type capsule came in third place. The feature was first introduced on Quantum of the Seas in 2014 and has been the main attraction on all Royal Caribbean Quantum-class ships. The North Star can also currently be found on Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and the upcoming Odyssey of the Seas.
The 10-Story Ultimate Abyss slide which is located at the aft of the Oasis-class ships from Royal Caribbean came in fourth place. The feature is currently on Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and soon added to Allure of the Seas.
The SeaWalk which can be found on the larger Royal-class cruise ships from Princess Cruises came in fifth place. In the last place came the thrilling AquaDuck water slide from Disney Cruise Line.
Skyride (Carnival Cruise Line)
Go-Kart Track (Norwegian Cruise Line)
North Star (Royal Caribbean)
Ultimate Abyss (Royal Caribbean)
The SeaWalk (Princess Cruises)
AquaDuck (Disney Cruise Line)
Cruise Ship Awards 2019
Thousands of Cruise Hive readers voted in this year’s Cruise Ship Awards which is now in its sixth year. The awards for 2019 opened in mid-September and readers have only been able to vote once in each of the eight categories. Do note that the results are only according to Cruise Hive readers and are only based on the major cruise lines with more of a focus on the cruise ships.
Do keep checking Cruise Hive as we’ll be revealing the results for more categories before the end of the year.
If you’re taking a cruise out
of LA, you may need a hotel room for the night before your cruise or the night
after. Fortunately, LA is a huge city full of great hotels. Unfortunately, it’s
also full of bad ones, and because it’s so big it can be hard to find a hotel
that’s close to where you need to be.
We’ve done the hard work for you, though, and put together this list of 26 quality hotels near the Los Angeles Cruise Port. You’ll notice that only a handful of them are within walking distance; LA isn’t a city that’s built for walking. Some of these hotels will offer shuttle service to the cruise port, but not all of them.
Disclaimer: Do note that many of the links in this post may earn us a commission if any purchases are made.
1. Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel
This popular hotel has a perfect location for cruise-goers. Just 1.1 miles away from the World Cruise Center, the hotel is really within walking distance if you’d prefer not to worry about trying to find parking. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance of plenty of restaurants and local bars, giving you abundant entertainment and dining options during your stay.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
1.1 miles
Prices starting at
$87 per night
Shuttle Service
Yes
Address
601 S Palos Verdes St Norwalk, Los Angeles, CA 90650
Phone Number
1 (877) 859-5095
2. Best Western Plus San Pedro
The name “Best Western” doesn’t conjure up images of luxury, but this Best Western Plus is not only one of the most popular pre-cruise hotels in the area, it’s genuinely one of the more comfortable hotels you’ll find. This newly remodeled hotel actually has the largest rooms of any hotel in San Pedro. The “Plus” in the name isn’t just a marketing gimmick, this is genuinely a major upgrade over the standard Best Western line, and you’ll find that it’s a true boutique hotel.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
1.5 miles
Prices starting
$105 per night
Shuttle Service
Yes
Address
111 S Gaffey St San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA 90731-2429
Phone Number
1 (800) 568-8520
3. All Star Inn
It’s a budget hotel, but don’t let that fool you. It’s clean, comfortable, and conveniently located. Besides, the people who’ve stayed there generally give it good ratings. It isn’t going to be as nice as the Best Western Plus, but it’s still a comfortable room and it’s very affordable. For a pre-cruise stay, it’ll give you everything you need.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
1.3 miles
Prices starting
$80 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
411 S Pacific Ave San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA 90731-2625
Phone Number
(310) 831-0195
4. Vagabond Inn San Pedro
This local hotel is situated close to the harbor, giving you easy access to attractions and restaurants like the San Pedro Fish Market. The building is a bit old but the rooms are well-appointed and comfortable, with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs in all of them.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
1.5 miles
Prices starting
$109 per night
Shuttle Service
Yes
Address
215 S Gaffey St, Los Angeles, CA 90731-2431
Phone Number
(310) 831-8911
5. DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro
One of the more upscale hotels, the DoubleTree is a bit more expensive than others but you do get what you pay for, and the DoubleTree has a lot going for it. Like many hotels in the area, they offer free parking for the duration of your cruise if you book with them. If you choose to do that, the hotel shuttle will take you to the cruise terminal and pick you up when you return.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
2.9 miles
Prices starting at
$124 per night
Shuttle Service
Yes
Address
2800 Via Cabrillo Marina, Los Angeles, CA 90731-7223
Phone Number
1 (855) 605-0318
6. America’s Best Value Inn
This is a surprisingly nice little hotel in the middle of an affluent neighborhood. It’s not the closest hotel to the cruise terminal, but it’s not that far away, either, and the rooms are nice. It’s a budget chain, so you won’t get the same amenities you’d find at a Hilton. What you will get is a nice room in a quiet neighborhood.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
2.7 miles
Prices starting at
$90 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
29601 S Western Ave, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275-1314
Phone Number
(310) 519-9900
7. Pacific Inn and Suites
Another budget option, Pacific Inn and Suites is an affordable hotel in San Pedro. It’s in an older building, but it’s safe and it’s near the Port. For a one night stay before a cruise, it’s a good choice for people looking for a cheap room. It wouldn’t be our first choice, but the price and location are good.
Distance from Cruise Termina
3.5 miles
Prices starting at
$85 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
516 W 38th St San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA 90731-6921
Phone Number
(310) 514-1247
8. The Queen Mary
It’s mentioned more often in connection with the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, but The Queen Mary is a great hotel choice for anybody taking a cruise out of Los Angeles, no matter which cruise Port you’re using. The prices are reasonable and the rooms are excellent. The entire ship is basically a floating museum, too, and there are several restaurants on board. It’s just an all-around great place to stay.
Distance from the cruise terminal
7.3 miles
Prices starting at
$99 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802-6331
Phone Number
1 (866) 380-5988
9. Best Western Los Angeles Worldport
Another winner from Best Western, this hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms along with a pool and hot tub. The concierge can direct you to the best local attractions and restaurants and there’s ample parking. In the morning, enjoy the complimentary breakfast before leaving for your cruise.
Distance from cruise terminal
4.1 miles
Prices starting at
$109 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
1402 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90744-1803
Phone Number
1 (800) 568-8520
10. Hyatt Centric the Pike
For those who want the hotel stay to be just as much a part of the vacation as the cruise itself, look no further than the Hyatt. The rooms are incredible and many of them offer ocean views. Beautiful beaches are within walking distance, as are world-classs restaurants and some of the best shopping in Los Angeles.
Distance from the Cruise Terminal
6.4 miles
Prices starting at
$159 per night
Shuttle Service
Yes- to and from the airport only
Address
285 Bay St, Long Beach, CA 90802-8178
Phone Number
(562) 432-1234
11. Ramada by Wyndham Torrance
With pristine beaches nearby and a pool on the property, the Ramada Torrance is a great place to unwind after a long flight. You also get a complimentary breakfast in the morning and free wifi in a clean room, so there’s a lot to like here.
This is the highest-rated hotel that’s close to the Port, and for good reason. The rooms are stunning, with plush beds, tons of space and beautiful decor. The bathrooms are huge, too, which is always a nice touch if you’ve got more than one person who needs to get ready in the morning. It’s more affordable than you’d imagine, too.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
7.9 miles
Prices starting at
$110 per night
Shuttle service
No
Address
2448 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501-4323
Phone Number
1 (310) 539-9888
13. Courtyard Los Angeles
Like most of Marriott’s hotels, this Courtyard offers impeccably clean and comfortable rooms with quality beds and linens and lots of amenities. Complimentary breakfast, free parking and wifi, and concierge to help you find the best local restaurants are all available for you to use. Courtyard and Marriott are trusted names all around the world, and they provide a reliably good experience.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
10.5 miles
Prices starting at
$119 per night
Shuttle service
No
Address
2633 Sepulveda Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90505
Phone Number
1 (844) 631-0595
14. Travelodge Harbor City
Like most Wyndham-owned hotels, this Travelodge offers comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price. Wyndham has a habit of buying sketchy hotel chains and renovating them into something much better. If you’ve had a bad experience at a Travelodge before, forget about it. This is a different experience.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
4.3 miles
Prices starting at
$71 per night
Shuttle service
No
Address
1440 Pacific Coast Highway, Los Angeles, CA 90710
Phone Number
1 (844) 913-0265
15. Rodeway Inn and Suites
You won’t find many budget hotels as highly rated as this one. It doesn’t look like much on the outside, but the interior has been remodeled fairly recently and it’s been maintained well. You’ll find the rooms comfortable, tastefully decorated, and clean.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
4.5 miles
Prices starting at
$75 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
1665 Pacific Coast Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90710-2627
Phone Number
(310) 326-9026
16. Quality Inn
An affordable and comfortable option with free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool. Like a lot of budget options, there’s not much to say about it other than that you’ll get a clean bed and good room at a lot price. For budget travelers looking to save most of their money for the cruise itself, it’s hard to go wrong with the Quality Inn.
Distance from the Cruise Terminal
4.8 miles
Prices starting at
$77 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
2037 Pacific Coast Hwy, Lomita, CA 90717-2604
Phone Number
(310) 534-0700
17. Super 8
Yet another reclamation project from Wyndham, don’t let past experiences at Super 8 inform your decision here. Wyndham has been remodeling them for years now and making them into much more comfortable, well-run hotels. This one even has a concierge, and the rooms are spacious, clean and quiet.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
7.7 miles
Prices starting at
$73 per night
Shuttle service
No
Address
2360 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501-4321
Phone Number
1 (800) 536-1211
18. Days Inn
Another budget-friendly hotel by Wyndham that doesn’t sacrifice too much in quality. Days Inn includes kitchenettes in each room which is nice, even if it isn’t necessarily relevant to people spending one night here before their cruise leaves. Other than, you also get complimentary breakfast, a pool, and a concierge.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
7.6 miles
Prices starting at
$71 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
4111 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505-5713
Phone Number
1 (800) 329-1992
19. DoubleTree Carson
We’ve already listed the merits of DoubleTree hotels here. This one is a little further away from the Port, but it still has all the features of a DoubleTree: nice rooms, a great pool, and quality room service, among others.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
8.7 miles
Prices starting at
$164 per night
Shuttle Service
N
Address
2 Civic Plaza Dr, Carson, CA 90745-2231
Phone Number
1 (855) 605-0318
20. Econo Lodge
This newly renovated hotel offers great rooms at an equally great price. The staff are friendly and you’ll find ample parking here, too. The only real downside is that, while it’s not that far, it still isn’t as close to the Port as some of the other hotels we’ve listed here.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
9.5 miles
Prices starting at
$129 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
1325 E Carson St, Carson, CA 90745-1631
Phone Number
(310) 830-8044
21. Sunrise Hotel
The building is older, but this hotel is the only one located in the harbor at San Pedro, so the location is unbeatable if you’re taking a cruise out of LA. Despite the building’s age, the rooms are well maintained, clean, and comfortable. They also offer a Park and Cruise package, allowing you to leave your car parked at the hotel while you cruise, and shuttling you to and from the cruise terminal.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
.6 miles
Prices starting at
$105 per night
Shuttle Service
Yes- to and from the cruise terminal only
Address
525 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731-3335
Phone Number
(310) 548-1080
22. Monterey Inn Hotel
This hotel is in a historic building that dates back to the 1800’s. The rooms are on the small side because the building is an older one, but it definitely has a lot of character. New ownership has improved the appearance of the hotel dramatically, and you won’t find anything else like it in Los Angeles.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
3.7 miles
Prices starting at
$51 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
233 N Avalon Blvd, Wilmington, CA 90744
Phone Number
(310) 835-8352
23. Crescent Inn
An affordable hotel with modest rooms that’ll keep you comfortable the night before your cruise. There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. If you’re staying here the night after your cruise has returned, the hotel has laundry facilities for guests if you need them.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
4.5 miles
Prices starting at
$80 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
1104 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Wilmington, CA 90744
Phone Number
(310) 830-9898
24. Harbor Inn
This is another hotel that falls into the no-frills/no-problems category. It’s not incredible, but it’s clean, quiet, and you won’t have any problems with your stay. It’s affordable, too, so budget-conscious travelers may want to take a close look at this one.
Distance from the Cruise Terminal
4.5 miles
Prices starting at
$84 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
1634 Pacific Coast Hwy, Harbor City, CA 90710
Phone Number
(310) 325-0066
25. Dockside Boat and Bed
You’re about to spend your vacation on a ship, so why not make spend the night before you leave on a different ship? Dockside Boat and Bed operates like a bed and breakfast on luxury yachts. It’s unique and luxurious, and it’ll definitely add something special to your vacation.
Distance from Cruise Terminal
6.6 miles
Prices starting at
$211 per night
Shuttle Service
No
Address
5 Rainbow Hbr, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone Number
(562) 436-3111
26. Hotel Maya
Most people who stay here are cruising out of the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, but it’s really not that far from the World Cruise Center, and it’s a fantastic hotel. It’s unclear if their Park and Cruise package applies if you aren’t cruising out of Long Beach, though, so double-check with them before you plan on that.
Distance from Cruise Port
7.3 miles
Prices starting at
$174 per night
Shuttle Service
Unclear
Address
700 Queensway Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802-6343
Phone Number
1 (855) 605-0318
Conclusion
As you can see, the hotels
near the Los Angeles Cruise Port vary widely in price and in amenities. You can
choose between budget-friendly (but still comfortable) hotels that are fine for
a night or two, mid-priced rooms that the whole family will love, or high-priced
luxury rooms that you’ll never want to leave.
The tricky part of booking a hotel room when cruising out of Los Angeles is that there aren’t actually a whole lot of hotels in close proximity to the cruise port. Most of them are actually a few miles away, and they won’t necessarily be catering to cruise passengers. Since you’re most likely only staying there for one or two nights, that should be fine.
You should also be thinking
about transportation as you select your hotel. Since only a handful are within
walking distance of the cruise port, and most don’t offer shuttle service to
the cruise port, other transport options may be necessary. If you prefer not to
worry about transportation at all, you’ll need to be sure and book a hotel that
offers shuttle service to both the airport and the cruise terminal.
Whether you’re just looking
for a comfortable room for one night, or you want a hotel that adds as much fun
and luxury to your vacation as a night on the cruise would, there’s a hotel on
this list for you. Whichever one you pick, you’re sure to be happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the closest hotel to the cruise terminal?
The Sunrise hotel is just over half a mile from the cruise terminal, so it’s the closest by far. The Crowne Plaza and Best Western Plus are the next closest.
Where do the cruise ships leave from in Los Angeles?
Cruise sailing from Los Angeles leave from the World Cruise Center in the Port of Los Angeles.
How far is LAX from cruise port?
LAX is 19.7 miles away from the cruise port.
What’s the best hotel near the cruise port?
That’s really going to depend on what you want in a hotel. For the best overall experience it’d be hard to be the Queen Mary or the Crowne Plaza. If you’re looking for the most affordable hotel there are several places that can compete for that, and the Sunrise Hotel is the closest. Take your pick- they’re all good.
Do all hotels offer a shuttle service?
No, in fact most hotels don’t. Remember, most of these hotels aren’t actually catering to cruise passengers. Many of the ones that do offer shuttle service only offer it to and from the airport.
What does shuttle service mean?
It can mean different things at different hotels. Many of them only offer shuttle service to and from the airports. Some of them, especially the ones closest to the Port of Los Angeles, offer pickup and drop off at the airport in addition to pickup and dropoff at the cruise terminal. It’s best to check with the hotel before you commit to anything.
Can I book a hotel room as a package deal with my cruise?
None of the cruise lines or hotels offer such a deal, so you’ll probably need to book these separately. If you’re booking through a travel agency, they may be able to offer a deal like that.
The Carnival Glory and Carnival Legend have collided at the popular western Caribbean cruise port of Cozumel, Mexico.
Carnival Cruise Ships Crash in Cozumel
The Carnival Glory has collided another ship in the fleet, Carnival Legend, on December 20, 2019 during a port of call at Cozumel, Mexico, in the western Caribbean. While the ship was maneuvering in port this morning the aft of the ship crashed into Legend, which was already securely docked.
The collision caused extensive damage to Carnival Glory. While maneuvering, the vessel also was very near to striking Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, which was also docked nearby at a different pier. The incident was caught on camera by passengers onboard different ships.
Damage was done to the bow of Carnival Legend, which is a Spirit-class vessel, and Carnival Cruise Line has stated that one person has been injured when a group of passengers in Carnival Glory’s Deck 3 and 4 aft dining room were evacuated.
Carnival Cruise Line has released a statement and on social media, the cruise line has confirmed the next scheduled sailings for both ships will go ahead.
We are assessing the damage but there are no issues that impact the seaworthiness of either ship. We have advised guests from both ships to enjoy their day ashore in Cozumel.
The 110,000 gross ton Carnival Glory is currently sailing a 7-day western Caribbean cruise out of New Orleans, and the 88,500 gross ton Carnival Legend is sailing a week-long voyage out of Tampa, Florida.
This is developing news and we will be updating this post once more is known. Until then, guests are being told to enjoy their day in Cozumel, and no doubt crews are assessing the damage done. Thankfully, as the damage is above the waterline, both ships remain seaworthy.
A total of eight cruise ships are calling in Cozumel today, including Carnival Glory, Carnival Legend, Oasis of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Dawn, Costa Luminosa, and Regal Princess. A very busy day indeed!
This is not the first time two cruise ships from the same cruise line have collided in port. Two Holland America ships hit each other at the Port of Vancouver in May 2019 and in February 2019 two MSC Cruise ships collided at the Port of Buenos Aires.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the shipyard has delayed the delivery of the new Mardi Gras cruise ship. Because of this delay, the ship will now depart on its first cruise in November 2020.
Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise Ship Delayed
Those guests who were looking forward to cruising on the largest and most advanced Carnival cruise ship ever will be disappointed today as the cruise line has been forced to cancel the first eight sailings.
Due to a delay at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship won’t be delivered to the cruise line until much later than anticipated, now scheduled for the end of October. The first revenue sailing will also now be departing Port Canaveral, Florida on November 14. This means the first eight sailings are being canceled including the first 9-day voyage out of Copenhagen and the transatlantic cruise from Southampton. The anticipated New York sailings are also impacted, along with four out of the ship’s new homeport of Port Canaveral.
Ben Clement, Carnival Cruise Line’s senior vice president of newbuild, said:
“We have been working closely with Meyer Turku executives to keep the Mardi Gras delivery on schedule, and while we deeply regret disappointing our guests, this change in the delivery date is required to make sure all of the ship’s systems, features and technology will be fully operational, so that we can give our guests the vacation they expect. Our commitment is to deliver a great and innovative ship, and Mardi Gras will definitely be that when it arrives in North America.”
Carnival Cruise Line has already started notifying all guests who booked on the sailings and is offering 25 percent future cruise credit, in addition to automatic full refunds for all guests on the canceled sailings. If guests manage to use the future cruise credit by February 18, 2020, they will also receive $100 of free onboard spending money. Carnival will also be helping with non-refundable travel arrangements.
Carnival Cruise Line Ambassador John Heald, who has been providing plenty of updates and excitement about the ship, posted the following:
I am so sorry I cannot be with you today but as you know I am giving the eulogy at my best mate’s funeral. So by now many of you have heard that today we announced we have had to cancel the first eight sailings of Mardi Gras.
The first sailing will now be Nov. 14. If you were booked on a sailing before that, regrettably it has been cancelled. If you were impacted you or your travel advisor have been notified directly by Carnival.
All of us are so, so sorry to disappoint those guests who have had their sailings cancelled. We know how much you were looking forward to it and we never, ever like to disappoint our guests.
I realize that many of you booked the ship based on what I have posted about her and to cruise with me on that first cruise and her trans-Atlantic. So I want to offer my personal apologies as well.
If this is the first news you’ve heard about it, please check your email or check with your travel advisor. We are issuing automatic refunds so there is no need to contact us about that. And we are also offering an FCC and an onboard credit for a future booking that are detailed in the communication to those affected guests.
Thanks for your understanding. I promise you we’ll have many more opportunities to sail together on this magnificent ship
It is a real shame to have this highly anticipated new ship delayed, but there had been a possibility of this ever since the previous ship which was under construction at the same yard, Costa Smeralda, was set back by months too. This may have had a knock-on effect impacting work on the Mardi Gras.
The megaship was originally scheduled to depart on her first voyage August 31, 2020, out of Copenhagen. When bookings first opened the voyage sold out fast and in fact, the ship has broken Carnival’s record with bookings.
Guests will no doubt be disappointed with the delay, especially those who are based in Europe, as it was the best chance for them to enjoy the new vessel. Mardi Gras is introducing the first rollercoaster at sea along with many more new fleet first features. She’s one of the most anticipated new cruise ships of 2020, and despite this unfortunate delay, is sure to quickly become one of Carnival’s most popular vessels.
Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) International Airport, commonly known
as Sea-Tac Airport, is 13 miles south of downtown Seattle and a similar
distance from the cruise port. Seattle cruises depart from different piers
along the Elliott Bay waterfront so distances and ways of getting to your
cruise ship from Seattle Airport depend upon which pier your cruise is
departing from.
If you are cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) or
Oceania Cruises, they depart Pier 66 (Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal). This
pier is right on the waterfront a short walk from Pike Place Market and the
downtown district. It is about 13 miles from Seattle Airport (14.5 miles if you
use I-5) and the journey by road takes at least 30 minutes.
If you are cruising Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity,
Holland America, Princess Cruises or Royal Caribbean cruise lines, you will be
departing from Pier 91 (Smith Cove Terminal) which is at the north end of the
Port of Seattle. It is 16 miles north of Seattle Airport (19 miles via I-5) and
you should allow 36-48 minutes if you are traveling by road.
To further add to the complications, Port of Seattle is
currently creating a new cruise terminal at Pier 46. This is at the south end
of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle. It is scheduled to begin to be operational
for the summer 2020 cruise season. This brand new cruise terminal will take
over serving most of the main cruise lines for cruises to Alaska and East Coast
USA. It is 12 miles north of Seattle Airport and the journey by road takes
about 25 minutes.
Whichever cruise terminal you need for your cruise
departure, there are several options for getting to the pier from Seattle
Airport, so let’s check them all out!
Taxi, Uber or Lyft from Seattle Airport
The easiest and possibly quickest way to get from Seattle Airport to the cruise port is by taxi, Uber or Lyft from the airport. A metered taxi ride would typically cost around $50 for the ride (not per person) so if you are traveling as a group, it can work out quite economically.
At peak times when the city traffic is heavy, the cost can be more. Remember to state which pier your cruise is departing from as there is about four miles difference between Pier 46 at the south end of Elliott Bay and Pier 91 at the north end.
As this is a private transport service, you can ask your
driver to make any stops if you need to pick up snacks or drinks before
checking in for your cruise. Drivers are also very helpful with handling your
luggage which is particularly beneficial if you are disabled, elderly, traveling
with children, or simply have a lot of heavy bags that need loading and
unloading.
Private limo from Seattle Airport to cruise port
If you want to travel in comfort and luxury from Seattle Airport to the cruise ship, the ultimate way is by luxury limo or chauffeur-driven Town Car. Contact Starline Town Car and Limo Service to make a booking.
Group Transfers from Seattle Airport
Groups of 7-30 passengers can book a private car service from the airport to the cruise port using a luxury SUV, van, minibus, stretch Limo or Hummer. These are also available from Starline Town Car and Limo Service.
Cruise line transfers
Many cruise lines offer a cruise transfer service between
Seattle Airport and the cruise port. However, this will only operate on the day
of your cruise departure. It will be by shared coach or minibus and you will
need to pre-book your seat with the cruise line ahead of time. Prices are not
cheap. They are per person and typically range from $25 (NCL) to $79 (Oceania)
with most cruise lines charging $27-$30 per person each way.
Link Light Railway
The Link Light Railway (Metro) has a stop at Sea-Tac Airport
and runs to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington (UW). There are
14 stops altogether and the total journey takes 38 minutes (slightly less from
Seattle Airport to downtown). Although it is cheap and convenient, the service
involves some walking or a taxi service at either end and it could be difficult
for those with heavy luggage.
The nearest stop to Pier 66 (Bell Street) is Westlake Station with a short taxi ride or 20 minute walk to the cruise ship.
The nearest stop to Pier 91 (Smith Cove) is University Street Station. From there you need to take a taxi, catch the 33 Bus to Magnolia Bridge and then a 4 minute walk to the cruise pier.
The nearest stop to the new Pier 46 cruise terminal is the International District/Chinatown Station with a 0.6 mile walk or taxi ride to Pier 46 cruise terminal. There are plans for a future station closer to the cruise terminal.
After baggage claim in Seattle Airport, follow the signs for
Link Light Rail. You will be directed across the Skybridge to the parking
garage to reach the Link station about 1/4 mile distance. For those who have
mobility issues, there is a free electric shuttle that runs between the airport
and the Link station. If you require a wheelchair, call Prospect Airport Services
on 206-246-1550 and arrange a personal wheelchair service ahead of time.
Link offers a regular service, running trains every 6
minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes in quieter times. It operates from
5am to 1am Monday through Saturday and 6am to midnight Sundays.
Fares are very modest, ranging from $2.25 to $3.25 one-way,
depending on the distance traveled. Seniors and disabled fares are $1 for all
trips.
You can book tickets ahead of time using the Transportation app or simply pay cash when you board. The driver does not carry change, so have some small denomination notes with you. The fare is currently $3 per person.
Get off at University Street Station on 3rd Ave
which is close to Pier 66 Bell Street Cruise Terminal or Pioneer Square which
is just a short walk from the new Pier 46 cruise terminal.
Hotel shuttle service
If you are flying into Seattle Airport ready for your
cruise, you will probably want to arrive a few days early to avoid any possible
delays that may cause you to miss your luxury cruise to Alaska.
Why not book a night or two in a hotel in downtown Seattle
close to the cruise terminal? Many hotels offer a free airport shuttle service
to meet you on arrival at the airport and transport you and your luggage to the
hotel using a courtesy bus.
Some hotels also offer a courtesy bus to the cruise port the
following morning, so you get both legs of your transfer – from Seattle Airport
to the hotel, and the hotel to the cruise port – without having to pay a penny!
Other hotels may offer transportation to the cruise port for a nominal fee, or
you can take a taxi for the short distance.
Check out some of the best hotels in Seattle for cruisers and choose a hotel that is convenient for your cruise departure, which may be from from Pier 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal) or the downtown Pier 66 (Bell St Cruise Terminal) depending on which cruise line you are sailing with.
Hotel Shuttle and walk
Some hotels such as the Edgewater Hotel are right on the waterfront on Elliott Bay, just a few steps from the cruise ships. You can easily walk the short distance from the hotel to the cruise check-in towing your own luggage as it is almost as close as the taxi drop-off point.
Hotel shuttle and taxi
You may prefer to choose a hotel in downtown Seattle that offers a courtesy shuttle service to and from Seattle Airport. Hyatt Place Seattle and the Inn at the Market are well-located hotels in downtown Seattle with a shuttle service for guests. You can enjoy all the fun and experience on offer around the hotel, such as shopping, dining, bars, entertainment and cultural attractions such as visiting Pike Place Market.
When it’s time to head to your cruise ship, you can book a
hotel shuttle transfer or get a taxi or Uber for the short journey to the
cruise port. If you are cruising out of Pier 66 (Bell Street Cruise Terminal)
on the waterfront, the journey is about one mile. Pier 91 is a little further
away but the taxi or Uber ride will take less than 15 minutes, even in city
traffic.
If you are cruising out of the new Pier 46 Cruise Terminal,
consider staying at a hotel near Seattle Airport. Accommodation is generally
cheaper than in the downtown district. If the hotel does not offer a courtesy
shuttle service to downtown Seattle, you can use a taxi, Uber or hop aboard the
Link Light Railway. Get off at University Street Station on 3rd Ave
which is close to Pier 66 Bell Street Cruise Terminal or Pioneer Square which
is just a short walk from the new Pier 46 cruise terminal.
Use the Seattle Port Valet Cruise Service
Seattle Airport and the Port of Seattle offer a useful PortValet service for cruisers when they disembark. Their luggage can be transferred directly from the ship to the airport and will be checked-through to your final destination (USA airports and certain airlines only).
Participating airlines include:
Alaska
American
Delta
Horizon
JetBlue
Southwest
United
If you want to take advantage of this free Port Valet
service, you must apply during your cruise by filling in the form in your
stateroom or at the Guest Relations Desk. On the final night of your cruise
your luggage tags and boarding pass will be delivered to your stateroom. Leave
your labeled bags outside the cabin door for collection and transfer to the airport.
They will be checked through to your final destination and the next time you
see your bags will be on the airport carousel.
This excellent service allows you to enjoy exploring
downtown Seattle attractions before you head to the airport without having your
luggage with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best airport to fly into Seattle?
The nearest airport to Seattle, WA is the Seattle-Tacoma Airport (IATA Code SEA), usually referred to as Sea-Tac Airport. It has flights to most U.S. cities, Europe, the Middle East and Asia and is the primary hub for Alaska Airlines.
What is the name of the airport in Seattle, Washington?
The airport serving Seattle, WA is Seattle-Tacoma Airport (IATA Code SEA), usually referred to as Sea-Tac Airport.
How far is the Port of Seattle from the airport?
Distances from Seattle Airport to the Cruise Port of Seattle vary depending on which cruise terminal you are departing from.
Pier 91 Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is 16.7 miles from Seattle Airport. The journey by car takes about 34 minutes.
Pier 66 Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal is 13 miles from Seattle Airport. The journey by car takes about 22 minutes.
Pier 46 (currently under development) is 12 miles from Seattle Airport. The journey by car takes about 18 minutes.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Seattle?
Flight prices vary according to seasonal demand. High season is in the months of June, July and August when flights are most expensive. The cheapest month to fly to Seattle Airport is January, although there are no Alaska cruises departing at that time.
What is the cheapest way of traveling to Seattle Cruise Port?
The cheapest way to reach downtown Seattle is using the Link Light Rail service from Seattle Airport. Board it at the metro station in the airport parking garage. There is a stop at Westlake Station which is about one mile from Pier 66 Bell Street Cruise Terminal.
If you are departing from Pier 91 Smith Cove Cruise Terminal you can get off at University Street Station and get a taxi for the remainder of the journey (about 3 miles). The nearest Light Rail Station to the new Pier 46 cruise terminal is International District/Chinatown Station with a 0.6-mile walk or taxi ride to the cruise ship.
As a guideline, fares vary between $2.25 and $3.25 for a one-way ride and the journey takes about 35 minutes. Link Light Rail runs regularly every 15 minutes (more frequently at busy times) and the service operates from 5 am to 1 am.
Royal Caribbean has announced that Allure of the Seas will sail from the brand new cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston.
New Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal with Allure of the Seas!
Royal Caribbean has completed an agreement with the Port of Galveston to build a new state of the art cruise terminal. The new facility will cost $100 million and the cruise line will construct it but will lease it for 20 years from the port with four 10-year extension options.
Allure of the Seas which is one of the largest cruise ships in the world will also be based out of the new terminal starting in November 2021. She will undergo a huge $165 million upgrade before cruises from Galveston begin.
Port Director/CEO Rodger Rees, said:
“This is historic moment, not only for the port but for Galveston. This partnership will bring economic growth to the region and the state by generating new jobs, spending and tax revenues. It also will bring more visitors to the island, a popular tourist destination.”
“Galveston is on course to become a global destination for cruising, and we are thankful for partners like Royal Caribbean.”
The new two-story terminal facility will be approximately 170,000 square feet and located at Pier 10 which is 10 acres on the eastern part of the port. As expected when it comes to Royal Caribbean, the terminal will be modern with mobile check-in and facial recognition to increase efficiency.
Royal Caribbean Terminal, Galveston (Rendering: Royal Caribbean)
Work will be done to the pier bulkhead and apron to cater to the much large Oasis-class ships. To go along with the new terminal will be a loading area, transport facilities and a large parking facility.
Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said:
“We are excited to partner with the Port of Galveston to develop a world-class facility which will allow us to sail our newest, largest and most innovative ships from Texas starting with Allure of the Seas, one of the largest ships in the world.”
“The new terminal will allow us to increase our guests to the region by 50% generating a $100 million economic impact within the first year of operation.”
Construction on the new state-of-the-art Royal Caribbean terminal will begin in April 2020 and is scheduled to be completed towards the end of 2021. This is a huge plus for the cruise line, which will increase guests by 50% in the region.
The Port of Galveston is the fourth busiest in North America and just recently we posted about it breaking a new record. The port began its successful partnership with RCL in 2002 with the inaugural sailing of Rhapsody of the Seas. Currently, the port is home to Enchantment of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the state of Texas.
Allure of the Seas‘ dry dock before being deployed to her new homeport will include a new Ultimate Abyss 10-story slide, the Perfect Storm waterslides, and new dining venues. She will become the largest cruise ship to ever sail from the region.
