Port of Seattle Pier 91 - Smith Cove Cruise Terminal

While Pier 91 is a bit removed from downtown, it's still conveniently close to Seattle’s iconic attractions:

• Downtown & Space Needle: Just a 10‑minute drive to downtown’s retail core and the Space Needle 
• Public transit: Link Light Rail from the airport to downtown, followed by King County Metro Bus route 33 to Pier 91 

Sightseeing: From downtown, enjoy Pike Place Market, the Seattle Center, and waterfront attractions via monorail or walking

• Arrive early: Boarding typically begins mid‑morning; passengers often arrive at 10–11 AM with departures around 4–5 PM
• Plan transportation: Traffic can be unpredictable, especially around Magnolia Bridge. Driving, rideshare, or shuttle services are recommended over walking
• Reserve parking: Book your parking in advance to secure a spot
• Use terminal amenities: Take advantage of luggage storage and ground transportation services
• Know your terminal: Confirm your departure pier (Pier 91 vs. Pier 66) to avoid confusion—Holland America, Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Virgin Voyages use Pier 91

Pier 91, also known as the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, is located at 2001 W Garfield Way in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood at the north end of the city's waterfront. It is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Seattle and 30 to 40 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, making it a convenient departure point for cruise travelers coming from both the city and the airport.

Pier 91 is home to several major cruise lines, including:

• Holland America Line
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Virgin Voyages

Each line offers its own unique onboard experience and itinerary options, giving travelers a wide range of choices when sailing from Seattle. If you are unsure which terminal your cruise departs from, confirm with your cruise line ahead of time, as some lines operate out of Pier 66 instead.

Cruises departing from Pier 91 primarily sail to Alaska, offering some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, including towering glaciers, dramatic fjords, abundant wildlife, and remote wilderness landscapes. Many itineraries also include stops at Canadian ports such as Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, adding a rich cultural dimension to your voyage. Popular Alaskan ports of call include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Glacier Bay.

There are two main parking options for Pier 91 cruise passengers:

• Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Self Parking – The terminal offers secure on-site self parking with complimentary shuttle service to the terminal. This is a convenient option located right at the pier.
• Seattle CruisePark – A top-rated choice for Pier 91 cruisers, Seattle CruisePark provides a safe, secured lot with 24/7 surveillance, complimentary shuttle service to and from the terminal, competitive rates, and easy online booking. It is a reliable and affordable alternative, especially during the peak Alaska cruise season when on-site parking fills up quickly.

For a stress-free experience, book your parking at Seattle CruisePark in advance to guarantee your spot, particularly if you are traveling between May and September.

Yes. Seattle CruisePark provides complimentary shuttle service to and from Pier 91 (the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal). You can park your vehicle, load your luggage, and let the shuttle take care of the rest. This is especially helpful given that Pier 91 is located in the Magnolia neighborhood, away from the main downtown corridor, making the shuttle a far more convenient option than walking or navigating local traffic on departure day. The same shuttle service is available for pick-up when you return from your cruise.

Yes, and it is strongly recommended. Seattle CruisePark offers easy online reservations, allowing you to secure your parking spot well before your departure date. The Alaska cruise season (May through September) is extremely busy, and parking near Pier 91 fills up quickly. Booking in advance removes one more thing from your to-do list and ensures you arrive on embarkation day with confidence.

Boarding at Pier 91 typically begins mid-morning, with most passengers arriving between 10 AM and 11 AM. Departures are generally scheduled for around 4 PM to 5 PM. It is a good idea to arrive early to allow time for check-in, security, and boarding without feeling rushed. If you are using Seattle CruisePark, factor in a few extra minutes for the complimentary shuttle ride to the terminal. Also keep in mind that traffic around the Magnolia Bridge can be unpredictable, so plan your route in advance and allow extra travel time.

There are several transportation options for reaching Pier 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal):

• By Car – Pier 91 is accessible via W Garfield Way in the Magnolia neighborhood. Seattle CruisePark is the most convenient parking option, offering secure long-term parking with a complimentary shuttle directly to the terminal.
• Public Transportation – Take the Link Light Rail from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to downtown Seattle, then connect to King County Metro Bus Route 33, which runs to Pier 91.
• Rideshare/Taxi – Uber, Lyft, and taxis can drop you off directly at the terminal entrance.
• Airport Shuttle – Several shuttle services operate between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Pier 91, making it easy for out-of-town travelers to get to the terminal.

For most cruisers, driving and parking with Seattle CruisePark is the most popular choice, thanks to the secure lot, affordable rates, and free shuttle service to the terminal.