Cruise and stay
With unique attractions for pre- or post-cruise visits, there’s no shortage of fun and exciting family activities in Seattle, says Steve Hartridge
Acruise to Alaska’s scenic splendors from its number one gateway, Seattle, has become a bucket list holiday in its own right.
In 2022 – from April to October – seven major cruise lines will operate 200-plus seven-day round-trip sailings from their Seattle homeport. For cruisers extending their time, exploring walkable Seattle is something of a must-do.
Soar to the top of the city’s most famous landmark, the Space Needle, or explore beneath the streets in Pioneer Square to step back more than 100 years on an Underground Tour of original Seattle.
Pike Place Market
This 114-year-old farmers' market is known for locally-grown produce, handmade artisan crafts and speciality food shops.
See flying fish tossed between fishmongers or check out the Gum Wall – a local landmark, the wall is covered in chewing gum – and Rachel the Pig, a bronze sculpture. Then grab a coffee at the city’s oldest Starbucks, which opened in 1971.
Waterfront Park
Seattle’s waterfront is transforming into an attractive expanse of tree-lined pedestrian walkways and cycle lanes with the removal of a viaduct that separated downtown from the harbour. Enjoy public art, entertainment and views of the bay and urban skyline. A new International Arrivals Facility will greet visitors upon their arrival in Seattle via British Airways, American, Virgin, Aer Lingus or Icelandair.
Top Experiences
Space Needle: This iconic landmark offers superb vistas of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, Elliott Bay and a 360-degree view of Seattle, with tilting glass benches leaning out over the city.
Chilhuly Garden and Glass: Be inspired by glass artist Dale Chihuly’s innovation that comes to life. Immerse yourself in a world of curiosity, creativity and vibrant colour. chihulygardenandglass.com
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Celebrate pop culture and its rock ‘n roll roots. Delve into hands-on experiences in the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy and music. Current exhibitions include Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop. mopop.org
Seattle Aquarium: Located along the waterfront, a 120,000-gallon (454,249 liters) exhibit of hundreds of types of Pacific Northwest sea life greets you, including otters, seals and octopus. seattleaquarium.org
Sky View Observatory: Climb 73 stories in a matter of seconds to enjoy 360-degree views of Mt. Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic Mountains and Seattle in the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. skyviewobservatory.com
“Soar to the top of the city’s most famous landmark, the Space Needle, or explore beneath the streets in Pioneer Square to step back more than 100 years on an Underground Tour of original Seattle”