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Seattle, Washington (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
Seattle, Washington (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Seattle vs. Vancouver: Where Should You Start Your Alaska Cruise?

Seattle, Washington (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
Seattle, Washington (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
Contributor
Erica Silverstein

Last updated
Jan 4, 2024

Read time
4 min read

Seattle and Vancouver are two of the most popular embarkation ports for Alaska cruises. Both are incredible cities with major airports and plenty to explore on pre- or post-cruise stays.

So how do you decide which port is better for starting out on your Alaska cruise? Take a look at what's offered from each homeport to help you decide.

On This Page

  • Sailing from Seattle
  • Sailing from Vancouver
  • Seattle vs. Vancouver: Where Should You Start Your Alaska Cruise?

Sailing from Seattle

NCL's Norwegian Bliss Docked in Seattle in 2022 (Photo: Kyle Valenta)
NCL's Norwegian Bliss Docked in Seattle in 2022 (Photo: Kyle Valenta)

Many major cruise lines sail out of Seattle, including Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Carnival, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean (and, among high end lines, Oceania).

The majority of these Alaska cruises are seven-night voyages, sailing round trip, with port calls on Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau and Victoria. Exceptions include the occasional longer itinerary -- for example, Holland America offers a 14-night cruise round trip out of Seattle, and Oceania sails 7-, 10- and 11-night cruises -- and a few one-way sailings at the end of the season.

Seattle's Smith Cove (Pier 91) is situated away from the city proper (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
Seattle's Smith Cove (Pier 91) is situated away from the city proper (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Seattle actually has two cruise terminals: Bell Street Pier at Pier 66 and Smith Cove at Pier 91.

Bell Street is right in downtown, within walking distance to Pike Place Market, the aquarium, hotels, shops and restaurants, but it's primarily only used by Norwegian and Oceania.

Other cruise lines use Smith Cove, which is a 10-minute drive from downtown with no attractions nearby. Both ports offer parking for local passengers, as well as luggage storage pre- and post-cruise.

They also offer a service whereby cruise passengers can check in for flights while onboard, and their baggage will be delivered directly to the airport.

Sailing the Pacific Ocean out of Seattle (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
Sailing the Pacific Ocean out of Seattle (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

The downside to sailing from Seattle to Alaska: ships leaving the city sail out into the Pacific Ocean, around the often-storm western coast of Vancouver Island. Not only do they not transit the Inside Passage, but those prone to seasickness may find the Pacific crossing a bit much, particularly in the shoulder season.

Sailing from Vancouver

Vancouver's Canada Place Cruise Terminal is one of the most iconic in the world (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
Vancouver's Canada Place Cruise Terminal is one of the most iconic in the world (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Vancouver, Canada also caters to an array of mainstream lines, including Holland America, Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Norwegian. However, it hosts more luxury lines -- such as Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal -- than Seattle.

Itineraries are more varied; while several lines offer seven-night round trip sailings, you can also find 8- to 14-night options, as well as weeklong one-way cruises that end in an Alaska port, allowing for post-cruise touring.

Since they depart from Canada, Vancouver cruises do not need to call in an additional Canadian port to adhere to U.S. maritime regulations, so itineraries might feature multiple days of scenic cruising or an extra Alaska port in addition to the Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau mainstays.

Vancouver departures to Alaska enter the Inside Passage immediately (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
Vancouver departures to Alaska enter the Inside Passage immediately (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Vancouver's Canada Place cruise ship terminal is also in that city's downtown, easily accessible by public transit from the airport and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions like Stanley Park and Gastown. The terminal has three ship berths, and it offers passenger services like luggage storage and parking.

For American cruise travelers, sailing from Vancouver requires a passport, whereas round trip Seattle cruises do not. However, the views sailing from Vancouver are world-class, as ships begin to enter the Inside Passage immediately after departure, running between the British Columbia mainland and the shelter of Vancouver Island to the west.

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Seattle vs. Vancouver: Where Should You Start Your Alaska Cruise?

Setting sail from Vancouver, Canada (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
Setting sail from Vancouver, Canada (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Here's the bottom line: Choose a cruise from Seattle if you're on a budget, as airfare from the U.S. is often less expensive, you don't need a passport, and you can compare prices across several mainstream cruise lines.

Seattle is a good option for travelers who don't want (or don't have time) to extend their cruises with post-cruise tours into Alaska's interior. Choose Seattle, too, if you prefer to explore Victoria's waterfront, visit the gorgeous Butchart Gardens, or spend some time in Washington State pre- or post-cruise.

Choose a cruise from Vancouver if you want to travel on a luxury line or are interested in a one-way sailing combined with a post-cruise tour. Vancouver is ideal for travelers who prefer itineraries with more scenic cruising or those who might wish to explore Canada before or after their Alaska trips.

Vancouver is an excellent option for American travelers who own passports or who don't mind getting one before they travel. Canadian residents may prefer Vancouver for the same reasons Americans may prioritize Vancouver: it's always nice to stay in your own country. For cruisers from abroad, both offer a great homebase from which to explore Alaska by sea.

Publish date October 03, 2018
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