We booked a category 8K extended balcony cabin, 8156, about a year prior to the cruise through USAA travel. This is a 7 day round trip cruise out of Seattle stopping in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria BC. My wife, daughter (23), and I were booked in one cabin. We flew non-stop out of Atlanta into Seatac Airport, the day prior to the cruise. We used Shuttle Express to pre-book a towncar from the airport to our hotel ($52). This was very nice. The driver met us in baggage claim and helped us carry our luggage to the car. We rode in a Lincoln SUV.

We stayed at the Thompson Hotel in downtown Seattle. This is a new hotel that was built in 2016. The costs was around $300 with tax. It’s a nice boutique hotel, with plenty of room, and nice amenities. It’s one block from Pike Place Market, so that was a bonus.

We took an Uber XL from the hotel to Pier 91 the next morning around 11. Our check-in time with Carnival was 11:30am, but to be honest, I don’t think anyone really even looked, as we were there a few minutes early. I have to say the check-in process super easy. Drop off at the port is very close to the terminal. You go in and drop off your checked bags that have the Carnival tags. You then get in another line, where they check your passport or other travel documents. After that you go up an escalator, and are put in another line where you present your ticket and receive your sail and sign cards. You are then given a number and have a seat in a waiting area. We were in the waiting area maybe 15 minutes before being called to get on the boat. I’m pretty sure we were onboard before noon. Read more