Seattle is one of the most popular cruise ports in the United States, especially for trips to Alaska. Every year, thousands of travelers pass through Seattle to enjoy beautiful ocean views, exciting shore excursions, and luxury cruise experiences. If you’re planning a cruise in 2025, this article will help you learn about the Seattle cruise schedule, popular destinations, cruise lines, and tips to save money.
Why Choose Seattle for Your Cruise in 2025?
Seattle offers a perfect starting point for your next vacation at sea. The city has two main cruise terminals—Pier 66 and Pier 91, both close to downtown and the airport. From here, most cruises head north to Alaska, but you’ll also find cruises to Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, and even longer journeys across the globe.
Seattle is also a great city to explore before or after your cruise. From the Space Needle to Pike Place Market, there are many things to do while you’re in town.
2025 Seattle Cruise Schedule Overview
Cruise season in Seattle usually runs from late April through October, when the weather is ideal and the seas are calm. In 2025, cruise lines are offering even more options to meet growing demand. Here’s what you can expect:
Start Date: Late April 2025
End Date: Mid to Late October 2025
Peak Months: June, July, August
Typical Cruise Lengths: 7 to 14 nights (some shorter or longer options available)
The most common route is the 7-night Alaska cruise, which stops at ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Glacier Bay.
Popular Cruise Lines Departing from Seattle in 2025
Seattle hosts many of the world’s top cruise lines. These companies offer a wide variety of ship sizes, styles, and prices.
1. Royal Caribbean
- Known for family-friendly ships with lots of entertainment.
- Offers 7-night Alaska cruises on Quantum of the Seas.
2. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
- Great for casual cruisers with flexible dining.
- Look for Norwegian Encore sailing to Alaska.
3. Holland America Line
- Perfect for scenic Alaska cruises and a quieter, more relaxed onboard experience.
- Ships like Eurodam and Westerdam offer weekly departures.
4. Princess Cruises
- One of the most popular lines for Alaska with frequent sailings.
- Cruises on Discovery Princess and Majestic Princess.
5. Carnival Cruise Line
- Fun and affordable, especially for first-time cruisers.
- Carnival Spirit is expected to sail from Seattle in 2025.
6. Celebrity Cruises
- Known for modern luxury and excellent food.
- Celebrity Edge and similar ships often sail from Seattle.
Where Do These Cruises Go?
While most cruises from Seattle go to Alaska, here are the top destinations:
- Alaska Inside Passage
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Juneau, Alaska’s capital
- Ketchikan and Skagway
- Victoria, British Columbia (Canada) – often a required stop for legal reasons
- Hawaii and Panama Canal (limited sailings)
- Transpacific or repositioning cruises in spring and fall
Tips for Booking Your 2025 Seattle Cruise
Planning ahead can help you get the best deals and experiences. Here are some useful tips:
Book Early
Cruises often fill up fast, especially for summer sailings. Booking 6 to 12 months in advance gives you more room options and lower prices.
Compare Cruise Lines
Each cruise line offers something different. Think about your budget, interests, and travel companions when choosing the right one.
Watch for Deals
Look for promotions like free drink packages, onboard credits, or kids sail free. Many cruise lines offer sales during holidays and wave season (January–March).
Arrive a Day Early
It’s smart to arrive in Seattle at least one day before your cruise to avoid missing your ship due to flight delays.
Plan a Pre- or Post-Cruise Stay
Explore Seattle’s famous attractions like the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, or a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island.
Cruise Terminals in Seattle
Seattle has two main cruise terminals:
- Pier 66 (Bell Street Pier) – Located downtown, used mostly by NCL and Oceania.
- Pier 91 (Smith Cove Terminal) – Used by most other cruise lines, like Holland America, Princess, and Carnival.
Both terminals are easy to reach from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and have plenty of nearby hotels and parking.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Seattle cruise season is shaping up to be one of the best yet, with more ships, new experiences, and a wide range of prices for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re dreaming of glaciers in Alaska or a longer journey across the Pacific, cruising from Seattle is a convenient and exciting way to travel.
Start planning now, explore cruise schedules, and book early to get the best value. Your next adventure begins right here in the beautiful city of Seattle.
