If you’re dropping passengers off for their cruise, first of all, give yourself a pat on the back. Parking at the pier is expensive (upwards of $25+ per day), so not only are you helping out by dropping someone off, but you’re also saving them a lot of money versus parking!
There are a number of ways to get to the port on cruise day, ranging from public transportation to taxis to Uber and Lyft. You can also simply drive yourself to the port. Being dropped off, however, is the most convenient option.
Seattle operates two different cruise terminal — Pier 66 and Pier 91. Pier 66 is near downtown while Pier 91 is a few miles northwest of downtown. Fortunately, both piers allow you get get close to the port to drop-off passengers so that they don’t have to walk far with luggage.
Below, we have details on where exactly to drop-off passengers at each terminal.
Dropping Off Passengers at Pier 66
Pier 66 is located on Seattle’s waterfront, just north of the Seattle Aquarium and south of the Olympic Sculpture Park.
If driving to the port, you can use this address:
2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
Because of the port’s location, it’s most convenient to approach coming from the north. This will allow you to pull over and drop passengers right in front of the terminal on Alaskan Way, without having to later cross traffic or have passengers have to cross the street.
Cruise days can get pretty busy, so the less navigation you have to do right around the port, the less stressful it is.
In fact, you will likely find it easier to drop passengers off at the intersection of Bell Street and Elliott Avenue, allowing them to take the pedestrian bridge over to the terminal.
Dropping Off Passengers at Pier 91
Navigating to Pier 91 can be a bit difficult, even if you’re an old-time local. Especially on cruise days, when there are masses of taxis, buses, and people around the port, things can get hectic. Don’t worry, if you get lost or turned around, you won’t be the first person nor the last.
The address of the terminal is:
2001 W Garfield Way, Seattle, WA 98199
The easiest way to get to the drop-off point is to drive into the port area on Elliott Avenue W (if coming from the south) or 15th Avenue W (if coming from the north). Here, you’ll drive until to reach an the W Galer Street Flyover. The flyover is an “S” shaped ramp, but you’ll want to stay on the right-hand side. The ramp is right across from “Bell’Occhio Home” — a home furnishing store.
After turning off of Elliott/15th onto the ramp, you’ll stay to your right and follow the signs to the cruise port. You’ll do a couple of loops to reach the port, but just follow the signs to passenger drop off.
Once you drop passengers off, you’ll follow signs for the exit, and you will use the “S-shaped” flyover again to get back to Elliott Avenue.
Photo: Michael Gray via Flikr
More on Cruising From Seattle
Getting to the Port of Seattle — Transportation options from airports and the Seattle area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.
Seattle Cruise Parking — Parking at the port? We’ve got you covered with all your parking options, including costs and discounts.
Seattle Cruise Hotels — Getting in late? Leaving early? Simply need a place to rest your head? We’ve rounded up the options for places to stay near the port.
I am finding it difficult to research the option for dropping of one’s luggage early at the Carnival boarding dock so that one can go explore Seattle until boarding time.
That won’t be an option. Early in the day the port is busy getting passengers off the ship. You might try a hotel and see if they have a bell desk where they will store your bags.
Thank you, nice read.