Here is the easy way to go from SeaTac, Seattle Airport, to Seattle's new Smith Cove Cruise Terminal near Interbay and Magnolia Bluff. These driving directions are a straight shot along the Seattle Waterfront, ending at Pier 91 for Holland America Lines (HAL), Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Lines (RCL).
Here are some hotels near the Seattle Airport, with cruise packages.
Avoid the Freeway and Get to New Smith Cove Ship Terminal Like a Local
Before the I-5 freeway, Seattleites took 99 (now called WA-99, International Boulevard, Pacific Highway S, etc.). This is the original north-south route through the city. It is an easy way to avoid the freeway. Seattle has summer construction and other potential obstructions, so even though Google estimates this route takes 28 – 55 minutes (with traffic), don’t push it to the last second.
Driving Directions Overview – Holland America Lines (HAL), Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Line (RCL)
The directions below start at SeaTac, go around the south end of the airport (at S 188 st) to WA-509. WA-509 goes north toward downtown Seattle. On WA-509, there are a few squiggly places, but basically no real turns for about 10 miles. Just head north. WA-509 turns into WA-99. There is one part, after a drawbridge in an industrial area, where the WA-99 path bends slightly left onto a surface street, but it becomes a freeway again after several blocks.
Then it goes past a train yard and becomes an elevated highway (the viaduct) with a great view of the water on the left and the tall buildings of downtown Seattle on the right. Go past most of those buildings. Continue almost to the end of the elevated highway, and look for Western Avenue Exit. Then get off and head north until 14th Ave exit and the big ships.
Seattle Airport to Pier 91 Cruise Ship Terminal – No Worries
The only main way to mess up is to continue too far on the elevated highway and go into a tunnel. If that happens, don’t freak out. All roads lead to Pier 91 (eventually). Just ask someone how to get to Elliott Ave and/or the Magnolia Bridge, then follow the yellow brick road. The cruise ship will be setting up the buffet.
Address of SeaTac Airport, Pier 91 Smith Cove Terminal, and Directions
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:
17801 International Blvd
Seattle, WA 98158
- Leave the airport pickup area
- >Bear right
- >Turn right onto International Blvd / WA-99 (the first main street)
- >Turn right on S 188th st
- >Turn right onto WA-509 N (towards Seattle / Burien)
- ( WA 509 becomes WA-99 North )
Road becomes a surface street (continue north, slight left to E. Marginal Way S.)
- Becomes WA-99 again
- WA-99 becomes an elevated Highway (go past tall buildings & watch for Western Exit)
- >Exit onto Western Ave
- >Western Ave merges into Elliot Ave W (slight right)
- >Turn right 14th Ave Exit
- Follow signs to Smith Cove Park and Cruise Terminal or Parking
Pier 91 Smith Cove Cruise Address:
2001 W Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98119
These driving directions from SeaTac to the new Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, at Pier 91, are simple. Start at SeaTac Airport and follow the old highway 99 to Seattle's new Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. These driving directions take a straight shot along the Seattle Waterfront, with a scenic view, ending at Pier 91 for Holland America Lines (HAL), Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Lines (RCL).
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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