Category: Seattle

SEATTLE’S BEST – SPACE NEEDLE & PIKES PLACE – TRANSIT

Get to know Seattle from the skies and on the ground during this excursion of approximately four hours, which transports you to the iconic Space Needle tower before letting you explore a historic farmers’market. There’s also a sightseeing drive to kick things off.

Excursion details

Located in the United States’far northwestern corner, Seattle has plenty to offer visitors, and you can uncover some key highlights on this excursion of around four hours.

Get an introduction to the ‘Emerald City’- a name that reflects Seattle’s abundant parks and green spaces – on a driving tour of about 45 minutes that departs from the cruise port. Accompanied by commentary from your onboard guide, you’ll pass city sights including sports stadiums, historic Pioneer Square (Seattle’s first downtown area, dating back in 1852), the vibrant Chinatown-International District – which also houses Japanese, Filipino and Vietnamese communities and various cultural hubs – and finally the Seattle Center arts and entertainment campus, home to your next stop: the Space Needle.

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this famous observation tower soars into the Seattle skyline at just under 185 metres tall, and you’ll have a chance to soak up those high-altitude scenes during approximately 60 minutes of free time here. Your entrance fee to the Space Needle (and its Observation Deck) is included in the excursion cost, so hop into the elevator, ascend to the top and start enjoying the panoramic views. Please note that what you’ll see on the day will depend on weather, but if conditions are good you may be able to spot mountains from both the Cascade and Olympic ranges, including Mount Rainier, an active volcano in the Cascades.

Following this, a drive of around 15 minutes – featuring further narration from your guide about the local area – moves to Pike Place Market. Founded in 1907, the market spans 3.65 hectares and is believed to be one of the oldest and largest continually operating public markets in the United States, holding over 500 food stalls, restaurants, bars and specialty shops selling anything from books to jewellery to records to locally made crafts.

Arrive at the market hungry and ready to explore, because you’ll have approximately one hour and 45 minutes of free time to make the most of its varied offerings. Eat, drink, browse, buy or relax – it’s up to you. Food-wise, there’s a huge selection to choose from, including Portuguese-style tapas, regional French and Italian-style cooking, Bolivian cuisine, plus much more. Drinks options include cocktails, whiskies and locally brewed craft beer.

After filling up at the market, a transfer of around 15 minutes returns to the port.

Important Information: This tour is intended for those who are transiting in Seattle. Entrance fee to the Space Needle is included in the price of this tour. Pike Place Market is a popular attraction and may become congested. Food and beverages can be purchased for an additional charge at Pike Place Market. Views from the Space Needle are weather dependent. Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes adept for cobblestone areas that are uneven

SPACE NEEDLE AND CHIHULI
GARDENS – IN TRANSIT

Go sky-high and see Seattle from one of the most iconic attractions in the Pacific Northwest during this approximately two-and-a-half-hour excursion. You’ll soak up panoramic views from the Space Needle before an immersive art experience at Chihuly Garden and Glass.

Excursion details

Take your sightseeing to new heights on this excursion of around two and a half hours, which lets you explore two landmarks of Seattle. Begin with a transfer drive of about 15 minutes from the port to the Space Needle, constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair. It’s since become one of the most recognisable buildings in the region, standing at a mighty height of just under 185 metres.

You’ll have approximately 55 minutes of free time here, so glide smoothly to the top in the venue’s elevator and then prepare for scenes that you won’t forget in a hurry. Seattle and far beyond will open up in front of you as you survey the landscapes from your high-altitude perch. You might be able to see Puget Sound – the second largest estuary in the United States – and the Olympic Mountains, although please note that views are dependent on weather conditions and can’t be guaranteed.

Additional features such as the Loupe – a revolving glass floor – add more depth and further wild views to the Space Needle experience.

Afterwards, make the short walk to the adjacent Chihuly Garden and Glass for a visit of around 55 minutes. This unique museum exhibits the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly, including a glasshouse that holds an eye-catching, floral-inspired multicoloured glass sculpture, made up of hundreds of hand-blown pieces and measuring around 30 metres in length. Separate galleries let you explore more of Chihuly’s similarly bold work, spanning over four decades.

Afterwards, there’s a transfer drive of about 20 minutes back through the city to the port, concluding the excursion.

Important Information: This tour is intended for those who are transiting in Seattle. This tour includes a considerable amount of walking, mainly at the guest’s discretion. Guests who use a collapsible wheelchair should contact the Shore Excursions Desk onboard should they wish to participate in this tour to make arrangements.

It is recommended that guests wear comfortable clothing and flat-walking shoes. Entrance fees to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden of Glass are included in the price of this tour. Views from the Space Needle are weather dependent