Your Alaskan cruise is likely to set out from either Seattle or Vancouver, as over 75 percent of Alaskan cruises do. Many experienced cruise travelers recommend arriving at your departure city well in advance to allow for delays. Seattle and Vancouver offer a wealth of attractions and amenities to enjoy before you begin your Alaskan cruise.
Departing Seattle
Seattle’s position on Puget Sound make it of the prime shipping harbors of the country since early in the nation’s history. . Thousands of cruise travelers depart from Bell Street Terminal and Smith Cove Terminal each year.
Seattle Attractions
The city of Seattle offers so many attractions that an early arrival or late stay after your cruise is well worth the additional planning.
· A visit to the Space Needle is the iconic Seattle stop, with its spectacular view of the city.
· Pike’s Place Market is a popular attraction to sample some of the area’s best seafood.
· Mount Rainier National Park is a great stop for those who love the outdoors, with miles of hiking trails in the shadow of the famous Mount Rainier.
· The Seattle Asian Art Museum has one of the most beautiful collections in the world and is definitely worth a stop on your tour of the city.
· The Seattle Aquarium will help to enhance your understanding of the marine world you will experience on your cruise.
Departing Vancouver
Vancouver is the largest city in Canada and has wide range of attractions and points of interest. Cruise travelers will depart from one of the two terminals in the city, either the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal or the Ballantyne Terminal
Vancouver Attractions
Before or after your cruise, take advantage of the many delights the city of Vancouver has to offer.
· Granville Island is one of the most popular sights for visitors from around the world, with restaurants, shops and a variety of edibles to please every palate.
· Chinatown is one of Vancouver’s most vibrant areas, with restaurants, shops and cultural institutions.
· The Capilano Suspension Bridge is 450 feet long and sways 230 feet above the Capilano River for a spectacular view of this natural area.
· The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia offers visitors a look at artifacts from around the world with special emphasis on First Nation history in the region.
· Gastown is one of the city’s oldest areas and retained much of the flavor of its early days.
Whether you are cruising from Seattle or Vancouver, the team at AlaskaCruises.Travel recommends spending at least one extra day before or after your cruise to enjoy these wonderful cities.