Seattle

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My views do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.

June 25 & 26, 2025

I think I may have docked in Seattle on the Golden Princess in 2019, but I was probably IPM (in-port manning) and had to stay aboard- and my mom must have been out of town. This time she was in town, so she and Ron Voyage drove to Seattle to take me out to lunch.

Ron stayed with the car while I gave my mom a quick tour of the ship.

When a ship calls at a port for the first time, there’s a plaque-exchange ceremony. This ship may be old, but the name and the company are new, so everywhere we go, it’s technically a first call, so we have lots of plaque ceremonies.

Gidea worked for Princess many more years than I did, but we never worked together before meeting here on the Villa Vie Odyssey. We both worked with Lauren who introduced us when I came aboard. The more I got to know Gidea, the more I thought my mom and Ron Voyage would enjoy her company. I was already thinking of inviting her to lunch, when she mentioned being on the Pacific Princess when it crashed.

Hold the phones – My mom was on that ship!

When I told my mom and Ron, Ron insisted that he knew Gidea. He’d gone to Guest Services to tell them the voyage after the crash was canceled – he’d already been notified by shoreside. He was sure Gidea would remember them, but I was skeptical.

I was wrong! When I told Gidea that Ron’s last name isn’t actually Voyage, it’s Payne, she lit up and told the same story- from her point of view.

Gidea was disembarking our seconde day in Seattle, but she still made time to go out to lunch with us.

I was certainly correct in guessing that Gidea would be a great addition to the lunch party. Over lunch, Gidea mentioned that she was looking for a deal to buy an ipad. Deals are Ron Voyage’s forte! Hence, our next stop was Costco. The last couple of times my mom and Ron had visited crew members in Seattle (the other Kelly and their favorite Maitre’d, Oscar, they’d taken them to Costco as well). Ron was frustrated with the traffic, but the rest of us enjoyed the extra time together.

The next day, my cousin Loren and his family came aboard. Loren worked on developing parts of the Medallion experience at Princess even before I joined Princess, so he’d visited Pier 91 many times, but his kids hadn’t been on a cruise ship yet! They’d landed home from traveling late the night before, and I met them at security after we finished yet another drill. I had a great time talking ships and safety with Loren (he pointed out that the global Muster symbol is very complicated. He wanted to simplify it but couldn’t change Maritime law).

The last time I’d seen the kids, Shepard was a toddler and Ira had just been born. I met Michal for the first time at 7 years old. I knew that Loren and his wife, Penelope, would raise intelligent, thoughtful, caring people, and I was fully present to get to know them. I loved showing them around the ship, and seeing my adventure through their eyes.

I think their favorite part was ordering sodas from the bar.

We went out for pizza, where Ira spotted a face hidden in the wood in the ceiling. The server said they used to hide gnomes around the restaurant, but had been asked to stop- she thought a few might still be around. She brought out three gnomes for the three kids. The kids decided that I should have one.

I agreed to take Olaf Flynn with me and send pictures from my travels around the world.

Getting to see my family is always a treat, but it was especially cool to get to see a branch I haven’t seen in too long.

Seattle

Set between the sparkling waters of Puget Sound and the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades, Seattle is a city that perfectly blends natural beauty, innovative spirit, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the Emerald City for its lush surroundings, Seattle is home to iconic landmarks, world-class coffee, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving arts and music scene.

From the heights of the Space Needle to the stalls of Pike Place Market, this is a place where creativity and adventure meet at every corner. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or a tech enthusiast, Seattle has something to inspire and delight.

Itinerary:

Arrival: Wednesday, June 25 8:00am (Please allow time for port clearance)

Departure: Thursday June 26 All aboard: 6pm  Sail away: 7pm

Weather

• Average Temps in Late June: Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s °F (18–22°C), lows in the mid 50s °F (12–14°C)
• Dress in Layers: Mornings and evenings can be cool, even in summer
• What to Wear: A light jacket or windbreaker, comfortable walking shoes, and maybe an umbrella—just in case

History:

Seattle’s story begins long before it became a city. For thousands of years, the land and waters around present-day Seattle were home to Indigenous peoples—especially the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes, who lived in harmony with the natural environment. They thrived on the region’s abundant salmon, cedar forests, and waterways. The city’s name honors Chief Si’ahl (Seattle), a respected leader known for his diplomacy and efforts to maintain peace during a time of massive change.

European-American settlers arrived in the early 1850s, establishing a logging camp at Alki Point before moving to what is now Pioneer Square, Seattle’s original downtown. With vast forests and access to water transport, logging became the city’s first major industry. Seattle was incorporated as a city in 1869, and by the 1880s, it was rapidly growing thanks to its location and natural resources.

Seattle’s big boom came with the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s. Thousands of hopeful miners passed through the city on their way to Alaska, and Seattle became a bustling supply and shipping hub, laying the groundwork for its future as a major port and commercial center.

In the 20th century, Seattle took to the skies—literally—with the rise of Boeing, which was founded here in 1916. By World War II, Boeing had become one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, bringing jobs and technological innovation to the region.

The 1962 World’s Fair marked a turning point in Seattle’s modern identity, leaving behind lasting landmarks such as the Space Needle and Monorail, and branding the city as forward-thinking and futuristic.

The late 20th century saw another transformation, as Seattle became a hub for technology and global business. Companies like Microsoft (headquartered in nearby Redmond), Amazon, and Starbucks helped shape Seattle into a 21st-century powerhouse. It’s also known for launching the grunge music revolution in the early 1990s, with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden putting Seattle’s underground music scene on the map.

Despite its growth, Seattle remains deeply connected to its natural surroundings, with strong values around sustainability, equity, and innovation. The city continues to acknowledge and reconcile its colonial past, honoring the heritage and contributions of its Indigenous communities.

Today, Seattle is a city of contrasts—historic yet modern, urban yet surrounded by nature, rooted in tradition yet always looking ahead. Whether you’re strolling through Pioneer Square or exploring the tech campuses of South Lake Union, you’re walking through layers of history that have shaped this dynamic and fascinating port city.

Near the Pier:

Cruise Ship Dock: Pier 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal)

Address: 2001 W Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98119

Pier 91, also known as Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, is Seattle’s primary cruise dock, located about 10–15 minutes from downtown. It serves many of the world’s largest cruise lines and is fully equipped with modern amenities, including a full-service restaurant, gift shop, and accessible facilities.

🚗 Parking & Access

The terminal offers a range of convenient parking options, with rates starting at $27 per day (including taxes, service fees, shuttle service, and luggage assistance).

• Free shuttle service from the parking lot to your ship
• Designated wheelchair transport zones for accessible transfers

🧭 Nearby Essentials (Closest to Pier 91)

While Pier 91 is in an industrial port area, the nearby Magnolia and Interbay neighborhoods offer quick access to essentials:

• Pharmacy:
  Bartell Drugs – 600 First Ave N (approx. 2.5 miles)
  Safeway Pharmacy – 516 1st Ave W, Lower Queen Anne
• ATM:
  Chase Bank – 1901 15th Ave W (Interbay), or inside Safeway stores
• Grocery / Snacks:
  Whole Foods Market – 2001 15th Ave W (Interbay)
  Safeway – 516 1st Ave W (Queen Anne)
• Nearest Golf:
  Interbay Golf Center – 2501 15th Ave W
  (Just 5 minutes from Pier 91; driving range, 9-hole course, and mini golf)

Getting Around:

Seattle is a vibrant, transit-friendly city—but getting from Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Pier 91) into the city center requires some planning, as it is located in an industrial area not ideal for walking.

🚶 Walking

• Walking from Pier 91 to downtown is not recommended. The area has limited pedestrian infrastructure, industrial surroundings, and some elevation changes that make it challenging on foot.
• Local Insight: “I live in that area and would only recommend public transit if you’re experienced. I’d probably take the light rail to Westlake and then Uber.”
  “Uber is the only really good way to deal with this in Seattle… it’s much easier and not that expensive.”

🚗 Direct Transfers

• Uber/Lyft:
  The most convenient door-to-door option. Fares to downtown are typically $25–$35, but can rise to $40–$55 during peak times.
• Taxis:
  Metered taxis are available at the terminal. Expect fares to downtown or the airport in the $40–$60 range.

🚇 Public Transit

Public transit is possible but less straightforward from Pier 91:

1. From downtown, connect via RapidRide D Line, C Line, or Metro Route 24 to a stop near the cruise terminal.
2. You may still need a short rideshare or taxi from the bus stop to Pier 91.

Payment Options:

• ORCA Card: Regional transit card usable on buses, light rail, and ferries.
• Transit GO Ticket App: Buy tickets via smartphone.
• Cash: Accepted on most buses (exact fare only).
• Credit/Debit: Accepted at vending machines and some services.
• 🗺️https://seattletransitmap.com/view/

🚘 Car Rentals

Several major car rental companies serve the Seattle cruise port area, offering discounts for cruise passengers and a range of vehicle options from economy to luxury:

• Hertz
• Enterprise
• Avis
• Budget
• Alamo

Tip: Book in advance and confirm pickup location—some agencies may operate from SEA Airport or downtown with shuttle service to the terminal.

🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The Big Bus Tours Seattle offers a fun and flexible way to explore the city’s top attractions.

• Stops include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Aquarium, and more.
• Buses run every 20–30 minutes on a loop.
• Pier 91 is not a regular stop, but many guests catch the bus at nearby Seattle Center or downtown (accessible by taxi, Uber, or shuttle).

🎟️ Tickets available online or at main stops. Great for a relaxed, narrated overview of the city.

Visit: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/seattle/seattle-bus-tours

Witnessing:

Space Needle – No visit to Seattle is complete without a stop at the Space Needle, the city’s most iconic landmark. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle was designed to symbolize the future—and it still delivers with breathtaking 360-degree views from 520 feet above the ground.

• From the top, you’ll see sweeping panoramas of downtown Seattle, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The observation deck features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, outdoor open-air viewing, and even The Loupe, the world’s first and only rotating glass floor.
• Located in Seattle Center, the Space Needle is right next to other attractions like Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and the Seattle Center Monorail, making it easy to combine into a half-day adventure.
• 🎟️ Tip: Buy combo tickets with nearby attractions to save time and money. Sunset is especially popular, so book ahead if you can!

Visit: https://www.spaceneedle.com/

Chihuly Garden and Glass  – Located at the base of the Space Needle in Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass is one of the city’s most visually stunning attractions. This immersive exhibit showcases the work of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, a native of Washington State whose vibrant, large-scale glass sculptures have captivated audiences around the world.

The experience includes:

• The Glasshouse – A 40-foot-tall, light-filled space with a suspended 100-foot-long glass sculpture in brilliant reds and oranges.
• Interior Galleries – Rotating collections of Chihuly’s bold and intricate glassworks.
• The Garden – Outdoor installations of colorful glass forms integrated with seasonal landscaping and views of the Space Needle.

🎟️ Tip: Combo tickets with the Space Needle are available and offer great value. Visit at night to see the glassworks dramatically lit against the sky.

📸 A dream for photographers and art lovers alike, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must-see that blends creativity with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Visit: https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/

Pike Place Market – Watch the fish fly, explore artisan stalls, and grab a bite at one of Seattle’s most beloved attractions. Pike Place Market has been in operation since 1907, making it one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the United States. Overlooking Elliott Bay, it’s a vibrant hub of local food, crafts, and culture.

The market is famous for its flying fish, where seafood vendors toss salmon through the air as part of their signature sales pitch. But there’s so much more to explore:

• Fresh produce, flowers, and handmade crafts
• Local bakeries, cheese shops, and specialty foods
• Small restaurants and cafes with waterfront views
• Street musicians and quirky shops tucked into its historic corridors
• Don’t miss the original Starbucks, still operating at 1912 Pike Place. https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/vendor/the-first-starbucks/
• For a truly offbeat photo, check out the famous—and bizarre—Gum Wall in nearby Post Alley.
• Recommendation by a local: While at the market shop by  https://thecrumpetshop.com/ which is ‘really good and inexpensive.’

🕒 Open daily, typically from 9 AM to 6 PM. Go early to avoid crowds.
Pike Place Market is easily walkable from most downtown locations and a must-see for foodies, shoppers, and first-time visitors alike.

Visit: https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/

Seattle Great Wheel – Ferris wheel on Pier 57 with panoramic views of Elliott Bay.

Learning:

Underground Tour

Step beneath the streets and uncover the hidden history of Seattle with the Underground Tour, one of the city’s most unique and entertaining attractions. Located in the historic Pioneer Square district, this guided walking tour takes you through the original street level of 19th-century Seattle, which was rebuilt after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889.

As you explore abandoned storefronts and passageways, you’ll hear lively stories about the city’s colorful early days—complete with tales of gold rush opportunists, saloon culture, and engineering mishaps that literally raised the city.

🎟️ Tours last about 75 minutes and are led by humorous, knowledgeable guides.
📍 Start point: Doc Maynard’s Public House, 614 1st Ave (Pioneer Square)

👟 Note: Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven surfaces—it’s a walk through history, after all!

This quirky, informative tour offers a completely different view of Seattle—one most visitors don’t even know exists.

http://www.undergroundtour.com/

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Bold, immersive, and unforgettable—the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a must-see for anyone interested in music, film, gaming, science fiction, and modern creativity. Housed in a striking, futuristic building designed by architect Frank Gehry, MoPOP is located at Seattle Center, right next to the Space Needle.

Highlights include:

• Sound Lab – Try your hand at playing instruments in real recording booths.
• Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses – Dive into Seattle’s iconic grunge scene.
• Heroes & Villains – Costumes and props from legendary sci-fi and fantasy films.
• Indie Game Revolution – Hands-on exhibits exploring the art of video game design.
• Horror Cinema, Fantasy Worlds, and rotating pop culture exhibits

Whether you’re a music lover, gamer, film buff, or sci-fi fan, MoPOP offers a dynamic experience packed with nostalgia, interactivity, and awe-inspiring collections.

🕒 Allow 1.5–2 hours to explore.
🎟️ Combo tickets available with the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass.
📸 Great for all ages—plus, the architecture alone is worth the visit!

🎨 Seattle Art Museum (SAM)

The Seattle Art Museum, located at 1300 1st Avenue, sits just a block from Pike Place Market and is the heart of visual arts in the Pacific Northwest . Its striking postmodern design—completed by Venturi, Rauch, and Scott Brown and expanded in 2007 by Allied Works—makes it an architectural landmark.

🔍 Highlights

• Global Collections spanning 25,000+ artworks, featuring everything from Native American and Northwest Coast pieces to African art, Impressionist paintings, Asian treasures, and contemporary installations by artists like Calder and Serra .
• In the lobby, don’t miss Cai Guo‑Qiang’s “Inopportune” (a car-and-light sculpture) and outside stands the iconic kinetic sculpture “Hammering Man”, celebrating workers worldwide.
• Temporary Exhibits: Current shows include “Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei” and “Selections from the Shirley Family Calder Collection”—timed tickets recommended especially for Ai Weiwei fans.

The Complete SAM Experience – SAM isn’t just downtown—it’s a tri-site institution:

• Seattle Art Museum (Downtown) – Feature exhibitions, global collections.
• Seattle Asian Art Museum – Located in historic Volunteer Park; recently renovated to double gallery space.
• Olympic Sculpture Park – A free, 9-acre waterfront sculpture garden showcasing works by artists like Alexander Calder and offering stunning views of Puget Sound.

🕒 Planning Your Visit

• Hours: Wed–Sun, 10 AM–5 PM
• Admission: General museum entry, with separate timed tickets needed for special exhibitions (e.g., Ai Weiwei show) seattleartmuseum.org.
• Tips: Lockers for bags, controlled lighting to protect artworks, rotating galleries—check the schedule in advance .

The Museum of Flight

One of the world’s largest air and space museums, The Museum of Flight offers an immersive journey through aviation history. Located just south of downtown Seattle, it’s a must-visit for anyone fascinated by aircraft, technology, and exploration.

Highlights Include:

• Boeing Model Factory Tour – See how airplanes are built from the ground up (advance tickets recommended).
• Historic Aircraft Collection – Walk through iconic planes like the Concorde, Boeing 747, and Air Force One.
• Space Gallery – Featuring the Apollo 11 command module, lunar artifacts, and interactive exhibits.
• Red Barn Aviation Gallery – A nod to Boeing’s earliest days, showcasing early seaplanes and gliders.
• STEM Learning Opportunities – Flight simulators, educational displays, and hands-on learning for all ages.

🎟️ Plan for 2–3 hours to fully experience the museum.
📍 Location: 9404 E Marginal Way S (about 5 miles south of downtown)
🚗 Easily accessible via taxi, rideshare, or bus (Metro Route 124 from Beacon Hill).
🎟️ Combo tickets and special family or group rates are available.

Exploring:

Discovery Park – Seattle’s largest green space with beaches and forest trails.

Nestled on Magnolia Bluff just five miles northwest of downtown, Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest and most diverse urban green space, spanning roughly 534 acres. Formerly the site of Fort Lawton, the park preserves its military heritage while offering an impressive array of landscapes—from dense forest groves and open meadows to rugged sea cliffs, active sand dunes, and tidal beaches.

The Discovery Park Loop Trail, a 2.8-mile paved path designated a National Recreation Trail in 1975, gives a scenic overview, passing through varied ecosystems with coastal bluff views. If you’re up for more, it connects to additional trails that include beach access and the historic West Point Lighthouse, built in 1881 and still in active operation.

Within the park is the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, an important hub for Indigenous culture, art, and education based on Coast Salish traditions. Wildlife enthusiasts will also delight in spotting over 270 bird species, as well as raccoons, coyotes, and harbor seals along the shore.

Kerry Park – Perched on Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park is a tiny—yet mighty—urban oasis offering the quintessential Seattle skyline view: the Space Needle with Elliott Bay and Mount Rainier beyond. This 1.26-acre park was donated by Albert and Katharine Kerry in 1927 “so that all who stop here may enjoy its view”.

The park layout includes benches and a railing along the south edge, with a stairway connecting to a lower playground area. Its centerpiece is “Changing Form,” a 15-foot steel sculpture by Doris Totten Chase, installed in 1971—beloved by locals and photographers alike.

Gas Works Park – Located on Lake Union’s north shore, Gas Works Park is a captivating blend of industrial history and natural beauty. This 19-acre green space was once a coal gasification plant (1906–1956), whose towering red boilers, tanks, and pipes were preserved as rugged sculptures. Landscape architect Richard Haag transformed the contaminated site into a public park in 1975, pioneering bioremediation—cleaning polluted soil on-site—and earning national recognition for its innovative reuse .

The rolling “Kite Hill” offers sweeping panoramic views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline, making it a beloved spot for picnics, kite-flying, and photographing ferries passing below. The historic exhauster-compressor building now serves as a unique “play barn” for children, and the old boiler house doubles as a sheltered picnic area with grills and tables.

Fremont & Ballard Locks – Located at the west end of Salmon Bay, the Ballard Locks – officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks – have been engineering marvels since opening in 1917. They connect saltwater Puget Sound to freshwater lakes upstream by raising or lowering water levels by about 9 feet, accommodating everything from kayaks to commercial vessels. The locks are among the busiest in the U.S., with over 1 million vessels and 1.3 million visitors annually.

🔍 What to See & Do

• Watch Boats Lock Through: Observe boats—from sailboats to barges—enter the chamber and either ascend or descend in a process taking around 10–15 minutes .
• Explore the Fish Ladder: A multi-step salmon ladder lets Pacific salmon pass upstream to spawn. Viewing is free, with peak salmon runs from mid‑June through September. Visitors often spot salmon—and sometimes seals—swimming through, especially late summer.
• Stroll the Botanical Gardens: The adjacent Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens span about 7 acres with over 1,500 plant varieties, offering a peaceful complement to the mechanical spectacle.
• Visitor Center & Events: The locks feature a visitor center and gift shop, plus summer garden concerts.

🗺️ Practical Info

• Address: 3015 NW 54th St, between Ballard and Magnolia
• Hours & Admission: Open daily 7 AM–9 PM; fish ladder and gardens remain accessible year-round; visitor center offers free guided tours from March through November .
• Accessibility: Patios, walkways, and viewing platforms are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.
• Parking & Access: Generous parking available on both lock sides; skip stones or cross the scenic pedestrian bridge to explore both sides .

Bainbridge Island

Just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island offers a peaceful, small-town escape with stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The charming village of Winslow, just steps from the ferry terminal, is home to art galleries, boutiques, bakeries, and farm-to-table restaurants. Visitors can explore the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, stroll scenic waterfront trails, or relax in nearby wineries and gardens. Nature lovers can enjoy kayaking, biking, or visiting the tranquil Bloedel Reserve, a world-class garden and forest preserve. Bainbridge makes for an easy and rewarding day trip from Seattle.

Hike sugguestions from Charlie: 

🌊 Snoqualmie Falls

Located about 45 minutes east of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington’s most breathtaking natural landmarks. The 268-foot waterfall is a spectacular sight and easily accessible, making it a perfect half-day trip for nature lovers.

• Getting There: A scenic drive brings you to a well-maintained viewing platform at the top of the falls.
• A 15-minute forest trail leads down to the base of the falls for a more immersive view.
• Free parking, public restrooms, and a gift shop are available at the site.

🔵 Little Si

Time: About 45 minutes each way      Trail Type: Moderate
This is a popular trail for casual hikers and families. It winds through forested terrain and rocky outcrops, offering scenic views with a rewarding yet manageable challenge.

🔴 Mount Si

Time: ~4 hours round trip       Trail Type: Challenging
A favorite among local hikers, this steep trail offers panoramic summit views and a great workout. It’s best suited for experienced or well-prepared hikers.

🥾 Nearby Hiking Options

The surrounding Snoqualmie Valley and greater Seattle area offer excellent trails for all skill levels:

🟢 Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop (Seattle)

• Distance: 6.4 miles (10.3 km).     Elevation Gain: 232 ft
• Time: ~2 hours
• Trail Type: Urban paved multi-use loop
  Explore Lake Union by foot or bike along this popular, scenic route in central Seattle. Enjoy waterfront views, bridges, and parks. The trail is open year-round and great for birding, jogging, or casual strolls

⚠️ Watch for signage near the Fremont Canal and University Bridge—some segments share the road with traffic, so lights or reflective clothing are advised.

Events

June 25, 2025 (6:15 p.m.) — Beatles at Museum of Flight

Candlelight Concert features a string quartet playing familiar songs for an hour in the warm glow of simulated candles.

Visit: https://feverup.com/en/seattle/candlelight?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=impact&utm_campaign=&utm_content=352234_Telecom%20Publishing&irclickid=UKWx6:w8jxycUNOSt2UaZUgiUksVKXQBu33UU80&irgwc=1

Nightlife:

Seattle comes alive after dark with world-class jazz, historic rock venues, and glamorous cabaret. Here are some standout options for an unforgettable evening:

🎷 Jazz Alley

Artemis – June 25
This all-star jazz supergroup delivers soulful, powerful performances in one of the most intimate venues in the country. Each member is a titan in their own right, making this a must-see for jazz lovers.
📍 Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Belltown

🎸 The Crocodile

Seattle’s legendary music venue that once hosted Nirvana and Pearl Jam. On June 25, catch two indie shows:

• Rea Kapur, Emery Jean, Zahnae Aquino at Here-After (7:00 PM)
• Esmé Patterson, M.O.S.S. at Madame Lou’s (8:30 PM)
  Both venues are part of The Crocodile complex and offer an intimate experience with up-and-coming artists.
  📍 Downtown/Belltown

💃 Can Can Culinary Cabaret

Dolly and the Golden Tassel – A dazzling burlesque-meets-dinner show at Pike Place Market. Expect rhinestones, dance, big hair, and even bigger ballads in a soulful, whimsical tribute to the divine feminine. Dinner + show packages available.
📍 Can Can, under Pike Place Market

Hidden Gems:

• Nordstrom Flagship Store – Founded in Seattle—don’t miss the original downtown location.
• Fremont Troll – a giant Troll lurks under one of Seattle’s oldest bridges
• Seattle Meowtropolitan Cat Café – Make your reservation to have coffee with some kitties
• A Sound Garden – A huge musical sculpture and other art installations on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grounds
• Seattle Pinball Museum – A couple’s personal collection of pinball machines turned public pinball museum
• Steve’s Weird House – A house filled to the brim with oddities and curiosities.
• Beacon Food Forest – This edible park is open to any and all foragers
• Blue Moon Tavern – This popular bar has been blurring the line between normal and edgy for more than 75 years.
• Ballyhoo Curiosity Shop – This Seattle store is packed with all sorts of curious creatures and creations.
• Orient Express Restaurant – This Seattle joint serves food inside an old train car once used by FDR.
• Freeway Park – the first park built over a freeway
• Amazon Spheres – the Tech giant built three enormous glass orbs in Seattle so employees could work inside a rainforest greenhouse.
• Full Tilt Ice Cream and Pinball Arcade – An ice cream parlor chain that caters to vegans and pinball fans equally
• Rubber Chicken Museum – The flock of plastic poultry is an ode to the classic comedy staple.
• The Wall of Death – A “sinister, whimsical, tacky and really orange” public art instillation hidden under a Seattle bridge.
• Hat ‘n ‘Boots – Seattle’s super-sized cowboy apparel once belonged to a themed gas station that wrangled in herds of tourists.
• Kurt Cobain’s Benches – A sliver of nostalgia in Seattle’s Viretta Park
• The Georgetown Trailer Park Mall – This offbeat trailer park is home to vintage peddlers, local artists, indie makers and more.
• Alki Flower Houses – Every summer West Seattle experiences a housing bloom.
• Howe Street Stairs – Spanning an elevation of 160 feet and containing 388 steps, this is Seattle’s longest staircase.
• Edith Macefield’s House – The tale of a strong-willed woman who stood her ground when the commercial world came rumbling in.
• Magnuson Park Fin Art – Old submarine parts have been converted into faux whale fins.
• Piece of the Berlin Wall at Café Turko – A nondescript Seattle restaurant inherited a piece of European history.
• Fremont Bridge – From a neon Rapunzel to a bike traffic meter to a street fair color-scheme, the most opened drawbridge in the US is a veritable art gallery.
• Scarecrow Video – Browse through roughly 130,000 titles in the world’s largest independent video rental store.
• World Famous Giant Shoe Museum – An old-timey peepshow allows visitors to gawk at some of the world’s most freakishly large footwear.
• Georgetown Castle – An allegedly haunted mansion with a tragic, tawdry past.
• Psychic Chicken of Seattle – Deep into the lower floors of Pike Place, find a date with a fowl fate.
• Plymouth Pillars Park – The four tall pillars once marked the entrance of the historic Seattle church that fought for women’s suffrage and civil rights.
• The Wedgwood Rock – This quiet neighborhood is also home to a 700-ton rock transported by the last Ice Age.
• JP Patches Statue – Leave a button on the jacket of this iconic Seattle clown.
• Fremont Solstice Parade – Once a year, thousands of naked cyclists flood the streets of a Seattle neighborhood.
• Nutcracker House – Old ’Nutcracker’ sculptures from ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ author found new life as a seasonal attraction.
• Chinese Community Bulletin Board – In the absence of a Chinese-language newspaper, for years the community posted daily updates on this simple bulletin board.
• Wall of Misfit Art – A mesmerizing amount of crazy art is attached to the side of this house on Seattle’s Phinney Ridge, bringing smiles to those who venture down the driveway to take a look.
• The Intersection of Bellevue, Bellevue, and Bellevue- Meet me at the most confusing intersection in Seattle.

Tasting:

A city that thrives on fresh, local ingredients—especially seafood!

• Pike Place Chowder – Award-winning clam chowder.
• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese – Sample artisan cheese and their famous mac & cheese.
• The Pink Door – Hidden Italian gem near the Market with live cabaret.
• Taylor Shellfish Farms – Local oysters and seafood in a casual setting.
• Starbucks Reserve Roastery – Coffee lovers, don’t miss this immersive experience beyond the original Starbucks.
• Lesly recommends: Elliot’s Oyster House or  Cutters Crab House. She says: Ray’s Café is a haul but nice if the weather is nice- view is better than the food but the cocktails are nice.
• For fine dining, Canlis (canlis.com) offers breathtaking views and refined Northwest cuisine
• Ivar’s Salmon House(ivars.com/salmon-house) delivers waterfront dining with classic local seafood favorites.

Travel Tips:

Seattle is a friendly and walkable city with lots to explore—but like any urban destination, a few smart travel habits can help you have a smooth and enjoyable visit:

• Leave Your Name Tag Onboard
  For your privacy and safety, it’s best not to wear your cruise ship name tag ashore. It can signal that you’re a visitor and may attract unwanted attention.
• Be Street Smart at Night
  Seattle is generally safe, especially in tourist areas, but like many major cities, there is a visible homeless population—particularly in parts of downtown and around Pioneer Square. If you’re out after dark, stick to well-lit, active areas and consider taking a taxi or rideshare back to the ship.
• Weather Can Change Quickly
  Even in summer, Seattle mornings and evenings can be cool. Dress in layers and bring a light jacket or windbreaker—rain showers can appear unexpectedly.
• Use Crosswalks and Watch for Traffic
  Seattle drivers tend to respect pedestrians, but it’s still a busy city. Pay attention at crosswalks, especially near Pike Place Market and the waterfront.
• Plan Ahead for Popular Attractions
  The Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Underground Tour often sell out during cruise season. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
• Respect Local Communities and Spaces
  Seattleites value their parks, public spaces, and cultural sites. Be mindful of signage, pack out your trash, and be courteous when photographing public art or street performers.