Princess Cruises docks at Pier 66 in Seattle's downtown waterfront

Princess Cruise Line ships arrive at Pier 66, located at 901 Alaskan Way in Seattle's central waterfront district. This is the primary terminal for all Princess vessels sailing to and from Seattle. The pier sits directly on Elliott Bay, about a mile north of Pike Place Market and within walking distance of downtown Seattle's main attractions.

Pier 66 is operated by the Port of Seattle and is one of four cruise terminals in the city. The terminal building itself has passenger check-in areas, baggage handling, and waiting lounges. If you are driving, the pier has limited parking directly adjacent, though most passengers use the nearby parking garages or arrange ground transportation in advance.

Key Takeaways

  • Princess ships dock at Pier 66 on Alaskan Way, a short walk from Pike Place Market and downtown Seattle hotels.
  • The terminal has indoor check-in and baggage facilities, but parking at the pier itself fills quickly during peak season.
  • Ride-share pickup and taxi stands are located outside the terminal building, and the waterfront is accessible by public transit.
  • Arrive at the terminal at least two hours before departure for international cruises and 90 minutes for domestic sailings.
  • The pier address and parking details are included in your cruise documents, but calling the Port of Seattle ahead of time can confirm any changes.

Getting to Pier 66 by car and parking

If you are driving to Pier 66, follow Alaskan Way north from downtown Seattle. The pier is clearly marked with cruise terminal signage. Parking directly at the terminal is limited and fills early on embarkation days, especially during summer months. Most passengers park in one of the nearby garages: the Pier 66 Parking Garage is attached to the terminal, and the Belltown Parking Garage is a short walk away.

Parking rates vary by garage and length of stay. If you are parking for a week-long cruise, reserved parking in advance is cheaper than daily rates. Many cruise passengers also use off-site parking lots near the airport or in nearby neighborhoods, which offer shuttle service to the pier. Check your cruise documents for parking partnerships that may offer discounts.

Public transit and ride-share options

King County Metro buses serve Pier 66 directly. Routes 62 and 70 stop near the terminal on Alaskan Way. If you are staying in downtown Seattle, the walk to the pier takes 10 to 15 minutes from most hotels. The waterfront is also served by the Seattle Streetcar, which runs along the waterfront and connects to downtown neighborhoods.

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft have designated pickup zones outside the terminal building. Taxis also queue at the pier entrance. If you are arriving by air, ground transportation companies offer shuttle service directly to Pier 66 from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is about 20 miles south. Many cruise passengers book these shuttles in advance through their cruise line or third-party providers.

Arriving early and terminal procedures

Plan to arrive at Pier 66 at least two hours before departure for international cruises and 90 minutes for domestic sailings. This gives you time to park, check in, and clear security. The terminal opens for check-in typically four to five hours before departure, though exact times are listed in your cruise documents.

Bring your passport or passport card, cruise documents, and a government-issued photo ID. Bags are screened at the terminal entrance, similar to airport security. If you have booked onboard services like beverage packages or shore excursions, bring confirmation documents. The check-in process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, depending on how busy the terminal is.

What to expect at the terminal building

Pier 66's terminal building has separate areas for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening. The waiting area has seating, restrooms, and a small café. Once you clear security, you will move to the boarding area where you wait for your deck to be called. Boarding typically begins 90 minutes before departure and continues until 30 minutes before the ship leaves the dock.

The terminal has limited retail options, so bring any last-minute items you need before boarding. If you are traveling with children, the waiting area can get crowded during peak times. Some passengers arrive very early to avoid the rush, though you cannot board the ship until your assigned time.

Disembarkation and returning to Pier 66

When your cruise ends, the ship returns to Pier 66 for disembarkation. Passengers are assigned a disembarkation time based on their cabin location and whether they have booked early departure. The process typically takes two to three hours from the time the ship docks until all passengers have left. Bring your room key and any documents needed for customs or immigration if you are returning from an international voyage.

Baggage is unloaded from the ship and placed in the terminal by cabin number. You collect your bags after clearing the terminal. If you have arranged ground transportation or parking, have those details ready. The terminal area can be congested during disembarkation, so allow extra time if you need to catch a flight or have other time-sensitive plans.

Nearby hotels and pre-cruise planning

Many passengers stay in Seattle the night before embarkation. Hotels within walking distance of Pier 66 include properties in Belltown and downtown Seattle, most within a 10 to 20 minute walk. If you prefer to be closer to the airport, hotels near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are about 20 miles away, with shuttle service to the pier available.

Before your cruise, confirm the exact pier location and any changes to terminal procedures by checking your cruise documents or calling the Port of Seattle at 206-787-3000. Parking and transportation details can change seasonally, and confirming ahead of time prevents confusion on embarkation day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off luggage at Pier 66 before I park?

Yes. Most cruise terminals allow curbside baggage drop-off before you park. Drive to the terminal entrance, unload your bags at the marked area, and then proceed to parking. A porter will tag and move your bags to the ship. This saves time and reduces the need to carry heavy luggage through the parking garage.

What if I arrive late to the terminal?

Boarding closes 30 minutes before departure. If you arrive after that time, you will miss the ship. The cruise line will not hold the ship, and you will be responsible for your own transportation to the next port or rebooking costs. Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes early to avoid this risk.

Is there overnight parking at Pier 66?

The Pier 66 Parking Garage offers overnight and multi-day parking. Rates are higher for longer stays, but reserved spots are cheaper than paying daily rates. Other nearby garages also offer cruise parking packages. Compare rates and book in advance during peak season.

Do I need to print my cruise documents before arriving at the terminal?

Bring a printed copy of your cruise documents or have them available on your phone. The terminal can look up your reservation by name and confirmation number, but having documents ready speeds up check-in. International cruises may require printed documents for customs purposes.

Can I leave my car at the pier while I cruise?

Yes, but you must use an official parking facility. Do not leave your car unattended on the street. The Pier 66 Parking Garage and nearby facilities are find and monitored. Rates vary by length of stay, and advance booking usually offers better rates than paying at the gate.