Leaving in a couple days for Alaskan cruise driving from Seattle

[ajstaud]

Hi everyone,
We leave early Sunday morning for Seattle and will then be renting a car and driving to Vancouver for our cruise that leaves on Monday! Super excited! What are last minute items I should pack? Any tips or places that are must stops on the way up to Vancouver and any suggestions for places to eat/activities in Vancouver.

Our flight arrives at 9am in Seattle so I think we should be in Vancouver around 1pm.
Then when we depart the cruise ship our flight out of Seattle isn’t until 6:30. Do you think there is time to do pikes market place??

 

[lklgoodman]

We flew out of Seattle last month after a NCL cruise. It took about 30 mins to get to the airport from their port which is by Pike Place. The security line was very long at the airport and took about an hour. You should have time to go to the market before your flight depending on what time you arrive in Seattle. I would leave the market by 3 or 3:30 just to make sure you have enough time to get to the airport. Our cruise ended on a Sunday. If your's ends on a Monday, you may have extra workday traffic.

 

[tlprice]

Last time I rented a car in Seattle it took forever! Hopefully, they have improved their rental process.

Our favorite place in Vancouver is anywhere in Stanley Park.

 

[ScooterScott44]

We did the trip up to Vancouver from Seattle in May of 2019. Once you leave Seattle there are a few things but you will have to leave the main highway to get to some, so if you wanted to do some sight-seeing, I personally would do them at the beginning or end. There are lots to see in Seattle and Vancouver, literally accommodating any interests, and the drive in not that long so just get it over with. Vancouver has Stanley Park and area (love the nightly cannon), and Granville is another big tourist area, plus the casino/area and Gastown are big draws too.

With your limited time, definitely plan on something to maximize what you can do. Unfortunately, not knowing what interest you, it is hard to make a suggestion. Happy to answer any specifics, happy planning

 

[TheBigErn]

If you are departing your cruise from Seattle (I know Disney doesn't depart from Seattle) where can you stay the night before departure?

 

[auntlynne]

If you are keeping your car, consider something like North Vancouver, across the Lionsgate Bridge - and visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge (open until 8 pm).

I’d be more likely to visit Pike Place Market on fly-in day than trying to do it before a return flight.

 

[TheBigErn]

I'm just looking for somewhere to stay the night before. flying in from east coast so no time to sightsee. sailing Princess if that matters.

 

[lunaland]

As a lifelong local to a Seattle suburb- a few things. Our traffic is VERY unpredictable on weekends. What may take 30 minutes one day may take 3 hours the next. Give yourself extra time around Everett, Seattle, and Bellevue. Pike Place Market is great, I love it. But we haven't gone in years and have no plans to do so. The homeless situation has had us avoiding Seattle for years now. It's just not fun or safe anymore.

 

[auntlynne]

I'm just looking for somewhere to stay the night before. flying in from east coast so no time to sightsee. sailing Princess if that matters.

Cedarbrook Lodge. Take a look at it.