CRUISE & STAY


AMERICAN ADD-ONS: With its wealth of cruise product, the US is a great place to start selling cruise-and-stay getaways. Here’s the lowdown on Seattle, Tampa and other US ports


Seattle stars


There’s more to Seattle than just a jumping-off point for Alaska, as Emma Blackmore discovers on a cruise-and-stay fam trip to the Pacific Northwest


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rom the top of Seattle’s first skyscraper, Smith Tower, the city unfolds in layers. Art deco gives way to mid-century red brick, while the Seattle Great Wheel slowly turns against a backdrop


of ferries criss-crossing the open waters of Puget Sound. The view is just as compelling from the tower’s 35th-floor Observatory Bar, espresso martini in hand. It’s stronger than I’m used to – although whether that’s down to the spirit or the coffee is up for debate. For a city so closely associated with coffee, it feels a fitting introduction to Seattle. It’s been less than 24 hours since we touched down at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on a fam trip with 10 agents, hosted by the Port of Seattle, State of Washington Tourism and Visit Seattle in partnership with sister airlines Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines. Already, we’ve seen how much the city’s culture and food scene is shaped by the coastline – and for cruise passengers, that geography is key. Seattle is a diverse destination, but it’s also the gateway to an Alaska sailing. Here’s how to sell it as a pre or post-cruise stay.


FISHY TALE By 7am, the city’s waterfront Pike Place Market is already stirring. Fishmongers shovel ice while bleary-eyed tourists – including a couple that have dashed off an NCL ship – gather around to see the stall-holders throwing their catch of the day across the counter to be weighed and wrapped, a tradition that has made the market famous. It’s not long ²


travelweekly.co.uk


10 SEPTEMBER 2026


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PICTURE: Visit Seattle


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