CRUISE & STAY BOOK IT
Delta Air Lines offers non-stop daily services from Heathrow (from £741) and Virgin Atlantic daily in summer (from £439).
delta.com
virginatlantic.com
Princess Cruises’ seven-night Inside Passage sailing from Seattle on Star Princess starts at £753 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin, departing September 26, 2027.
princess.com
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Pike Place Market; the fam trip group; Seattle waterfront PICTURE: Visit Seattle/Rachael Jones
before the rumble of “Morning, TT!” rings out from one of the head fishmongers (that’s ‘test throw’ for non-Seattleites), and the ritual gets underway. From here, it’s easy to build an itinerary
around the waterfront. At Seattle Aquarium, sea otters frolic, harbour seals lounge and guests can get close to sea anemones. The adjacent Ocean Pavilion, which opened last year, focuses on conservation through coral reef restoration and a jellyfish nursery. The Olympic Sculpture Park offers a glimpse
into Seattle’s diverse art scene. From June to September, a mini-golf course combines sea views with nine holes designed by local artists. It’s this variety that makes Seattle such a compelling pre or post-cruise stay. “Seattle is an electric city,” says Donna Woodthorpe, product manager at USAirtours. “It’s full of beautiful bars, craft breweries and wineries, independent restaurants and shops, and so much to do and see. It’s such a great gateway to the Pacific Northwest and the wider Washington state – and, of course, the absolutely beautiful Alaska.” That variety is also why Matt Phillips, co-owner of Travel Chaps, believes agents should build in more time pre or post-cruise. “I’d sandwich it as four days total,” he says. “Whether you’re a culture vulture or a foodie, or want to go down to the pier and have wine and cocktails, there’s something for everyone here.”
40 10 SEPTEMBER 2026
33Seattle is full of beautiful bars, craft breweries and wineries, independent restaurants and shops, and so much to do and see
“Seattle has so much more to offer than I first thought,” says Lisa Byers, cruise ambassador for Travel Counsellors. “It’s cosmopolitan and full of energy – the perfect gateway to Alaska. But what really blew me away was the hospitality.”
FROM CITY TO SHIP At Pier 91 cruise terminal, a 15-minute drive
from downtown Seattle, Holland America Line’s Eurodam and Princess Cruises’ Star Princess are docked. On Eurodam, the pace slows noticeably. Art deco interiors, ombré hues and a teak wraparound promenade nod to the line’s heritage, while the outdoor spaces are made for Alaskan views – spotting glaciers or, with luck, a whale. Suites continue the traditional feel, with darker woods and grey-marble bathrooms. For those booking the Pinnacle Suite, the wraparound veranda and spa bath offer a front-row seat of the scenery.
Holland America Line offers a seven-day Alaska Explorer cruise on Eurodam from £1,559 per person, based on two sharing a balcony cabin, departing April 27, 2027. The price includes Have It All Early Booking benefits.
hollandamerica.com
There’s plenty more to keep passengers
entertained, from 1960s and 1970s classics at the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard, to talks and wildlife-spotting sessions. Dining also leans into the region, with fresh fish such as Alaskan black cod at Pinnacle Grill. Princess Cruises’ Star Princess offers a very
different proposition. The newest and largest ship in the fleet combines minimalist neutrals with maximalist entertainment, from The Dome and Sea View Bar to the two-storey Lotus Spa, complete with a Finnish sauna and hydrotherapy pools. Foodies are equally well catered for, with
the Crown Grill steakhouse, Americana Diner, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and theatrical Umai Teppanyaki, while Spellbound by Magic Castle brings speakeasy-style cocktails with immersive elements and hidden rooms. Clients booking Sanctuary Suites also gain access to a lounge with two-storey windows for glacier-spotting, and the resort-style Sanctuary Club, complete with live music, pink loungers and a champagne bell – just ring to receive a glass. For clients on their final day in Seattle before flying home, suggest the free Port Valet service, which is available on select flights. The Port of Seattle transfers luggage from the ship and checks it in at the airport, allowing passengers to explore without their cases in tow. Which, in Seattle, means there’s no excuse not to grab one last coffee.
TW
travelweekly.co.uk
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