Seattle is Virgin Voyages' Alaska homeport. Brilliant Lady sails from here every summer, with round-trip Alaska sailings through the Inside Passage. If you're sailing to Alaska with Virgin, here's everything you need to know about the terminal, parking, getting there, and making the most of your time in Seattle.
Prices and details in this guide are current as of October 2026 and are subject to change.
Seattle is Virgin's Alaska homeport, and the sailaway views of the skyline are worth being on deck for.
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at a Glance
Terminal: Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91
Address: 2001 W Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98119
Parking: on-site secure lot, from about $27 per day
From the airport (SEA): about 30 to 40 minutes by car
From downtown: about 10 minutes
Smith Cove sits in the Interbay area, just north of downtown, with views back toward the city and Elliott Bay.
Getting to the Terminal
From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Plan on 30 to 40 minutes by car. Your best options:
Uber or Lyft: pick up on the third floor of the airport parking garage
Taxi: also on the third floor of the parking garage
Shuttles and transfers: private shuttles and cruise transfers are available. Book ahead and confirm your pickup time.
From downtown Seattle
It's about a 10-minute drive. Rideshare or a taxi is the easiest way, since public transit doesn't go to the terminal. The Link light rail only runs between the airport and downtown.
Rideshare and drop-off
The terminal has a dedicated rideshare lot and a drop-off area at the entrance, so drop-off is usually straightforward.
Parking at Smith Cove
There's a secure on-site lot with about 800 spaces and a free shuttle to the terminal.
Cars: from about $27 per day
RVs and oversized vehicles: from about $47 per day
Reserve ahead: you can book online through the Port of Seattle's parking site
Rates change, so confirm the current price before you go.
How Check-In Works
Complete check-in in the Virgin Voyages app, including your photo, documents, and terminal arrival time.
Arrive at your time slot. Arriving early won't get you onboard sooner.
Drop your bags with the porters at the terminal.
Pick up your Band at check-in. See Virgin Voyages' The Band.
Clear security and board.
Documents: Virgin's Alaska sailings stop in Canada, usually Victoria, British Columbia, so bring a valid passport. See Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?
Disembarkation Day: Port Valet
Here's a perk a lot of sailors don't know about. Port Valet is a free service from the Port of Seattle that moves your checked bags straight from the ship to your flight at SEA, so you don't have to haul them to the airport and check them yourself.
It's offered on Virgin's Alaska sailings from Smith Cove.
Your flight has to leave SEA at noon or later on disembarkation day.
Sign up before your sailing through the Port of Seattle, or at Sailor Services onboard, at least 48 hours before you get off.
Airline bag fees still apply. They're charged to your onboard account.
If you have time before your flight, the port also offers same-day luggage storage for a small fee per bag.
Fly In the Day Before
Alaska sailings don't wait for delayed flights, so arrive in Seattle the day before you sail. It's also a great city to spend a day in.
Where to stay
Downtown and the waterfront: close to Pike Place Market and the terminal
Queen Anne and Lower Queen Anne: near the Space Needle and close to Smith Cove
Near the airport: convenient if you land late, but farther from the city
Things to Do in Seattle Before or After Your Cruise
Pike Place Market: fresh seafood, flowers, the famous fish toss, and the original Starbucks
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass: city views and stunning glass art, right next to each other
The Seattle waterfront: the aquarium, the Great Wheel, and great seafood spots
Kerry Park: the classic Seattle skyline photo, with Mount Rainier on a clear day
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): music, film, and sci-fi exhibits near the Space Needle
Ballard Locks: watch boats move between the lake and the sound, and spot salmon in summer
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal does Virgin Voyages use in Seattle?
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, 2001 W Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98119.
How much is parking at the Seattle cruise terminal?
As of October 2026, parking at Smith Cove starts at about $27 per day, with a free shuttle to the terminal.
How far is the Seattle cruise port from the airport?
About 30 to 40 minutes by car from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Do I need a passport for a Virgin Voyages Alaska cruise?
A passport is strongly recommended. Virgin's Alaska sailings stop in Canada, usually Victoria, British Columbia.
What is Port Valet?
A free Port of Seattle service that sends your checked bags from the ship directly to your flight at SEA. Your flight has to leave at noon or later.
Sailing to Alaska?
See every 2028 itinerary in Virgin Voyages Releases 2028 Alaska Cruises on Brilliant Lady, or request a free quote and I'll find the right Alaska sailing, choose your exact cabin, and stack every offer you qualify for, at the same price as booking direct.
