psuboater

If you're afraid of heights I wouldn't recommend it, even my husband who isn't that nervous with heights wanted to come down fairly shortly after getting up there. For free views- head on to the Columbia Tower and take the elevator to floor 40/Sky Bridge. There's a Starbucks that's open to the public and has views of the city. That way you feel a bit more in control, and if you still think you're too high, you can leave without spending $!

Just flew out of SEA (home airport) yesterday - I don't normally check bags, but heading on my own cruise out of NYC. The Delta lines were packed to check bags. Even in the self-tagged bag drop and having Sky Priority, it was over 30 minutes to get my bag through. I would be extremely nervous with an 11am flight.

It can vary widly. Typically, category upgrades from interior to oceanview or balcony can be processed earlier, but Haven suites they like to let us all sweat it out until the end. Makes sense because inventory of oceanview/balcony are greater than Suites/Havens.

I don't care if you're in an interior cabin, or the owner's suite in the Haven, it costs nothing to be kind to the hard working crew and staff. The cuts that are being made to headcount, food quality, etc, the staff has no control over. I have been fortunate enough to be cruising with my family since 2005. Has things been drastically cut, on all lines that I've been on? Absolutely (Man do I miss the fried chicken wings at O'Sheenahans!) . But I would never take this out on any crew member, unless someone was actively rude to me (which they never have been). Either I choose to vote with my wallet next time, going on a different line (which we did switch from Celebrity to NCL for next week's cruise) or a land-based trip instead, or I accept cruising where it is today, and I pack my patience and expectations as such. Our last cruise I saw a woman at the A-list Bar getting irate with a bartender who was manning the bar all by himself, the additional staff didn't come on shift yet. He was making drinks for those at the bar, those at Cagney's and those at Le Bistro. He was obviously overwhelmed and doing the best he could and she was making everyone uncomfortable. Sure, waiting 15-20 minutes for a drink is not ideal, but it's not life or death. At the end of the day, we've all worked hard to take a week or two with our family and friends to enjoy the moments that make those long work days worth while. And it is frustrating to see the cuts coming from corporate and they should absolutely hear about it-- but not your room steward or bartender or activities manager-- they're doing the best they absolutely can.

We booked on board for a cruise less than 120 days out (paid in full) and we were offered to chance to upgrade.

Premium internet works more like basic internet in my experience. Also, because of the metal cabins, it's almost impossible to get good signal in your room, which is where I'd imagine you'd want to take the call.

By the time you land, deplane, walk to baggage claim, wait for an Uber, and get downtown; you're looking around getting to Pier91 around noon. It would be one thing if you didn't have your bags, but as others have mentioned, it's going to be very very crowded, and not to mention hilly, so not too fun to do much. There is a shopping plaza near Pier 91 with a Whole Foods and Total Wine- as most cruise lines you can take 2 bottles of wine a cabin, so that might be something. About 10 minutes by Uber is the neighborhood of Ballard. The Ballard Locks and park is gorgeous and interesting, but again, not sure how much you want to lug your bags around, unless you go to Pier 91, check your luggage with the porter and get another Uber. There's also great breweries around (Reuben's is my personal favorite) that might be able to get your luggage in a corner while upon have a local brew. Just keep in mind the last check in time of 3pm is a hard stop and you will be denied boarding after that final check in hour.

No problem! Yes, Celebrity will always leave from Pier 91.

Celebrity departs from Pier 91.

Also adding you can purchase bus tickets via Amtrak; they partner with another company that services Seattle to Vancouver in between the two train departures. Last month we took the bus up and the train back. Highly recommend the train over the bus. The bus is safe and clean, but the train is highly more scenic and you're not dealing with I5 traffic.

I've never had to share a taxi with a stranger coming from the airport in SEA, and I've landed late.

We're on this sailing but we sailed on the Joy in February when she was sailing out of CA. Both my mom and I love Broadway shows, but we couldn't get past the first half hour on this one. Plenty of other things to do! 🙂

Go Bills! The best way to get to the Edgewater from SEA with luggage is by Uber/Lyft. Once you arrive, follow signs through the parking garage to level 3. It shouldn't be more than 15-20 minutes for one for you, it's a well oiled machine. Check out to see if your cruise offers luggage valet on the way home - they'll check your bags for your flight directly off the cruise, freeing you up for the day. Some things to hit: Pike Place Market Space Needle (with the new renovations it's worth the $) Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Capitol Hill (skip the "original" in Pike Place, it's underwhelming) Museums: Museum of History and Industry (MoHAI) Museum of Pop Culture Chilhuly Garden I would highly recommend getting to the airport no later than 1:30 for a 4pm flight, especially if you don't have TSA Pre or Clear. In the summer, security lines can be gnarly. Enjoy your trip!

If you're only looking to stay around the city for the day to explore the city, I highly recommend ditching the car idea. Traffic is back to pre pandemic levels after Amazon announced return to office, and if you're coming in July, you're possibly looking at competing with the MLB All Star game (7/8-11) or Taylor Swift (7/21-7/23). Parking is a pain and expensive. If you're fairly mobile, Seattle is pretty compact to walk and be able to see everything you want to see. I actually recommend walking onto the Bainbridge Ferry for the morning to explore the quaint downtown and get some great views of the sound and then of downtown heading back. Light rail can get you easily to the airport once you're ready to get to SEA.

I feel this. The first time we went to Alaska in 2008 it was my first time in the PNW. I was stunned! I still remember spotting my first bald eagle... ...now living on Whidbey Island, WA, we have a pair of bald eagles in our neighborhood that eye our corgi as a snack 😄. I went to Alaska on a last minute with my family last year and I felt that it was just a magnfied place of where I already live. I think that might have contributed to your boredom.

I've stayed both at the Four Points and the Hampton Inn. Both were clean, no frills, with a shuttle to the airport. Everything you expect out of a airport hotel, nothing you don't 🙂

Premier Airport Shuttle- I use them often and they're always on time and great drivers.

For one way fares, it is $2.75 for adults and the bus driver accepts exact fares only. You are able to purchase bus passes in advance on mobile. Info can be found here:Transit GO Ticket - King County https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/fares-and-payment/ways-to-pay/transit-go-ticket

Hi all, I live about 2 hours from Seattle so I was looking into hotels for the Taylor Swift concert that weekend (she's playing Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd). If you have not gotten your hotel yet, do so NOW. Hiltons in the area are about sold out, with the exception of a $3k room at the Motif. Marriotts have a bit more availbility but nights are running ~$600+ a night. The airport hotels are still somewhat decently priced (although higher than normal). Bellevue is offering hotel prices ~$450 a night, which is about 12 miles from both piers. It can take anywhere from 20-60 minutes depending on traffic. Bellevue is a nice area that has a mall and good dining options. I looked at the pier schedule and it looks to be packed at both piers, so something to keep in mind when you're exploring the city. Get as many tickets to attractions that you want to see as possible, and if you want to see anything in Pike Place besides crowds, I would go when it very first opens. Hope this helps someone!

We had friends who went the week prior and enjoyed high 70s/low 80s. We enjoyed none of that 😂

Also, when using your card anywhere it'll ask if you'd like to pay in CAN or USD. Always choose the local currency, your bank will have the better exchange rate.

We did one end of Feburary. It was nice but it was COLD. It actually snowed on the way from Enesenada back to LA. It is not typical but something to keep in mind.

Agreed, and we've also been on Celebrity 5 times. Back in the late 00s-mid 10s? It was a noticeable difference (I remember the sushi station had so many different options of fresh fish!). Now- it's NCL/RCCL level. To get true premium, I think you have to look to the luxury brands these days.

Bermuda doesn't play around. On cruise boards on Reddit, so many people ask if they can bring marijuana on the ship. Because it's a multi day stop most itineraries, Bermuda officials can and do bring drug dogs on board and will prosecute. Do many people bring it on and not get caught? Sure. But why take that chance?

Points are still considered spend even if it isn't cash 🙂 My example is more that we had a regular balcony the last time on the Joy and minimum spend to bid on Haven was a lot higher than starting from a Club Balcony on Joy this time.