Ports of Call - USA - Washington - Seattle
It is said Washington state has more boats per capita than any place else in the USA. It's not hard to see why. Everywhere you turn, Washington has water. The port of Seattle itself is surrounded by water.
May through September, the Port of Seattle offers a growing number of luxury cruises to Alaska. From just six cruise ship visits in 1990, the port is expected to host 170 sailings and about 350,000 passengers, with service by Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises.
There is a huge array of hotels and resorts to accommodate cruise passengers.
The largest community festival in the Pacific Northwest, SeaFair, takes place on the water in Seattle. Elliot Bay, the Puget Sound, Lake Union and Lake Washington each offer cruising, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, water-skiing, paragliding, ferry riding and float plane rides.
Seattle has grown into one of the world’s most desirable leisure travel destinations. The crown jewel of Seattle’s attractions is the Seattle Center, the 74-acre legacy of the 1962 World’s Fair. Its distinctive 605-foot Space Needle is the city’s leading landmark and symbol.
Popular attractions include Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, the waterfront, the Seattle Art Museum, the Pacific Science Center, the Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Aquarium, and the Museum of Flight.
Photo courtesy Tim Thompson
Main attractions in Seattle include:
Space Needle
Pike Place Market
Pioneer Square
Waterfront
Seattle Art Museum
Pacific Science Center
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle Aquarium
Museum of Flight
SeaFair
Elliot Bay
Puget Sound
Lake Union
Lake Washington