aeegee

Thank you for writing this helpful thread. We are staying at the Moore Hotel in about 2 weeks. When you say very old did you have problems with the plumbing/tub draining? I also read somewhere that there is no place to put your items in the showers?

 

You have relived my anxiety with Uber. It sounds like the Uber is allowed into the terminal versus just at the gate?

 

I am traveling with parents who have limited mobi;its so I am so grateful for your post! :)

No problem with plumbing, etc., in our room. Old, meaning that it's an old building, but it's been redone. Old, meaning that some of the lighting fixtures were older, fans in the rooms because there wasn't any AC, etc. Our bathroom was beautiful, small, but the shower was tiny. There was a tiny little shelf to hold soap,etc. It served our purpose. The hotel has many room options also, so the rooms will all be different.

We liked the hotel and it's ambiance. Many old features that we thought added to the character. Main thing, the bed and room were comfy and clean and the location was perfect. I would call the hotel and ask them about your parents mobility concerns.

As far as Uber, it was great, but it did not pick us up at the airport, only from the hotel and took us to pier 91. You can use Uber at the airport, but they will pick you up in the parking garage. Check the SeaTac site online as there may be a type of Uber that will be able to pick up at baggage claim. We used STILA and it was great. For 2 people, with 3 pieces of luggage they sent a town car and picked us up outside of baggage claim. I would imagine they would send a larger car for you and your parents. STILA can be reached by dialing #55 on an airport phone. You can also look up SeaTac airport online and there is info there also.

Enjoy your cruise.

I agree. The difference between a 9am arrival and a 10am arrival is probably 5 minutes later to walk onto the ship, so 55 fewer minutes of hurry-up-and-wait. At least at Pier 91 (aka Smith Cove Cruise Terminal), where Princess, Celebrity, and HAL go, IMHO 9am is simply too early.

 

 

Having experienced Pier 91 six times (3 departures, 3 arrivals) for cruises and a few other times for events held there, I'm familiar with it, so it's hard for me to say if it's newbie-friendly, but I do think it's reasonably simple nonetheless: all traffic approaches via one roadway. At the terminal, buses go one way, while everyone else goes a different way; that different way splits into six assigned lanes that are no more/less chaotic than any airport arrivals area. Alongside those six assigned lanes are porters ready to handle your bags if you wish, and wheelchairs if you need them. It's a short walk into the terminal; if you didn't use the porters already, you'll go drop your bags on the first floor. Fill out your health questionnaire, go upstairs, through security, the wine table, passenger check-in, pause in the waiting area as needed, and board the ship. It's very zig-zaggy, just to use the space available and create queueing areas to buy some time and allow for capacity buffering. I can't comment about Pier 66 (NCL) whatsoever though.

I wasn't recommending that anyone go to the terminal at 9am, but that's what we did. We had nothing else to do in the morning, so we left early. Whatever works for you. 9am is not too early if that's what you choose, just be prepared, like we were. We've cruised often, so we knew the problems that we might incur. I will also say that sometimes people do arrive early on a flight and have no place to go other than the terminal, so arrival at the terminal will be early. Just be prepared.

As far as the terminal it was congested. I don't believe it was just because we were early. The area where you pick up taxi's, buses, etc. is small, at least compared to other terminals, at least to us. I'm not complaining about the terminal, only making a comment about what we thought. Once we were in the check in area all went smoothly and quickly.

Thanks for the info. We cruise in less than two weeks. We are staying at the Westin downtown and cruise on NCL out of Pier 66. I looked at the video of the light rail and decided that it too hard with too many bags. Our hotel is one block away from Westlake. The Stilla taxi sounds like the best option for us also. Have never used Uber. Does anyone know what it will cost for taxi from the Westin Downtown to Pier 66?

According to the taxi fare finder, it's 1.1 miles to pier 66 from the Westin on 5th Ave. The rate including a 15% tip is estimated at

Initial Fare$2.60Add. Metered Fare$6.36Tip (15%)$1.34Estimated Taxi Fare$10.30

Trip is 1.1 mi, 8 mins

Keep in mind that the rate is estimated and depends on traffic, etc. Also, there is an extra charge for more than 2 people. The STILA that we used wasn't a taxi, but a town car with a flat rate for downtown. If you haven't tried Uber you should. Go to the Uber site and put in your hotel and the pier and they'll give you the rates based on their different cars. You can also find out what car would be best for you depending on your luggage, etc. Hope this helps.

9 am is very early to arrive at the pier. People still leaving from the previous cruise, which is why it was so congested. What time did you actually board?

 

What specific worries did you have about Uber?

 

Roz

Yes, we are aware that 9 is early to arrive, but like I said we always go early so we knew what to expect. We were on board before 11.

I think it was just the unknown about Uber. Will they show up? Will I be able to work the app correctly or goof and get charged wrong? The first time using an app can be a challenge. I'm pretty good with some techy stuff, but you just never know.

WONDERFUL and helpful review. Thanks for taking time to write out, in great detail, your information. Will benefit many people. Glad you had an awesome cruise..

Thank you very much. This site has always helped us out so much. It can be very frustrating looking for information and not everyone is looking for the same info. I tried to answer questions that helped us.

We just returned from an absolutely awesome cruise to Alaska last week. We had fabulous weather and were truly blessed.

My Seattle information - We arrived in Seattle around 10:30 am on a Thursday. We took STILA (airport service regulated by the airport, dial #55 from airport phone in baggage claim) from the airport to our downtown hotel in Seattle. It was $55 flat rate +tip (rate for service to downtown area) for a very nice town car that met us outside of baggage claim, we waited no longer than 8 - 10 mins. We were 2 people with 3 bags (we packed for cold weather). They have SUV's for more people/bags. They will ask you how many people/bags and tell you the rate and type car.

We stayed at the Moore Hotel downtown, which is a very old hotel and maybe not for everyone, but we loved it and would stay again. There is no AC, but it wasn't very warm out, so it wasn't bad. The only thing I would change next time is to get a room that doesn't face the busy street because you have to leave your windows open (no AC) and it's noisy. Also, I wouldn't recommend it for a family with small kids as the windows are about knee high and there are no screens. The room was comfortable and clean and the people very nice. There is a lovely coffee shop and a bar in the hotel. The bar serves food, Mexican mostly. We were at the coffee shop (Moore coffee) too early for breakfast, so we just had coffee and a pastry. I heard though that their waffles are amazing. They also serve lunch. We enjoyed the hotel very much.

After all our worries we took our first Uber ride and it couldn't have been easier or nicer. Took it from the hotel to pier 91 (Celebrity). A Select car (we had a Chevy Suburban) was $18.95. The hotel was about 3 miles from the pier, but a smaller car, Prius, wouldn't have held our 3 suitcases.

While in Seattle we walked a couple of blocks from the hotel to a monorail that takes you directly to the Chilhuly museum (only stop), which is right under the Space Needle. It's $1 for seniors, $4 for everyone else,one way. The museum was wonderful. I think it was around $23 for seniors and $28 for everyone else. We didn't go up the Space Needle. Took the monorail back and walked a couple of extra blocks to Pike Market. What a fun adventure that was. Reminded me of the Farmers Market in Los Angeles. Lots of places to eat, interesting shops and the market is full of flowers, fresh fish and other interesting things. It was fun walking through the market and around the area, which is right on the water. After, we walked back to the hotel. It's a little hilly in this area, but you can find some streets that aren't so bad. At the hotel we went to the bar and met some very nice people. In the morning we had coffee in the coffee shop, then we called Uber and enjoyed that ride.

For anyone thinking of taking the Light Rail to the downtown area, Westlake Station, it was about 3 blocks from our hotel. There is construction in the area, some that you would have to walk through. We did see other folks with luggage. The area is not bad, mostly downtown businesses and shops, clean and with traffic. There are some hilly areas, but it depends on which way you're going. You are bound to run into some, so be prepared to lug your luggage. Not sure how the area is in the evening, as we were there around noon and 3. Also, it's quite a hike from baggage claim to the Light Rail station at the airport. If you are considering the LR I would check out a YouTube video someone made showing the walk. Watching the video helped make our decision easier. I think I did a search on YouTube looking for Light Rail service in Seattle or something like that.

While to some our transportation choices sound expensive they were well within the range of other options. Shuttle Express shuttle service and the other shuttle service to hotels did not service our hotel. Seattle is very congested with traffic restrictions, construction, etc. We wanted something with a flat rate in case we got caught in traffic, so for us STILA and Uber were great.

We got to the pier very early, around 9 and it was very congested. There were cars, limos, taxis, etc. all in lines waiting to get in. Our driver some how got waved through, maybe he knew the guy. There was a traffic person who only let a few cars at a time proceed. Our ship and another were still letting passengers off, so the terminal was very congested. I didn't think this terminal was as user friendly as say Ft. Lauderdale. It seemed small and cramped, but we had dropped our bags with a porter, so we didn't have them to lug around. Things ran smoothly, the check in opened around 10. I did notice that things weren't as congested around 11, but we are always early birds and knew what to expect.

When we returned from our cruise we took a ship transfer ($27pp back to the airport. It was quick and easy, except when we got to the airport. The drop off area was a real hike to the Southwest terminal. They did have check in for your bags at the drop off for Delta and Southwest passengers. We had no bags because we used the Luggage Valet service that picked our bags up right off the ship. There is no charge for this service in Seattle. You sign up for it on the ship and it's great if you are returning home the same day. Our bags were waiting for us at our home airport and we collected them at baggage claim. They were on our flight. The best service ever. We have used the service before, but there was always a charge. Thank you Seattle.

I've tried to answer some of the questions I was looking for before our cruise. Seattle is a lovely city with lots to explore. We enjoyed ourselves and hope you do too. Thanks to all who helped us with our research and decisions.

Ok, thanks all.

I'll be sure to write here when we get back so other newbie Seattle transportation issue people want some info they can find it. I'm being funny, but found your help the best. Thanks all.

They were pretty quick to pick us up. Less than 10 minutes, so make sure you have all your travelers and luggage before you call. They do have a fleet of vehicles on site.

The phones are easy to spot. We flew in on Alaska Air. SW Air used the same baggage claim area. I am assuming it will be the same set-up no matter what baggage claim area that you will be at to claim your luggage. In the Alaska/SW area, you can't miss the huge sign and bank of phones on your left as you walk into the carousel area. My daughter used this service last year on her cruise and was equally happy with it. I don't think you will have a problem being dropped off at your hotel.

Just one more question. Is it hard to tell which town car is yours? Aren't there other company's that use town cars?

Jeanne & Bob

They were pretty quick to pick us up. Less than 10 minutes, so make sure you have all your travelers and luggage before you call. They do have a fleet of vehicles on site.

The phones are easy to spot. We flew in on Alaska Air. SW Air used the same baggage claim area. I am assuming it will be the same set-up no matter what baggage claim area that you will be at to claim your luggage. In the Alaska/SW area, you can't miss the huge sign and bank of phones on your left as you walk into the carousel area. My daughter used this service last year on her cruise and was equally happy with it. I don't think you will have a problem being dropped off at your hotel.

You've been VERY helpful!!!! Thank you so much.

We used STILA towncar service from SEATAC to our hotel by the Space Needle this past June. Their fees are regulated by the airport. You can call them from the baggage claim area (after you claim your luggage) and they will pick you up right outside the baggage claim doors. There were 4 of us with lots of luggage so we needed an SUV. I believe our charge was $60. It is less for 2-3 people in one of their towncars ($50?). Service was great and we plan on using them again for our Pacific Coastal next year. If you check SEATAC Airports website, you'll find all their information. Highly recommend.

Thank you very much. You've answered our questions. At this point all we can do is try it so we'll know for ourselves. Sure sounds easy, especially the pick up at baggage claim. One more question, when you call I assume they ask you how many people and baggage, so they can tell you what kind of car you need, SUV or town car, correct? And they give you the cost based on where you're going? Sorry, that was 2 questions. I hope they go to all hotels because our hotel is not of Shuttle Express hotel list.

After we have our plane reservations so know pickup time we will reserve from seatactowncar.com which has been recommended in a CC post. Their rates are on their site.

But they pickup in "arrivals lounge" and I don't know where that is. I'll have to ask them and then decide if we're using them or a different service.

Thank you

We do not have smart phones so no Uber app.

We will reserve a towncar. $50 Cost plus obligatory 20% tip is not too much more than taxi, and I presume uber.

What company are you using for the towncar? I've heard you can call for a towncar from baggage claim on the bank of phones there, but what company are they, how do you know how much it cost?

Thank you

Thanks all.

I am trying to decide the same for our cruise next year, and where to stay in Seattle (downtown or airport). There is the link light rail which goes from the airport parking garage to right down off pikes place (smith tower) for $3 adult, $1.50 youth, or all the way to westlake center for the same price. Uber pricing from Westlake to Pier 91 is only about $10... we are not traveling with kids so I think that's the cheapest way with a little luggage parading :) The link is not bad but sometimes can be pretty crowded, but you are going at a slower time when everyone is already at work so it shouldn't be too bad

Light rail is a great option if you don't have a lot of luggage, kids or a hotel that requires hill climbing to get to. Didn't want to chance the hill climbing with luggage with my DH.

I really loved the fries. Did they change those too?

I know it's not Cafe Bacio, but coffee/tea are always available in the buffet and they even have paper (with lids) or glass cups. We can usually get by until CB opens with a cup from the buffet.

Great! Sounds like a deal to me since you didn't pay tax and Apple prices are pretty well fixed everywhere. I was planning on using my OBC too. They are usually a little behind on the versions they have on the ship, especially since the new IOS 11 will be hitting soon. Decisions, decisions!

Thank you all so much. I've posted questions all over about transportation in Seattle and your answers are the best and to the point. I think we'll book the tour and enjoy 2 stops that we won't get to pre-cruise.

Now we have to figure out the best way to get to our downtown hotel, which is not on Shuttle Express's drop off list. We've never used Uber or Lyft, so not sure. Also, we've heard about the town cars that you can get by calling from the phone banks in the baggage area. I also understand that taxis are flat rate, but not from the airport, only to the airport from port. Last issue is the 3.1 mile drive from the hotel to port, but I think a taxi will work, but I worry about getting caught in traffic and the meter running.

I'm sorry, we cruise every year and for some reason Seattle has me in a whirl. I just hate being unprepared.

Again, thank you for your precise answers to my question.

Anyone now what version iPads are being sold on the ship?

Can you tell me if Uber and Lyft are reliable resources from the airport to downtown and how about from port to airport? Is the wait very long for a ride in either direction? Since we've never used either we're a little hesitant. Where is pick up located at the airport for these? I worry about using a taxi to port from our hotel downtown because they're metered and if traffic is bad we'll be watching the meter go up.

I've also read that you can go to the phone banks and get a town car. Are they flat rate or ?

Our cruise is in 2 weeks, leaves and returns on a Friday. The Friday it returns is Labor Day weekend.:o

Thank you

I think it's OK to take the tour it finish at 11:30, you have almost 3 hours at the airport.

Yes, but if the tour is 3 hours does that include getting to airport or is the tour 3 hours and then they take you to the airport?

Thank for your response.

Has anyone taken the Celebrity Solstice tour after the cruise that takes you to the Space Needle and Chihuly Museum and then takes you to the airport? It's a 3 hour tour, starting at 8:30 and your plane has to depart after 2:00. Our plane leaves at 2:25 and I'm curious as to how early you get to the airport. I was wondering because of traffic, etc. and possible lines at the airport. This would be Friday before Labor Day, so I'm not sure of crowds at the airport.

Would it just be better to go right to the airport and skip the tour to get to the airport in plenty of time. I hate not being familiar with airports/ports/cities.

Thank you

Hi,

The Port of Seattle has a new cab company at seatac airport. Some cabs are metered and others are flat rate so for the present you need to ask for a flat rate one. To Downtown Seattle which would include Pier 66 the flat rate is $39 To Pier 91 its $45. A flat rate towncar for up to 4 is $45 to downtown and $60 to Pier 91. You do not need to reserve as these towncars and limos are always in the parking garage at Seatac. Just call ground transportation and the car will be sent to you in baggage claim. Taxis you need to walk over the skybridge to the taxi line in the parking garage. I'm hoping this can get 'pinned' as the question comes up a lot

When you say a town car to downtown does downtown mean anywhere or only certain places? I know that Shuttle Express will only go to certain hotels.

Thank you

Wow!! Great news. Thanks everyone.:D

We haven't used them yet, but I reserved with SpeediShuttle from SeaTac to the Amtrak station which is pretty close to the pier area. It cost about $32, without tip. I wanted to pre-pay the transportation and have something in place. Their reviews have some issues, but mostly with people who have gotten it through a different vendor, not through speedishuttle itself. You can find their link on the SeaTac website.

I haven't taken a cab in years, and have never used uber or lyft, and felt the speedishuttle was a better deal.

Also, according to the website and the email I received from them, they will meet me at the luggage carousel and take us from there. That way we don't have to search for transportation. We'll just get with them and go.

It is a shared ride service, which I actually don't mind.

 

I know other folks have mentioned limo services, but I haven't really done that much research on that because that just wasn't something I wanted to pay for.

 

We are leaving in a few weeks so I will report back when we return in September.

Thank you for the information. I'm still undecided, but will have to make up our minds because we leave in 2 weeks. I'm happy you've made your decision. :D