8 Cool Northwest Festivals You Can’t Miss
Gathering to celebrate the best food, music, art, and everything wonderful and unique about the Pacific Northwest — that’s what our festivals are all about. We have our annual favorites, from Bumbershoot to Seafair, but here are eight culturally-rich and diverse gatherings you may not have heard about. Our Shuttle Express team offered their top festival picks coming up this fall, so you won’t miss a thing. We’ll even get you there!
Tumbleweed Music Festival
Sept. 1–3, Richland, WA
Head to Eastern Washington over Labor Day weekend and enjoy acoustic music on the banks of the Columbia River. Choose from more than 75 acts on five stages and experience hand’s-on workshops on instrument playing, songwriting and dancing.
Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival
Sept. 8-10, Mukilteo, WA
Considered Mukilteo’s biggest blowout party of the year, the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival promises food and a beer garden, music, art displays, and two fireworks displays.
Rod Run to the End of the World
Sept. 9–10, Ocean Park, WA
Interested in engines? Check out this event, featuring classic cars from Model As to muscle cars, tearing up the streets of the peninsula.
Pendleton Round-Up
Sept. 13–15, Pendleton OR
If you’re a cowboy or cowgirl at heart, plan a trip to Pendleton and enjoy an authentic Western rodeo, with bull riding and other rodeo contests, parades and more. Round up a group of friends and charter a bus, we’ll drive!
Cache Dash Splash III – Behind Bars
Sept. 15–17, Long Beach Peninsula
Ever heard of geocaching? It’s a modern-day treasure hunt, and we’ve got the perfect place for you to start this fascinating activity: the Cache Dash Splash III on the Long Beach Peninsula will have you searching and finding “treasures” while enjoying the gorgeous location.
Pacific Northwest Brew Cup
Sept. 22–24, Astoria, OR
Enjoy more than 40 brews at this family-friendly event—taste beers, listen to live music, and bring the kids for activities planned for all ages.
Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival
Sept. 23–24, Leavenworth, WA
It’s always the perfect time to visit Leavenworth, including September, when the scenery boasts leaves turning in full color. This festival offers live music, pie-eating contests, a parade, and street dances in historic downtown Leavenworth.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival
Oct. 4–8, Wood River Valley, ID
This unique festival’s mission is to gather, present, and preserve the history and culture of sheep herding in Idaho and the West. Under the theme of all things sheep, you’ll enjoy concerts, workshops, presentations, and cooking classes during this culturally-rich weekend.
Charter a Bus to Anywhere
As Seattle’s charter bus experts, Shuttle Express offers trusted, safe, and reliable group transportation for business or pleasure, for groups large and small. We’ll get your group anywhere in the region, whether it’s across the Sound or across the mountains. We maintain an expansive fleet of clean, comfortable mini and motor coach buses, private vans, sedans, and SUVs, perfect for day trips, overnight excursions, corporate events, family celebrations, and special occasions.
To plan your charter to your favorite festival, group event, or business meeting, contact our team at sales@shuttleexpress.net or call 425-981-7096.
Crushin’ on Washington Wine
From Vine to Wine
For winemakers and wine lovers alike, “Crush” is that magical time of year when winemakers pick the perfect time to pluck their grapes from the vine. The term usually means harvest time in the United States and refers to when the grapes are brought in from the vineyards, sorted, and then gently broken up to release the juices, which are then allowed to macerate with the skins before and during fermentation.
Crush season at wineries throughout the state, from the Rattlesnake Hills area to Woodinville Wine Country, open their doors to eager wine enthusiasts, fans, and supporters who volunteer at the wineries’ “wine camps,” to help with tasks such as sorting, stemming, and bottling. Traditional “grape stomps” are sometimes part of the fun, although most wineries now use automated crushing machines to do the work. Contact your favorite winery to see how you can help!
Washington Crush Events and Festivals
Crush events are often full-on celebrations for many wineries across Washington State including traditional grape stomps, dinners, live music and wine tasting. Check out a few of the state’s crush celebrations this year:
- Catch the Crush Oct. 14-15, 2017
Wineries in the Rattlesnake Hills celebrate crush with Catch the Crush, an annual event in which each winery offers its own celebration with grape stomps, harvest and crush activities, tours, live music, and wine tasting.
- Lake Chelan Crush Oct. 7–8, 14–15, 2017
Join the wineries in the Lake Chelan Wine as they celebrate with the annual Crush Festival. You’re invited to taste, stomp and dance your way through two wine-filled weekends, and experience a harvest party or a winemaker dinner and share in the experience of harvest season.
Take Me to the Crush!
Need a designated driver? Make your Crush celebrations completely stress-free—let us drive. We’ll get you to your event and back home again, safely and worry-free. Shuttle Express offers many services, from black car/limousine service to private charters for wine tasting or any event. You can enjoy yourself without worrying about driving after tasting a few of those award-winning Washington wines! Reach us at our Shuttle Express sales office for more info.
Pets on a Plane: An Owner’s Guide for Safe Travels
Traveling with our pets can be stress-free and enjoyable—or not. If air travel with a furry companion is in your future, check out our helpful advice, plus links to resources to help make the trip safe, secure, and fun for both you and your pet.
Do Your Homework
- Before booking your airline ticket, check on your airline’s specific policies. Each carrier has its own rules, so pay attention to any pet-related requirements.
- Choose a pet-friendly hotel and ask them about any rules or restrictions before you book. Here’s a great resource that lists hotel chains that roll out the welcome mat for your pet!
- Choose pet-friendly airport transportation. Getting to the airport is easy with Shuttle Express, and we welcome our guests’ pets! Please let us know you have a pet traveling with you when you book. We ask that you observe a few guidelines listed in our FAQ’s to ensure the comfort and safety of our other passengers.Small pets are welcomed when in an appropriate pet carrier that can fit at your feet in our vehicle. If your pet carrier does not fit at your feet, your pet in the carrier can be placed in the back with the luggage and will count as one of your checked pieces. If you have a large kennel, you can book a private van. Exceptions include properly harnessed or leashed service animals, including seeing eye, hearing impaired, and certified search dogs, that will lie at the owner’s feet.
Prepare Your Pet for Travel
Get your pet checked out with your vet before your trip–ensure all vaccinations are current and get a health certificate dated within 10 days of your departure. Ask your vet about ways to relax your pet during the flight if your pet becomes anxious or frightened. For travel outside of the continental US, contact the foreign office of the country you are traveling to for complete details.
Pack a travel kit for your pet, including:
- Health records and vaccination tags (if you have pet insurance, have the contact information handy)
- Proper ID tag
- Portable bowl, bottled water, treats, and enough food for the trip
- Pooper-scooper, hand wipes, and waste bags
- Favorite pillow or toy
Feed your pet three-to-four hours before the trip, and go outside for a potty break before you leave.
Take Every Precaution on the Flight
Ideally, your pet will relax quietly in a carrier under your airline seat, but if you pet isn’t small enough here are some suggestions adapted from ASPCA to keep your pet safe and secure during the flight.
- Book a direct flight whenever you can, since this will lessen the chance that your pet’s carrier will be mishandled by baggage personnel during a layover or will be waiting in the plane’s cargo hold too long.
- Buy a USDA-approved shipping crate that’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably, and is lined with safe bedding material that will absorb accidents.
- Identify the crate with “Live Animal,” as well as with your name, cell phone and destination phone number, and a photo of your pet. Also carry a photograph of your pet, or have one saved in your phone.
- Attach a small pouch of dried food outside the crate so airline personnel will be able to feed your pet in case he or she gets hungry during a layover. Securely close the crate door but don’t lock it. Airline personnel need to be able to open it during an emergency.
- Tell all airline employees you talk with—on the ground and in the air—that you are traveling with a pet in the cargo hold. If the plane is delayed or if you have any concerns about the welfare of your pet, insist that airline personnel check the animal whenever feasible.
Can’t Take your Pet?
If flying with your pet isn’t possible, you have many options for care. Here are just a few in the greater Seattle area.
- Hillrose Pet Resort offers pet boarding, daycare and grooming conveniently located near Sea-Tac Airport. Hillrose Pet Resort serves most breeds of dogs, cats, and exotic pets. In this first-class facility, for example, each dog enclosure has a private, indoor, climate-controlled sleeping area. Each dog kennel is connected by a doggy door to a private fully covered exercise area. All areas are cleaned a minimum of 3 times daily.
- Rover is the nation’s largest network of 5‑star pet sitters and dog walkers if you’d rather your pet stay home, or stay at a pet sitter’s home. Seattle offers a robust list of sitters on this popular site.
Have Fun, Stay Safe
Once you’ve safely arrived, use pet apps to make the trip safer, easier, and more fun. Here are two we like:
- BringFido lets you explore more than 100,000 places to stay, play, and eat with your dog.
- Nuzzle is a collar that provides you with the GPS location of your pet constantly. The device features an activity tracker, so you can monitor how much exercise your pet is getting each day.
Need a Ride to Sea-Tac Airport?
If you and your pet need airport service or transportation anywhere in the region, Shuttle Express is here for you. As Seattle’s local airport and private transportation experts for 30 years, our professional, friendly team gets our guests and their pets to their destination, safely and stress-free. Whether it’s driving you to Sea-Tac and back in a sedan or private shuttle, or providing executive transportation in well-appointed charter buses, our experienced, caring team will make it happen. Book online at shuttleexpress.com or connect with us at sales@shuttleexpress.net.
4 Traffic-free Getaways in Washington
Need to get away? Visit these Washington towns for peace, quiet, and plenty of fun.
If you’re dreaming of a lazy summer day without a traffic jam in sight, plan to visit one of these small towns that are within driving distance of Seattle. You’ll find charm and calm with tree-lined streets and gorgeous views. But if things get a little too quiet, check out the family-friendly events, outdoor activities, shopping, and food adventures each has to offer.
Most are easy to get to and are within a few hours’ drive of Seattle. If you are planning a group excursion or would rather not drive, Seattle’s Shuttle Express has options for charter buses and car/van service, too.
Zillah, WA
Located in the Yakima Valley, Zillah is the home of the historic Teapot Dome Gas Station—a perfect photo opp when tooling along First Avenue in this quiet, rural town. The refurbished teapot-shaped gas station was created in 1922 as a visual reminder of the Teapot Dome oil scandal that erupted during the Harding administration in the 1920s. It’s located just off I-82 in a well-maintained city park next to a firefighters’ memorial. After you’ve visited Zillah, explore the nearby Rattlesnake Hills area, which is peppered with outstanding wineries and scenery.
- Things to do: Visit Teapot Dome Gas Station historical landmark; taste wine and tour cellars at the many wineries near town, including the popular Two Mountain Winery, Dineen Winery, and Cultura Winery.
- How to get there: From Seattle, Zillah is a two-and-a-half-hour drive via I-90E and I-82E. Don’t feel like driving? Chartered coach service is a great option for groups of up to 55 passengers, with restroom on board the larger coaches and roomy seats. Settle in and enjoy the trip, the wine, and the peace and quiet.
Langley, WA
The quaint little town of Langley on Whidbey Island is a 20-minute ferry trip away, featuring unique and charming bookstores, antiques shops, and clothing boutiques. This small town of just under 1,100 residents offers beautiful views along with its calm vibe.
- Things to do: Take in the many cultural and art events, such as the Island Shakespeare Festival, the various performing arts, and the art walks
- How to get there: Just an hour north of Seattle, it’s an easy 15- to 20-minute ferry ride to Whidbey Island via the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal.
Packwood, WA
Delve into the heart of volcano country with a trip to Packwood, a remote little town surrounded by forest and just minutes away from Mount Rainier National Park to the north, with Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to the south. Packwood is nature’s playground, offering many activities for the outdoor enthusiast for every season—the perfect setting where you can relax and refresh.
- Things to do: Visit the national parks nearby and enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and camping; check out the White Pass Country Historical Museum and see the town’s historical collection of mining and agriculture artifacts. Destination Packwood gives a run-down on the many activities for visitors.
- How to get there: Packwood is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle via WA 410E. Don’t feel like driving? This road trip is ideal for a day trip for a group or family outing, so charter a coach to fit your group instead of sitting at the wheel. An overnight stay with our charter bus is a great option, too, giving you more time to explore the national parks nearby.
Winthrop, WA
Visit Winthrop and feel as if you’ve time-traveled back to the Old West. Winthrop is located on the North Cascades Scenic Byway in the spectacular Methow Valley, and while at times can get a bit busy during peak season, it’s usually a laid-back town where you can experience more than 120 miles of cross-country ski trails and hiking trails. Not to mention, festivals and cultural events abound here throughout the year.
- Things to do: Hike, bike, and cross-country ski, depending on the season; visit western-themed storefronts, art galleries, and restaurants; check out the Shafer Historical Museum for a peek into the town’s history; don’t miss the R&B Festival in July.
- How to get there: Winthrop is about a four-hour drive from Seattle, with several route options, all of which lead to Hwy 20E that takes you into town. Charter a bus for an executive retreat or a group excursion, overnight or for the weekend.
Charter Bus to Anywhere
Shuttle Express offers trusted, safe, and reliable group transportation for business or pleasure, groups large and small. We maintain an expansive fleet of mini and motor coach buses, private vans, sedans, and SUVs, perfect for day trips, overnight excursions, corporate events, family celebrations, and special occasions.
To plan your next charter to the traffic-free spots and beyond, contact our team at sales@shuttleexpress.net or call 425-981-7096.
5 Travel Hacks for Flawless Executive Transportation
Planning travel for your executive team is often a critical part of an administrative professional’s job, but it’s not always easy juggling complicated travel details for others. The executive transportation coordinators with Seattle’s Shuttle Express offered their top five travel hacks and tips for keeping your busy executive’s business travel stress free and organized.
Use a Travel Planning Master Checklist
Save time by creating a master checklist to use every time you plan travel—add to it when a new situation or question comes up, and you’ll soon have a complete checklist that covers your executive team’s specific travel needs. Make sure any planner in your company uses the same checklist.
To get you started, here are standard questions to include:
- What are the executive’s flight and hotel preferences?
- Where and when are meetings and events scheduled?
- Does the executive require WiFi on board?
- Does the executive prefer private car service?
- What specific information does the executive need for each meeting or event?
Create a Master Itinerary
Once you’ve booked everything, pull together the information in one document. This brings order to numerous travel details, especially if it’s a complicated trip with several components. The best way to present this is usually chronologically: what happens first, second, third, and so on. Here’s our advice on creating a simple, clear master itinerary:
- Import all travel information into the traveler’s calendar.
- Assemble boarding passes, confirmations, and contact info in one itinerary document. You may need to scan these in or create pdfs of some documents and merge them into one.
- Proofread it thoroughly.
- Provide a printed version as well as a digital itinerary in case there’s a glitch in technology (no reception, dead battery, lost mobile phone, etc.).
Prepare a Corporate Travel Crib Sheet
Predict the needs of your traveler before they happen—what info will she/he need during the trip? Create a simple cheat sheet with extra information on things such as:
- Background on the meeting topics
- Bios on the people your executive is meeting/working with (Google each one, for example, or pull LinkedIn info for background)
- Helpful info on the location, if applicable, such as weather forecast or events happening in the area.
Take the Pain Out of Meeting Reports
Simply your executive’s reporting process, if possible. For example, create a “call report” template she/he can use to quickly record information following the meeting or event.
Create an Executive Travel Packet
Merge everything you’ve created into an Executive Travel Packet designed to keep your executive on time, productive, and stress free. Here’s an overview of what to include:
- Master Itinerary, including flight times, airlines, flight numbers; hotel reservation number, contact information, and check in/out times; private car service company info, reservation number, contact number
- Meeting and event details, including times, locations, contact info for main meeting organizer, and appropriate attire
- Corporate Travel Crib Sheet
- Call Report template
Need Experienced, Reliable Executive Transportation?
Shuttle Express drives you to the airport or anywhere! We’re Seattle’s choice for corporate transportation, getting busy people where they need to go, safely and on time. Shuttle Express has it all—sedans, limos, coaches, and private vans.
Our professional, friendly drivers arrive on time, handle your luggage, and deliver you safely to your destination—no stress, no hassle, no problem. So, if your company needs executive transportation, both airport or hourly service, relax and call Shuttle Express at 425-981-7095 or go to shuttleexpress.com for information.
5 Crazy Things to Pack for a Cruise
Packing Advice from Professional Cruisers
Packing for a cruise may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re a newbie embarking on your first voyage. To help, we’ve compiled a short list of five useful items to toss (neatly) in your cruise trunk. These random household items may sound unconventional, but cruisers who have sailed before you advise packing duct tape, straws, a power strip, shoe organizer, and air freshener. Here’s why:
Duct Tape
Duct tape saves the day in many situations, even cruising. Make sure your cruise line is okay with duct tape, though, which may leave an adhesive residue. Check your information or call the cruise line. Here are just a few of its many uses on the ship, according to the experts over at Cruise Critic:
- Repair broken flip flops
- Use in place of expensive towel clips when securing your beach towel on a chair poolside
- Tame a clingy, annoying cabin shower curtain by taping it in place on the wall
Drinking Straws
Drinking straws offer a simple solution to keeping necklaces tidy and knot-free. Thread your necklaces through and then clasp them. Cut them to size, if needed.
Shoe Organizer
An over-the door hanging shoe organizer is a great way to store toiletries and keep the little stuff you need all in one place. Get a clear one so you can easily see what you’ve got.
Power Strip
An extra power strip is a good idea since cabins are typically light on outlets, especially on older ships. But check with your cruise line. Usually, power-surge protected strips are a no-no, and the allowable strips should only have one or two outlets. Perhaps bring two.
Air Freshener
Air freshener could be the best suggestion of all—think of your tiny cabin bathroom without ventilation. It’s a probability, so be prepared with your own freshener to keep your space pleasant.
Need Cruise Transportation?
Start and end your cruise vacation with comfortable, convenient private or shared transportation to/from the piers with Shuttle Express. As Seattle’s local airport and private transportation experts, our professional, friendly team has been at the wheel for nearly 30 years, keeping our guests safe, on time, and stress-free.
We pick you up at your destination, get you to the ship on time, and even handle your luggage. Choose from black car, private or shared van, or coach service. Then sit back and relax, our experienced team will take care of you.
Book online at shuttleexpress.com or email us at sales@shuttleexpress.net for information and a rate quote
Happy sailing!
Best Places to Vacation in June
June means the start of summer in a good chunk of North America—school’s out and everyone’s ready to vacate to somewhere amazing for a few weeks. But while June brings pleasant weather here, if you’re planning an international escape it’s wise to make sure where you’re going is equally as lovely. Here are five gorgeous destinations that are just right in June.
Beijing, China
June is a relatively quiet month in Beijing with fewer visitors than usual since few if any Chinese holidays or celebrations happen this month. The Great Wall and other tourist draws are less crowded which means it’s a bit cheaper to travel there. June is the start of summer in Beijing, and the weather is usually mild. Travel + Leisure lists it as a one of its best places to travel in June.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Want to stay closer to home? Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is another recommendation from T+L. Early summer brings flowering trees and shrubs, with wildlife emerging which makes this national park a must-see. In addition to backpacking, hiking, and camping, you’ll find festivals and other events nearby for summer fun of all types.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana gets little rain in June and enjoys temps averaging 89 degrees, perfect weather to enjoy the white sandy beaches. What’s even better, resort and activity rates are low in June. Don’t wait, though, since the crowds usually hit in July and August. Check out Price of Travel for more info.
Hawaii
Summer in Hawaii is crowded, no question, but if summer is your only chance to visit this tropical destination, it’s best to go early in the season, and that means June. Early June is a good option, since it’s the end of the off-season; make sure to book your travel early, no matter when you go. Frommer’s offers travel tips to help you plan.
Fiji
Fiji ranks as a favorite destination for many, and June is a great time to enjoy the beaches, resorts, and tropical vibe. Sunshine is abundant with temps typically in the 80s. Peak season is July through September, so if you can sneak in a trip in June, you’ll avoid the crowds and steep rates.
Getting to the Airport
Need a ride to Sea-Tac Airport for your getaway? Shuttle Express is here for you. As Seattle’s individual and executive transportation experts, our professional, friendly team has been at the wheel for nearly 30 years, keeping our guests safe, on time, and stress-free. Whether it’s driving you to Sea-Tac and back in a town car or private shuttle, or transporting your office team of 50 to a group event in a well-appointed chartered bus, our experienced team will make it happen. It’s easy to book online at shuttleexpress.com or connect with us at sales@shuttleexpress.net.
6 Must-Have Travel Apps
We’re all about making travel enjoyable, simple, and as stress-free as possible, so our Shuttle Express travel team went in search of useful travel apps that can actually help you, from packing to translating. Here’s a rundown of a few cool options to try, all available for iOS and Android:
- LoungeBuddy
Got some time to kill during a long layover? LoungeBuddy gives you access to 170 airport lounges worldwide on a pay-by-use basis, where you can freshen up, relax with a beverage, or bring the family to those locations with designated kid rooms. If you have more than a few hours to fill though, consider heading to Seattle for the day. - AroundMe
AroundMe gives you information on businesses and services near you—it pinpoints where you are and lets you search for the nearest restaurants, banks and gas stations, just about anything you need when you’re traveling or visiting unfamiliar territory. - Hopper
Hopper is a flight-booking app that does it all (or close to it): when you search your flight, it gets you the best price–it tells you to book now or to wait, notifying you as soon as the price drops; then, you book the flight on your phone. Easy booking at the best price. - Packpoint
Packpoint makes packing a cinch with its automatically-generated packing list. Enter your destination, travel dates, plus details about what you’ll be doing, and Packpoint spits out your organized list, which is simple to change if it misses the mark. - Prey
Prey is a free anti-theft solution that helps you find your devices if they are lost or stolen. It wipes your data, locks down the device, and triggers an alarm, even taking photos of anyone using your device. - Google Translate
Google Translate isn’t new, but it’s an easy, useful tool for both offline and real-time translation. Just download the language you need, point your camera at the text in question, and you’ve got your translation.
Need a Ride?
Shuttle Express drives you to the airport or anywhere with friendly, safe transportation you can trust. Shuttle Express has it all–town cars, SUVs, limos, vans, plus bus charters for group and executive transportation. Our professional, friendly drivers make sure you arrive safely and on time, for business or pleasure. Book online at shuttleexpress.com.
5 Chartered Bus Trips Around Puget Sound
Looking for adventure? Charter a bus and hit the road.
Day trips and local adventures abound near Seattle, lucky us! Our expert coordinators plan group transportation for executive transportation, families, and any group that needs to arrive at their destination safely and on time. Here’s a short list of our favorite spots, an easy chartered bus trip away.
Future of Flight Aviation Center
The Future of Flight Aviation Center in Everett is just 30 minutes up the road from Seattle. Experience this Boeing Aircraft Company factory at work and see the largest aircraft construction hangar in the world. North America’s only public tour of a commercial jet assembly plant, the center’s guided tour features construction of the latest high-tech aircraft. Getting there is easy, too. Charter a well-appointed motor or mini coach for a larger group or choose a 10-passenger van or luxury SUV for smaller parties.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth offers up a hefty dose of Bavarian charm and is the perfect family-friendly day trip. About a three-hour drive each way, visitors enjoy outstanding food and treats, shopping, wine tasting, outdoor activities, and cultural events, all wrapped up in gorgeous scenery.
La Conner
The historic little town of La Connor promises a laid-back day spent strolling the boardwalk, perusing galleries, boutiques, museums and more. Famous for its springtime tulip and daffodil festivals, it’s a fantastic day trip any time of year. Bring your friends—charter a mini coach bus or SUV and make transportation simple.
Mount Rainier
Visit this majestic Pacific Northwest icon as often as you can, especially since it’s a mere two- to three-hour drive from Seattle. A day trip will allow time to explore and do a little hiking, but stay longer if you can. Mount Rainier is the highest mountain of the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest and offers extensive hiking, camping, and climbing activities. A chartered bus is a great transportation option that will let you pay attention to the scenery instead of the traffic.
Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens takes a bit longer to get to, about three-and-a-half hours from Seattle. This active volcano notoriously erupted in May 1980 and is now a protected national monument that’s been left to return to its natural state. Interesting exhibits and beautiful scenery make the drive worth it.
Charter a bus to get there.
Shuttle Express offers trusted, safe, and reliable group transportation for business or pleasure, groups large and small. We’re best known for our iconic Sea-Tac Airport van service, but we maintain an expansive fleet of luxury cars, SUVs, large and small coaches, and private vans, perfect for day trips throughout the Sound, overnight excursions, executive transportation, and special occasions. Reach us at sales@shuttleexpress.net for a quote and more info.
Seattle Cruising 101
Seattle’s port is a global favorite for Alaska and Pacific Northwest cruises thanks to a spectacular location with easy access to outdoor fun, shopping, and cultural experiences. And, it’s well worth adding a few days before or after your cruise to explore this friendly port and sneak in a little extra fun. Read on for need-to-know info.
Pier Pressure
With more than a million cruise passengers expected to flow through Seattle’s two piers this year, expect heavy congestion before and after your cruise. Here are tips to help you navigate the crowded waters.
- Getting on your ship: Cruise terminals can be hectic and stressful during the first few hours of boarding, with the busiest time from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It depends when your ship leaves so don’t wait too long, but boarding after the rush may be easiest.
- Getting off your ship: Disembark as early as you can and plan for extra time to get through the check-out process. Make sure you book your airport or hotel transportation ahead of time and pack some patience, since thousands of other cruisers will be headed home, too.
Good to Know
- Pack your first day essentials (medications, swim suit, change of clothes) in your carry on, since you probably won’t get your checked luggage from the cruise line until evening.
- Even though recreational marijuana is legal in Washington State, it’s illegal to take it out of the state or on your cruise ship. Leave it at home.
- Since most of the Seattle cruises stop in Canada, travel with your passport or US passport card; some passengers from outside the US may need a Canadian Visa. Avoid getting denied back on the ship and check with your cruise line for requirements.
Extend Your Stay
Adding a day or three before or after your cruise not only eases the stress of arriving or departing on sailing day (think delayed flights, horrendous traffic, and bad weather), but it also gives you time to explore Seattle.
- Hotels: If booking a hotel in the downtown core is beyond your budget, stay outside the city. Southside hotels are a great option. Two of our favorites, Hilton Garden Inn Renton and Crowne Plaza Sea-Tac, offer convenient packages including Shuttle Express private transportation to/from the piers.
- Attractions: Numerous must-see attractions are found in Seattle such as Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, but if you venture past the city limits, you’ll find dozens more such as the Future of Flight, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, and whale watching in the San Juan Islands. Check out Visit Seattle’s site for helpful information.
- Shopping: From bargains to high fashion, the Seattle shopping scene has something for everyone. See TripAdvisor for a terrific overview with plenty of links to explore before you hit the shops.
Reliable Transportation
Start and end your cruise vacation with comfortable, convenient private or shared transportation to/from the piers with Shuttle Express. As Seattle’s local airport and private transportation experts, our professional, friendly team has been at the wheel for nearly 30 years, keeping our guests safe, on time, and stress-free. Choose from black car, private or shared van, or coach service, and our experienced, caring team will make it happen. Book online at shuttleexpress.com or connect with us at sales@shuttleexpress.net.