Live Voyage Report: Pre-cruise stay in Seattle
I decided to kick-off my 7-day Alaska Explorer cruise on Holland American Line with an overnight stay in Seattle.
![Seattle Cityscape](http://cruisebuzz.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Seattle-Cityscape-580x335.jpg)
I stayed at the Downtown Sheraton off 6th street, which was a fantastic choice. I loved being right near the action and within close proximity to the major tourist sites: The Space Needle, The Seattle Great Wheel, shopping centers, and Pike Place Market are an easy walk away.
Flowers and Fish at Pike Place Market
A visit to the oldest continually operating farmers market in the country is a must when visiting Seattle.
Pike Place Market is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily Monday through Saturday and from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays. Although the “star” of the show is the fish and the fish mongers, cruise visitors can also purchase fresh flowers, fruit, vegetables, and arts and crafts. I procured two large bouquets to give my friends later in the day: for $5.00 each I could have bought one for myself as well.
![Pike Place Market](http://cruisebuzz.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_2544-580x442.jpg)
![Fresh catch: Pike Place Market](http://cruisebuzz.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Pikes-Market-580x386.jpg)
![Fresh Crabs](http://cruisebuzz.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Crabs-580x386.jpg)
A bounty of color
![Pike Place Market](http://cruisebuzz.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Flowers3-580x386.jpg)
Off the beaten path
Another reason for arriving a day in advance is the fact that you can get off the beaten-path to discover the areas outside the downtown area without worry of getting to the ship in time. Although I was meeting some friends in Alki, I would highly recommend trying the King County water taxi to explore West Seattle; especially if you have kids (they will love the ride) and if you want to take some great photos, go fishing, or try a paddle in a kayak.
- King County Water Taxi Route
![View of Seattle](http://cruisebuzz.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_2464-580x386.jpg)
![Alki](http://cruisebuzz.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_2486-580x386.jpg)
![Alki Sunset](http://cruisebuzz.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Alki-580x386.jpg)
Sail along with me
Make sure to follow along with me this week as I set sail to Alaska. If you need to catch up on the Live Voyage Report, click here.