Departing from Pier 55 on Elliott Bay, just south of the Great Wheel, Argosy Cruises’ Harbor Cruise is a Seattle legend that has been around since 1949. The chance to see the Emerald City from the water will give both visitors to Seattle as well as life-long residents a new perspective and appreciation for the beauty of this area and the history that goes along with it.
Money Saving Tip! Argosy Harbor Cruise is included on the Seattle CityPASS. If you are sightseeing in Seattle, then you can save a lot of money with a pass.
About Argosy Cruises
The Argosy Cruise Company is an evolution of what began as the Spring Street Water Taxi back in 1949. Water taxis were an important service during the early years of Seattle as they helped people get in and out of this coastal seaport city with ease. Slowly, the means of transportation used by many residents moved away from ferries and water taxis, though King County still operates a busy water taxi between the downtown area and the western suburbs as well as Vashon Island. Moving with this flow, the company rebranded to became known as Seattle Harbor Tours, establishing a classic loop around Elliott Bay that offered visitors to Seattle a new and exciting way to see the city. When the Argosy Family took over in the late 20th century, the company was again renamed, but this time remained committed to its tourist-based mission.
Today, Argosy Cruises is a family-owned and operated business that serves tourists as well as residents of Seattle throughout the year. The company operated out of three locations, Pier 55, South Lake Union, and Kirkland City Dock, and offers six different sightseeing cruises in and along the Puget Sound. Among these offerings, the Harbor Cruise is the most popular. There is also a selection of seasonal dinner cruises and themed cruises available throughout the year. The company is also quite popular among residents and businesses for providing private cruises for events such as weddings, fundraisers, and parties.
Argosy Cruises stands above other cruise companies for its awards and recognitions as well, which number in the dozens. Some of the most prominent of these awards Argosy has won include are its consistent listing among the Best of Weddings by the Knot and annual honors from the Puget Sound Business Journal.
About the Argosy Harbor Cruise
The Historic Harbor Cruise is the oldest and best-attended of all Argosy’s offerings. Lasting approximately 60 minutes, the cruise covers all major points of Elliott Bay and boasts a near-constant view of the Seattle skyline throughout the journey. This cruise is commonly combined in a two-for-one package with the Seattle Aquarium, whose Puget Sound-based exhibits helps to reinforce many of sights and issues covered in the Harbor Tour.
In addition to the skyline and harbor area, the cruise also offers incredible views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains along with a look at one of the largest shipping ports in the world along Elliott Bay. The cruise is often aboard the flagship of Argosy Cruises, the Spirit of Seattle, a 115-foot long, triple deck cruiser that can hold up to 400 people. This ship, as well as most others in the fleet, includes a galley, dining area, and two full-service bars.
Tickets on the Harbor Tour are priced for adults (13-64), children (4-12), and seniors (65+); children 3 and under ride for free. Departure times vary throughout the year, but the cruise is offered, weather permitting, year-round from Pier 55.
Though the Harbor Cruise is a popular basic offering, it can easily be upgraded. The most popular upgrade is to the “Taste of Seattle History” lunch tour which lasts 2-hours and includes a buffet lunch. Other upgrades, which are available to Seattle CityPass holders especially, include Tillicum Village/Blake Island and the Locks Cruise.
Why Argosy Cruises’ Harbor Cruise is a Must-See
As far as “views” of the city of Seattle, the Puget Sound, and Elliott Bay are concerned, there is none better than the Harbor Tours offered by Argosy Cruises. With half a dozen different routes and a classic 1-hour loop that’s been going for over 50 years, this is a sure way to get a picture of this city and its history that cannot be offered elsewhere.
