Seattle is suddenly the smartest way to start an Alaska trip.
Seattle has always had a certain swagger. Views that look suspiciously curated. Water, mountains, and city all showing off at once. Coffee rituals and grunge music, performed with equal passion.
But lately, Seattle isn’t just cool — it’s convenient.
Thanks to expanded nonstop routes, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has stepped into its role as a true global travel hub. More direct flights. Fewer connections. Less time wondering why you’re sprinting through an airport in a different time zone.
And once you land, something clicks. Seattle doesn’t feel like the end of the journey; it feels like the beginning.
Because from here, Alaska is closer than ever — and starting this year, we’re sailing straight into Alaska with Virgin Voyages style, comfort, and a little bit of edge.
Fly into Seattle with ease. Then sail north in a way that feels anything but ordinary.
Seattle: where flight searches turn into bigger plans
If you’re already browsing airfare, you’re halfway there. Austin, Dallas, Tulsa, Nashville, and our hometown of Miami have added direct routes to Seattle. Even international destinations like Rome and Hong Kong are getting in on the action with new routes from Cathay Pacific, Delta, and other airlines.
But what makes Seattle special isn’t just how easy it is to reach. It’s what happens once you do.
This is a city that invites you to slow down before you even realize you need to. You land, take a breath of crisp Pacific Northwest air, grab a coffee that ruins all future coffee, and suddenly the idea of continuing onward feels… right.
Seattle has become one of the smartest jumping-off points for Alaska travel, especially for those who want the journey to feel as good as the destination. Read on for 5 reasons we recommend you head to the Emerald City before you board Brilliant Lady — our gorgeous (and newest) lady ship — and head north.
1. Getting here is easier than ever
Seattle’s glow-up starts before you even board the plane.
With expanded nonstop routes from cities across the U.S. and beyond, flying into Seattle is now smoother, faster, and far more flexible. Fewer layovers means less travel fatigue — and more energy to actually enjoy where you’ve landed.
And it’s not just about more flights. The Seattle Times reports that SEA itself is leveling up its Concourse C, with terminal expansions and upgraded passenger spaces designed to make arrivals and departures feel less chaotic and more civilized. Translation: shorter walks, better food, smoother flow, and a first impression that says “welcome” instead of “good luck.”
When your vacation starts with an easy flight, everything that follows feels lighter.
2. Seattle rewards early arrivals
Some ports are strictly functional; Seattle is not one of them.
Arriving a day or two early feels less like padding your itinerary and more like unlocking a bonus level. Take a waterfront stroll, catch a fish-throwing show at the iconic Pike Place Market, or head to Olympic National Park for views that make even jet lag feel forgivable.
Seattle’s pace is relaxed without being sleepy and outdoorsy without trying too hard — which makes it the perfect mental reset before sailing. By the time you head toward the port, you already feel like you’re on vacation.
This isn’t just a place to pass through. It’s a place to settle into the moment.
3. The transition from city to ship is refreshingly smooth
Seattle shines where it matters most: the handoff.
Flying in is straightforward. Getting to the port is easy. Boarding doesn’t feel like a logistical obstacle course. Instead of stress stacking, the journey flows from airport to city to ship without friction.
Once you’re on board, we take it from there. Dining, WiFi, entertainment, and group fitness classes are all included, so there’s no nickel-and-diming and no mental math required once vacation mode kicks in.
The result? A travel day that feels intentional instead of exhausting — and a vacation that starts when it’s supposed to.
4. Alaska hits differently when you start here
There’s something about sailing to Alaska from Seattle that just makes sense.
The landscapes build gradually. The air feels crisper. The sense of anticipation grows with every mile north. By the time glaciers come into view, you feel connected to the journey, not dropped into it.
Our 2026-27 Alaska sailings are designed to honor that progression. Think dramatic scenery paired with modern design, immersive shore experiences (which we call Shore Things…dog-sled ride, anyone?) balanced by indulgent onboard moments, and an adults-only atmosphere that feels elevated without ever being stiff.
Alaska doesn’t need embellishment — it needs space to impress. We give it that.
5. It’s the smartest way to plan ahead for 2026-27
Alaska has a short season and no shortage of interest — and now that Seattle is easier to reach than ever, demand is only going up.
Choosing Seattle as your starting point gives you flexibility on flights, more breathing room around your schedule, and a smoother overall experience. Planning ahead for your getaway means better options, less scrambling, and the chance to experience Alaska as we debut our take on this iconic region. If you can think ahead to Summer 2027 over 365 days in advance, you’ll save 10% with our Pay In Full option.
Future you will appreciate the foresight.
Final call: fly easy, sail boldly
Seattle doesn’t just get you closer to Alaska — it sets the tone for the entire journey.
An easy flight. A city worth savoring. Then open water, wild landscapes, and an Alaska experience that feels modern, intentional, and unmistakably Virgin.
Fly into Seattle. Sail north in style. Let the adventure unfold exactly as it should.
