Pre-Cruise: Seattle Day One

It’s been a long travel day for us, particularly with the three-hour time difference between our home and Seattle. After an early morning flight, we were pleased that we could check in at the gracious Fairmont Olympic Hotel shortly after noon. Naps were in order (we got up at 3am!) and then we set out to explore and make a few purchases—yes I did forget to pack an item.

In the heart of the Emerald City, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is on the original site of the University of Washington and close to numerous downtown attractions—Pioneer Square, the Seattle Art Museum, and Pike’s Market are within walking distance and the Space Needle is a short monorail ride away.

In the tradition of our Florida neighbors, we set out to find dinner at 5pm. Rather early for locals, but we are on eastern time. In the quest for seafood, we found Cutter’s Bayhouse and were seated with a view overlooking the harbor. A three-course early bird special included a seafood bisque that was quite simply one of the best I’ve ever been served. Mel chose seafood pasta and I went with the battered cod for entrées. We barely had room for the dessert and I hated not to finish my cheesecake.

Unlike the last time I was here, when it rained constantly, today was sunny and warm and we've seen people with their dogs everywhere during our walks downtown. There is even an adorable little Yorkie here in the hotel. Our cat Elvis will surely be jealous when he hears that, but he’s already having a great time with his cat-sitter.

We have a lot to see tomorrow and have a harbor cruise-tour tentatively on our agenda. That will whet our appetites the real thing on Sunday when we board Holland America Line’s Westerdam for our cruise to Alaska.