Friday, March 27, 2020

Friday, March 27, 2020

Seattle CityPASS: Seattle Aquarium

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After my 1-hour cruise by Argosy Cruises, I walked ahead and visited Seattle Aquarium. It's just a 5-minute walk. While walking, I was mesmerised by the beauty of Seattle Waterfront, which I first saw when I was riding in the cruise.

» Seattle Aquarium «

Seattle Aquarium is one of Seattle's premier attractions, which was opened in 1977. It is located on Pier 59 on the Elliot Bay's waterfront.


» Admission «

Below are their rates (as of December 2019) but if you will purchase Seattle CityPASS, you will spend less:

Adult Rate (Ages 13+):     $34.95 / $29.95 (WA resident)

Youth (Ages 4-12):           $24.95 / $19.95 (WA resident)

Child (Ages 3 and below): Free

Members:                         Free

» Seattle Aquarium Map «
Here's the map that I got from their website:

» Exhibits «

After claiming my Seattle Aquarium ticket, I head straight to Puget Sound Hall and saw the huge aquarium called Window on Washington Waters.

Window on Washington Waters

 Then, I walked through the hallway on the left side and passed the beautiful artworks displayed on the walls.


Life on the Edge

Life of a Drifter


Tropical Pacific

Birds and Shores

Marine Mammals


I watched the Harbor Seals Show at 2:00 pm.
Underwater Dome

Puget Sound Fish

» Events «

Diver Show
📍 Window on Washington Waters
🕒 10:00 am, 11:30 am and 12:15 pm; 3:00 pm (weekends only)

Meet Our Marine Mammals
📍 Marine Mammals
🕒 11:30 am, 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm

Meet Our Octopus
📍 Life of a Drifter
🕒 Noon and 4:00 pm

Story Time
📍 Family Activity Center
🕒 Weekends at 11:00 am


» Seattle Aquarium Cafe «

The cafe hours is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. After an hour adventure, it's worth to try some food options from this cafe. I love that it's very instagram-friendly.


» Info «

Address:                    1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Open Hours:              Daily, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Website:                    https://www.seattleaquarium.org/
E-mail Address:          contactus@seattleaquarium.org
Telephone Number:   (206) 386-4300

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Seattle CityPASS: Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour

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After visiting the Pike Place Market, I walked down southwest to Pier 55 to avail my cruise run by Argosy Cruises. It was part of the Seattle CityPASS, which I bought online for $100 (as of December 2019).

If you will purchase two 5x7 boarding photos, you will get the special CityPASS rate of $15. I bought them and gave one to my grandparents.

» Argosy Cruises «

Over 70 years, Argosy Cruises offers a narrated sightseeing boat tours around Seattle. They also offer private charters and special events, which you can avail on their website.

» Sightseeing Tours «

There are 7 sightseeing tours offering the best views of Seattle.

Harbor Cruise
🏙️ Seattle skyline
     Elliot Bay waterfront
     Olympic Mountains and Cascade mountain ranges
     Glimpse of container ships
     The Washington State ferry fleet - the largest in the U.S.
🕒 1 hour narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult (13+) - $31
     Senior (65+) - $29
     Youth (4-12) - $18
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Locks Cruise
🏙️ Seattle skyline
     Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
     Historical Bridges, including the Fremont and Ballard bridges
🕒 2 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult (13+) - $43
     Senior (65+) - $41
     Youth (4-12) - $22
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Saturday Wine Cruise
🏙️ Gas Works Park
     Montlake Bridge
     520 Floating Bridge
     University of Washington - Alaska Airlines Field
🕒 1.5 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult Wine Tasting (21+, valid ID required) - $50
     Cruise-Only (no wine, all ages) - $38
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Sunday Historical Cruise
🏙️ Gas Works Park
     Montlake Bridge
     520 Floating Bridge
     University of Washington - Alaska Airlines Field
🕒 1.5 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult Wine Tasting (21+, valid ID required) - $50
     Cruise-Only (no wine, all ages) - $38
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Tilicum Excursion
🏙️ Tilicum clam greeting
     Authentic & entertaining storytelling show
     Views of Mt Rainier
     Island beaches and trails
🕒 4.5 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult (13+) - $92
     Senior (65+) - $87
     Youth (4-12) - $38
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Lake Washington Cruise
🏙️ Kirkland and Bellevue skyline
     Waterfront Homes
     Bill and Melinda Gates Estate
     Cascade Mountains and Mt Rainier*
     Longest Floating Bridge in the World
🕒 1.5 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult (13+) - $34
     Senior (65+) - $32
     Youth (4-12) - $19
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Evergreen Excursion
🏙️ Views of Mt Rainier
     Island Beaches and trails
🕒 5 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult (13+)  - $92
     Senior (65+) - $87
     Youth (4-12) - $38
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

» Onboard Amenities «

Full-service Bar - local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

Variety of local snacks - delicious pre-packaged sandwiches, salad and snacks

Indoor / Outdoor seating

Restrooms - equipped with gender specific, gender neutral or single stall restrooms

ADA accessibility- wheelchairs, strollers, scooters accessible. For specific question, you may call their office at 206.623.1445.

» My Harbor Cruise Tour Experience «

I presented my mobile ticket in person at the ticket booth located at Pier 55. I selected the 12:05 pm departure time and got my boarding pass afterwards.


The departure times last December 2019 were 12:05 pm, 1:25 pm and 2:45 pm.

Note: Please arrive at least 1 hour prior the departure time to give ample time for the ticket and boarding procedures. The best time to visit is the first tour of the day because it's usually the least crowded based on my experience.



 As I explore the Elliot Bay and Seattle harbour, I enjoyed the spectacular views of mountain ranges, Space Needle and many interesting sites.





» Info «

Address:                    1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Open Hours:              Daily, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (departures depending on the season)
Website:                    https://www.argosycruises.com/
E-mail Address:          FrontDesk@ArgosyCruises.com
Telephone Number:   (206) 623-1445 | 1-888-623-1445
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Thursday, March 26, 2020

Review: Seattle CityPASS

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For the past 27 years, last year was the first time I traveled solo in a foreign country. It was exhilarating and a bit terrifying, too. Thanks to my eagerness to pursue my travel goals, I had overcome that fear.


Travel is my passion and because of that, I often research about my travel destination before I go. I searched for the top attractions in Seattle and I bumped on the thread about CityPASS. I checked the website and the rest was history.

» Seattle CityPass «

Seattle CityPASS is a sightseeing pass service that is a great way to experience the city by spending less.

» Admission «

As of 2019, the admission price for adult was $99 inclusive of tax and $1 for processing fee.

Update as of 2020, the admission price for adult ages 13+ is $108 inclusive of tax and $1 for processing fee.

» Inclusions «

The pass includes 7 attractions, which you can enjoy within the 9-day period including the first day of use.

CityPASS Admission includes:
  • Space Needle
  • Seattle Aquarium 
  • Argosy Cruises Harbour Tour 
  • Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) - OR - Woodland Park Zoo 
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass - OR - Pacific Science Center 

Each CityPASS ticket is valid for one-time admission to the attractions included at the time of purchase. For the Space Needle, you can go there twice within the 24-hour period: one-time in the day and one-time in the night.

I went to all the places mentioned above except for the Woodland Park Zoo and the Pacific Science Center. I chose the Museum of Pop Culture and Chihuly Garden and Glass.

I will share my experiences on my next blog post.

» Location and Hours «

Space Needle
📍 Seattle Center
     400 Broad Street 
     Seattle, WA 98109
🕒 Open daily, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm (hours may vary depending on season)
🌐 https://www.spaceneedle.com/

Seattle Aquarium
📍 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59
     Seattle, WA 98101
🕒 Open daily, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
🌐 https://www.seattleaquarium.org/

Argosy Cruises Harbour Tour
📍 1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55
     Seattle, WA 98101
🕒 Departures depending on the season
🌐 https://www.argosycruises.com/argosy-cruises/harbor-cruise/

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
📍 325 5th Avenue N.
     Seattle, WA 98109
🕒 Open daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
🌐 http://mopop.org/

Woodland Park Zoo
📍 5500 Phinney Ave. N
     Seattle, WA 98103
🕒 Open daily, 9:30 am (close may vary depending on the season)
🌐 https://www.zoo.org/

Chihuly Garden and Glass
📍 305 Harrison St.
     Seattle, WA 98109
🕒 Open daily (hours may vary depending on the season)
🌐 http://chihulygardenandglass.com/

Pacific Science Center
📍 200 2nd Ave. N.
     Seattle, WA 98109
🕒 Operating hours and days may vary depending on the season
🌐 https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/

» How It Works? «

Book online and receive the tickets to be delivered in your email address or to be shipped as printed booklets (additional fees may apply).

Visit the attractions based on your preference in any order.

Simply present either your mobile tickets or your printed tickets for entry. Don't forget to present a valid ID, as attractions may ask for it.

» Benefits «

Because this pass is bundled with several attractions, I saved a lot of time and money. It is perfect for first time visitors like me.

You can save as much as $94.45 if you visit the following attractions. It's very economical, right?

Attractions
Regular Price for Adults (13+)
Space Needle (day)
$35
Space Needle (night)
$32.50
Seattle Aquarium
$35.95
Argosy Cruises Harbour Tour
$31
Museum of Pop Culture
$28
Chihuly Garden and Glass
$32
Total:
$194.45

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Thursday, March 19, 2020

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Downtown Seattle: Pike Place Market

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My first tour in Seattle was in Pike Place Market, which is Seattle's most famous tourist stop. It has an incredible array of restaurants. At first, I was planning to book for a local food walking tour but sadly, I didn't push it through. I might have food allergies and I didn't want to ruin my whole trip so yeah, I just did it on my own. Apologies.

» Pike Place Market «

Seattle's Pike Place Market is the oldest public market, which was started since 1907. It has a rich history with the longest continually run market in the United States. It is also one of the most well-known and iconic spots with overlooking of Elliot Bay.

» Local Food Tour «

The common food tour has a duration of 2 hours. It usually starts with Daily Dozen Donuts ⇨ Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt ⇨ Pike Place Chowder ⇨ Chukar Cherries ⇨ Beecher's Handmade Cheese ⇨ Piroshky, Piroshky ⇨ Etta's Seafood Restaurant.

» My DIY Tour Experience «

Without further ado, here's the summary of my tour.

» Visit the First Original Starbucks Store
I first visited the world's first Starbucks store because it's where my uncle dropped me off. I'm a fan of Starbucks before but not now because I already quit caffeine beverages. I checked the store and to my surprise, it's not huge as I imagined.

» Watch the Buskers
Then, I saw some Buskers or commonly called as street entertainers beside the store. They enrich the market's vibrant cultural community. You can also see them along the roads or side walks of Pike Place if you roam around. 

» Eat at Piroshky Piroshky
Beside the Starbucks store is where the Piroshky Piroshky stands. I went there to have my breakfast. They sell a variety of sweet and savory fillings wrapped pastries. Below is what I ordered.


» Selfie with Rachel The Pig
I roamed around and had a selfie with Rachel the Pig. She's a huge bronze pig. She's an amazing fundraiser, where you can make a donation to good causes.


» Visit the Argosy Cruises
After roaming around the market, I walked for a few kilometres to get to Argosy Cruises, which I will share on my next blog post.


» Visit the Seattle Aquarium
I also visited Seattle Aquarium after visiting the Argosy Cruises. It's part of Seattle City Pass, which I purchased online when I was still in the Philippines. I will share it on my next blog post.

» Taste Chocolate at Indi Chocolate
I saw the Indi Chocolate while I was walking down the road. It is the only chocolate factory in Pike Place Market. It has an interesting story. By the way, they have chocolate making classes, which you can enjoy if you visit.


» Taste the Cheese at Beecher's Homemade Cheese
I went back for PM snack and tried Oprah's favourite, Beecher's Homemade Cheese. I fell in love with it! You can also watch live on how the cheese is made. Well I regret that I didn't document it.



» Visit the Oriental Food Market
I also checked the Oriental Food Market but unfortunately it's already closed. Unfortunately, they are only open for lunch.


» Catch the Sunset at Pike Place Market Front
To get out most of the trip, watch the sunset at the new Pike Place Market Front. Opened in 2017, you can see the picturesque view of Elliot Bay and West Seattle.

 Tip: If you want to have this kind of photo, I will share it on my next blog post.
» Info «

 Address:                         85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Open Hours:                   9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Website:                        http://pikeplacemarket.org/
E-mail Address:              info@pikeplacemarket.org
Telephone Number:       (206) 682-7453
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