Seattle, Washington

Sip on a latte as you take in sweeping views of Puget Sound surrounded by mountains covered in lush evergreen forests. Dine on fresh seafood or browse the shops at Pike Place Market. From the observation deck on the top of the iconic Space Needle, you'll feel like you can see the entire Pacific Northwest.

Seattle's storied history of seafaring and lumber has given way to its current status as headquarters of some of the most innovative technology companies in the world, including Microsoft and Amazon.com. Boeing manufactures many of their airliners nearby. The city's reputation for loving coffee is well deserved—the first Starbucks opened here in 1971, and the company still calls Seattle home. Try one of the numerous coffee houses and hear the locals debate the fortunes of the Seahawks and Mariners.

The sounds of grunge are a part of the past, but the alternative music scene is still very much alive and rocking here. The Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame exemplifies Seattle's quirky spirit. Dreamed up by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the whimsical Frank Gehry-designed building looks like something from another world. The trademark Seattle Center Monorail runs right through it.

With all of its unforgettable sights and sounds, Seattle is a great way to start your Alaskan cruise vacation!