Is Argosy Harbor Cruise worth it for a 2 day vacation? (Seattle: to buy, college)

[wondabar]

Hi everybody,

I will be taking a 2-3 day vacation in the spring time in Seattle (First time visiting)
I am looking for 'major' activities/places to make my time in Seattle efficient.

I have read reviews online and on other boards recommending the Argosy Seattle Harbor Cruise (It is so popular that it is in the Seattle Day Pass, not sure I am going to buy the pass, but just saying). The description of the cruise is :Seattle Harbor Cruise - Tour The Historic Seattle Harbor & Waterfront
Guests enjoy a narrated 1-hour sightseeing tour of Seattle’s vibrant and historic harbor, with never-ending skyline views of the city, the Space Needle, and Mt. Rainier.

Price with early bird booking is $23.75 per person adult.
My friends and I are college age men, we do not have little kids/elderly or wives accompanying us

Other places we plan on seeing/doing:

• Pike's market
• Seahawk stadium
• Space Needle
• Seattle Aquarium
• Public Library
• EMP Museum
• Sculpture Park

The cruise sounds interesting since we will be able to get to see Mt. Rainer which we will not have time to actually visit.


My main concern I have is that it may get boring/tedious, so I welcome all opinions, especially if you have experience with this cruise.

Also any other recommendations on things to see?

[Botev1912]

1-hour sightseeing boring?

[wondabar]

Maybe a better word is slow.
Never been on a sightseeing cruise so idk if its going to most composed of a ride looking at water with the guide telling bad jokes with the occasional short stop at an attraction

[BellevueNative]

Originally Posted by wondabar

Maybe a better word is slow.
Never been on a sightseeing cruise so idk if its going to most composed of a ride looking at water with the guide telling bad jokes with the occasional short stop at an attraction

It doesn't stop - it just cruises through Elliott Bay (the Seattle waterfront).

If you do take an Argosy boat ride, I'd suggest the one that goes through the Locks. The Locks are really interesting, and you'll see a little more of Seattle.

I think a Ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island will give you the same sightseeing as the Argosy waterfront ride. Minus the jokes (yes, the Argosy rides are "narrated" by friendly but cheesy guides, granted they do give you some history). FYI, you can see Mt. Rainier from many parts of Seattle on a clear day.

For some nice views of downtown and Mt Rainier, check out Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill.

Another popular tour in Seattle is the Ducks tour across the street from the Space Needle.

Depending on when you're here, you may want to take in a Mariners game. It's a beautiful stadium.

[flyingsaucermom]

We took a 1-hour tour a few years ago when a relative came to visit (we didn't go through the locks.. just the waterfront of city center and the port). From the perspective of someone who had been living here and had pretty much seen/done all that there is to see I still think it was an enriching experience. I certainly hadn't ever been up that close and personal to a port and it's quite a different perspective than just driving along side of them.. I really appreciate the operators of the barges and the cranes now. I would imagine going through the locks would be just as interesting, if not more, than driving and walking around them. I didn't like the tour talk... and yes, it was scripted and contained terrible jokes and then the girl wanted money for the terrible jokes at the end of the tour and I felt completely obligated to tip her because she's just a kid and I'm not. I think given what's on your list to see, it'll be a good addition. My only doubt is that you'll see Mt. Rainier in the spring. July or August... yes.. April or May... maybe

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by flyingsaucermom

My only doubt is that you'll see Mt. Rainier in the spring. July or August... yes.. April or May... maybe

My thought too, spring means almost constant drizzle, and overcast here so no views of any mountains unless you happen to luck out and get a rare clear day.
The Harbor Tour gives you a different perspective from what you can see from the land side, well worth the cost if you are not familiar with a working waterfront.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by BellevueNative

It doesn't stop - it just cruises through Elliott Bay (the Seattle waterfront).

If you do take an Argosy boat ride, I'd suggest the one that goes through the Locks. The Locks are really interesting, and you'll see a little more of Seattle.

^This. I wish I had taken that one my first time there. I never did take it again either so I would say, yes take the tour and yes take the one that goes through the locks.

[wondabar]

Thanks for all the helpful replies guys. Keep them coming!
We will be traveling at the end of March, how's the weather/views during that time?

Also as a side question, for a person who plans on not vising Seattle for a while after this trip (Got other places to see), is it worthwhile to go to the top of the Space Needle two times a day for two different views (1 at night, 1 during day), or should I just buy the one time a day pass.

[Chilkoot]

We did the Argosy trip last summer on a beautiful day. It was worth it.

You might consider the Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit near the Space Needle. I've heard they have combo tickets for the exhibit and the Space Needle.

[flyingsaucermom]

Originally Posted by wondabar

Thanks for all the helpful replies guys. Keep them coming!
We will be traveling at the end of March, how's the weather/views during that time?

Also as a side question, for a person who plans on not vising Seattle for a while after this trip (Got other places to see), is it worthwhile to go to the top of the Space Needle two times a day for two different views (1 at night, 1 during day), or should I just buy the one time a day pass.

Oh, you're coming in March? Don't count on seeing mountains. If you do, it's because you won the monthly weather lottery.

I was thinking it'll be beneficial to get one of those passes for various attractions. I've done the Space Needle day and night (not on the same day). You might want to hold off on deciding on that until you see what the weather is like. Day is better than night. I don't know.. there is so much to see and do in Seattle that I think there would be some substantial opportunity cost in doing the Needle twice. Personally, I would do something else like the Chihuly exhibit.