January 29, 2026

New staircase arriving at Pier 66

Photo by Brian Miller [enlarge]

The new staircase will have a lighted handrail and a watertight waterproofing system.

The Seattle waterfront is getting another upgrade, and this one will be especially handy for Alaska-bound cruisers.

Crews with Port of Seattle contractor JTM Construction are in the midst of rebuilding the grand staircase at Pier 66, also called Bell Street Harbor, at 2225 Alaskan Way.

The $6 million project involves replacing the pier's 1996-era staircase with an upgraded version, including stair treads, pavers and guardrails. The new staircase will have a lighted handrail and a watertight waterproofing system.

The port said the repair improves accessibility and safety and gives the stairs a “much-needed refresh.”

The grand staircase is part of the Bell Street Pier's 11-acre multi-use complex, connecting pedestrians to the Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Bell Street Parking Garage, and Pier 66's rooftop plaza.

Photo via Port of Seattle [enlarge]

Alaskan cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises depart weekly from Pier 66 during cruise season. Photo via Port of Seattle

Construction began in late October, and is scheduled to be done in May.

“The new design combines refined architecture with lasting performance, reinforcing this vital link between downtown and the waterfront while showcasing JTM's commitment to building resilient public spaces,” JTM said in a written statement.

The architect is Cornerstone Architectural Group. David Evans & Associates is electrical contractor and Integrated Design Engineers is structural engineer.

Pier 66 serves Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises, with weekly Alaska sailings during cruise season that typically runs from April through October.

A separate project at Pier 66 wrapped in early 2025, bringing shore power to the pier so cruise ships can power electrically while docked there. Orion Marine led construction of that project, and won an Associated General Contractors of Washington 2026 Build Washington Award for that effort.