by Dennis Augustine
After stepping off the Oceania Riviera at Bell Harbor, we hopped into an Uber and headed to the Courtyard Marriott in historic Pioneer Square. From there, we set out on foot to the legendary Pike Place Market—ranked among the top five public markets in the world.
Bustling with life, color, and character, this iconic market is an absolute feast for the senses. Beyond the famously flying fish and dazzling floral stalls, you’ll find artisanal cheeses, handcrafted pastas, smoked salmon, baked goods, spices, souvenirs, vintage comics, and local honey—over 500 vendors in total, including shops, stalls, and eateries.
Street performers filled the air with music and laughter. A duo of tuxedo cats with their own little setup stole the show, drawing crowds and raking in tips with their charm.
Just across the street is the original Starbucks, a mecca for coffee lovers that still bears its 1971 logo and vibe. On our way back to our “girl” (as we affectionately call our ship), we made one last delicious stop for paninis at DeLaurenti’s, the Italian specialty shop inside the market that’s a hidden gem in itself.
