Cruise from Seattle (Seattle Roundtrip) Seattle is defined by water.  There's no use denying the city's damp weather, or the fact that its skies are cloudy for much of the year.  Seattleites don't tan, goes the joke, they rust.  But Seattle is also defined by the rivers, lakes, and canals that bisect its steep green hills, creating a series of distinctive areas along the water's edge.  Funky fishing boats, floating homes, swank yacht clubs, and waterfront restaurants exist side by side. Seattle's climate fosters an easygoing indoor lifestyle.  Overcast days and long winter nights have made the city a haven for moviegoers and book readers.  Hollywood often tests new films here, and residents' per-capita book purchases are among North America's highest.  Seattle has all the trappings of a metropolitan hub – two daily newspapers, a state-of-the-art convention center, professional sports teams, a diverse music-club scene, and top-notch ballet, opera, symphony, and theater companies.  A major seaport, the city is a vital link in Pacific Rim trade. Seattle draws visitors with its blend of urban sophistication, easygoing charm, and access to spectacular outdoor recreation.  A major cultural center, its sophistication is evident in its architecture, fashion, and arts.  Its restaurants – from tiny International District dumpling stands to posh, first-class dining rooms – serve a steady supply of visitors, longtime residents, and newcomers, all caught in the act of discovering and celebrating the city.  Surrounding Seattle are the glorious mountains of the Olympic and Cascades ranges and the seafood-rich waters of the Pacific Ocean. [Click here for other cities] Anchorage Vancouver Seattle San Francisco