Whether aiming for a day trip around the Puget Sound or headed to Mexico or Alaska, a cruise is a great way to go. Pier 66 is the point of departure for major cruise lines - Holland America Line (www.hollandamerica.com), Celebrity Cruise Lines Seattle (www.celebritycruises.com), Norwegian Cruise Line (www.ncl.com), and Princess Cruise Line (www.princess.com) offering 3, 4 and 7-day cruise options. Use kayak.com, click cruises under "more" and search Alaska to see your options. May cruises leaving from Seattle and Vancouver are typically cheaper. Best rates right now are $549 for an inside cabin on Carnival Cruise Lines - and remember, no added airfare costs.

Spring time on the water in the Northwest is a special time of year. Pods of whales begin making appearances and whale watching tours can take you right up close and personal with these impressively massive, gentle creatures.

Day trips are around four hours total and provide a unique water viewpoint of the Seattle coast and city line. Once summer arrives the Victoria Clipper heads to Canada daily (don't forget your passport) to Victoria Island for a full day of sightseeing and fun. A sunset dinner service on the covered deck as you return to Seattle is included in the price of the day-cruise.  Check out www.clippervacations.com for rates and schedules.

Not wanting to go that far? Amphibious vehicle tours called "Duck Tours" provide a land and sea alternative and showcase some of Seattle's choicest marine and terra activities. Laugh and enjoy yourself- join in with other tourists and their families in making quacking noises through the city on this 2-hour tour. www.ridetheducksofseattle.com has complete information for planning your ride.

Ketron Island Sea Kayaking

Watch the weather forecast and plan a clear day to paddle around the Sound. Starting from the boat launch in Steilacoom, paddlers of all ability levels will be able to enjoy a self-powered tour around Ketron Island by sea kayak.

Over the course of a few fun hours, learn firsthand why views from water level can't be duplicated by other vantage point. Check out barnacle and crustacean-encrusted sunken timber providing home to colorful starfish before breaking for lunch on a beach. Wildlife abounds, so bring cameras and binoculars. Seeing various sea birds is guaranteed, sea loins, seals and other marine life are possible. For more information, go to www.paddling.net.

Biking The San Juan and Surrounding Islands

Taking a ferry to the San Juan Islands or to Whidbey Island is not just a way to get there, but an exciting part of the trip. The mild climate makes it more appealing than other areas, but the prime time to bicycle is still spring through fall. Early spring is also whale watching season- keep your eyes peeled to the water to catch a breeching whale or two.

Lopez Island is a good choice for beginners and medium-age children, San Juan is more difficult and Orcas Island is definitely for experienced riders. Experience amazing wildlife and gorgeous landscapes brought to you by people who know best- guided bike tours that include overnight stay of up 6 nights of camping or inn-lodging are available through Terra Trek Bicycle Tours (www.goterratrek.com) and Multi Sport Vacations (multi-sportvacation.com), a national company founded in the Pacific Northwest.