This will help....a little:

http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/accessible/paccessible_map.html

Both the Maxwell and Pier 91 are off of the map to the north; the Maxwell is definitely not in central downtown. It is close to Pier 91, but that is important only on the day of departure. There is good bus transportation between Lower Queen Ann (where the Maxwell is located) and downtown; if you don't mind walking a couple of blocks to Seattle Center (which is not in the center or Seattle), you can catch the monorail to and from downtown. I would try to find something more centrally located....there is a list of hotels on the left.

The link light rail does not have train numbers...it just travels between the airport and downtown....two tracks, one northbound, one southbound. If you have a lot of luggage you might find a cab to be better, even if more expensive.

Go to Google Maps and type in the address of the Maxwell to get a better sense of where things are.

we generally stay at the Inn at the Market which is across the street from Pikes Market which is a must when in Seattle. what cruise are you taking. we are going Next June on Oceania but will only go for an overnight in Seattle before as we are so close (S.F.) and don't have to worry about time changes and we have been several times. wine tasting just outside of Seattle is great and the whole area is beautiful. The Underground City tour is very fun.....

Of course you should take the Link Light Rail into town from SeaTac airport. The airport is the first/last stop, and you can't get tooooooo terribly lost on the downtown end. (It helps to know in advance which of just a few possible stops you will want, on the downtown end).

I can't see a great reason NOT to just take your chances on Priceline.com for a FOUR-STAR hotel in downtown Seattle. Taking what you get that way limits the costs, and will likely land you in a central spot, with money left over for cabs, if needed.

When you're ready for your tourist stuff, spend a couple/few hours at Pike Place Market, a couple/few more at Seattle Center(/Space Needle). Pioneer Square is good for roaming around and seeing the various shops, and taking the Underground Tour.

By the time you've chosen places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, your two days will be over.

I have cruised to Alaska twice fom Seatle (most recently in June). It is not necessary to be close to Pier 91 - it is an easy taxi ride from downtown. We stayed at the Sheraton in downtown Seattle and thought the location was nearly perfect. We also stayed at The Hotel Sorrento, which is a lovely hotel with lots of character and charm. However, the location wasn't quite as ideal as the Sheraton.

Have fun. Alaska is amazing and Seattle is a great city.

On a recent trip, I stayed at the Marriott Waterfront. It is literally across the street from the cruise terminal. They often have quite good rates if one is a senior or AAA member. The location is wonderful for walking all along the waterfront. Very good seafood restaurant -- Anthony's -- right across the street. The tram runs right in front of the door. You can walk to the aquarium, etc. Pike Place Market is just above the hotel. There is an elevator in the parking gargage about 2 blocks from the hotel that goes up, depositing you right in the heart of the market. No need to climb the hill or stairs.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/seawf-seattle-marriott-waterfront/

The Hotel Sorrento, while very nice, is in an area, as mentioned, that would be out of the way for your purposes.

Another hotel that I love in Seattle, often staying, is the Crowne Plaza Downtown. It is at the top of the hill - away from the water, but the views from some of the rooms are spectacular. I can see the mountains out one window, the Space Needle and the Bay out the other. Sunset and sunrise views are "to die for". A little further walk to get to Pike Place Market, etc. but one can easily take a bus.
http://www.cphotelseattle.com/gallery-guestrooms.php#flash

During your stay, I highly recommend the new Dale Chihuly glass "museum" at the base of the Space Needle. It is in a word...."AMAZING"! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/18/dale-chihuly-seattle_n_1528719.html

Also, don't miss eating mac and cheese at Beechers -- across the street from Pike Place Market. http://www.beechershandmadecheese.com/

Thanks you to all for the great input etc. We found that the Maxwell is highly recommended,and has excellent reviews on many travel sites. For us it is within walking distance to everything. We are New Yorkers and are very use to walking the Big Apple so a few miles is not a problem for us. The Maxwell also offers a complimentary shuttle in a 3 mile radius of the hotel which is great. It offers free WiFi and free parking for those who drive. If we are not in the mood to walk we can use the free shuttle. It runs every hour and will take us to all the downtown attractions like pike mplace, pioneer sqaure, space needle, puget sound and the ferries and of course the waterfront.

Hi Shar we will be taking our Alaska Cruise on the Princess Cruise Line. Thanks for your input and enjoy the Oceania.

Nicolino, Just remember that walking in Seattle is not like walking in NY....it is up and down some very steep hills. I find that even a couple of blocks of that downhill is murder on my knees. Seattle is much more like walking in San Francisco than walking in NY.