Seattle isn't bad at all during November. Before I lived up here, I lived in Southern Calif. I never minded the weather each time I visited (and it was a lot), in fact I found it quaint. There IS tons to do up here. Even if you don't rent a car, you can get from the airport to the hotel to a bus to a ferry.

I recommend it and because it'd be "off season", you could get a fantastic hotel at a fairly good rate.

Oh and re an Alaska cruise...I think it might be too late for that? But trust me, the ferry system down here will take you to some awesome places, if you want.