Sunday, April 21, 2024

Cruise Ports in Alaska: Alaska Port Guide

alaska cruise ports map

Later in the season, follow the route to the Ketchikan Creek Falls viewing footbridge to see the migrating salmon. So many instead use the Big Blue Bus Glacier Express that is around $45 per person return. My strong recommendation to Heather was to get out of the uninspiring town and head to and get up close to the Mendenhall Glacier.

Ketchikan – The Totem Pole Capital

Russian forces succeeded in driving the native Tlingit from their ancestral home, to resettle on the other side of the island. The Silver Line public bus goes there, it takes about half an hour each way with great scenery and runs every hour. The bus timetable is online, in my download or in the Visitors Center, but if you use Google Maps and input the park it will also tell you the bus, where to get it and next one coming. It costs $5 per person which includes a guided tour explaining all the totem poles and scenery. It is an hour-long bus ride and a 30-minute / 1.5 mile walk from the stop to the visitors centre each way.

alaska cruise ports map

Alaska Cruise Costs: Budgeting and Shore Excursions

Juneau, AK Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information - Travel Alaska

Juneau, AK Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information.

Posted: Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:22:33 GMT [source]

The influx of gold seekers led to the rapid growth of Juneau as a mining and trading hub. Princess® is the #1 Cruise Line in Alaska, with over 50 years' experience in the region. It’s important to remember that Alaska is home to the world’s largest temperate rainforest, and you can almost guarantee that it will rain during your cruise. If you’re unsure what to pack for your Alaska cruise, check out our printable Alaska cruise packing list. Most importantly you should bring a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof shoes. If you purchase your cruise fare early and later find a lower price, you can take advantage of price protection and ask the cruise line to honor the lower price.

The Town and Falls

alaska cruise ports map

Your cruise ship will surely have a vast selection of shore excursions. We will try to list some of the best Alaska shore excursions in Juneau, Alaska. To save money on shore we recommend booking with a local vendor or with a provider like Viator or Get Your Guide.

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A port city on the west of Baranof Island, Sitka is a quieter location than the bigger ports of Ketchikan and Juneau, but still one of the more popular Alaskan cruise ports. As of 2024, there are 26 ports in Alaska that have cruise ships making a port visit planned for the next year or two. There are a couple of additional ports that have been used previously too, but they no longer have any visits scheduled. There are also plenty of exciting outdoor activities just a short distance from Skagway’s downtown core.

Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. There are several options for those looking to enjoy Alaska’s stunning ports of call during the season that typically runs from the end of April through Summer.

Some cruise lines offer round-trip sailings from Seattle and Vancouver. The round-trip Gulf of Alaska cruises tend to be 12 to 14-day itineraries, and you’ll likely spend at least two days at sea (not including scenic cruising days). The town of Kodiak on Kodiak Island is far from a major port, yet it’s popular with cruise lines due to its beautiful scenery. It is surrounded by glaciers and it is home to a huge wildlife refuge covering most of the island, and home to the brown bear.

Typically, you’ll be looking at flying into one of those four major ports though, unless you’re booking an Alaskan cruise as part of a longer itinerary, incorporating other destinations too. As mentioned, Skagway Cruise Port features three distinct docks, each with several terminals. The terminals across the entire port feature relatively limited facilities, but you can find several public restrooms and vending machines. Unfortunately, the port does not offer free Wi-Fi as of yet, but due to the port’s proximity to downtown Skagway, you shouldn’t have any problem finding an Internet connection if you need it. Westmark Hotel Dining – A long-time landmark, and part of the Princess Cruises and Holland America hotel collection, it’s the outdoor deck that draws a crowd. Serving fresh local seafood, burgers, salads and some really good desserts.

Best Shore Excursions in Valdez, Alaska

Alaska cruises are less of a party and more of a laid-back scenic cruise. The many places to explore on a glacier route cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Hike the Horsetail Falls Trail for the coveted experience of seeing this and other small waterfalls along the way. Travel to the Portage side of the tunnel to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. Here you can explore a simulated ice cave, touch an actual iceberg and see the miraculous creatures known as ice worms. Enjoy fine dining, carry-out options, coffee shops, food trucks and some of the best burgers at Old Town Diner.

Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier. The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries.

Walk the historic boardwalk street built on pilings over the Ketchikan Creek, once notorious for its brothels during the early 20th century. Today, it's a popular tourist destination filled with shops, restaurants, and the famed Dolly's House Museum, which offers a glimpse into the area's colorful past. Immerse yourself in the history of the Gold Rush era with interactive exhibits and ranger-led tours. A popular tour leads visitors through the quirky Jeff Smiths Parlor Museum. Free same-day tickets are required and available on a first-come first served basis. During the Gold Rush, Skagway boomed as a supply and staging point for prospectors traveling to the Yukon.

Fishing enthusiasts will already be aware of Alaska’s reputation for having some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing. As you would expect, there is no shortage of tour operators willing to take eager cruise passengers out for a multi-hour fishing experience. Despite its small size and population, Skagway has plenty to offer visitors. Since Skagway once served as the main gateway to the gold deposits of the Klondike region of Yukon, Canada, the town has a very noticeable link to the Klondike Gold Rush. Halibut Point Crab & Chowder – Family-owned, what looks like a big, white circus tent is actually one of the best crab restaurants in town.

If you book a Gulf of Alaska cruise, you’ll experience other less-visited cruise ports further north. An Alaska cruise allows guests to explore multiple ports of call and experience the state through hands-on shore excursions. With a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, a range of outdoor activities available as excursions, and visiting wildlife including orcas, sea lions and seals, there are many things to enjoy. Ketchikan is the busiest port in Alaska in terms of cruise ship visits, and with good reason.

The exhibits weave a compelling narrative of the Indigenous peoples, the gold rush era, and the diverse ecosystems, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the state's multifaceted heritage. Enhanced by intricate native art, authentic artifacts, and interactive displays, the museum is a testament to the unique beauty and spirit of the Alaskan wilderness and its inhabitants. There are many cruise ports in Alaska to consider when planning your Alaska cruise. Alaska is a popular cruise destination known for its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and unique culture. Your ship will dock at several Alaska cruise ports of call along the Pacific coast, each offering its own set of attractions and experiences.

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