Sunday, March 31, 2024

Explore Top Departure Ports for Your Alaska Cruise Adventure

alaska cruise ports of call

Remember to carefully plan your itinerary and consider the best time to cruise Alaska based on your interests and preferences. Whether you opt for a mainstream cruise line or a luxury expedition, the beauty and splendor of Alaska’s cruise ports will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Sitka by visiting the Sitka National Historical Park.

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Sucia Island, located north of Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, San Juan County, Washington, United States. It is the largest of an archipelago of ten islands including Sucia Island, Little... Prince William Sound is a breathtakingly beautiful and remote destination located in southcentral Alaska. Cruise through Prince William Sound offers you the chance to experience the raw... Dawes Glacier is a magnificent natural wonder located in the Endicott Arm fjord of Alaska. This stunning glacier is known for its incredible size and striking blue hue, and offers a...

Seattle tourist attractions

With a seven-mile-wide blue face, this “quickly” advancing field of ice calves more frequently than those in Glacier Bay. Skagway is one of the best Alaska cruise ports on many of the lines’ itineraries, including a stop at this Klondike Gold Rush town with over 20 restored historic buildings. If you're interested in Alaska's Gold Rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson's mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era. This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day.

Crow Islands

Port Townsend is a city in Jefferson County, Washington, United States. With its maritime heritage, artist spirit, and a touch of urban chic, Port Townsend is an easily accessible base camp to the... LeConte Glacier, a 21-mile and 1-mile glacier in the Alaska flows southwest to the head of LeConte Bay. This leads to submarine calving, producing what are locally called shooters, icebergs that rise... Kuiu Island is an island in the Alexander Archipelago in southeastern Alaska. It lies between Kupreanof Island, to its east, and Baranof Island, to its west.

There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water. In the center of the state, Denali National Park is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation. In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys.

Both options are easily accessible from Skagway and require little more than a short walk to an excursion operator. No matter what type of fishing you choose, you’ll enjoy the pristine backdrop of Alaska’s rugged and untamed wilderness. This 200-foot suspension bridge sits above the rapids of the Tutshi River, offering stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Crossing it is perfectly safe, but it will get your adrenaline pumping.

Aleutian Islands

Alternatively, you can fly to Alaska and start your cruise there. A popular port to start or end a cruise is their capital, Juneau. In addition, some smaller cruise ships can embark or disembark from smaller cities, like the port in Sitka. Klawock hosts a new cruise port, and while it has only attracted one cruise line so far, there is promise for the future. The town will serve as the main port for Prince of Wales Island, with excursions primarily focussing on small-boat tours of the surrounding islands and inlets. Metlakatla is the port town for Annette Island, home of the sole remaining Alaskan Indian reservation.

alaska cruise ports of call

At Glacier Bay, marvel at the snow-covered mountains, fjords, and waterfalls while waiting for that iconic Alaskan experience – ice “calving” from the glacier. Navigate through a unique obstacle course in the forest at Tree Top Adventure & Ropes Course. Then, take a shuttle to the state’s largest Tlingit village to speak with residents about life in this part of southeast Alaska.

Itinerary Change, Cancelled Ports for Carnival's Epic Cruise - Cruise Hive

Itinerary Change, Cancelled Ports for Carnival's Epic Cruise.

Posted: Fri, 15 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Known for its picturesque beauty and rich history, Pelican Town is a popular destination for visitors... Alaska remains a bucket-list trip for many cruisers, and one reason why is that all of its ports are situated right in the heart of the spectacular scenery. Even in Juneau, the state capital, bald eagle nests are within eyesight of the docks, visitors can canoe to the base of a glacier and a tram spirits cruisers 1,800 feet up snowy Mount Roberts.

This trip can be done comfortably and would allow you to add a few more short stops in Vancouver and still get back to the cruise ship by 4 p.m. Many of North America’s top cruise lines include a port of call stop in Skagway as part of their Alaskan itineraries. Since the town has so much to offer and travel to and from the cruise port is so scenic, it is an incredibly popular cruise destination. Any Alaskan cruise will be special, but the ports of Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Icy Strait Point offer a fantastic balance of natural beauty and rich heritage. Kodiak Island is a little smaller but is great for spotting wildlife, while the smaller ports visited by luxury ships offer a calmer side of Alaskan life. Ketchikan is the busiest of the Alaska ports for cruise ships, and with good reason.

Most seven-day cruises that list Anchorage on their itinerary actually call on Whittier, which is about an hour away by motorcoach or 2.5 hours by train. Olympic National Park is an American national park located in the State of Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula. Because the park sits on an isolated peninsula, with a high mountain range dividing it... Nanaimo, BC, is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, just 34 nautical miles across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver. The Port of Nanaimo is the gateway to many other destinations both...

It does not matter when you plan to travel, always be prepared by dressing in layers, wearing windproof and rainproof clothing, as well as comfortable walking shoes. The natural colouring of seals and sea lions make them hard to spot. And don’t miss a chance to ride on the  White Pass and Yukon Railway one of the most scenic rail trips in the world with video. Before selecting your Alaska cruise check out the top things to do in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Victoria and an epic BC road trip to Banff. Temperatures can range from 25° to 45°F, but you can also expect a mix of rain and snow. While this time of year brings the great thaw and a rise in wildlife activity and wildflower blooms, you still need to pack appropriately.

With a shuttle pick-up close to the cruise ship port, spend an amazing day exploring the rainforest near Skayway. With a series of 10 zip lines, riders even pass over a waterfall. Located at 7600 Glacier Highway, 7 miles away from the cruise ship docks. Juneau is less-touristy and the downtown area is a mix of shopping and muncipal buildings.

Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work. Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer.

Ketchikan is known as the Totem Pole Capital of the World, so a visit here wouldn’t be complete without exploring its famous collection of totem poles. You can take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of these magnificent sculptures. For an exhilarating experience, consider taking a seaplane tour to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the surrounding landscapes. And of course, don’t forget to savor the delicious fresh seafood that Ketchikan is renowned for. Rolling mountains — standing over 3,000 feet tall — overlook the still waters below, waiting for the majestic 20-foot Orcas to break the tranquil surface and make their grand debut.

Alaska Ports of Call Seward, Whittier, Juneau, Skagway

alaska cruise ports of call

Find the most Instagrammable places for your next vacation cruise to Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide. Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north. Seattle, Washington is a vibrant city offering endless mountain and ocean views.

Salish Sea

Plus, it’s located just outside the cruise port, so it couldn’t be easier to get to. For those with more time to work with, hopping aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad is an incredible experience. The historic train can even pick up passengers at their cruise ship terminal. Most of these cruises depart from and return to an area of the Pacific Northwest.

Juneau:

2024 Member Choice Awards Best Cruise Ports and Private Destinations - Cruiseline.com

2024 Member Choice Awards Best Cruise Ports and Private Destinations.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 02:13:09 GMT [source]

It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found. Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think.

Related Destinations

Located on Baranof Island, on the outer coast of the Inside Passage, Sitka is the former capital of Russian America. That colorful heritage is revealed through the town's beautiful onion-domed St. Michael's Cathedral and the restored Russian Bishop's House. A battle between Russian traders and indigenous Tlingit is commemorated at the 113-acre Sitka National Historical Park on the edge of town, with striking totem poles rising amid the pines.

Icy Strait Point

Visitors can grab a bite, find a unique souvenir along absord the atmosphere. It’s still shopped daily by residents and businesses for its produce along with fish market. The vibrant British Columbian city adds a touch of the cosmopolitan to a lineup of quainter ports of call. Unga Island is the largest of the Shumagin Islands off the Alaska Peninsula in southwestern Alaska, United States. It holds an ancient petrified wood forest and a more recent ghost town that was the... It lies northeast of Petersburg, Alaska and the Baird Glacier drains into the bay.

alaska cruise ports of call

Sitka – Wildlife Encounters and Native American Art

More common are whales, and humpback sightings can number in the dozens when conditions are right, especially near the mouth of the bay. Cruise ship entertainment functions (including the casino) won't operate while inside the national park, but park rangers narrate the journey, staff an information desk and offer presentations. Viewing Skagway and the surrounding landscape from the air is an experience unlike any other. Plenty of helicopter tours are ideal for cruise ship passengers, as they allow you to take in an incredible amount of scenery in a limited time.

Is Skagway walkable from the cruise port?

The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages may also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement. Finally, you'll find some San Francisco round-trip itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. These cruises are best suited to travelers who love days at sea.

Alaska Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska Royal Caribbean Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line cancels all port calls to Valdez for 2023, 2024 season - Alaska's News Source

Norwegian Cruise Line cancels all port calls to Valdez for 2023, 2024 season.

Posted: Fri, 16 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Dog sledding is a popular excursion during a cruise through Alaska, as are helicopter tours. Native American history and cultural experiences are a highlight of exploring this region. That could include anything from seeing Formline art in ports to learning about totem poles and local dance performances. It's said that the sea is calm along this route because it closely borders the mainland on one side and islands on the other.

Seasonal Weather Conditions in Skagway

Founded by one of the Microsoft founders, the MoPOP features exhibits covering contemporary music, like local bands Pearl Jam and Nirvana. Also featured, the MoPop offers galleries with exhibits on science fiction, indie games and film. The many places to explore on a glacier route cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Wrangell Alaska is an authentic working class Alaskan Island community located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest and Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage. Valdez is a city and one of the most important ports in Alaska. The city was named in 1790 after the Spanish Navy Minister Antonio Valdés y Fernández Bazán.

alaska cruise ports of call

No trip to Skagway is complete without a visit to the iconic Red Onion Saloon. Today, it serves classic American dishes, has a fully stocked bar, and even has a brothel museum. Located on the corner of 2nd and Broadway, it’s just an 11-minute walk from the cruise port.

Visitors can take in song and dance performances by local Tsimshian dancers in full regalia at the longhouse,... Kukak Bay is located on Katmai's eastern coast, which extends from the mouth of the Kamishak River in Kamishak Bay to Cape Kubugakli in Shelikof Strait. Klawock is a small village located on the west coast of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska. The village is named after the Klawock River, which flows through the heart of the community and is... Kiska Harbor is a natural harbor located on Kiska Island, which is part of the Aleutian Islands chain in Alaska.

You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations may include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

The largest of the Pribilof Islands is St. Paul, which is windy. There are historical sites that highlight the remains of barabaras, typical semi-subterranean Aleut dwellings constructed of earth, as... Skagway, located in the Upper Lynn Canal is a place in Alaska where the past lives on. The Port of Skagway is the northernmost ice-free, deep-water port in North America, and serves as a year-round... Strong tidal currents characterize Seymour Narrows, a 5-kilometer portion of the Discovery Passage in British Columbia. Except at its northern extremity, where the eastern border is Sonora Island,...

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska. If you are cruising to Alaska this year, we have port guides with all the best things to do in popular ports of call and plenty of cruise shore excursion reviews. San Francisco, California is full of character and offers many different areas to explore.

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