You want to cruise to Alaska; that much you know. But should you head to larger ports like Juneau and Ketchikan or opt for smaller destinations in the Aleutian Islands? No matter which Alaska cruise ports you visit on your sailing, most convey a sense of wilderness that’s reinvigorating. But choosing an itinerary can be as confusing as Alaska is vast.
We’ll help you break down ports you’re likely to find on each of the three main Alaska Cruise routes. Hopefully, that will help you determine which might be best for you. If you need a visual, there’s also a helpful map. Finally, we mention scenic sailing locations and places you might see if you opt for a pre- or post-cruise land extension as part of a larger cruisetour.
Keep in mind that, occasionally, cruise lines combine elements from the three types of itineraries below to create more interesting routes. Some of those unique offerings can last two to three weeks.
Inside Passage Cruise Ports in Alaska
Because Inside Passage Alaska cruises are the most common, they’re great for first-time visitors looking to hit the major highlights. These voyages almost always sail roundtrip from embarkation ports in Seattle or Canada’s Vancouver. That makes them more affordable than one-way sailings that might require open-jaw flights. The passage allows travelers to witness breathtaking glaciers (which carved the passage years ago), fjords and mountains.
Inside Passage Alaska cruises usually last five days to a week and include:
Seattle
Ships often sail roundtrip to Alaska from Seattle. That offers passengers a chance to experience the famed Pike Place Market, stroll through the artsy Chihuly Garden and Glass, take in sweeping views from the Space Needle or sip on a coffee from the original Starbucks location. There’s plenty of things to do in Seattle, both before and after your cruise.
Vancouver
This beautiful embarkation port in Canada’s British Columbia offers pristine walking trails along Stanley Park’s sea wall. For other things to do in Vancouver, meander to the city’s Gastown, where quaint restaurants and shops abound. Or, hop in a cab, and head to Granville Island, where the bustling Public Market is a highlight.
Victoria
Victora, B.C., is commonly a stop on Inside Passage itineraries that sail roundtrip from Seattle. (It satisfies the Passenger Vessel Services Act’s requirement for a foreign port call.) Some voyages only stop there briefly – and sometimes in the evening when popular Victoria activities are about to close. If you’re there for most of the day, some of the best places to go include a trip to the stunning Butchart Gardens for a walk, stately Craigdarroch Castle for a tour and Fairmont Empress Hotel for afternoon tea.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is replete with activities; it’s one of the best places in Alaska to see and learn about the beautiful art of totem pole carving at Potlatch Park. For something a bit more kitschy, take in the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. There, strapping young men show off their strength, woodcutting prowess and jaw-dropping climbing skills. Or, stroll along Creek Street, which ties to the 49th State’s gold rush days and plenty of opportunities to shop.
Prince Rupert
Canada’s Prince Rupert is more common on Inside Passage itineraries for smaller luxury vessels than for mega-ships. Although the city is a crucial exchange hub that takes cargo from sea to rail, its population is small. The area also isn’t as developed as other ports you’re likely to visit. During a day there, you can choose to learn about indigenous heritage at the Museum of Northern British Columbia, hike, or book a whale-watching tour.
Wrangell
If you’re up for a hike, Wrangell is the place to do it. The Rainbow Falls trail offers a fairly short jaunt, which hikers can extend several miles if they want a challenge. Either way, they’ll be surrounded by beautiful native flora. This port is less developed than the likes of Juneau and Ketchikan, but there are several great shops offering local art and other wares. For a bit of history, make your way to Petroglyph Beach, a state historic site where you can take a look at a plethora of rock carvings.
Petersburg
Petersburg is largely known for its ties to Norwegian heritage. While you’re there, stop in during the summer for a cultural performance and a buffet meal at Sons of Norway Hall, a social hall that’s a National Historic Site. The town is also a great spot for fresh seafood.
Sitka
There’s no shortage of ways to spend time in Sitka. They include whale-watching and spending time at Sitka National Historical Park – home of the famed Totem Walk, a path that includes 20 of the artistically carved and colorful wooden poles. Hoping for a land-based wildlife encounter? Add the Fortress of the Bear to your must-do list. There, you can get reasonably close to rescued and orphaned bears.
Juneau
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is one of the most built-up Alaska cruise ports. At times, it can feel a bit crowded and touristy. But, that also means there’s a plethora of things to do in Juneau. If you want to escape into nature, head to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center, where you can view the glacier and learn more about it. To walk directly on it, book a helicopter tour that includes a landing (and a hefty price tag). For excellent eats, sign up for a salmon bake, or dine at one of two Tracy’s Crab Shack locations.
Skagway
Skagway is nestled at the end of the Lynn Canal, the deepest and longest fjord in North America. In addition to its stunning landscapes, cruise visitors will find plenty to stay busy in Skagway. Hop on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for one of the most scenic views you’ll find anywhere, assuming it’s not cloudy. (Be sure to pack your passport if you’re on a trip that crosses into Canada.) Or, dig into the port’s gold rush history by panning for the elusive metal. If neither of those sounds appealing, perhaps touring a former brothel or cuddling dog sled puppies will be up your alley.
Haines
Haines serves as the jumping-off point for kayaking or canoeing on Chilkoot Lake. Hiking is another great pastime there, as is a trip to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Step off the pier, and explore the tiny shops and art galleries in the immediate area. Or, if you’d rather head farther afield on your own, rent a bike, and pedal up the hill into town to have a pint at the Haines Brewing Company.
Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point is a purpose-built port for cruise passengers. It’s privately owned by the Huna Totem Corporation on behalf of the local indigenous Tlingit population. That means travelers who visit are directly supporting indigenous locals. Popular activities in Icy Strait Point include bear and whale-watching, ATV and Jeep rides into the wild and flying through the air on a zipline that’s more than a mile long and reaches speeds up to 60 miles per hour.
Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay is a bay that’s part of the nearly 3.3 million-acre Glacier Bay National Park. Generally, if you see Glacier Bay on your itinerary, it means your ship will offer scenic cruising through the area. To make the most of the experience, you’ll want to head outside to take in the scenery and attend any events offered by park rangers on your ship. Some lines even offer excursions to venture out into the park.
Gulf of Alaska Cruise Ports
Gulf of Alaska sailings usually sail one way between Seattle or Vancouver and Seward or Whittier. That means you’ll likely need to pony up for potentially expensive flights. Although these trips travel farther north than their Inside Passage counterparts, they take roughly the same amount of time – about a week.
Cruises through the Gulf of Alaska also visit more places than Inside Passage voyages and offer opportunities for land tours that venture farther into Alaska’s interior. Stops on pre- or post-cruise land extensions might include Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. Canadian destinations like Whitehorse or Dawson City in the Yukon Territory might also be options.
Similar to Inside Passage voyages, Gulf of Alaska cruise ports often include Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Haines and Skagway. (See above for information.) Additionally, you’re likely to find the following:
Hubbard Glacier
This glacier – also known as the Galloping Glacier, due to its rapid advancement – was named for Gardiner Hubbard, the founder and president of the National Geographic Society. Generally found on weeklong one-way sailings, it’s not an actual port stop. Instead, it offers a chance for passengers to view its beautiful blue hues and, potentially, a bit of calving. (That’s when shards of ice break off and fall into the sea, often accompanied by a thundering noise.)
College Fjord
While sailing through Prince William sound, you’ll be able to catch scenic views of College Fjord. It’s another location that’s not an actual port but, rather, offers opportunities for glacier and wildlife viewing.
Valdez
During a port call in Valdez, cruisers can opt to visit the Solomon Gulf Hatchery to see salmon. If they’re lucky, they might also spot bears and sea lions. For photo hounds, another great way to spend some time is a trip to Glacier View Park, where you’ll find stunning vistas of Glacier View Lake. Glacier- and waterfall-viewing activities, as well as hiking, are other popular pastimes in Valdez.
Whittier
Although you could hang back and explore Whittier’s hiking trails and wildlife, some of the most interesting pursuits are outside of town. Whittier offers relatively easy access to Anchorage, the most populous city in Alaska. Book a bus transfer there, or hop the Glacier Discovery Train to see glaciers and visit the resort town of Girdwood.
Seward
As with Whittier, some of the best things to do in Seward involve leaving town. Try a day visit to Kenai Fjords National Park or Exit Glacier. Or, book a flightseeing tour that will take you up in a helicopter to fly over the Kenai Fjords. Salmon and halibut fishing charters also leave from Seward. If you do choose to stay in town, you can take a leisurely stroll through the Seward Waterfront Park area or visit the local Alaska SeaLife Center.
Peninsular Alaska Cruise Itineraries
These one-way itineraries are, by far, the rarest. They’re typically offered by small vessels as part of expedition sailings that take passengers to places like Katmai National Park and the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Preserve, which have no official port facilities and can only be reached by boat or flight plane.
Alaska Peninsula cruises generally last a few days longer than typical Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska voyages, even without land-based add-ons. Further, they almost always require travelers to fly to Anchorage before making their way to Seward to set sail. After their sailings, they then have to fly back to Anchorage before heading home. Because those flights can be particularly pricey, passengers should factor that into their trip planning.
As with Gulf of Alaska cruises, Seward often shows up on Alaskan Peninsula cruises. Other ports likely to appear are:
Kodiak
When cruisers visit Kodiak Island, they’ll port at the town of Kodiak, Alaska. There’s plenty to do for those who have interest in nature and native culture. Activities in the area include visits to Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, which served as a defense location in World War II, and the Alutiiq Museum, which shares the history of the indigenous Alutiiq people.
Akutan Island
Part of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, Akutan Island is home to a fishing town with only about 100 year-round residents. Many are members of the indigenous Unangan community. Activities are limited, but passengers might enjoy nature walks to look for the island’s birds and foxes.
Unalaska
The city of Unalaska spans two of the Aleutian Islands: Unalaska Island and Amaknak Island. When the city is accessed via cruise ship, it’s usually done via Dutch Harbor, a body of water whose name has rubbed off on part of the city of Unalaska. While in town, you can explore these areas by paying a visit to the Aleutian WWII National Historic Area, learning about the indigenous Aleut people and their culture at the Museum of the Aleutians or taking a wildlife hike.
Alaska Cruise Map
Refer to the Alaska cruise ports map below for a visual of where each of these ports is located.
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