Much of Alaska is so remote that cruising is the best way to get a good look at its dazzling wilderness and wildlife. Cruise companies offer both small and large ship cruises to see Alaska’s beauty. The most popular Alaskan ports-of-call are Haines, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Sitka. Here’s what you should know about each of these ports-of-call to make your trip as memorable as possible.
Haines
Haines is the smallest port-of-call on the Inside Passage and bills itself as the most beautiful. This quaint and historic village is nestled in the Chilkat Valley and is best known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, since there are a lot of animals in the area. Visitors can take an excursion to the Bald Eagle Preserve which has over 4,000 eagles gather there between October and February. There is also a wildlife tour to see bears, moose, and other animals. Visitors can take 4x4 or bike tours as well.
Juneau
Juneau is the capital city of Alaska and is only reachable by air or sea, because it has no roads leading to it. Instead, the city is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, which is the largest national forest in the world. Over a million cruise passengers visit the city each year. One popular excursion is to visit the Mendenhall Glacier. It is 12 miles long and is easily accessible from the city. There are local opportunities for whale watching and dog sledding. Visitors can also ride the Mount Roberts Tramway.
Skagway
Skagway only has 800 people living in it year round, but it receives over 700,000 visitors each year. Skagway has capitalized on its colorful past as a rough gold rush town. The city is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Cruise passengers can take a trip on the White Pass Scenic Railway that goes to White Pass Summit. They can also go rock climbing, kayaking, biking, zip-ling, or gold panning. Skagway also offers glass blowing demonstrations and city tours.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is on Revillagigedo Island on Alaska’s temperate southeastern coast and is known as the salmon fishing capital of the world. The city has an enormous collection of totem poles in Totem Blight Park. Cruisers can go see the Lumberjack Show and the Saxman Native Village or take a Duck Tour on the land and sea. There are also many different plane and boat tours.
Sitka
Sitka is the former state capital and is known as Alaska’s “first city.” It is the most exotic port-of-call in Alaska which makes it a very popular destination for cruise ships. The Tlingit Indians have made the Sitka area their home for centuries. Excursions in Sitka include sea kayaking tours, semi-submersible boat tours, guides hikes, and fishing excursions for salmon or halibut. There is a biking and hiking tour that goes along the shore and to Thimbleberry Lake. The city tour usually visits the Raptor Center, St. Michael’s Cathedral, and Sitka National Historical Park, and then has a dance performance.
