Alaska Cruise Ports
Exploring the Best Alaskan Cruise Ports of Call
An Alaskan cruise is one of the most breathtaking ways to experience America’s “Last Frontier.” As you sail past glaciers, fjords, and snowcapped peaks, each stop along the way offers a window into Alaska’s rugged beauty, fascinating history, and vibrant culture. From Gold Rush towns to Native Alaskan heritage centers and stunning natural wonders, every port of call on an Alaskan cruise is packed with adventure and discovery.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the most popular Alaskan cruise ports of call, exploring their history, must-see attractions, and why they deserve a place on your travel bucket list.
Juneau: Alaska’s Remote Capital
A Bit of History
Unlike most state capitals, Juneau is not accessible by road. Established during the Gold Rush of the 1880s, the city quickly grew into a thriving hub for mining and trade. It became Alaska’s capital in 1906, replacing Sitka. Today, Juneau blends history, politics, and wilderness adventure in one unforgettable port of call.
Why Juneau is a Great Port
Cruise travelers love Juneau because it offers the best of both worlds: urban charm with shops and restaurants, paired with untouched natural beauty just minutes away. Its remote location makes it feel like a hidden treasure you’ve arrived at by sea.
Top Attractions in Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier – Just 12 miles from downtown, this 13-mile-long glacier is one of Juneau’s star attractions. Visitors can hike trails, explore ice caves, or admire the glacier from the visitor center.
Mount Roberts Tramway – Take a gondola ride up 1,800 feet for panoramic views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and surrounding mountains.
Whale Watching – Juneau is one of the best places in Alaska for humpback whale sightings, especially during summer months.
Downtown Juneau – Stroll historic streets lined with shops, cafes, and the iconic Red Dog Saloon.
Skagway: A Gold Rush Time Capsule
A Bit of History
In 1897, gold-seekers flooded into Skagway during the Klondike Gold Rush, transforming the once-sleepy town into a bustling boomtown. With saloons, brothels, and trading posts, Skagway earned a reputation as both an opportunity-filled frontier and a rough-and-tumble town. Today, it’s a living museum of that historic era.
Why Skagway is a Great Port
Skagway’s small-town charm and Gold Rush atmosphere make it one of the most memorable Alaskan cruise ports of call. Visitors often say stepping off the ship feels like stepping back in time.
Top Attractions in Skagway
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway – A scenic train journey that follows the trail of gold-seekers into the Yukon. The views of waterfalls, mountains, and gorges are unforgettable.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Preserves much of the town’s historic district with original buildings and fascinating exhibits.
Dog Sledding – Experience Alaska’s iconic mode of transport with summer dog sled rides or winter-style glacier adventures.
Downtown Skagway – Wooden sidewalks and restored saloons bring the Gold Rush days vividly to life.
Ketchikan: The Salmon Capital of the World
A Bit of History
Ketchikan began as a fishing and trading village, first inhabited by the Tlingit people long before settlers arrived. It grew into a logging and fishing town, eventually becoming known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” The influence of Native Alaskan culture is strong here, particularly in the area’s rich tradition of totem poles.
Why Ketchikan is a Great Port
Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in North America, but its charm shines through the mist. It’s beloved by cruise passengers for its colorful waterfront, artistic spirit, and access to Native Alaskan heritage.
Top Attractions in Ketchikan
Totem Bight State Historical Park – Home to one of the world’s largest collections of authentic totem poles.
Misty Fjords National Monument – A natural wonder with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forests, often explored by floatplane or boat tour.
Creek Street – Once Ketchikan’s red-light district, this boardwalk over the water is now lined with shops and galleries.
Salmon Fishing – Try your hand at catching Alaska’s famous salmon, or simply watch them leap upstream in season.
Sitka: A Blend of Russian and Native Heritage
A Bit of History
Sitka has a unique history as the former capital of Russian America before Alaska was purchased by the United States in 1867. This cultural blend of Russian influence and Tlingit heritage makes Sitka stand out among Alaskan ports of call.
Why Sitka is a Great Port
With fewer large cruise ships than other ports, Sitka feels quieter and more authentic. Its mix of history, wildlife, and culture gives travelers a well-rounded Alaskan experience.
Top Attractions in Sitka
Sitka National Historical Park – Famous for its totem poles and history of the 1804 battle between the Russians and the Tlingit people.
St. Michael’s Cathedral – A striking reminder of the Russian Orthodox presence in Alaska.
Wildlife Viewing – Sitka Sound is excellent for spotting sea otters, puffins, and whales.
Fortress of the Bear – A rescue center for orphaned brown bears where visitors can learn about Alaska’s most iconic wildlife.
Icy Strait Point: Authentic Alaskan Wilderness
A Bit of History
Located near the small Native Tlingit village of Hoonah, Icy Strait Point was developed as a tourism project by the local community. Unlike other ports, it is owned and operated by Alaskans themselves, ensuring that culture and authenticity remain central to the visitor experience.
Why Icy Strait Point is a Great Port
If you want to experience Alaska’s wilderness without crowds, this is the place. It’s less commercialized than other stops and offers incredible opportunities to connect with nature.
Top Attractions in Icy Strait Point
Whale Watching – Known as one of the best whale-watching destinations in Alaska.
ZipRider Zipline – One of the world’s longest ziplines, stretching 5,330 feet with incredible views.
Hoonah Village – Visit Alaska’s largest Tlingit community and learn about Native traditions.
Hiking Trails – Explore miles of trails through lush rainforest and along rugged coastline.
Glacier Bay National Park: Nature’s Masterpiece
A Bit of History
Glacier Bay became a national park in 1980, preserving one of the world’s greatest collections of tidewater glaciers. John Muir, the famous naturalist, first visited in 1879 and inspired the conservation efforts that protect it today.
Why Glacier Bay is a Great Port
Although not a traditional port with towns and shops, Glacier Bay is often a highlight of any Alaskan cruise. The chance to witness calving glaciers and hear the thunder of ice crashing into the sea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Top Attractions in Glacier Bay
Margerie Glacier – One of the park’s most photogenic glaciers, often seen calving.
Wildlife Viewing – Keep an eye out for humpback whales, bald eagles, seals, and mountain goats.
Ranger Talks – Park rangers often board cruise ships to provide fascinating commentary about the bay’s geology and wildlife.
Planning Your Alaskan Cruise
Every Alaskan cruise port of call brings something different to the journey, whether it’s Gold Rush history, Native Alaskan heritage, or the raw power of nature. From whale watching in Juneau to ziplining in Icy Strait Point or marveling at glaciers in Glacier Bay, the variety of experiences makes an Alaskan cruise truly unforgettable.
If you’re dreaming of adventure, culture, and natural beauty all wrapped into one seamless journey, Alaska is calling. Your ports of call are not just stops along the way, they’re gateways to some of the most extraordinary experiences in the world.
