Alaska Cruise Ports of Call & Departure Ports
Table Of Content
Today, the Port of Homer continues to be a hub for fishing and maritime commerce, with commercial and recreational vessels utilizing its facilities. Its stunning coastal views and cultural offerings make it a popular destination for both visitors and residents alike. A deep dive into the traditions, arts, and lifestyles of Alaska's indigenous groups awaits visitors at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The center is a hub of cultural exploration, featuring authentic village sites representing various Native cultures from across the state.
Holland America Line to debut 'Glacier Day' on all Alaska cruises - TravelMole
Holland America Line to debut 'Glacier Day' on all Alaska cruises.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:49:31 GMT [source]
When do cruises go to Alaska?
This iconic Mendenhall Glacier is easily accessible from the Juneau Alaska cruise port and offers breathtaking views of ice formations, waterfalls, and the surrounding landscape. We created a guide for visitors to See Mendenhall Glacier on Your Own that includes a hike to a glacier viewpoint and to nearby Nugget Falls. You’ll want to research Alaska ports before you sail to ensure you have enough time to book shore excursions and plan your days in port.
Best Shore Excursions in Anchorage, Alaska
However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider booking during the shoulder season months of April, May, or September. It's not uncommon to see pods of orcas or humpback whales breaching and spouting, sea lions basking on rocks, bald eagles soaring overhead, and bears ambling along the shores. With luck, you might also see brown bears, wolves, and moose onshore, or orcas and humpback whales in the waters. It offers an insightful look into the history of salmon canning on the West Coast. The Cannery Museum at Icy Strait Point offers visitors a glimpse into the region's historic seafood industry. Set within an authentic, restored cannery, the museum showcases vintage equipment, exhibits, and photographs that narrate the story of Alaska's fishing heritage.
Icy Strait Point – Thrilling Adventures and Cultural Experiences
As you wander through, the blend of educational displays and the atmospheric old-world charm provides a tangible connection to the area's past and its deep ties to the sea. Today, the Sitka Cruise Port continues to be a key part of the city's economy, supporting commercial fishing, tourism, and maritime transportation. Visitors are drawn to Sitka's historical sites, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene, which reflect the diverse layers of its past. The Pratt Museum offers a captivating blend of art, local history, and natural sciences, presenting a comprehensive view of the Kachemak Bay region. Visitors are treated to diverse exhibits ranging from indigenous Alutiiq artifacts to contemporary art, all underscored by a deep reverence for the environment and community.
Mainstream lines have also started offering longer cruises to Alaska from southern West Coast ports like San Francisco and Los Angeles. The cruise season in Alaska typically runs from late April to early October, with the high season falling between June and August. It’s during this time that you’ll have the best chances of experiencing the warmest weather and spotting incredible wildlife like humpback whales and orcas.
Cruise Tours
Suspended waterfalls paint unique strokes on the surface of the emerald mountains while gentle winds create a collage of ripples in the teal-blue waters. While this small town appears bare on the surface, there's more than meets the eye. As the gateway to Anchorage and Seward, Whittier holds the key to exploration.
Is it better to take an Alaska Cruise from Seattle or Vancouver?
Meanwhile, patterned butterflies flutter throughout their very own 12,000 square-foot tropical paradise — home to symphonic birds and serene koi ponds. To experience true royalty, visit Craigdarroch Castle where wooden antiques and furnishings line the Victorian-style halls. No matter what you choose to do, your time in this Alaska cruise port will be nothing short of colorful. Located along the 1,100-mile Aleutian Islands chain is a unique addition to our list of best Alaska cruise ports. This village makes regular appearances on popular television shows alongside the captains and vessels that harvest the seafood bounty around this top fishing port in the country.
Grill and Chill “In Alaska’s Wildest Kitchen”
For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center is a must, where you can observe and learn about various bird species, including majestic bald eagles. These are just a few examples of the incredible excursion options and activities available in Alaska cruise ports. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or adventure seeker, each port has something to offer that will make your Alaskan cruise experience unforgettable. The Inside Passage is home to several Indigenous groups, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Many cruises offer excursions that allow passengers to visit local communities, learn about their rich history and traditions, and purchase authentic art and crafts. The Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum offers a collection of Native Alaskan art and artifacts, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and history of the region.
Once on shore in Seward, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center for a behind-the-scenes tour of rehabilitating and returning wildlife to their natural homes. Up-close views, animal encounters, and hands-on opportunities with marine invertebrates are fun experiences for the whole family. Celebrate America’s national bird with a stop by the Alaska Raptor Center. The 17-acre sanctuary helps rehabilitate injured birds and offers visitors a chance to see the flight-training center, where a number of magnificent raptors practice for their return to the wild. When asked what the best Alaska cruise ports are, this writer (as a former resident) would say…well… all of them!
At the Icy Strait Point port you’ll also find restaurants, nature trails, kayaking, and a beach where you can often spot whales, sea otters, and bald eagles. During the Alaska cruise season, the high temperatures in Icy Strait Point range from the low 50s to the mid-60s. It’s one of the less rainy Alaskan ports, with an average of 67 inches of rain per year. This former fish cannery, which was built in 1912, has been renovated for cruisers. We are able to share Alaska's wonders with you because of the stewardship of the Alaska Native Peoples, who have lived here since time immemorial.
With a special emphasis on Alaska's indigenous cultures and the state's distinctive role in the Arctic, the museum offers a diverse range of exhibits. Particularly of note is the Imaginarium Discovery Center, which features interactive science displays, making it a favorite among families. Additionally, visitors can find a range of art installations in the museum's atrium, while the courtyard is a lively venue for events and art exhibitions.
Seward's modern history began in the early 1900s when it was chosen as the southern terminus for the Alaska Railroad, a project that aimed to connect coastal Alaska to the interior. Secretary of State William H. Seward, who was instrumental in the Alaska Purchase from Russia in 1867. This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the coastal rainforest environment. The trail offers an easy walk with interpretive signs detailing the flora, fauna, and ecology of the region. Here you can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, often from the safety of a boat. The sanctuary is home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in British Columbia.
Its face is a half mile wide, giving excellent viewing opportunities from your ship. Also located near Juneau is Tracy Arm Fjord, a narrow, deep water fjord surrounded by tall, snow-capped mountains on both sides. Ships first sail into Yakutat Bay and continue to Disenchantment Bay en route to the glacier. Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America; it’s over 400 feet tall and 6 miles wide, and it’s rapidly advancing at around 80 feet per year. Its enormous size makes the glacier a highlight on any Alaska cruise itinerary. Outside of these sites, many visitors enjoy walking Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf, a picturesque harbor with restaurants, shops, and bars.
It’s hard to list all the best Alaska shore excursions in Skagway, Alaska. The choices here are very unique to the port, with numerous one-of-a-kind experiences. To save money we recommend booking with a local vendor or with a provider like our partners Viator or Get Your Guide. Local shore fishing tours with knowledgeable local fishermen will take you to the best fishing spots near the shore.
Instead, watch for handicrafts like herbal soaps; artisanal foods and drinks such as berry jams and jellies; and Tlingit and native Alaskan carvings and masks. Favorite shore excursions include the Sea Otter and Whale Quest, and guided kayak excursions through the idyllic Sitka Sound. Or, check out Sitka from end to end in a vintage 1973 Checker Marathon cab with longtime resident Jeff Budd. Also, look for boat tours for whale-watching and nature hikes that feature bear spotting opportunities. The Sitka Historical Museum downtown offers information and displays highlighting the Russian and indigenous peoples’ influence on the city.
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