3 Top Alaska Ports of Call Not to be Missed

 

Cruise travelers can expect to be bowled over by the natural beauty and spectacle of Alaska’s coast line but in each of the Alaska ports of call, await experiences that add other interesting dimensions to an Alaskan cruise.  These are our favorite land destinations as we cruise in Alaska.

Ketchikan

Traveling north out of Seattle and Vancouver, the first popular port of call you will reach in Alaska is the village of Ketchikan.  Ketchikan’s township is on the shores of Revillagigedo Island and it is accessible only by sea or air.  It has great docking facilities and it has retained elements of its original salmon fishing and timber industries and combined these nicely with its present tourist industry. 

Walking tours in the town are popular as are excursions out of town to Saxman Village where you can enjoy dance performances by the local Tlingit people. Flight seeing over Totem Bight State Park and Misty Fjords National Monument provides real bird’s eye views of this part of Alaska.

Sitka

Like Ketchikan this picturesque town found on Barranoff Island can be reached by sea or air.  Sitka has been largely influence by the local Tlingits and the Russians who arrived there in 1795.  There was fierce rivalry between these two groups who have left reminders of their part in Sitka’s history in St Michael’s cathedral as well as present day Tlingit dance groups as well as the local totem carving and craftwork on sale throughout the town.

Juneau

Perhaps one of the best known Alaska ports of call, Juneau is also the state’s political capital.  Situated on the Gastineau Channel over looked by Mt Roberts, Juneau’s history was intertwined with the Alaskan gold rush.  Today it is an interesting mix of suited politicians and local artisans.  The Mt Robert’s tramway, the Alaska State capital and St Nicholas Russian Orthodox church are all highlights along with streets filled with shops to meet the needs or every tourist who disembarks there.  Out of town excursions can include visits to the Alaska Brewery and the famous Mendenhall Glacier.  Hiking, dog sledding and whale watching opportunities abound here.

As you plan your cruise make sure that you include each of these Alaska ports of call in your itinerary.  A visit to this part pf the world just wouldn’t be complete without any of them.

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