Top 10 Alaskan Cruise Ports
Arguably the best place on earth to see all of that and much more, is sailing through the inside passage in the US state of Alaska.
If the natural beauty of the region doesn’t keep you in awe throughout your journey the wildlife that you will likely see throughout your journey will.
From bears to sea eagles and from humpback whales to orca’s and much much more, the diversity and quantity of animals that can be seen on an Alaskan cruise is incredible.
It is not just when you are at sea when you will see all of the above as so many of the ports of call that you visit offer the chance to see the best of the Alaskan nature up close.
There is much more on offer in the ports you visit to suit most tastes, so it is no surprise that the region is such a popular cruise destination.
Each port in Alaska may seem similar in many ways but each it also very different which can make it confusing for those who have never been there but our top 10 list of the best Alaskan cruise ports should make it easier.
To make this list we have taken lots into account including what is on offer at the port, the amount of ships and lines that offer stops there and also our own personal view.
Our Top 10 Alaskan Cruise Ports
Seward
Most cruise itineraries that head up to Alaska will start in either Vancouver or Seattle but if you want to spend more time cruising the area and also some time on land before or after your cruise in Alaska, then the port of Seward is the one for you.
The port is near to Anchorage, which makes it relatively straight forward to fly into for your holiday and one of the big advantages of starting and/or ending your cruise in Seward is that to get from the largest city in the state, you will need to ride the Alaskan railway, which is a memorable adventure in its own right.
Juneau
The entrance into Juneau is always one to remember as you sail through the narrow Gastineau Channel and past mountains and waterfalls.
There is lots awaiting visitors onshore as well including the Mount Roberts Tramway (cable car) that takes you from the cruise port to 1,800 feet up the mountainside for fantastic views or you can take the short bus ride to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier where you can get up close to the 22km long glacier.
Ketchikan
The small city of Ketchikan is the ideal place to simply stroll around town and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you before heading to its top attractions that give you great insights into the areas past and present.
Visitors can enjoy the family friendly Lumberjack show, the boardwalks of Creek Street or if you dock at Ward Cove, you can head to the nearby Totem Bight State Historical Park.
Skagway
Skagway is always a popular port of call on an Alaskan cruise as visitors get to explore the Stampeder past of the region onboard the White Pass and Yukon railway that picks you up right next to your ship.
The main street in the town is a living museum and takes you back to the days when people arrived in Skagway from across the world chasing their fortune.
Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point is as close to an all-action tourist resort as you will find on a cruise of the inside passage as it offers a cable car, a zip slide and more but you also get all you would want from an Alaskan port.
There are stunning views from of the Port Frederick bay as you walk from the cruise port to the nearby town of Hoonah which is steeped in history.
Sitka
You just arrive into the small port of Sitka and feel at one with nature and that continues as you stroll around the streets and enjoy spending time enjoying a traditional Alaskan experience.
The city offers a blend of all of the cultures that have impacted on it from its onion domed Orthodox Cathedral to its historical trail of Totem poles.
Dutch Harbor
Dutch Harbor is an historical port that was the location of the battle of Dutch Harbor in June 1942 when it was one of a few locations in the US to suffer aerial bombardment during the war.
The port is on Unalaska Island, part of the Fox Islands section of the Aleutian Islands that spread from the Alaskan mainland out into the Baring Straight which makes it a popular stopping off port of call for ships heading to or from Asia.
Whittier
Whittier sits at the head of the Passage Canal, around 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, which is used by some cruise lines as an embarkation/disembarkation port due to its proximity to Anchorage and its international airport via the Alaska Marine Highway or via the Alaska Railroad where visitors can enjoy one of the world’s greatest train journeys.
Haines
Haines is located near to famous Glacier bay so as you would expect the entrance into the port is simply stunning.
Haines is a great place to spot local wildlife including Bald Eagles and to simply enjoy the relaxed nature of this mountainside town.
Kodiak Island
The beautiful Kodiak Island is separated from the mainland of Alaska by the Shelikof Strait and is perhaps best known for the Kodiak bear and it is the opportunity to see one that many choose an itinerary with a day there.
