Cruise Ship Passenger Departure Port Guide to Nome, Alaska

What Cruise Lines Operate from The Port

A few expedition cruise lines stop at Nome in the summer, mainly between June and September. Silversea Cruises and Ponant run Arctic trips that start or finish here. Hurtigruten Expeditions also uses Nome as a major stop for their Northwest Passage journeys.

If you fancy booking, you’ll notice these companies use smaller expedition vessels rather than big cruise ships, as Nome’s port can’t handle larger ones. The ships that come here typically carry between 100-250 passengers. These Arctic cruises generally link Nome with stops in Russia, Canada, or other bits of Alaska. Since Nome only works as a cruise port in summer, you’ll need to time your trip for those few months when ships can safely travel the Bering Sea.

Cruise Destinations from The Port

From its spot on Alaska’s western coast, Nome serves as your starting point for remarkable Arctic cruises. You’ll sail through the Bering Strait into the Arctic Ocean, with chances to pop into far-flung Alaskan villages and spots in the Russian Far East. Most trips from Nome are expedition-style journeys lasting 10-14 days.

• Sail past the Arctic Circle and explore the Northwest Passage, visiting places like Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow) and Canadian Arctic settlements
• Stop at Siberian coastal towns like Provideniya and Chukotka to see the unique Russian Far East way of life
• Float through the clear waters around St. Lawrence Island, where you might spot walruses, seabirds, and even polar bears

You can only take these routes during the short summer season from June through September.

Why Choose This Port for Your Cruise Departure?

If you fancy Arctic exploration, Nome is a brilliant starting point for your cruise. You’ll set off from a proper Alaskan frontier town where gold rush tales and modern Arctic journeys come together. The port’s spot on the southern Seward Peninsula puts you right where you need to be for Northwest Passage trips and spotting rare wildlife.

The smaller port here means fewer crowds than the big cruise terminals, so boarding feels more relaxed and personal. Starting from Nome gives you a proper advantage – your ship’s already near the Bering Strait, saving precious sailing time. Being right next to untouched wilderness means you’re straight into Alaska’s raw beauty, with chances to see polar bears, walruses, and whales from your first day at sea.

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Nome’s cruise port takes a bit of planning since you can only reach it mainly by air. Alaska Airlines runs daily flights from Anchorage to Nome Airport, and it’s about a 90-minute journey. Once you land, it’s just a 10-minute taxi journey to the port. There aren’t any trains to Nome, but you can drive there in winter using the Nome-Council Road when it’s frozen and properly maintained.

• Nome Airport (OME) has several daily flights, and you’ll find car hire, taxis and shuttle services at the terminal
• Local taxis run all day and night, and it costs about £12 from the airport to port
• In summer, you can only get to Nome by air or sea, as there aren’t any roads linking it to Alaska’s main highway system throughout the year

Port Parking Options

Parking is a bit tight at Nome’s cruise port, with just a small public car park near the docks. The main port car park has about 50 spaces and costs £12 per day. Best to get there early, as it gets packed during cruise season.

When the main car park is full, you can park at the Nome Recreation Centre, which sits 1.2 miles from the port. They run a shuttle bus to the cruise terminal every half hour. The overflow car park is £8 per day – just remember to put your parking ticket on your dashboard.

If you need to park for several days, Nome Airport’s secure car park might be your best bet. They have covered parking at £16 per day with round-the-clock security cameras and a free shuttle bus to the port.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around Nome is pretty straightforward, with several ways to reach the cruise terminal beyond the car parks. Taxis line up at Nome Airport – you’ll pay about £12-16 for a ride to the port. Local shuttle buses need booking ahead but will take you door-to-port for roughly £20 per person. Many Nome hotels throw in free port transfers if you’ve booked a cruise package with them.

• Nome Checker Cab runs non-stop with vehicles built for harsh Arctic weather
• Arctic Transportation Services has shuttles running every half hour on cruise boarding days
• Hotel courtesy buses show cruise company badges and collect guests three hours before sailing

It’s worth sorting out your transport plans at least a day before your cruise leaves to avoid any last-minute rush.

Port Terminal Facilities

The Nome Cruise Terminal stands apart from other Arctic ports thanks to its up-to-date facilities and weather protection. Inside, you’ll spot a warm waiting room with comfy seats for 200 people, proper loos, and Wi-Fi that works everywhere. There’s a special area for your bags before you get on board.

Fancy a cuppa? You can grab hot drinks and snacks at the small café, or use the vending machines for drinks and nibbles. Local tourism staff at the information desk are happy to help with any questions. You’ll notice signs in different languages throughout, and there’s a covered walkway straight to your ship – rather useful given Nome’s tricky weather when it’s time to board.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Making the most of your time before setting sail from Nome? The port’s got good facilities, but having a look around town beforehand will add loads to your Arctic cruise. Nome’s got quite a story to tell, with its Gold Rush past and Inuit heritage – and plenty to see within an easy walk from the terminal.

Worth a visit before you board:

• Pop into the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum to learn about Nome’s gold mining story, see native items and old photos showing how the place changed from a gold rush town to an important Arctic centre
• Take a stroll down Front Street – you can buy native crafts, browse local art shops and spot old bits and bobs from the mining days
• Nip over to Anvil City Square to see North America’s biggest gold pan and get some snaps with the “Three Lucky Swedes” statue – these blokes helped start it all in Nome

Dining and Shopping

Fancy eating out in Nome? You’ll find a good mix of local Alaskan food and casual American grub, with most places to eat sitting along Front Street by the port. Airport Pizza and Milano’s Restaurant serve up fresh-caught seafood like king crab and halibut. If you want something quick, pop into Polar Café for their filling soups and sarnies.

For shopping, you’ll see loads of genuine Native Alaskan art and crafts. Maruskiya’s gift shop has brilliant traditional ivory carvings, fur clothes, and handmade jewellery. Nome Exploration Tours’ shop sells locally made qiviut scarves and native artwork. Need everyday bits and bobs? Head to Nome’s general stores like Nome Outfitters and AC Value Center – brilliant for grabbing snacks, toiletries, or any winter gear you might have left behind.

Accommodation

Nome has quite a few good places to stay near the port. You’ll spot everything from simple hotels to old buildings that have been turned into lovely inns. Most places are an easy walk from the cruise terminal, which is brilliant if you’re catching a ship or just getting off one.

• Aurora Inn & Suites comes with modern rooms done up in Arctic style, a free airport shuttle, and tea/coffee makers in each room
• Dredge No. 7 Inn is set in an old gold rush building with rustic-style rooms, each with its own bathroom and satellite telly
• Nome Nugget Inn sits right on Front Street looking over the port, with freshly done-up rooms and its own restaurant

If you want the best prices and room choice, it’s worth booking about three months before your cruise sets off, especially in the busy summer months when ships are coming and going all the time.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Got your cabin sorted? Here’s what you need to know for your first cruise from Nome’s port. Bring plenty of warm clothes – even in summer the Arctic weather can turn nippy without warning. It’s best to arrive a day early since Nome’s weather often plays up and causes flight delays.

Keep your important bits – passport, cruise papers and ID – in a waterproof container. Get Nome’s local map on your mobile before you go, as the mobile signal near the port isn’t brilliant. Sort out your money beforehand because Nome hasn’t got many cash points. Bring travel sickness tablets – the Bering Sea can get rather rough. Book your ride to the port well ahead of time, as Nome’s taxis are few and far between, especially when cruise ships are in. Have a look at what you’re not allowed to bring on board to avoid any bother at security.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Before getting on your Arctic cruise, you’ll need to go through customs and immigration at Nome’s port terminal. Make sure you have your passport and filled-in customs declaration form with you. It usually takes 30-45 minutes, but it might take longer in the busy summer sailing months. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staff will look over your paperwork and carry out security checks.

• CBP officers work at set checkpoints inside the terminal, where they’ll scan your passport and look at your customs form
• You’ll have to put all your bags through X-ray machines and walk through metal detectors
• If you’re bringing any food or biological items, you must tell staff at the agricultural inspection point

Keep your travel documents handy and follow the signs to make your customs visit quicker and smoother.

Local Currency & Payment Options

You’ll want U.S. dollars whilst visiting Nome’s port. Most shops and restaurants take Visa and Mastercard, but it’s smart to have cash handy for smaller sellers and tipping. You can get cash from ATMs at Wells Fargo on Front Street or Alaska Commercial Company – both an easy walk from the port.

At the port, quite a few local artists and craft sellers only take cash for their handmade bits and pieces. If you fancy buying genuine Native Alaskan art or crafts, bring extra cash as they can be rather pricey. Nome isn’t duty-free, but you won’t need to faff about with currency exchange since everything’s priced in U.S. dollars. Most places show their prices clearly in USD.

Emergency Contacts

It’s crucial to have local currency handy, but knowing the right emergency numbers whilst in Nome’s port could be a real lifesaver. Pop these numbers in your mobile and jot them down on a card for your wallet. Nome’s main emergency dispatch handles police, fire and medical calls through one number: (907) 443-5262. If it’s not urgent, ring the Nome Visitor Centre at (907) 443-6555.

• Norton Sound Regional Hospital is open round-the-clock and sits just 1.2 miles from the port at 1000 Greg Kruschek Avenue
• Nome Police Department has a station near the harbour at 102 Front Street
• U.S. Coast Guard works seasonally here – you can reach them via the emergency dispatch number

Remember to tell your cruise ship’s guest services if anything goes wrong – they’ll work with local authorities to sort things out.

Port Terminal Layout

The Port of Nome terminal is a no-frills, single-storey building with separate doors marked for arrivals and departures. Walk through the departure entrance and you’ll spot the check-in counters straight ahead, where four staff members process passengers. The place to drop your luggage is on the left, where porters label and collect bags before loading them onto ships.

Inside, there’s a modest waiting area that fits 50 people, loos in the northeast corner, and a simple snack kiosk. The security screening sits between check-in and the covered walkway to your ship. Need help? Pop by the information desk next to the main entrance. If you require a wheelchair, you’ll find this service at the western end of the building.

History of The Port

Nome’s port kicked off in 1901 as a small gold rush stop for steamships bringing in fortune hunters. Over more than 100 years, it’s grown quite a bit from those busy days when gold seekers packed the beaches. The port became rather important during World War II, serving as a supply base for military work in the Aleutian Islands – that’s when they made lots of improvements to the place.

You can still spot bits of history around the port:

• The original gold rush warehouses are still standing, now used for storage and as museums
• The ‘Gold Run’ pier, done up again in 1946, shifted tonnes of mining gear in its day
• The Pioneer Navigation Monument sits where the first steamships dropped anchor

These days, the port mixes old with new – modern cruise ship facilities sit alongside the old buildings that tell tales of Alaska’s golden years.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Since starting its Green Port Initiative in 2015, Nome’s port has kicked off several eco-friendly programmes to protect Alaska’s pristine waters. You’ll spot solar-powered lighting across the terminal and recycling points at every dock. The port’s clever cold-ironing system allows cruise ships to plug into shore power, cutting down emissions whilst they’re moored.

The terminal has water refill points that help reduce single-use plastic waste. The port also follows strict wastewater management rules and keeps a spill response team ready round the clock. If you’d like to know more, pop into the port’s environmental education centre, where hands-on displays show current air and water quality measurements. The port also looks after marine wildlife, with seasonal speed limits and special whale-watching areas.

Cruise Packages and Deals from The Port

Clever travellers can find brilliant deals sailing from Nome’s port all year round. You’ll spot excellent savings on Arctic expedition cruises, especially during quieter times in late spring and early fall. Big cruise lines like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean have package deals that include pre-cruise lodging in Nome and regional flight connections.

• Get up to 30% off last-minute bookings for Northwest Passage voyages between June and August
• Receive free upgrades when you book winter Northern Lights cruises six months ahead
• Add land tours to Denali National Park to your cruise for savings up to £900 per couple

Ring the Nome Port Authority’s cruise desk or your travel agent to find exclusive port departure deals and seasonal promotions you won’t see online.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The Nome Cruise Terminal has plenty of accessibility features for passengers who have trouble getting around. You’ll spot wheelchair ramps at every entrance, lifts to reach all floors, and disabled parking bays right by the main doors. The terminal gives free wheelchair help from when you arrive until you board your ship.

If you need extra assistance, give your cruise line a ring at least 72 hours before you set off. They’ll sort out priority boarding and help with your bags. The terminal’s team includes trained staff who can lend a hand with mobility equipment, and there are accessible loos throughout the building.

You’ll also find guide strips on the floor for people with visual impairments and hearing loops at all information desks. Service animals are welcome, and they can use the relief areas near the terminal entrance.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Medical Setup at Nome Cruise Terminal and Medical Cover

You’ll find a first aid station with staff and a pharmacy for any medicines you need at the last minute. Medical staff are around whenever ships leave and can help with basic health problems. It’s a good idea to get cruise insurance before you go, since local medical places might not take your usual health cover.

• Norton Sound Regional Hospital is just 1.2 miles away from the port, with round-the-clock emergency care
• There’s an ambulance station right next to the cruise terminal for quick help
• The port’s medical team can sort out swift hospital transfers if you need one

Have a look at your cruise line’s suggested insurance firms – they tend to have special cover for Arctic trips and getting poorly people out of far-away places.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

The Nome cruise terminal is great for families with kids needing to kill time before their ship leaves. There’s a brilliant play zone with loads of toys and games for little ones aged 3-12. All the family loos have baby-changing stations and special steps so children can reach the sinks.

If anyone gets peckish, there’s a small café with child-friendly food and snacks, plus vending machines stocked with juice boxes and wholesome nibbles. The waiting area has a telly corner showing kids’ programmes and interesting bits about Alaska’s wildlife. You can use the free Wi-Fi to grab some entertainment for the children’s tablets and phones before you set sail.

The terminal’s team includes proper childcare experts who can help families with any special requirements or sort out problems whilst you’re waiting to board.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

The cruise terminal in Nome is packed with cultural treats. You’ll be right in the middle of Alaska Native culture, where Inupiaq artists show off their traditional crafts and tell tales about their family history. Pop into the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum near the port to learn about Nome’s gold rush days and see native artefacts.

• Catch local groups performing their traditional dances at the Nome Mini Convention Centre – they sing songs that have been in their families for ages
• Browse the craft market for genuine Native Alaskan art – you’ll spot carved ivory pieces, clothes made from seal skin, and woven baskets
• If you’re about in June, join the Midnight Sun Festival when the sun stays up all day. There are street fairs, gold panning competitions, and traditional games to keep you busy

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

The best time to sail from port is during summer – June to August. You’ll find temperatures ranging from 4-16°C and brilliant long days, with up to 21 hours of sunlight in June. These conditions are brilliant for spotting wildlife and going ashore.

September brings chances to see the Northern Lights, though it’s a bit colder and wetter. The port stays clear of ice in these months, so ships can come and go reliably. It’s best to avoid winter cruises from October through May – sea ice makes sailing impossible and it’s properly cold then. May can be a bit touch-and-go with ice breaking up, so early June departures might be slightly delayed now and then.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I See the Northern Lights During Port Stops From Nome?

During summer port visits to Nome, seeing the Northern Lights isn’t really possible because it’s too light outside. If you’re keen to catch them, try visiting in September when the nights have gone a bit darker.

What Wildlife Can Be Spotted From Cruise Ships Leaving Nome?

During summer months (when nearly half of Nome’s whale spotting happens), you’ve got brilliant chances of seeing grey whales, orcas and seals bobbing about. Keep your eyes peeled for walruses, sea otters, bald eagles and puffins as you sail along the Bering Sea.

How Rough Are the Waters Typically Around Nome During Cruising Season?

The waters near Nome tend to be at their quietest during the summer cruising months (June to August). Still, you’ll get your fair share of waves and swells in the Bering Sea, with things getting a bit rougher in the afternoons.

Are Survival Suits Required on Nome-Departure Cruises Through Arctic Waters?

Safety first, mate! You’ll need survival suits when sailing through Arctic waters from Nome – maritime law says so. Your vessel will sort you out with them during safety drills, and they’re a must-have for any emergencies in those freezing waters.

Do Local Native Alaskan Communities Offer Cultural Presentations Aboard Nome Cruises?

Local Inupiaq and Yupik people often come aboard Nome cruises to share their culture. You’ll see them performing traditional dances, telling stories and showing their crafts. It’s a brilliant way to learn about Alaska Native life and traditions straight from the community.