Alaska Cruise Ports (Inside Passage) Guide

The Inside Passage cruise route explores southeastern Alaska’s protected waterways, featuring popular ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Visitors experience glaciers, wildlife viewing, Native Alaskan culture, and historic Gold Rush sites. Most cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver, sailing through scenic fjords and channels while stopping at multiple ports for shore excursions and local attractions.

Quick Facts: Alaska Inside Passage Cruises

Want to know more about choosing the right cruise? Check out our comprehensive guide to Alaska cruises to help you plan your perfect voyage.

Major Port Destinations

Juneau: Alaska’s Capital City

The only U.S. state capital inaccessible by road, Juneau sits at the base of Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts. The city serves as both a government hub and adventure playground with glaciers practically in its backyard.

Must-Do Experiences:

• Mendenhall Glacier – This 13-mile-long glacier is just 12 miles from downtown. Pro tip: The viewing platform gets mobbed by tour buses between 11am-2pm, so aim for early morning or late afternoon.
• Mount Roberts Tramway – The tramway climbs 1,800 feet in six minutes. Once up top, walk past the gift shop to the network of trails where tourists rarely venture.
• Whale watching tours – The waters around Juneau host humpback whales feeding on herring and krill. Book morning tours when whales are most active.
• Tracy Arm Fjord excursions – This narrow fjord features towering cliffs and twin Sawyer Glaciers at its terminus.

Insider Secret: The Alaskan Brewing Company offers free tastings at their brewery. It’s a 15-minute Uber ride from the port and way less crowded than downtown attractions. Their smoked porter is exceptional.

Ketchikan: Totem Pole Capital

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan boasts the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles and more annual rainfall than Seattle. Don’t let the drizzle scare you – Ketchikan locals say if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.

Top Attractions:

• Saxman Native Village – Home to 28 totem poles and active carving workshops where you can watch artists at work
• Creek Street – Historic boardwalk built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek where salmon spawn each summer
• Totem Bight State Historical Park – Quieter than Saxman with stunning ocean views
• Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show – Surprisingly entertaining display of axe throwing, log rolling, and speed climbing

Food Tip: Skip the overpriced tourist restaurants near the dock. Walk 10 minutes uphill to Annabelle’s Keg and Chowder House for legitimately good clam chowder and fish tacos at reasonable prices.

Skagway: Gold Rush Gateway

This tiny town of about 1,100 residents swells to over 8,000 when multiple cruise ships dock simultaneously. Skagway preserves its Klondike Gold Rush heritage better than anywhere else in Alaska, with wooden boardwalks and false-front buildings that look like movie sets but are authentic.

Essential Activities:

• White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad – One of the most scenic train rides on Earth, climbing nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles. Book directly with the railroad months in advance for better rates than cruise excursions.
• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Free ranger-led walking tours depart from the visitor center throughout the day
• Upper Dewey Lake Trail – A challenging 3.5-mile hike that rewards with alpine lake views and solitude
• Red Onion Saloon – Historic brothel turned bar with museum tours of the upstairs “cribs” where ladies of negotiable virtue once worked

Little-Known Fact: Skagway has zero stoplights and only about 8 miles of paved road. You can walk the entire historic downtown in 20 minutes, which means you have time for adventures beyond the main drag.

Sitka: Russian Alaska Heritage

Unlike most Inside Passage ports tucked into protected waters, Sitka faces the open Pacific Ocean. Ships must tender passengers to shore, which means excursion timing matters more here. Sitka served as the capital of Russian America until the Alaska Purchase.

Highlights:

• Russian Bishop’s House – One of only four surviving Russian colonial buildings in North America
• Sitka Sound Science Center – Small facility with touch tanks featuring local marine life including baby octopuses
• Fortress of the Bear – Rescue facility for orphaned brown bear cubs with viewing platforms surprisingly close to these massive animals
• Sitka National Historical Park – Two miles of trails through temperate rainforest with impressive totem poles

Weather Warning: Sitka receives over 90 inches of rain annually. The open ocean exposure means rougher seas and occasional tender cancellations. Always have a backup plan.

Icy Strait Point: Authentic Wilderness Experience

Alaska’s largest privately-owned cruise destination, Icy Strait Point near Hoonah offers the most authentic small-town Alaska experience. The port facility sits in a restored 1912 salmon cannery with everything walkable from the dock.

Unique Offerings:

• ZipRider – The world’s longest zipline drops 1,300 feet over 5,330 feet with speeds reaching 60 mph
• Brown bear viewing at Pack Creek – Some of Alaska’s best bear watching opportunities with experienced guides
• Whale watching – Humpback whale encounters are practically guaranteed in these nutrient-rich waters
• Hoonah village tour – The largest Tlingit village in Alaska offers cultural demonstrations and storytelling

Pro Tip: Icy Strait Point has no major town to explore, so book excursions in advance. The wildlife viewing here consistently outperforms larger ports because fewer ships call here.

Haines: Small Town, Big Adventure

Often overshadowed by flashier ports, Haines delivers an authentic Alaska experience without the cruise ship crowds. Only smaller ships dock here, which means a more relaxed vibe and locals who actually want to chat.

What to Do:

• Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve – Home to the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles in fall and winter
• Fort William H. Seward – Historic Army post with impressive buildings and mountain views
• Chilkat River rafting – Gentle float trips perfect for families
• Hammer Museum – Quirky collection of 2,000+ hammers that’s oddly fascinating

Victoria, BC: British Charm

Many Inside Passage cruises stop at Victoria, British Columbia to comply with the Passenger Vessel Services Act requiring foreign-flagged ships to call at a foreign port. What starts as a legal requirement often becomes a trip highlight.

Top Experiences:

• Butchart Gardens – World-famous 55-acre garden that’s legitimately worth the hype
• Inner Harbour – Stroll the waterfront promenade with street performers and the impressive Parliament Buildings
• High tea at Fairmont Empress – Expensive but quintessentially Victoria experience
• Fisherman’s Wharf – Colorful floating homes and excellent fish and chips at Barb’s

Money Matters: Victoria uses Canadian dollars. Credit cards work everywhere but you’ll get better exchange rates than using ATMs or currency exchanges near the port.

Planning Your Shore Time

Maximizing port days requires strategy beyond just booking random excursions. Our detailed guide to Alaska shore excursions breaks down what to book and when.

Timing Is Everything

Most Alaska cruise ships dock between 7am-8am and depart by 5pm-6pm, giving you roughly 8-10 hours in port. Here’s how to use that time wisely:

• Book the first excursion of the day when possible – You’ll beat the crowds and have flexibility if you finish early
• Allow 90 minutes before all-aboard time – This buffer prevents panic if your excursion runs late or traffic delays your return
• Check tide schedules – Low tides in places like Ketchikan can affect Creek Street accessibility
• Consider walk-up activities – Not everything needs advance booking, especially in smaller ports

Excursion Booking Strategy

The eternal debate: book through the cruise line or independently?

Cruise Line Excursions:

• Guarantee the ship waits if your excursion runs late
• Vetted vendors with insurance and safety standards
• Easy booking and customer service
• Significantly more expensive (often 30-50% markup)
• Larger group sizes

Independent Excursions:

• Better prices and more options
• Smaller groups and personalized experiences
• Support local businesses directly
• Ship won’t wait if you’re late
• You handle all arrangements and contingencies

The Compromise: Book independent tours with companies that specialize in cruise passengers and guarantee ship-time returns. Many reputable Alaska operators offer this assurance.

What to Pack for Port Days

Alaska weather is famously unpredictable. You might experience four seasons in a single port day, so layering is essential.

The Essential Daypack

• Waterproof jacket – Not water-resistant, actually waterproof with sealed seams
• Fleece or down layer – Even in summer, glacier tours get cold
• Comfortable waterproof shoes – Hiking boots are overkill; trail runners work great
• Small backpack or crossbody bag – Keep hands free for photos and railings
• Reusable water bottle – Alaska tap water is excellent and many places have refill stations
• Sunglasses and sunscreen – The sun reflects intensely off water and ice
• Binoculars – Wildlife appears when you least expect it
• Phone charging bank – You’ll take hundreds of photos

What NOT to Bring

• Umbrella – Useless in Alaska wind; stick with a hooded jacket
• Heavy luggage – Leave everything you don’t need on the ship
• Expensive jewelry – You’re going on wilderness adventures, not Broadway
• Cotton clothing – Takes forever to dry in damp Alaska air

Dining and Local Flavors

Ship food is convenient but port dining offers tastes you can’t get anywhere else. Alaska specializes in seafood so fresh it was probably swimming that morning.

What to Try

• Wild Alaskan salmon – Five species run at different times: king, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum
• Dungeness crab – Sweet and delicate, best simply steamed
• Halibut – Mild white fish that can grow over 400 pounds
• Spot prawns – Similar to shrimp but sweeter
• Reindeer sausage – Lean and slightly gamey, often served as hot dogs
• Smoked salmon strips – Perfect portable snack
• Alaskan brewing – Several excellent craft breweries in port towns

Restaurant Reality

Tourist-trap restaurants cluster near every cruise dock with identical menus and inflated prices. Walk 10 minutes in any direction and prices drop by 30% while quality increases. Ask your excursion guide where they eat – locals know the good spots.

Wildlife Watching Tips

The Inside Passage ranks among Earth’s best wildlife viewing destinations. Humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, sea otters, seals, sea lions, black bears, brown bears, and mountain goats all call these waters and shores home.

Maximize Your Chances

• Scan the horizon constantly – Wildlife appears suddenly and disappears quickly
• Look for bird activity – Diving seabirds often indicate whales feeding below
• Early morning excursions – Animals are most active at dawn
• Bring binoculars – Even cheap ones beat squinting
• Stay quiet – Loud voices carry across water and spook wildlife
• Be patient – Nature operates on its own schedule

Photography Basics

You don’t need professional camera gear for great wildlife shots, but a few techniques help:

• Burst mode captures action sequences
• Zoom only as much as needed – Digital zoom degrades quality
• Stabilize yourself against railings to reduce blur
• Focus on the eyes when photographing animals
• Take landscape shots too – Not every photo needs an animal
• Put the camera down sometimes – Experience moments without a screen

Cultural Considerations

Alaska’s Native cultures including Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples have inhabited the Inside Passage for over 10,000 years. Their art, traditions, and communities remain vibrant throughout the region.

Respectful Tourism

• Purchase authentic Native art directly from artists when possible – Look for certificates of authenticity
• Ask permission before photographing people, ceremonies, or private property
• Listen more than you talk during cultural presentations
• Understand that totem poles are not religious objects but historical records and family crests
• Support Native-owned businesses and tour companies

Art Buying Guide

Alaska Native art is gorgeous but expensive for good reason. Authentic pieces represent hundreds of hours of skilled work using traditional techniques.

• Legitimate galleries provide artist names, tribal affiliations, and authenticity certificates
• Mass-produced “Native-style” items often come from overseas factories
• Silver and gold jewelry should have hallmarks
• Ask about the story behind pieces – authentic sellers happily explain symbolism
• Budget accordingly – Quality Native art costs more than cruise ship trinkets but lasts forever

Choosing Your Cruise Line

Not all Alaska cruises offer identical experiences. Our comprehensive guide to Alaska cruise lines compares the major operators, but here’s a quick overview.

Large Ship Lines

Princess, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity dominate Alaska cruising with ships carrying 2,000-4,000 passengers.

Advantages:

• More onboard amenities and entertainment
• Generally lower per-day costs
• Extensive excursion options
• Family-friendly facilities

Drawbacks:

• Crowded ports when multiple large ships dock simultaneously
• Less flexibility in itineraries
• Can’t access smaller ports
• Assembly-line feel during embarkation and tendering

Small Ship Options

UnCruise Adventures, Lindblad-National Geographic, and American Cruise Lines operate vessels carrying 50-200 passengers.

Advantages:

• Access to remote anchorages and narrow waterways
• More wildlife viewing opportunities
• Expedition-style exploration with naturalist guides
• Intimate atmosphere and personalized service

Drawbacks:

• Significantly higher per-day costs
• Fewer onboard amenities
• More susceptible to rough seas
• Limited entertainment options

Cruisetours: Combining Land and Sea

If you’re traveling all the way to Alaska, consider extending your cruise with land exploration. Our guide to Alaska cruise tours details how to combine cruising with interior destinations.

Popular Cruisetour Destinations

• Denali National Park – See North America’s tallest peak (weather permitting) and abundant wildlife
• Fairbanks – Midnight sun, gold mining history, and authentic frontier character
• Anchorage – Alaska’s largest city with excellent museums and restaurants
• Kenai Peninsula – World-class fishing and additional glacier viewing

Logistics to Consider

Cruisetours add complexity to travel planning:

• One-way cruises require flying into one port and out of another
• Land portions typically involve motorcoach travel between destinations
• Denali hotels book up early – reserve well in advance
• Weather can affect interior Alaska more dramatically than coastal areas
• Budget extra time for potential delays or weather issues

Money Matters

Budgeting Beyond the Cruise Fare

That advertised cruise price covers your cabin and meals, but numerous additional costs add up quickly:

• Excursions: $100-400 per person per port
• Specialty dining: $25-75 per person
• Alcoholic beverages: $8-15 per drink
• Gratuities: $14-18 per person per day
• Photos: $20-30 per print or $200-300 for packages
• Spa services: $100-300 per treatment
• WiFi: $15-30 per day or $100-200 per cruise
• Shopping: However much self-control you have

Saving Money Without Sacrificing Experience

• Book early for best cabin selection and pricing
• Travel shoulder season (May or September) for lower rates and fewer crowds
• Bring your own binoculars instead of renting
• Skip the beverage package if you’re not a heavy drinker
• Mix cruise excursions with independent exploration
• Pack snacks for port days instead of buying overpriced food near docks
• Download port maps before losing WiFi
• Bring a refillable water bottle

Bonus Tips From Seasoned Alaska Cruisers

The Ship as a Destination

Sea days on the Inside Passage rival port days for scenery. Don’t sleep in or hide in the casino when you’re cruising through places like Tracy Arm or Glacier Bay.

• Set alarms for early morning passages – Dawn light on mountains and glaciers is magical
• The open decks get cold and windy but offer infinitely better views than indoor observation lounges
• Bring coffee or hot chocolate from the buffet to sip while viewing
• Rangers board ships for Glacier Bay narration – Their commentary is excellent
• The stern often has fewer people than the bow but equal views

Health and Safety

• Motion sickness affects people differently – Bring medication if you’re susceptible
• Hand sanitizer is your friend on ships with thousands of passengers
• Stay hydrated – Dry ship air and busy port days dehydrate you faster than normal
• Break in shoes before the cruise – Blisters ruin port days
• Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days – Alaska sun reflects intensely off water

Communication

• Cell service is spotty and expensive when roaming in Alaska
• WiFi packages vary widely in cost and reliability between cruise lines
• Download offline maps for port cities before losing connectivity
• Consider walkie-talkies if traveling with family who wants to split up
• Most ships provide daily schedules and port information – Read them

Environmental Responsibility

Alaska’s pristine environment deserves protection. Be a responsible visitor:

• Take only photos, leave only footprints (on designated trails)
• Dispose of trash properly – Never throw anything overboard
• Respect wildlife viewing distances – Getting too close stresses animals
• Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and habitat damage
• Support businesses with sustainable practices
• Consider carbon offset programs for your travel

Complete Planning Resources

Overwhelmed by all the options? Our comprehensive Alaska cruise planning guide walks you through every decision from choosing your sailing date to packing your bags.

Booking Timeline

Alaska cruises sell out early, especially for popular sailing dates. Here’s when to book what:

Travel Insurance

Alaska’s remote location makes travel insurance worth serious consideration. Medical evacuations from wilderness areas cost tens of thousands of dollars. Weather delays can cascade into missed connections and additional hotel nights. Trip cancellation protection matters more for Alaska cruises than Caribbean sailings.

Look for policies covering:

• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Emergency medical and evacuation
• Travel delays and missed connections
• Baggage loss or delay
• Pre-existing condition waivers if applicable

Common Questions and FAQ

Do I need a passport for an Inside Passage cruise?

It depends on your itinerary. Round-trip cruises from Seattle or Vancouver that only visit Alaska and Canada don’t legally require passports for U.S. citizens, though you’ll need proper identification like an enhanced driver’s license and birth certificate. However, passports are strongly recommended because if you need to fly home early due to emergency, you’ll need one. One-way cruises or itineraries that don’t visit a foreign port require passports.

What’s the best month to cruise Alaska?

June through August offers warmest weather and longest daylight hours, but May and September provide fewer crowds and lower prices. May features snow-capped mountains and spring wildlife activity. September brings fall colors and salmon runs that attract bears. Each month has distinct advantages depending on your priorities.

How formal is dress code on Alaska cruises?

Alaska cruises skew more casual than Caribbean sailings. Most ships have 1-2 formal nights where suits or cocktail dresses are suggested, but many passengers interpret this loosely. Port attire is universally casual – save fancy clothes for the ship. Pack nice jeans and a collared shirt for the dressiest shore dining.

Can I see the Northern Lights on an Inside Passage cruise?

Extremely unlikely. Aurora viewing requires dark skies that don’t occur in Alaska’s Inside Passage during cruise season (May-September). Summer nights never get truly dark. Northern Lights peak in winter when cruise ships don’t operate. For aurora viewing, visit Fairbanks in winter.

Will I get seasick on an Inside Passage cruise?

The Inside Passage lives up to its name with protected waters significantly calmer than open ocean. Most people don’t experience seasickness. The crossing from Vancouver to Alaska and the stretch to Sitka can get bumpy if weather turns rough. Ships also cross some open water sections. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication and book a midship cabin on a lower deck.

How much should I tip in Alaska ports?

Standard U.S. tipping guidelines apply in Alaska: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $5-10 for tour guides depending on length and quality. In Victoria, tipping customs follow Canadian standards, which are similar. You’ll pay cruise ship gratuities separately according to cruise line policies.

Are excursions really necessary or can I explore on my own?

Depends entirely on the port and your interests. Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway have plenty of walkable attractions within a mile of the pier. Sitka requires transportation since ships tender passengers to town. Icy Strait Point offers little beyond organized excursions. For glacier viewing, wildlife tours, and backcountry adventures, excursions are necessary. For cultural sites and downtown exploration, independent exploring works great.

What happens if weather cancels my excursion?

Through cruise lines, you typically receive a refund or credit if they cancel due to weather. Independent operators have varying policies – check before booking. Helicopter tours most frequently cancel for weather (fog, low clouds, high winds). Always have a backup plan, especially in Sitka where tendering itself can be cancelled.

Is Alaska cruise suitable for young children?

Absolutely, though excursion options matter more than ship choice. Long boat rides bore toddlers. Active excursions like panning for gold, easy wildlife viewing, and the lumberjack show entertain kids well. Teens often love kayaking, zip lines, and more adventurous options. Ships offer kids clubs, but the real entertainment is outside. Consider cruise timing around school schedules and child development stages.

How close do ships get to glaciers?

In Glacier Bay, ships typically approach within a quarter mile of tidewater glaciers – close enough to hear them crack and see calving events. Tracy Arm Fjord offers similar proximity. Excursions to glaciers like Mendenhall put you even closer on foot. Safety regulations prevent getting too close due to calving dangers and wave effects.

Personal Experience

We took our first Alaska cruise last summer, and honestly, nothing prepared us for how incredible the Inside Passage would be. The itinerary hit all the major ports – Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan – and each one had its own completely different vibe. Juneau surprised us the most because we squeezed in both a whale watching tour in the morning and made it to Mendenhall Glacier in the afternoon. The whale watching was unreal – we saw humpbacks breaching so close to the boat that everyone just went silent. In Skagway, we skipped the typical White Pass train (though it looked amazing) and did a bike tour instead, which let us cover way more ground and stop whenever we wanted.

Ketchikan turned out to be our favorite stop, mainly because we wandered away from the main shopping area near the dock and found this tiny smoked salmon shop where the owner was actually smoking fish out back. We ended up chatting with him for almost an hour about fishing seasons and life in Alaska. The totem poles at Saxman Village were worth the short drive too. One thing I’d definitely recommend is booking excursions early – like, the moment you book your cruise – because the good ones fill up fast. The scenery between ports might actually be better than the stops themselves. We spent hours just standing on deck with coffee, watching glaciers and mountains drift by. Pack layers though, because the weather shifts constantly.