Which ports does an Alaska cruise visit? Princess says its Inside Passage sailings often stop at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Icy Strait Point, and Holland America names Seward among its popular ports. Some itineraries add Haines, and Princess runs one-way sailings that begin or end in Whittier. Each one gives you a different day, from totem poles and gold rush saloons to a tram ride above the capital city.
This guide goes port by port through what Princess, Holland America and Royal Caribbean say on their own Alaska pages, then covers the glacier days that fill the gaps between stops. For choosing a sailing, start with our Alaska cruise tips for first-timers, and for ships and routes see best Alaska cruises.
Ketchikan
Holland America calls Ketchikan the "Salmon Capital," a place defined by totem heritage and rainforest scenery. Royal Caribbean places it at the southern tip of the Inside Passage and points to fishing and nearby Misty Fjords National Monument, plus the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures.
Princess says most ships dock downtown, within walking distance of historic Creek Street and the city's totem poles. Depending on the day and how many ships are in port, some anchor and use tenders, so the walk or shuttle into town can be longer.
Juneau
Juneau is the state capital, and Royal Caribbean notes it's reachable only by sea or air. It's also the main gateway to Mendenhall Glacier, which you can see by flightseeing tour, by kayak or on a dog sled ride over the ice. Holland America adds whale watching, gondola views, trails, and dining and shops steps from the dock.
Princess says ships dock at the Franklin Dock, the Cruise Ship Terminal on South Franklin Street, or the Alaska Steam Dock on Marine Way, depending on conditions. Princess says all of them are right by the Goldbelt Tram and close to the excursions that head to Mendenhall.
Skagway
Skagway is the Klondike gold rush town. Holland America describes swinging-door saloons and the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, and Royal Caribbean mentions old-fashioned street cars and rafting on Lynn Canal. Princess says ships berth near the historic downtown, with quick access to the railway and the Klondike-era landmarks.
Our Skagway port guide covers the docks, the town bus and the excursions in detail.
Sitka
Sitka is where Russian and Tlingit history meet. Holland America points to St. Michael's Cathedral, the totem-lined trails of Sitka National Historical Park, and sea otters and raptors along the coast. Princess lists the Alaska Raptor Center, the Fortress of the Bear sanctuary and the Sitka Sound Science Center among its excursions.
Princess says its ships dock at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal or downtown, and occasionally anchor offshore and tender guests in.
Icy Strait Point
Holland America describes Icy Strait Point as a Native-owned destination near Hoonah, with Tlingit cultural experiences, whale watching, bear viewing, ziplines and shoreline trails. Princess adds humpback whales off Point Adolphus and a cultural center in Hoonah, which it calls Alaska's largest Tlingit community, with traditional dance and storytelling.
Princess says its ships dock right at the privately developed port area, which also has trails, shops and adventure excursions.
Haines
Haines pairs small-town charm with the eagle-rich Chilkat Valley, according to Holland America. Princess lists the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, the Hammer Museum with more than 2,000 tools, the Fort William H. Seward district and kayaking at Chilkoot Lake.
Princess says its ships dock along the Port Chilkoot pier, within walking distance of Fort Seward and the waterfront.
Whittier and Seward
Princess says some of its one-way sailings begin or end in Whittier, and that guests combining the cruise with a land tour often choose them. Princess says its Whittier port sits just off the highway and next to the railroad line leading toward Anchorage and Denali. Holland America calls Whittier the doorstep to Prince William Sound's glaciers.
Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords, and Holland America says it has rail or road links inland toward Anchorage and Denali. Holland America also mentions Exit Glacier access and harbor cruises, and Royal Caribbean describes Kenai Fjords National Park as home to mountain goats, bears, sea lions and whales. If you're weighing a land add-on, our cruisetour comparison lays it out.
Glacier Days and Scenic Cruising
Between ports, many itineraries include scenic cruising in a fjord or bay, where you watch the glaciers from the ship. Royal Caribbean says a balcony gives you front-row views of calving glaciers.
- Glacier Bay: Holland America describes a UNESCO-listed sanctuary of tidewater glaciers with ranger narration. Royal Caribbean says the National Park Service limits entry to the park, and says you can visit Glacier Bay before or after your Alaska cruise.
- Hubbard Glacier: Holland America calls it North America's largest tidewater glacier, with a towering face and thunderous calving.
- Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier: a steep-walled fjord where Holland America says harbor seals rest on floating ice.
- College Fjord: a glacier-lined amphitheater in Prince William Sound. Princess says its glaciers are named after Ivy League and women's colleges.
Princess lists Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier and Dawes Glacier as options depending on the itinerary, and Royal Caribbean names Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord.
Checking Your Own Itinerary
Holland America names Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Seward and Skagway among its popular ports, and says some itineraries reach more remote ports such as Homer or Kodiak. Your ship's exact stops and glacier day depend on the sailing you book, so read the itinerary page before you plan excursions. Royal Caribbean also notes that passports may be required for some excursions that cross into Canada.
Pick the sailing first, then match your excursions to its ports. Our packing list helps with the rest.
