Planning to cruise to Alaska? I will share my experience to inspire you to explore some of the ports of calls. Let’s start with Ketchikan and soon we will be coming alongside the next ports of call.
Ketchikan is normally the first stop for most of the cruise lines that do the Alaskan season. The city has actually the nickname “The first city” due to it, however is also know as the Salmon city, which will take us back to the history of the fishing Industry which was the most important economic product in the first decades of the last century.
The cruise ships dock right alongside the city. There are four berths and no mater at which your ship is, all are in walking distance from the city. Of course berth 1 and 2 are right in front of the main street, the shopping street. In front of berth 2 is also the information Center where independent information is abailable in case you would like to explore the place on your own.
The city is actually very small and easy to be explored. You will not need much time and it is easily coordinated with a shore excursion to experience some of the highlights of the place. The town offers great shopping options: from souvenirs, Christmas decoration, local art galleries, canned salmon shops.
Hungry? An excellent option is the Fish House next to the Lumberjack Show, in front of berth one. There, my favorite dish is Halibut with french fries. They have also draft beers. There are also some nice options for lunch or snacks at the creek street which is 5 to 8 minutes walking from the Fish House.
The Creek Street is one of major attractions in the town. It is one of the most photographed places and during the salmon run it is possible to observe the fish finish their circle up this Creek. Actually this Creek has a very famous phrase which reveals her foundation and history: “only place where fish and man went up the stream to spawn, man more than once”! Curious? There is a Museum to learn more: Dolly’s House.
To experience more, organized shore excursions are availed on-board your ship. Some great suggestions to combine with the independent exploration of the town are:
•Adventure – strenuous in the physical activity level: kayaking, canoeing, fishing and hiking. These options offer the opportunity to learn more about the local flora: typical vegetation and fauna: eagles, bears, dears, for example. There are available different options of fishing tours that offer even lunch specially prepared with the fresh fish that you just caught.
•Cultural – easy to moderate in the physical activity level – Totem Park to learn about the culture of the natives. You may find this tour combined with the Lumberjack Show which is recommended for all ages. This show is very entertaining and in a ludicrous Form shows the skills required by the workers in the lumber industry that was very important in the first decades of the XX century.
•Top Adventures – easy to moderate in the physical activity level. Here you can choose different seaplane flights. My favorite is the combination of a flight over the town towards George Inlet with great views of the Tongass National Park and surrounding small islands and inlets with the crab feast. You can eat as much as you can but don’t forget there is cheesecake for desert. Another option is a seaplane flight without food, which offers amazing views. The flights are narrated and all have a window seat. If you are there in July and August, there are seaplane flights to see bears, like to Neats Bay and to Prince of Wales.
Now it is time to board “ all onboard” and our next port of call will be Wrangell.
