Article written by: Cindy Bokma
It is quickly approaching Alaskan cruise season and I am thrilled that thousands of people will be visiting and enjoying this beautiful state. I wanted to share the best Alaskan Cruise Ports excursions to enjoy and not to be missed based on my many visits to our 49th state while on a cruise.
We have been on both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines and have left from both Vancouver and Seattle. I recommend leaving from either port. I recommend flying in a day or two early to your departure port city and give a cushion in case something goes wrong whether it’s a flight delay or lousy weather.
Below are my Always5Star tips of what you can enjoy in each port.
🌟 Seattle:
Seattle is lively and an exciting city with many things to do so you will have time to get a jump start on your vacation!
If you are leaving from Seattle, a day or two spent downtown will give you a fantastic beginning to your vacation. I like staying in the middle of the city so I can walk out of the hotel and immediately be in the hustle and bustle.
5StarTip🌟:
There are three luxury hotels that (Pam) Always5Star personally recommends staying at in Seattle, Washington before or after your cruise:
Grand Hyatt Seattle 
Fairmont Olympic Seattle 
Four Seasons Spa Seattle
Pikes Place Market
A visit to the iconic Pike Place Market is a must! Everywhere you look, something is going on from the gum wall to the fishmongers tossing fish, to the fresh flowers, plus the fruits, and vegetables on display.
Space Needle
While in Seattle, it was fun going to the top of the Space Needle, the view is unparalleled. We did a harbor cruise and enjoyed seeing the city from the water. This is a relaxing way to take in the beauty of Seattle.
🌟 Vancouver:
There are no words to express how much I love Vancouver. It’s one of my favorite cities, and I would return again and again. For me, finding gluten-free food is a huge part of travel, I want to eat delicious food that’s safe, and in Vancouver, I had no trouble with this. Vancouver is probably one of the best cities to visit if you are gluten-free.
Besides the fantastic food, there are a wide variety of activities to choose from. We spent hours downtown, eating at a pub and playing five-pin bowling. We’ve been to Stanley Park which is a must see in Vancouver, including the aquarium located within the park. Then went on to explore
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first Chinese or “scholars” garden built outside of China and is located in Chinatown in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. There is an admission fee.
Beautiful luxury hotel to stop and have a drink and enjoy afternoon tea if you have time!
If you can take a day trip to lovely Victoria, Victoria is a pretty island near Vancouver and located there is a beautiful hotel Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia. Not to be missed is the Tea at the Empress – An absolute luxurious afternoon tea experience that if you can squeeze into your itinerary. Steeped in history with a modern chic ambiance highlighted by a selection of 21 loose leaf teas, including
🌟 Juneau
With every cruise port, you will have the opportunity to do an excursion. Some ports I tend to skip the excursions and go off on my own. Juneau is one of those places. In the past, we have enjoyed the Salmon Bake excursion, the Mendenhall Glacier Rafting tour, and have heard good things about Whale Watching.
I chose to get a ticket to the Mount Roberts tram and head up to the mountain where there are a few trails. There is also a tiny place to buy hot drinks and snacks.
As I walked through the dense mist, I realized I was the only one on the path. I grew worried that I’d stumble upon a bear. That is a real concern when you are alone in the woods! Thankfully I turned back and saw other travelers, but for a few minutes, I was nervous. The threat of bears is a real one.
5StarTips🌟:
Mount Roberts Tram tour can be enjoyed in a single morning or afternoon.
Purchase tickets directly from the Mount Roberts tram station, its within walking distance of the cruise terminal.
Be sure to stay on the paths and wear good shoes/sneakers.
490 S Franklin Street, Juneau
Seasonal Hours of Operation:
Monday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday – Sunday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
When I went up the mountain, it was drizzly and gray. My photos reflect the cold, cloudy weather.
🌟 Skagway
Skagway is home to the White Pass Scenic Railway; if you haven’t done this adventure, it’s a must!
When we visited Alaska for the first time, we did this excursion, and I think everyone should experience it just for the history alone.
You will travel through Alaskan and Canadian wilderness while learning about the Gold Rush in Alaska territory. If you are lucky enough to get a bright, sunny day, any photos you take will be amazing! We went on a stormy day, and I wasn’t able to get the best pictures. That just means I will need to go back…lol!
There is a great chance that you will spot wild animals along the tour, keep your eyes open for eagles and bears.
The last few times we were in Skagway, we decided to walk around the town and explore. More cold, rainy days but we stopped for hot drinks then continued to the local library in order to use the Wifi.
The owner of this greenhouse invited me to explore her beautiful garden.
The public library is a few blocks from the downtown area. While my husband did some work, I took a walk and stumbled upon a yard with a lush garden full of blooms and blossoms.
I love nature in all its forms raindrops on petals, blades of grass, thick gray clouds, dark green leaves. I stopped and admire all of it. My photographs preserve the memory of these moments too!
I chatted with the owner who invited me into her yard and let me take photos. It was unexpected, and what I love about travel, you never know what’s going to happen or whom you will meet. Always allow time for these special moments!
I really love strolling around and seeing what catches my eye.
5StarTips🌟:
- White Pass Scenic Railway is a popular excursion. Click on the link for more information. The excursion is over two hours long so bring a snack and water if you tend to get hungry. Best to book through the cruise line and enjoy dockside service to the train.
- Downtown Skagway offers several gems and jewelry shops as well as places to buy souvenirs, crafts, and cafes to grab a bite to eat.
- Be sure to stop at Molly Walsh Park on 6th Avenue to spot fish in the creek.
🌟 Icy Strait Point
The area has been built up quite a bit since we were first there so many years ago. Now there is an Icy Strait Point Visitor Center and many activities including zip lining, whale watching, helicopter tours, and bird watching. It used only to offer a cannery and a couple of shops and now its completely different, yet the beauty remains the same.
Typically, I walk around and take photos, but this time, since it’s been entirely built up since my last visit, I chose a sightseeing tour which was a short exploration of the island. If your cruise ship offers a tour of Icy Strait Point, I would highly recommend it.
Click on the link for more information about: Icy Strait Point.
🌟 Ketchikan
Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world! In the town, you will find shops with lots of salmon-related items to purchase and take home. This town is also home to the Saxman Native Village with a plethora of totem poles, the Tongass National Forest, and a historic area called Creek Street.
You can visit a rainforest, attend a lumberjack show, go hiking, sailing, charter a fishing boat and so much more.
On our past visits to Ketchikan, we have enjoyed a drive through Yukon territory, explored the wilderness on a hike and enjoyed crabbing. We have trekked through a rainforest, and yes, it was pouring rain, then ended the tour with a feast of fresh crab.
We spotted a bear with salmon during our rainforest hike.
There is so much to do in Ketchikan that you will want to return. It is hard to fit all that you want to do in one trip!
5StarTips🌟:
- Check out Trip Advisor’s advice on top Things to do in Ketchikan by clicking on the link: Trip Advisors top Things to Do in Ketchikan
- The Lumberjack Show is a fun experience, it’s close to the port, and you can easily make a day of the show, then wander through Creek Street.
- Check out Creek Street too!
- A fantastic tour is Alaska Shore Tours! We have done this tour multiple times. You will hike the rainforest, and it is stunning. Part of the tour includes eating the fresh crab too.
- Wear a raincoat, boots, gloves, and an umbrella.
Every time we have been in the rainforest, it’s pouring.
Final Thoughts:
All the cruises we have done, Alaska is always our favorite due to the sheer beauty of the wilderness and the wide variety of things to do on the excursions. I feel confident in recommending these ideas for you. They were all memorable and fabulous! I am excited for those of you who will be headed up to Alaska this summer. I know you will love it as I do. Cheers to your cruise and enhancing it with Always5Star excursion experiences!
Other Articles From Cindy Bokma to enjoy:
A bit about the author: Cindy Bokma
Cindy Bokma grew up in New Jersey but now lives in California. Cindy is the author of
The Blondes of Bel Air, A Thousand Dollars for a Kiss and Here If You Need Me. She has also written a children’s book, Victorious Girls and has pitched television shows to networks such as Disney and Nickelodeon. She is an accomplished screenplay analyst, having worked for a popular Hollywood production company.
Order her book: Low Oxalate Cookbook – The Low-Oxalate Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook: 75 Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Yeast-Free, Low-Sugar Recipes to Help You Stress Less and Feel Better on Amazon.
Visit her also at Wild Flower and Woods And Visit her also at Cindy Bokma Books
About Pamela Rossi
I am passionate about travel and taking each moment and making it a five star experience. My goal is to create those experiences for YOU!
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