Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history make it one of the most unforgettable cruise destinations in the world. Whether you’re marveling at towering glaciers, spotting whales, or exploring Gold Rush-era towns, each stop on an Alaskan cruise offers a unique experience. With so many itineraries available, it’s good to know which ports of call provide the most enriching experiences. Here’s a guide to five of the best Alaska cruise stops to help you craft your perfect itinerary.
What Alaskan cruise stops are there?
Depending on the cruise line you choose, there are lots of cruise stops to choose from. Often, the decision comes down to a combination of finding the cruise line you will enjoy and the various itineraries on offer.
Common stops on mainstream cruises include: Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Sitka, Hubbard, Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm Fjord, Victoria, British Columbia, and Seward.
Our top picks for the best Alaska cruise stops:
Juneau
As Alaska’s capital city, Juneau is a must-visit on any Alaskan cruise itinerary. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush rainforests, it’s the gateway to outdoor adventures.
On our time here, most of our group decided to do a Juneau Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Tour. It was the perfect shore excursion from a cruise, and seeing the glacier (a short drive from Juneau), and then spending a couple of hours on the water whale-watching. At only 4.5 hours, it was a great way to spend our time, and we had a couple of hours in Juneau before getting back on board.
The other half of our group did a chartered fishing tour – which for fishing enthusiasts is a fantastic use of your time in Juneau.
Hiking trails, kayak tours, wildlife tours or helicopter rides are other great excursion options from Juneau.
Don’t miss a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway, which provides stunning panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel and beyond. Finish your day with fresh Alaskan seafood at one of Juneau’s cozy waterfront restaurants. We enjoyed the frontier-vibe of the Red Dog Saloon.
Ketchikan
Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is a sweet stop on your Alaska cruise. One of its highlights is Creek Street, a historic boardwalk over the water that was once the town’s red-light district. Today, it’s lined with charming shops and galleries.
Ketchikan is also home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles, which can be admired at Saxman Native Village or Totem Bight State Park. Nature lovers can explore the surrounding Tongass National Forest or take a seaplane ride to the stunning Misty Fjords National Monument, known for its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.
Skagway
Step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush era with a visit to Skagway, a small town that has preserved its 19th-century charm.
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a top attraction, offering a scenic ride through rugged mountains, waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas. History buffs can explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which includes restored buildings and trails once used by prospectors.
Even on a cloudy day, Skagway’s pioneer downtown is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with its wooden boardwalks and restored historic buildings.
Glacier Bay National Park
A highlight of many Alaskan cruise itineraries, Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Accessible only by boat or plane, this pristine area is home to towering tidewater glaciers, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife.
Cruise ships often spend a day navigating the icy waters, giving passengers close-up views of Margerie Glacier and other icy giants. Keep an eye out for seals, otters, and even bears along the shoreline, as well as whales and porpoises in the water.
We had an amazing ranger talk, which gave us such insight into the park’s geology and ecology.
Sitka
With a blend of Russian, Native Alaskan, and American influences, Sitka offers an interesting stop-off. The town’s Russian heritage is evident at the St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral, while the Sitka National Historical Park features totem poles and exhibits about Tlingit culture.
Wildlife tours are a popular activity, with opportunities to see sea otters, puffins, and bald eagles. Adventure seekers can kayak through Sitka Sound or hike trails with stunning coastal views.
Sitka’s small-town charm and unique history make it a standout stop on any Alaska cruise.
Choosing the best Alaska cruise stops
While all destinations are wintry stops with a mountainous scenery, each place is unique in its own way. You can experience the varying Alaskan cultures and revel in the astounding natural beauty.
If you enjoy seeing wildlife, Alaska is a must visit state, and visiting on a cruise is a cost and time effective way to do it. We were amazed at the sheer number of bald eagles soaring above in most of the ports we stopped in.
From stunning glaciers to fascinating insights into the history of this harsh landscape, these Alaska cruise stops are great additions to any itinerary.
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