Take an adventure and cruise to Ketchikan, Alaska. Alaska's "First City" of Ketchikan is so named because it’s the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain.
Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries. Visitors can try their luck on a sportfishing or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants on a cruise to Ketchikan excursion. Ketchikan is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. You can experience intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park, while the attractions of Saxman Village just outside of Ketchikan offers the chance to see Tlingit culture in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house. On an Alaska cruise to Ketchikan don't forget to leave time to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon and local art, while exploring gold rush–era tourist attractions like Dolly’s House Museum.
A Ketchikan Alaska cruise places you in the heart of one of the most scenic regions along the Inside Passage. Surrounded by lush rainforest landscapes and mountain scenery, the area receives significant rainfall each year, a climate locals often refer to as “liquid sunshine.” This abundant rain supports the dense forest ecosystems that make the region one of the most vibrant wilderness areas in North America.
Because of its location at the southern entrance of the Inside Passage, cruises to Ketchikan Alaska often arrive early in the voyage. Our ships dock directly along the downtown waterfront. Once there, the historic district is compact and highly walkable, making it easy to explore shops, waterfront restaurants and cultural attractions between excursions.
