time in port

Tamara · March 16, 2004

I'm cruising to Alaska in May with my mother-in-law and have lots of questions. What's the scene like when you get a day in port? Is it crowds of cruisers clutching their dollars looking for a place to spend them? Do people tend to stick close by and are all of the places within easy access of the port hopelessly touristy? Do people tend to form groups and go out together? Any suggestions for places off the sea-leg beaten path, other than the organized tours? Places to stay away from?

KeithnRita · March 16, 2004

All the cities we visited on our Alaska Cruise, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, were all easy walks from the ship and none were overly crowded. No problem to take off on your own. Our biggest problem was actually finding some souvenirs dolls for our Grand Kids made in Alaska. Most were made in China! :sad: :sad:

PEB · March 16, 2004

As Keith and Rita said all the ports in Alaska are close to the piers and all are fairly small. Skagway can be walked in a very short time. Ketchikan has a fair amount of steep mountains to walk. Juneau is a long drawn out city but the majority of things to see in the town are close to the piers.

There are plenty of local things to do and see on your own as well as local tours if you wish. Remember one thing about Alaska if you like to wander off on your own out of the town or even to the edge of the town you may bump into some wildlife. We have seen bear and moose on every trip we have taken to Alaska.

All the ports have very interesting buildings and some type of museum or informational places to see. Of course there are the shops that will try to sell things but unlike the Caribbean they will not try to drag you into their shops.