Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Language
English
Time Zone
AKDT (UTC-8)
Best Time to Visit
May–Sep
Typical Duration
7-14 nights
Price Range
$443–$41,990 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
Yes
Ketchikan is Alaska's gateway to pristine wilderness, featuring stunning totem poles, abundant wildlife viewing, and access to the Inside Passage's most scenic glaciers and fjords.
Cruises that visit Ketchikan, Alaska
- cruises to Ketchikan, Alaska
- Ketchikan, Alaska sailings
- Ketchikan, Alaska cruises
- 6-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise
- 7-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Silversea cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 7-night Seabourn cruise
- 7-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
Build Your Day in Ketchikan, Alaska
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Everyone learned about lumberjack work and activities.
Kawanti Adventures
It was a ton of fun and all things felt very safe and well orchestrated.
Ketchikan Duck Tour
A perfect mix of adventure and storytelling!
The Alaska Fish House
We took the blackened halibut and salmon tacos, they were amazing!
Opens soon · 10 AM
Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House
Great vibe, Amazing Food all in a great atmosphere.
Totem Bight State Historical Park
Highly recommend, especially for only $5 entrance fee.
Creek Street in Ketchikan
Amazing... the Creek Street walk was fun and informative!!!
Timber & Tide
Super friendly staff, amazing food, and delicious mocktails.
Ketchikan Crab & Go
The food was delicious, Service was outstanding, and very friendly staff!
Opens soon · 10 AM
Southeast Exposure Outdoor Adventure Center
The water was calm, and it was a fantastic temperature on the water.
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
Bears and birds feeding on salmon, zip lining through the forest canopy.
The Mill at Ward Cove
There were restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment, and lots of shopping.
Cape Fox Lodge
The food the service the view is excellent I highly recommend it
Ketchikan Plaza
Same exact merchandise and pricing.
Open · Closes 6 PM
Pioneer Cafe
The food was piping hot, fresh, and delicious—as was the coffee!
Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks
It was easy to navigate, lots to do close to the port itself.
Alaska Crêpe Co
The food was amazing, service was great, and the vibe is very cool.
Ketchikan Pub Crawl
So much fun, amazing drinks and history of the town.
Arctic Bar
Strong drinks, friendly people, great music.
Ocean View Restaurante
Friendly staff, amazing food, and perfect atmosphere.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Asylum
Great staff, friendly locals, and normal prices for beer!
108 Tap House & Burger Bar
We had the pub burger and Indian taco and they were phenomenal.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
New York Cafe
Salmon cakes, halibut burger and kebab was all fantastic.
The Outpost At Ketchikan
Wonderful customer service and some unique finds for all ages!
Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Island Brew Cafe
The food, coffee, service, and atmosphere were all 5-star worthy.
Salmon Landing Market
Great mall, good prices, large variety of items.
Opens soon · 10 AM
Tongass Historical Museum
Leisurely stroll around a well-curated path of interesting exhibits.
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
Kids enjoyed the scavenger hunt and so many different displays.
Burger Queen
We ordered the halibut fish and chips and it turn out be an amazing!
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Sourdough Bar & Liquor Store
Fun bar with great character and atmosphere, staff are lovely.
Rotary Beach Park Buggy Beach
Nice beach quiet, listen to waves hit the beach clean little spot
Open now
Alaska King Crab Company
The lobster, crab, salmon and chowder dishes were a memory to themselves.
Opens soon · 10 AM
Dolly's House
Fun little museum with a very enthusiastic lady telling us lots of stories.
Side of building, 24 Creek St
Bush Pilots' Lounge
Absolutely wonderful food, service, drinks and atmosphere!
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Tongass Trading Company
Awesome selection of merchandise and fairly reasonable prices.
Open · Closes 5 PM
49'Er Bar & Liquor Store
A great local bar with excellent service and great prices for local beers.
Hole in the Wall Marina
Great local bar low key and no bullshit good food good drinks great people
Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Potlatch Bar
Huge selections of drinks at very "local" prices.
Opens soon · 10 AM
Ketch me if you Kan Café
Friendly atmosphere, nutritious food options, and cheerful service.
Eagle's Nest
Great space, beautiful view, delicious pizza, and friendly service.
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Salmon Ladder Observation Platform
Pretty crowded due to the narrow size, but still a cool experience.
Ketchikan Sign
A lot of things to do and learn around.
Whale Park
Beautiful especially when cherry trees in bloom
Pilothouse Coffee
Very nice coffeehouse and meeting space, great staff!
Alava's Fish-n-Chowder
The halibut dinner and chicken tenders and chowder were all phenomenal!
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Refuge Cove State Recreation Site
Excellent place to spend an afternoon exploring tide pools.
D'Santa's Restaurant
Great experience friendly staff great food
Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Alaska Coffee
Delicious espresso + cute souvenirs + coffee + good food.
The Barn Door Eatery
Super friendly staff, fantastic food and awesome drinks!!
Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
The Creek Street Cabaret
Lots of good local beers on tap, full bar, and live local music.
The Rain Barrel
Excellent selection of authentic souvenirs and beautiful hand carved items.
Open · Closes 7 PM
Alaska Hummer Adventures
We went as a small group with just 3 girls and we had an amazing time!
Dock Street Yard
Seating is comfortable and unique and the service is fast and friendly!
Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Brewed Awakening
Best coffee, best bagels, BEST service!!!
Just Dandy Apothecary & Cafe
Delicious food choices served by friendly owner and staff.
Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
The Green Coffee Bean Company
I’ve stopped by twice and enjoyed a campfire latte iced and hot!
Potlatch Totem Park and Museum
Wonderful carving great stories!
Sockeye Sam's
The shop is large, clean, spacious, and well organized.
Open · Closes 6:30 PM
The Salty Siren
The coffee is excellent, the vibe, the music, everything is right.
Gateway Aquatic Center
Then get into the swimming pool to cool off.
Connell Lake Trail
Nice quiet place.
Open now
Alaskan Oyster Shack
The oysters were incredibly fresh, some of the best I’ve ever had.
Opens soon · 10 AM
Alaska Legends Cider & Wine
Friendly staff, great drinks, nice space.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Ketchikan Mining Company
You can find something for every taste.
Open · Closes 5 PM
The Diner at The Landing
The staff was unbelievably pleasant, food was delicious, what a great spot.
Ketchikan Harbor Haus
Great grub, nice vibe, super friendly staff!
Hovercraft Eco Adventure & Wildlife Viewing
The hovercraft technology is interesting and you can see out the windows.
Outlet Store
Great merchandise, and coffee/candy/ice cream on site as well.
Open · Closes 6 PM
Heen Kahidi Dining Room
The food (starters and entrees) were presented well and were really good!
Perseverance Lake Trail
Well maintained, beautiful scenery all the way to the lake.
Mission Street Market
Great coffee and fresh baked pastries!
By the Blue Eatery & Gifts
The coffee was fantastic, and the food looked absolutely amazing.
Fishes and Dishes
The sablefish/black cod is a must try.
Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Thu
Totem Bar
Drinks are good, I drink tequila near and it was a great pour for a single.
Opens soon · 10 AM
Tongass Trading Co. Outlet Store
So many great souvenirs at reasonable prices.
Open · Closes 5 PM
Ketchikan, Alaska
Very casual, very laid back, very friendly.
Black Sand Beach
This has been a popular recreational spot for the citizens since the 1920s.
Creekside Trading Co
Got great zipper hoodies!
Open · Closes 5 PM
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
Ketchikan, Alaska
is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here —
it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.
About Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan stands as one of Alaska's most vibrant cruise ports, welcoming passengers from fourteen major cruise lines including Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line. With over 2,300 upcoming cruises calling here, this Southeast Alaska destination serves primarily as a port of call on seven-night itineraries that explore the region's most iconic destinations—from the glaciers of Glacier Bay to the historic gold rush town of Skagway. The peak season runs from May through September, with August and July drawing the largest crowds of cruise travelers eager to experience Alaska's natural wonders.
Once ashore, passengers discover why Ketchikan has earned its reputation as the "Salmon Capital of the World." The town's rich Native Alaskan heritage comes alive through its impressive collection of totem poles and cultural centers, while the surrounding rainforests and waterways offer unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure. Whether you're a first-time Alaska cruiser or a returning visitor, Ketchikan's combination of authentic culture, pristine wilderness, and excellent cruise infrastructure makes it an unforgettable stop on any Inside Passage voyage.
Once ashore, passengers discover why Ketchikan has earned its reputation as the "Salmon Capital of the World." The town's rich Native Alaskan heritage comes alive through its impressive collection of totem poles and cultural centers, while the surrounding rainforests and waterways offer unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure. Whether you're a first-time Alaska cruiser or a returning visitor, Ketchikan's combination of authentic culture, pristine wilderness, and excellent cruise infrastructure makes it an unforgettable stop on any Inside Passage voyage.
Cruise Lines at Ketchikan, Alaska
- Holland America Line (987 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (173 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (105 cruises)
- Carnival Cruise Line (103 cruises)
- Viking Ocean Cruises (92 cruises)
- Royal Caribbean International (73 cruises)
- American Cruise Lines (64 cruises)
- Seabourn (57 cruises)
- Silversea (53 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (44 cruises)
- Disney Cruise Line (37 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (37 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (33 cruises)
- Virgin Voyages (16 cruises)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (7 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Ketchikan, Alaska
Cruises Visiting Ketchikan, Alaska
Ship Schedule at Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan, Alaska Location
Other Cruise Ports in United States
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ketchikan best known for?
Colorful totem poles, rainy weather, and bustling cruise-ship tourism.
When is the best time to visit Ketchikan?
Summer months for cruise ship crowds; spring and fall are quieter.
What are key attractions near the port?
Creek Street, Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight Park, Saxman Park, and Spruce Mill shops.
Is Ketchikan accessible for travelers with mobility needs?
Most areas are accessible, but some historic sites have stairs; plan ahead.