Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

United States

Paddle through misty rainforests and encounter Native Tlingit culture at totem pole parks and historic canneries.

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

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
Getting around:
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Everyone learned about lumberjack work and activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k
Kawanti Adventures It was a ton of fun and all things felt very safe and well orchestrated. Tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 4k
Ketchikan Duck Tour Lots of information in a very fun and interactive manner!! Tour operator · ★ 5 · 3k
The Alaska Fish House We took the blackened halibut and salmon tacos, they were amazing! Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Totem Bight State Historical Park The l tile water cove is awesome place to take pictures. Park · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Creek Street in Ketchikan Amazing... the Creek Street walk was fun and informative!!! Historical landmark · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open now
Totem Heritage Center Cheap prices and unique spot to spend an hour at. History museum · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Ketchikan Crab & Go The food was outstanding and the setting made it even more enjoyable. Seafood · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary Bears and birds feeding on salmon, zip lining through the forest canopy. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k Open now
The Mill at Ward Cove The hike is simple but very chill, and the firepit is really cozy. Souvenir store · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Ketchikan Plaza Same exact merchandise and pricing. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k Open · Closes 6 PM
George Inlet Lodge The food and service were impeccable. Tour operator · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Arctic Bar Strong drinks, friendly people, great music. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Ketchikan Pub Crawl So much fun, amazing drinks and history of the town. Tour operator · ★ 5 · 1k
Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks The lumberjack show is a must! Cruise terminal · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Timber & Tide Super friendly staff, amazing food, and delicious mocktails. Seafood · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Asylum Awesome atmosphere, great drink prices, and fantastic people! Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
New York Cafe Salmon cakes, halibut burger and kebab was all fantastic. American · ★ 4.4 · 0k
108 Tap House & Burger Bar The staff here was very friendly and the drinks and food were excellent! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Salmon Landing Market Great mall, good prices, large variety of items. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Tongass Historical Museum Excellent exhibits and beautiful view of the creek! History museum · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Outpost At Ketchikan They showcase an impressive variety of local art at very affordable prices. Souvenir store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center Lots of interesting videos, paintings and interactive exhibits Visitor center · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Sourdough Bar & Liquor Store Awesome local spot with friendly servers and classic cocktails. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Dolly's House It was a unique experience to see. Museum · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Bush Pilots' Lounge Incredible vibe, killer menu. American · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Tongass Trading Company Nice selection of items at reasonable prices Clothing store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 6 PM
49'Er Bar & Liquor Store A great local bar with excellent service and great prices for local beers. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Hole in the Wall Marina Great local bar low key and no bullshit good food good drinks great people Grill · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Potlatch Bar Its peaceful easy going crowd, bartender friendly and fast. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Whale Park He talked to us about what it was like to grow up here. Park · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Ketchikan Sign A lot of things to do and learn around. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Barn Door Eatery Super friendly staff, fantastic food and awesome drinks!! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Alava's Fish-n-Chowder The onion rings were the best I have ever had. Seafood · ★ 4.9 · 0k
The Rain Barrel Excellent selection of authentic souvenirs and beautiful hand carved items. Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 7 PM
Alaska Hummer Adventures Would highly recommend this experience 😉! Tour operator · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Just Dandy Apothecary & Cafe Delicious food choices served by friendly owner and staff. Health Food · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Woodlands Clothing Staff was friendly and merchandise was high quality Clothing store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Salmon Ladder Observation Platform You were able to see multiple salmon making the transition. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Sockeye Sam's The shop is large, clean, spacious, and well organized. Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 6:30 PM
Alaska Legends Cider & Wine Friendly staff, great drinks, nice space. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Hovercraft Eco Adventure & Wildlife Viewing We enjoyed the hovercraft adventure! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Alaskan Oyster Shack The oysters were incredibly fresh, some of the best I’ve ever had. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Outlet Store Great merchandise, and coffee/candy/ice cream on site as well. Gift shop · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 4 PM
Totem Bar Drinks are good, I drink tequila near and it was a great pour for a single. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Ketchikan Dry Goods I really love this store, absolutely wonderful employees and merchandise!! Boutique · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
Ketchikan, Alaska Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Creekside Trading Co Excellent little shop lots of choices with local employees Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k 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.

Next Departures from Ketchikan, Alaska

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.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Totem Poles and Native Heritage

Explore Ketchikan's remarkable collection of authentic totem poles, the largest in the world, representing the rich Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. Visit Saxman Village or the Totem Heritage Center to witness these intricately carved masterpieces and learn the fascinating stories behind each symbol and design that define Southeast Alaska's indigenous legacy.

2

Fresh Salmon and Local Seafood

Indulge in Ketchikan's legendary wild Alaska salmon, caught fresh from local waters and prepared at waterfront restaurants throughout the port. From smoked salmon to grilled halibut, the local culinary scene showcases the region's bounty with authentic flavors you'll only find in this Southeast Alaska fishing community.

3

Misty Fjords National Monument

Experience breathtaking coastal scenery on a scenic cruise or floatplane tour through Misty Fjords, where dramatic granite cliffs plunge into pristine waters surrounded by temperate rainforest. This stunning natural wonder offers unparalleled photo opportunities and wildlife viewing, including bears, eagles, and sea otters in their natural habitat.

4

Creek Street's Historic Charm

Stroll the iconic boardwalk of Creek Street, Ketchikan's most picturesque neighborhood, where colorful buildings perch over Ketchikan Creek on wooden pilings. Browse local art galleries, boutique shops, and historic establishments that capture the town's Gold Rush heritage while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains and waterfront.

5

Wildlife Viewing and Bear Encounters

Join guided excursions to spot Alaska's iconic wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, and salmon in their natural environment during peak season. Local outfitters offer accessible adventures from the port, allowing you to witness the raw beauty of Southeast Alaska's thriving ecosystems up close.

Cruise Lines at Ketchikan, Alaska

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.