Valdez, Alaska

Valdez, Alaska

United States

Witness colossal tidewater glaciers calving massive ice chunks into pristine fjords during an unforgettable day cruise.

💱 Currency US Dollar (USD)
🗣 Language English
🕐 Time Zone AKDT (UTC-8)
☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Sep
🚢 Typical Duration 10-16 nights
💰 Price Range From $2,850 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to Alaska's stunning glaciers, fjords, and pristine wilderness, offering unparalleled access to Glacier National Park and the surrounding coastal beauty.

Build Your Day in Valdez, 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 4:00 PM
Usually about 8 hours ashore
Getting around:
The Fat Mermaid Especially for the price spent. Bistro · ★ 4.1 · 1k
The Solomon Gulch Hatchery Fun to watch and experience! Fish farm · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Open now
Old Town Diner Pretty good food, service and ambient, specially before salmon season Hamburger · ★ 4.4 · 1k
The Potato Awesome, friendly team, delish food, incredible beer selection! American · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises Our kids range from 3-13 and all of them had a wonderful time! Cruise agency · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Safeway Well stocked with reasonable prices. Grocery store · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
Mike's Palace They have beer on tap and wines. Restaurant · ★ 3.7 · 0k
Nat Shack The crunch wraps are amazing, and the inferno fries are not to be missed! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Valdez Glacier Lake It is free and definitely worth the trip to go out there. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Valdez Museum $12 for adults which includes the Old Town museum. Museum · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Prospector Outfitters Quality products and well stocked. Clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM
Anadyr Adventures Highly recommend for families with kids! Tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Lu-Lu Belle Glacier Wildlife Cruises What an incredible and unforgettable experience. Tour agency · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Stampmill Environment is pleasant, service is good, food is excellent. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu
The Wheelhouse The pasta is really good and the ribeye steak is to die for! Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Valdez Brewing Great beer, great people,poor Betty's awesome food. Brewery · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Poor Betty's The fresh ingredients with the Louisiana Remoulade Sauce is to die for. Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu
Valdez Such a wonderful place to experience!!! National forest · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Open now
Valdez Food Cache They bring bulk items from Costco to Valdez for your shopping needs. Grocery store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7 PM
Discover Valdez Although plenty of available tours to visit local attractions if desired. Visitor center · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Glacier View Park We took our canoe and took our time paddling around for four hours. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Boardroom A community bar with darts, pool, and an internet jukebox. Bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Quad shot Espresso They carry quality products, family/kid-friendly and amazing service! Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Second Time Around Onsite services Thrift store · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM
Loco's Gringo's Valdez Food, vibe, service, even prices- everything is 10/10! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Rogue's Garden Organic foods to shop for! Health food store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM
Orca Bay Trading Post The store is beautiful and well priced. Gift shop · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Turo Turo The atmosphere feels charming, with its cozy place and warm food. Asian Fusion · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Growler Bay Brewing Company Great people and great beer. Brewery · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM Fri
Dock Point Trail It's free including parking. Hiking area · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Sam's Spot Breakfast burrito was killer, so was the sausage gravy. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 2:30 PM
Valdez Art Co-Op Great artwork, textiles, and other locally made products! Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM
Valdez City Viewing Point Its a family trip atleast once a year. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Shoup Bay State Marine Park Incredible kayak trip. State park · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Bahama Hawks In-store shopping Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM Sat
Treasures Boutique An absolutely beautiful store with a variety of items. Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Valdez, Alaska

About Valdez, Alaska

Valdez, Alaska stands as a premier port of call in Southeast Alaska, welcoming six major cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea, Holland America Line, and others. With over 120 upcoming cruises and a strong focus on 10-night itineraries, this working port serves as a key stop on routes connecting iconic Alaskan destinations like Seward, Ketchikan, and Sitka, as well as Vancouver. The peak season runs from May through September, with August and July drawing the most visitors seeking authentic Alaskan experiences.

Passengers disembarking in Valdez will find themselves in a charming waterfront community surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery. The port offers direct access to stunning natural attractions and local experiences that showcase Alaska's rugged beauty and rich maritime heritage. Whether you're looking to explore independently or join organized excursions, Valdez provides a memorable Alaska cruise experience that captures the essence of the Last Frontier.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Witness the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Legacy

Explore Valdez's pivotal role in environmental history at the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council exhibits and local museums. Learn how this 1989 disaster transformed the region and shaped modern environmental policy, with poignant displays honoring the ecological recovery efforts that continue today.

2

Fresh Alaskan Seafood Dining

Savor locally-caught halibut, salmon, and crab at waterfront restaurants overlooking the scenic harbor. Valdez's fishing heritage shines through in every dish, with many establishments sourcing directly from the day's catch for authentic Alaskan culinary experiences.

3

Stunning Glacier and Mountain Views

Experience breathtaking coastal scenery with views of surrounding glaciers and the Chugach Mountains framing Valdez's picturesque harbor. The dramatic landscape provides exceptional photo opportunities and showcases Alaska's raw natural beauty accessible right from the port area.

4

Browse Local Artisan Markets

Discover authentic Alaskan crafts, native artwork, and souvenirs at the Valdez Harbor Market and local shops featuring regional artists. Find unique handmade items including jewelry, carved totems, and traditional crafts that capture the spirit of coastal Alaska.

5

Explore the Historic Downtown Waterfront

Stroll through Valdez's charming downtown district with its restored buildings, local galleries, and maritime heritage sites. The compact, walkable waterfront reveals the town's gold rush history and contemporary character, with welcoming cafes and shops perfect for a leisurely port day.

Cruise Lines at Valdez, Alaska

Cruises Departing From Valdez, Alaska

Cruises Visiting Valdez, Alaska

Ship Schedule at Valdez, Alaska

Valdez, Alaska Location

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Valdez known for?

Valdez is a port town in Alaska known for its oil pipeline history and as a gateway to Prince William Sound, with stunning fjords and wildlife.

When is the best time to visit Valdez?

Summer months (June–August) offer warmer weather and longer daylight; winters are snowy and quieter.

How can I reach Valdez?

Valdez is accessible by highway (Alaska Route 1) and by air or sea; the Richardson Highway connects Valdez to Anchorage.

What activities are popular in Valdez?

Wildlife viewing, sightseeing, fishing, and exploring glaciers and Prince William Sound.