When you set sail with Princess on an Alaska cruise, ports of call invite you to explore the great outdoors, taste the fresh treasures of the sea and discover the unique history of the 49th state. Here are top Alaska ports of call and what you can do in each.
Last updated: Apr 22, 2025
Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World,” boasts Creek Street’s charming boardwalk, Totem Bight State Park’s vibrant totem poles and seasonal bear viewing as grizzlies fish in shallow waters. Its mix of Tlingit heritage and rainforest scenery makes it unforgettable.
Explore Ketchikan shore excursions
Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is ringed by towering peaks and glaciers, including the 12‑mile‑long Mendenhall Glacier. Look for orcas, then choose from ziplining, dogsledding on snow and alpine hikes with sweeping views.
Explore Juneau shore excursions
Step into Gold Rush history in Skagway. Victorian storefronts, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the famed White Pass & Yukon Route Railway pair storybook charm with dramatic mountain vistas.
Explore Skagway shore excursions
Whittier is a gateway to waterfalls, fjords and teal‑blue waters framed by emerald mountains. Travel the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel and ride the Mt. Alyeska Tram for sweeping views of sculpted glaciers.
Explore Whittier (Anchorage) shore excursions
Sitka blends Indigenous and Russian influences — from St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral to Sitka National Historical Park, where artists craft Tlingit- and Haida‑inspired pieces. Coastal views and rich wildlife round out the scene.
Explore Sitka shore excursions
Victoria’s Butchart Gardens dazzle with glowing waterfalls, floral canopies and meandering stairways. Horse‑drawn carriages clip past elegant buildings while tropical butterflies flit near koi ponds — a true storybook setting.
Explore Victoria shore excursions
Haines offers big‑mountain backdrops and easy access to wildlife. Meet rescued animals at Kroschel Wildlife Center, then scan the skies for hundreds of bald eagles at Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
Explore Haines shore excursions
Vancouver charms with Stanley Park’s forested seawall, Chinatown’s markets and Gastown’s steam clock chiming along cobblestone streets — all set against snow‑capped peaks and the Salish Sea.
Explore Vancouver shore excursions
Icy Strait Point offers unspoiled wilderness, access to Glacier Bay National Park and some of Alaska’s best chances to spot brown bears and whales. Thrill‑seekers can ride a record‑setting zipline with sweeping ocean views.
Explore Icy Strait Point shore excursions
Princess itineraries showcase the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and welcoming port towns. Sail through Glacier Bay National Park, visit charming towns like Skagway and Ketchikan and marvel at tidewater glaciers and breaching whales. Whether you choose a Voyage of the Glaciers or an Inside Passage itinerary, each route promises unforgettable views and immersive Alaska experiences.
Alaska’s cruise ports offer distinct adventures at every stop. From reeling in salmon to stepping inside Gold Rush history, there are endless ways to experience true Alaskan culture. Learn more about Alaska cruises.
Plan excursions for your sailing:
- Alaska shore excursions overview
- Find shore excursions by port
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