Alaska Cruise Port Guide: Honest Reviews
Alaska cruise itineraries are packed with jaw‑dropping scenery, wildlife encounters, and charming coastal towns — but each port offers something totally different. After sailing Alaska multiple times, I’ve learned which ports are best for wildlife, which are perfect for DIY exploring, and which excursions are actually worth the money.
This guide breaks down the most popular Alaska cruise ports with my honest reviews, what to expect, and links to the full guides I’ve written after visiting them myself.
Heads up: This post has affiliate links. If you use them, I earn a tiny commission — the kind that fuels coffee, not private jets. Thanks for supporting my travel‑obsessed corner of the internet.
Plan Your Alaska Cruise
These are the tools I use to find the best deals and book our Alaska trips:
Cruises: I personally sailed Princess Cruises - Princess
Flights: Trip.com
Hotels (pre/post‑cruise): Tripadvisor
Rental Cars: Trip.com
Excursions: Viator / Get Your Guide
I am huge Princess Cruises fan. Check out my full Princess Cruises 2026 guide - Princess Cruises 2026 Guide
🛳️ Juneau — Glaciers, Whales & Big Adventure
Juneau is one of the most exciting ports on any Alaska cruise. It’s packed with wildlife, glaciers, and adventure — and you can do a lot without booking through the cruise line.
⭐ My Review
Juneau is a must‑see port with some of the best excursions in all of Alaska. Mendenhall Glacier is unforgettable, whale‑watching is world‑class, and the downtown area is easy to explore on foot.
🔗 My Full Juneau Guide
For our stop in Juneau, I was traveling with my parents and my 17-year-old son. This was a great multi-generational tour that made all of us happy Juneau city and glacier tour
Top Things to Do
Mendenhall Glacier
Whale‑watching tours
Mount Roberts Tramway
Dog sledding (summer version)
Glacier helicopter tours
Check out these tours and more on Viator
🏔️ Skagway — Gold Rush History & Scenic Railway
Skagway is small, charming, and incredibly scenic. It’s famous for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway — one of the most iconic excursions in Alaska.
⭐ My Review
Skagway is one of my favorite ports because it’s easy to navigate, full of history, and the train ride is absolutely worth it. Even if you skip the train, the town itself is adorable and walkable.
🔗 My Full Skagway Guide
Check out my review of the White Summit Train - White Pass Train in Skagway Alaska
Top Things to Do
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
Gold panning + history tours
Hiking trails right from town
DIY walking tour
You can book these and more at Viator
🌧️ Ketchikan — Salmon, Totem Poles & Rainforest Vibes
Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and is surrounded by lush rainforest. It’s also one of the easiest ports for DIY exploring.
⭐ My Review
Ketchikan is a great port for families and first‑timers. Creek Street is fun to explore, and the wildlife opportunities are incredible — especially during salmon season.
🔗 My Full Ketchikan Guide
It was pouring the day we visited Ketchikan so I don’t have a full review. We walked around a little bit, then returned to the ship quickly to warm up. It was a very cute town, but our port call was so early that not much was open when we were there. It is known for its rain.
Top Things to Do
Creek Street
Saxman Native Village
Misty Fjords boat tour
Salmon ladder viewing
Lumberjack show (kid‑friendly)
I should have made a plan for Ketchikan. Don’t be like me, check out the shore excursion on Viator
🧊 Glacier Bay National Park — Scenic Cruising Day
Not a port, but a highlight of many Alaska itineraries. Rangers board the ship and narrate as you sail past glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. This was personally the highlight of my trip. One of my most amazing days ever!
⭐ My Review
Glacier Bay is breathtaking. It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels like you’re sailing through a postcard. Brig binoculars and spend the morning outside — it’s worth every chilly minute.
🔗 My Glacier Bay Guide
Our gorgeous Glacier Bay National Park Boat Tour - highlight of our trip Glacier Bay National Park
What to Expect
Margerie Glacier
Johns Hopkins Glacier
Wildlife spotting
Ranger commentary
What to Pack for Alaska (Essentials)
Waterproof jacket
Warm layers
Binoculars
Portable phone charger
Gloves + hat
Reusable water bottle
Dry bag
Motion sickness bands
Travel backpack
Shop my Alaska packing favorites: Amazon Storefront List
🧳 Tips for Making the Most of Every Alaska Port
Book wildlife tours early — they sell out fast
Layer up (weather changes constantly)
Bring binoculars
Don’t skip the free walking tours
DIY where possible — Alaska ports are easy to explore on your own
Where to Stay Before or After Your Alaska Cruise
Seattle
Hyatt Place - this is where I personally stayed, you can read my review - Pre Cruise Hotel Seattle Downtown
The Edgewater
Marriott Waterfront
Check prices and review on Tripadvisor
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