Alaska Cruise: Tips, Itineraries, Shore Excursions

Discover expert tips and packing guides for an unforgettable Alaska cruise. Find the best shore excursions in each Alaska cruise port, things to do, what to pack, and must-see stops along your cruise through the Last Frontier. Visit Alaskan ports: Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Seward, Whittier, Valdez, and Homer.
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Cruise ship in Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal.
Sitka Cruise Port Guide: Tips You Need to Know Before You Dock
Cruising to Sitka, Alaska? Don’t miss this essential Sitka Cruise Port Guide! We share expert tips from our own Alaska cruises to help you navigate Sitka like a pro. Learn where ships anchor, how tendering works, where to find free shuttles, and which downtown attractions are within walking distance. Includes accessibility info, shore excursion meeting spots, and the best way to explore Sitka's historic charm. Save this pin to plan your perfect day in port—based on real experience from travelers who’ve cruised Sitka multiple times.
Whale watching in Alaska cruise ports.
Whale Watching on an Alaska Cruise: Best Tours & Tips
Want to see whales during your Alaska cruise? Discover the top whale-watching locations and tours in Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Seward and more. Based on our personal cruise experiences, this guide includes expert tips, best times to spot whales, and what to expect on board. Save this pin for your Alaska cruise planning and make your whale-watching dreams come true!
Russian Orthodox cathedral in Sitka.
Explore Sitka’s Russian Heritage on Your Alaska Cruise
Cruising to Alaska? Don’t miss the fascinating Russian history in Sitka, one of the most unique ports on the Inside Passage route. Discover historic churches, forts, museums, and landmarks that tell the story of Alaska’s colonial past. This detailed guide—based on our own cruise experiences—helps you make the most of your one day in Sitka. Save this pin and use it to plan your shore day with purpose!
Historic graves at Gold Rush Cemetery and scenic Reid Falls in Skagway.
Free and Easy Walk in Skagway: Gold Rush Cemetery & Reid Falls
Stopping in Skagway on your Alaska cruise? Discover one of the best free things to do right from town or the cruise port! This peaceful, self-guided walk to the historic Gold Rush Cemetery and scenic Reid Falls takes about two hours round trip. No tour needed, no cost—just history, fresh air, and stunning views. Save this pin to plan a budget-friendly adventure during your Skagway cruise stop!
30 The Best Alaska Cruise Summer Adventures in 2025 | Alaska cruise, Summer cruises, Alaska cruise ports
30 The Best Alaska Cruise Summer Adventures
Alaska in summer is wild, stunning, and full of adventure. This Alaska cruise bucket list gives you 30 incredible summer experiences you can enjoy during your cruise—like kayaking in Sitka Sound, watching whales in Juneau, ziplining through rainforest in Ketchikan, scenic train ride in Skagway or eating fresh king crab in Icy Strait Point. Top adventure activities and cultural experiences in each Alaska Inside Passage cruise port. All based on first-hand experiences! Check it out!
Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau.
Best Mendenhall Glacier Tours from Juneau
Heading to Juneau, Alaska? Don’t miss a visit to Mendenhall Glacier! This guide compares the best glacier tours—from easy shuttle rides and hiking trails to kayaking and helicopter adventures. We’ve done the tours and share real advice to help you pick the best one. Save this pin and get ready to explore one of Alaska’s most iconic glaciers during your cruise!
Scenic train ride in Skagway and exploring Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau during Alaska cruise.
Your Ultimate Alaska Cruise Bucket List for Inside Passage Ports
Looking for the best tours and activities to do during your Alaska cruise for Inside Passage ports? This bucket list includes 30 carefully selected adventures—from bear viewing and dog sledding to cultural shows and glacier hikes in Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Haines. All based on firsthand experience—with honest tips and options for every budget.
Cruise ships in Skagway cruise port.
Skagway Cruise Port Guide: Docks, Shuttles & Tips
Cruising to Alaska? Don’t miss this essential Skagway Cruise Port Guide! We break down everything you need to know: where your ship docks (Ore Dock, Broadway Dock, or Railroad Dock), how to get into town, free shuttle logistics, tendering info, excursion meeting points, and accessibility for wheelchairs and scooters. We’ve visited Skagway several times and share firsthand tips to make your port day smooth, stress-free, and memorable. Save this pin to plan your Skagway cruise day like a pro!
Cruise ships in Ketchikan cruise port.
Ketchikan Cruise Port Guide: Docks, Shuttles & What to Expect
Planning your Alaska cruise? Don’t get caught off guard in port! This ultimate Ketchikan cruise port guide breaks down where ships dock (downtown vs. Ward Cove), how to get into town, and what transportation is best for you. We’ve visited Ketchikan multiple times and share our insider tips for walkability, accessibility, and what’s worth booking in advance. Save this pin for your next Alaska cruise day in Ketchikan!
Cruise ships in Juneau cruise port.
Juneau Cruise Port Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Dock
Cruising to Juneau, Alaska? Don’t get caught unprepared! This detailed port guide covers everything—where cruise ships dock, how far it is to downtown, shuttle info, accessibility, local tips, and more. Perfect for first-time cruisers and planners. Save this pin to plan your perfect day in Juneau during your Alaska cruise! Based on real experiences and helpful tips from multiple visits.
Anchorage in summer.
How to Explore Anchorage Without a Car – Top Things to Do + Tips for Alaska Cruisers
Wondering how to experience Anchorage, Alaska without renting a car? After several trips where we explored the city completely on foot and by public transportation, we’ve compiled the best car-free things to do in Anchorage. From visiting the Anchorage Museum to walking the scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, you’ll find fun, accessible activities for solo travelers, couples, and families. Plus, we share real transit tips for Alaska cruisers cruising from or to Seward or Whittier and favorite stops you can easily reach by shuttle or bus. Use this pin to plan your car-free Anchorage pre or post cruise adventure—it’s easier and more fun than you think!
Agnes on ALaska cruise in April with chilly weather.
Alaska Cruise in April: Pros, Cons & Real Tips from Experience
Planning an early-season Alaska cruise? Discover what it’s really like to cruise Alaska in April—straight from experienced cruisers. Learn about the weather, daylight, what to pack and wear, and which excursions are actually worth it. We celebrated our anniversary on an April cruise and share honest pros and cons to help you decide. Save this pin to plan your spring Alaska cruise the smart way!
Skagway historic district.
Top Free & Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Skagway During Your Alaska Cruise
Planning a cruise stop in Skagway, Alaska? You don’t need to spend big to enjoy this charming Gold Rush town! In this guide, we share the best free and budget-friendly things to do in Skagway—based entirely on our own first-hand experiences exploring the town on foot during several Alaska cruises. From walking the historic downtown to visiting local museums, waterfalls, cemeteries, and stunning viewpoints, Skagway is packed with affordable adventures. We've done it all without tours, and this post shows exactly how you can too. Save this pin to plan your wallet-friendly Skagway itinerary and explore this scenic Alaska cruise port like a pro!
Scenic views from the plane over Misty Fjords in Alaska.
Flightseeing Over Misty Fjords: Our Ketchikan Tour with Taquan Air
Soaring above Misty Fjords National Moument with Taquan Air was one of the most breathtaking experiences of our many Alaska cruises. This detailed review walks you through what the flightseeing tour from Ketchikan includes, how much it costs, and what views you’ll get to enjoy. The scenery is unreal—think lush valleys, deep fjords, and endless mountains. We took this tour ourselves, and our photos and tips will help you decide if it’s right for your itinerary. Use this pin to plan your epic Ketchikan summer adventure today.
Black bears in Ketchikan area.
Bear Viewing in Ketchikan: Best Tours, Tips & Where to See Bears
Wondering where to see bears in Ketchikan during your Alaska cruise? We’ve been there and share the top bear viewing tours and tips—including how to spot bears at Anan Wildlife Observatory and Herring Cove. This article breaks down the best times to visit and how to prepare, all based on our firsthand experiences. Save this pin if bear viewing is on your Alaska summer bucket list!