LORD OF THE FJORD If you really want to experience Alaska's dramatic landscape, visit Misty Fjords National Monument. You will, We offer a Private Fishing experience that will focus on your interest alone. That is why a floatplane ride over the Misty Fjords ranks number one on our list of the top things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska on a cruise. Enjoy 75% off your second guests cruise fare, save up to an additional $800 per stateroom, and get up to $800 to spend on board. Explore Misty Fjords National Monument aboard our luxurious, high-performance catamaran. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This picturesque Alaskan town is surrounded by several fresh waterways of the Inside Passage, providing tourists with fishing stops at nearly every corner! With so much to offer, our Ketchikan excursions offer something everyone will enjoy! For 2024 sail dates, please check back . Your catch then becomes the centerpiece of a gourmet campsite meal. Led by a professional guide, you'll receive expert natural-history interpretation while picking up tips and techniques to enhance your images. Related: How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise. Cruise in an open motorboat and join an experienced Alaska guide along a boardwalk trail where you'll learn about different features of a temperate rainforest. Welcome Aboard! $99. Take a Walk on Creek Street 10. If you really need a budget hotel, your best bet is to stay further from downtown or near the airport. Our small-ship cruise itineraries offer a mix of excursions in intriguing towns, Native villages, adventures in raw wilderness bays, and glacial fjords. Ovation of the Seas in Alaska. Upon reaching Alaska, the ships then enter the Inside Passage. In addition, they have a larger Adventure Ocean kids programming space and an indoor pool for all ages. Who wouldnt want to share this experience on social media? Recommend the earlier tours in the day. From your , Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike will enjoy this fun shore excursion at Ketchikan. All Rights Reserved. As you return to port, enjoy a king crab snack. One-way cruises, on the other hand, are not required to stop in Canada and have four port stops in Alaska. Take in the lush forests, spectacular views, and snow-capped mountains? Visit Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary for this unique opportunity to see, We are a small, locally owned business that provides first class, private excursions in Ketchikan, customized based on your, Fill your need for adventure and excitement while in Ketchikan on this four-hour off-road Jeep and canoe tour ! Whether you book a tour through Royal Caribbean or rent a car and explore Alaska on your own, having extra time gives you more opportunities for adventure. He shared a lot of history with us, his family has grown up there for several generations. Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas both sail roundtrip cruises from Seattle, and they offer family-friendly activities for guests of all ages. 7 25 Best Shore Excursion of Our Alaskan Cruise Review of Ketchikan Salmon Fishing Reviewed August 21, 2014 Captain Clay Slanaker from The Bites On took us for a wonderful day salmon fishing. We ended up visiting a waterfall, the old mill where we saw many young and mature eagles, Totem Bight State Historical Park and made a stop at Creek Street for some shopping and a (very important) Alaskan salmon purchase. Best cruise excursions in Ketchikan Alaska - Gangwaze She even offered to take us to Walmart if we needed any essentials for the rest of our trip :) She was kind enough to drop us back off at our cruise ship at the end of the tour. Plus, for a limited time only, get a $50 bonus onboard credit.*. 1. The only drive-to-bear viewing tour in Ketchikan takes you on adventure of a lifetime as you view black bears in their natural habitat. Or, create your own 3-port package while saving money with our multi-tour discount! Southbound itineraries travel from Seward to Vancouver, meaning you can spend time in Alaskas interior before the cruise begins. Be sure to stop at the gift shop before exiting to pick up your very own made in Alaska carving. *Date of Birth. Call us to speak 1-on-1 with a local: trip planning, tours, shopping, and more! You can choose to take in the event on your own or couple it with another exciting adventure. Best Ketchikan Excursions & Tours | Alaska Shore Excursions Even if a port day reaches 70 degrees, the next day could see lows in the 40s. Related Post: Misty Fjords Floatplane Excursion Review. See whales? Hubbard Glacier vs Glacier Bay: which glacier is better to see on a cruise? And, while onboard, kids will enjoy the activities and programming offered by Royal Caribbean. Your email address will not be published. You're in the salmon capital of the world. In April and early May, you can expect lower chances of rain and temperatures with lows in the 40s and highs in the mid-50s There are around 15 hours of daylight in southeast Alaska during this time of year. Syd did a great job. Complete narration of the history and geography is also provided during your aerial journey through the remote wilderness of Alaska. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. My 11 year old son raved about it for days. While packing for a cold weather cruise may. Explore Alaskan Native art and traditions in this perfectly combined tour of history and adventure. Head off from the marina along, Broaden Your Horizons with Clan House Tours: If youre hoping to combine a one-way Alaska cruise with a land trip in Alaskas interior, you should allocate at least 9 days for the trip. Set out on a private six hour cruise to fish for the largest flatfish in the ocean. Ketchikan, Alaska overview. This 3 1/4-hour high-speed boat ride takes you on a search for black bears, eagles, seals, porpoise, sea lions, humpback and killer whales. Seeing an eagles nest and eagles soaring above you. Crimes include DUI, misdemeanor drug possession, shoplifting, theft, etc. If traveling all the way to Alaska, though, we advise planning more days for a cruise and land trip. The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions at Each Port - Simply Wander Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal, Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal. Your email address will not be published. ", "Quick and simple, especially for the "boomer" group. The three most common areas for bear watching in Ketchikan are Neets Bay, Herring Cove, and Traitors Cove/Margaret Creek. This makes Ketchikan a popular stop on most Alaskan cruises. Related: Hubbard Glacier vs Glacier Bay: which glacier is better to see on a cruise? Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan 2023 - Viator 4.9/5. Potlatch Totem Park and Totem Bight State Parkare otherpopular totem attractions, located next door to each other and about 10 miles outside of Ketchikan. Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking. Then, disembark at Silverking Lodge for a stroll into the heart of the rainforest. Embark on a kayak adventure in Tongass National Forest while learning of the area's natural environment and colorful history. Almost all itineraries stop in Juneau, Alaska, but other ports vary from itinerary to itinerary. Customize your tour to accommodate any group up to 11 total, Well drive around our beautiful island scenery looking for Bears, Eagles, Salmon, Deer, Otters, and Possibly other creatures, Enjoy a rainforest walk and visit a Totem Park on our 3hourexcursionin scenic Ketchikan, Alaska on this small group tour, This 30-minute flight is a combination of our two best tours, Mahoney Falls and Top of the World. Are you ready to embark on your journey to sea the world, one port at a time? She is always looking for the latest and greatest adventures onboard and ashore, enjoys researching top things to do in ports of call, and loves dressing up for formal nights. In short, a sea day on an Alaska cruise isnt drastically different from a sea day in the Caribbean. No Port No Pay. 12 Best Ketchikan Excursions | 96,000+ Verified Reviews Skagway you should absolutely do the White Pass Train -- I'm still VERY salty I missed out due to the rockslides at Skagway. Top 10 things to do in Ketchikan | Royal Caribbean Blog The vast majority of Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises are 7 nights, although you may occasionally find a 6 or 8-night itinerary. The rainforest hike was fun, active and educational and the Totem park was very interesting. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each month may help you find the best month for your travel style and needs. Related: 10 mistakes to avoid making on a cruise ship sea day. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Friendly, knowledgeable and the best guides we could have asked for! Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument. Make the ultimate pit stop at a wilderness Fjord. If you are looking for an authentic and informative tour - this one's for you! Land tours range from 2 to 6 extra nights before or after a 7-night sailing. Now, it's a quaint place to tour Dolly's House museum, view totem poles, and shop at locally owned stores and galleries. Deadliest Catch fans rejoice! Located within a short walking distance from the cruise ship pier, this highly entertaining show is definitely another one of the top things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska on a cruise. Many guests enjoy visiting Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, but instead of booking a $150 excursion, you can book a $45 roundtrip ticket on a shuttle bus to and from the glacier! Because of the long hours of daylight in the summer, its not common to see northern lights on an Alaska cruise. Excursions - Princess Cruises Refuel with a tasty snack and hot beverage then embark on a guided walk. 96. We do not mix, match, or add clients to your, Experience a seldom seen view of underwater Alaska. Memories Made Here - Review of Svenson Sportfishing, Ketchikan, AK Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, 3. No matter your skill level, you'll fish like a local with a rod and reel, learn the secrets of hooks, tides and more with an experienced fishing guide at your side. You'll get outfitted into waterproof gear (provided by Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition). 9. Gear up for an authentic fishing excursion in the unspoiled wilderness of Alaska's southeastern coastline, and enjoy a gourmet meal featuring your catch of the day at a remote campsite. Explore the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary on a walk of discovery and marvel at spawning salmon, black bears, bald eagles, an old saw mill and a totem pole park. Creek Street Learn about these Points of Interest 47 EXCURSIONS Already Booked Your Cruise? From August 2022 Travel + Leisure, published by TI Inc. Root for your team with a big YoHo! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I went kayaking in the bay with jellyfish. Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour (Ketchikan) A hands-on and educationally powerful excursion for kids 5 and older, the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour is filled with incredible Alaskan wildlife and edge-of-your-seat tales delivered by seasoned Deadliest Catch veterans! You will fly out to a , This is an exclusive 40-minute helicopter tour of Alaska that lands you on a 1,800-ft. mountain top. "love using your company, been using you guys for over 10 years. Then, while at Potlatch Totem Park, you will be greeted by elaborately carved totem poles. It encompasses more than two million acres of sheer granite cliffs, 1,000-foot waterfalls, and crystalline lakes. It was amazing being able to touch jellyfish and not being stung. Reserve excursions in Cruise Personalizer Special Child Pricing Available! Best excursions in Ketchikan - Alaska - Cruise Critic Community These experiences are best for ports of call tours in Ketchikan: Book risk-free with fully refundable, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Discover the best Alaska cruise excursions at Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan, while on a 7-day Alaska Cruise with Princess! Top 10 Ketchikan Excursions Zipline Park ($142.99) Cook My Catch is available on this excursion. If you enjoy Royal Caribbean, its not necessary to book another cruise line simply to visit Glacier Bay, as you may prefer the overall experience with Royal Caribbean more than with another company. Members of the Royal Caribbean Blog team travel to Alaska every summer, and we love sharing our best tips, tricks, and advice here on the blog. Review of: Ketchikan Private Family Tour! This narrow passage is between Vancouver Island and British Columbia and offers scenic mountain views. This is truly one Alaskan adventure that you dont want to miss. Grilled Salmon Topped with Rosemary, Ketchikan, Alaska LOCAL CUISINE Ketchikan isn't called the canned salmon capital of the world for nothing. While nothing fancy, these small, budget-friendly cabins allow you to allocate your vacation funds elsewhere. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage port Alaska's fourth-largest city.Visitors to Ketchikan will be intrigued by its rich Native heritage, which includes the world's oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. There are ample direct flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, making traveling to the city easier and more affordable. KTN | Shore Excursions | Carnival Cruise Line Practice mindfulness and take in your surroundings on this hike that leads you up 750 feet to the bottom of an avalanche chute. Located near the Misty Fjords National Monument and Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan offers plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities to see bald eagles, black bears, orcas, and other creatures of the Alaskan wilderness. See king crab, box crab, prawns, rockfish, eel, octopus and more as they're hauled on deck. Get your motor running when you get behind the wheel of a sturdy and powerful UTV. Both classes of ships also have a thermal suite available at an extra cost, which includes hot stone loungers, saunas, and steam roomsall of which are perfect for Alaskas chilly weather. Description Details Frequently Asked 4.6 (14) Join us for a spectacular Zodiac trip exploring part of Alaska's Inside Passage leaving from the dock of Ketchikan! Alaska Shore Excursions | Local Picks for Each Port | ALASKA.ORG From selecting a ship and embarkation port to reserving the best shore excursions, theres a lot to know before your cruise begins. If youre on the opposite end of the budget spectrum, theres nothing wrong with booking a suite. Nearly all begin with the land tour portion and end with an Alaskan cruise -- or vice versa. Saxman Native Villageis located about 3 miles from Downtown. Experience the thrill of fishing in the "Salmon Captial of the World" in the sheltered waters of Clover Passage aboard a modern fishing boat with covered cabin and restroom. These are the best places for kid-friendly tours in Ketchikan: Baranof Fishing Excursions; Alaska King Fishing Charter; The Alaska Catch; Alaska Strike Zone Sportfishing; Oasis Alaska Charters; See more tours for kids in Ketchikan on Tripadvisor It's 3,570 square feet of rock walls, towering trees, sea cliffs and dramatic fjords. Outside of hanging out by the pool, guests can enjoy a variety of other activities on a sea day, including sports activities, surfing simulators, rock climbing, trivia, live music, and entertainment shows. Cook My Catch is available on this excursion. Then, your small group gets a private lesson with the athletes and a chance to try your hand at axe throwing yourself! Review of: Photo Safari in Ketchikan, Alaska. Be the first to experience Celebrity Ascent. Alaska has delightful cuisine, from freshly caught fish to reindeer meat. 2023 Celebrity Cruises, Inc. The 6 Best Kid-Friendly Shore Excursions and Alaska Family Tours johnny was a great tour guide, full of history and facts and fun. Ketchikan, the "First City," is so nicknamed because it often plays the role of first port of call on Alaska cruises. Show your spouse, friend, or another family member who needs convincing a few images and videos of Alaskas scenery. Quantum Class ships also have plenty of indoor areas, including an indoor pool for all ages, adults-only indoor Solarium, and indoor sports court. Toll Free: (877) 686-8100. Explore these intricate masterpieces while learning the stories and legends behind these works of art. Acclaimed by Travel Channel as one of the "Top 10 Things to See in Alaska," this rollicking presentation by real lumberjacks showcases Ketchikan's pioneer beginnings. Here is an overview of each month of the season and what you should expect. Shop at Crazy Wolf Studio 6. The three most common areas for bear watching in Ketchikan are Neets Bay, Herring Cove, and Traitors Cove/Margaret Creek. Visiting Alaska in the early season will come with several differences compared to visiting in the peak season. Our local Alaska expert Mollie wrote a great piece about where to eat like a local on your Alaska cruise. If on a one-way itinerary, you may also encounter rougher seas while crossing the Gulf of Alaska to and from Seward. These tours can be booked day-of and may be priced significantly lower than those booked onboard. A great introduction to the thrill of ziplining on an exciting course through a lush rainforest in Ketchikan. This 2.3 million acre National Forest is best viewed by seaplane. 24 Creek Street was the former residence of Dolly Arthur, one of the more famous madams, who simply stated, I realized I could make a lot more money from the attentions of men than I could waiting tables. Dollys and the entire Creek Street red light district prospered from the 1920s to the 1950s, but is now a landmark and museum. Once the ship reaches the fishing area, the crew will haul a catch onto the ship, so you can see, takes pictures, and even interact with the crabs, octopuses, and other sea creatures. Packing for an Alaska cruise is not as difficult as it might seem. Related: Guide to Seattle cruise port for Alaska cruises. Head to the Pacific Northwest for an exclusive hands-on experience catching Dungeness crab and more on this exciting fishing tour in Ketchikan. Many guests prefer spending an additional week in Alaskas interior, giving them extra time to visit other areas like Anchorage and Fairbanks. Saw a lot in three short hours. Then, get ready for rip-roarin' fun at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, which features chopping, buck sawing, axe throwing, log rolling and more! THE 10 BEST Ketchikan Shore Excursions (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Bring a camera to capture some amazing sights! kind. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. First is that these itineraries allow you to start or end your trip in Alaskas interior, meaning you can visit sites like Denali National Park and Reserve and Kenai Fjords National Park, both of which are inaccessible on a roundtrip voyage. Radiance Class ships have an indoor Solarium for adults, an indoor movie theater, and lounges with floor to ceiling windows looking toward the ocean. Canada does not permit entry to any visitors with criminal records, regardless of how long ago the crime occurred. A great, authentic way to learn the history of Ketchikan! Nonetheless, you can occasionally come across a good deal by booking in advance or finding a last-minute deal offered by a hotel. This 20-minute roundtrip, Island Wings Air Service is owned and operated by Alaska veteran pilot Michelle Masden, who started flying in 1977 and began, Explore Ketchikan the way the natives did on this rainforest canoe trip and nature walk. Review of: Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition, Review of: Ketchikan Exclusive Private Group Tour (Price up to 11 Passengers), Review of: Alaska Wildlife and Totem Pole Tour in Ketchikan with Pick Up, Review of: 3 Hour Rainforest Walk and Totem Park, Frequently Asked Questions about Ketchikan. Explore Misty Fjords National Monument aboard our luxurious, high-performance catamaran. Phone +1 907-225-3101. Of course, your boat will remain in calm waters, so no need to worry about the rough waves or seasickness. We followed a whale or two and Jesse got us good views, saw seals and many eagles as well. Theme by 17th Avenue, Last Updated on September 30, 2022 by Sherry Laskin, 12 BEST Things You Can Do in Ketchikan, Alaska. more. Excellent excellent tour. Meet sled dogs? We got a customized tour with our small group of five. Top Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska on a Cruise Related Post: Best Time of Year to Cruise to Alaska. Watch for wildlife, a hidden waterfall and witness breathtaking views along the way. From local breweries to diners and food trucks, we recommend reading through her guide before your Alaska cruise to ensure you dont miss out on the states best eats. Join the Captain and the seasoned Bering Sea fishing crew for an extraordinary journey of discovery on the Aleutian Ballad, a storied crab boat seen on Season 2 of the Discovery Channel series "Deadliest Catch". Most nice hotels in the downtown area are over $250-300 per night, especially if youre cruising in the peak summer season. Explore the trails of the George Inlet fjord and the hidden beauty of the Tongass National Forest en route to Mahoney Lake. The adventure was amazing and we really enjoyed the extra challenge park portion. Plus, Royal Caribbeans roundtrip Alaska cruises are offered on Quantum Class ships, which are significantly larger and more modern than the Radiance Class ships sailing one-way voyages. Alaska cruise tours that include the Yukon and begin with a land tour start in Anchorage; Alaska/Yukon .