Ketchikan Cruise

Ketchikan Alaska One word best describes Ketchikan - soggy! On a Ketchikan cruise "Walkin' in the rain" are more than the lyrics of an old song in Alaska's fourth-largest community. They describe the way of life. Waterlogged Ketchikan is No. 1 in rainfall in North America.

But break through the foggy mist and travelers soon discover an all-American friendliness and laidback, plaid-shirt sincerity, bigger than the outdoors. Often the first Alaskan port of call for northbound ships, this island community in the heart of the Tongass National Forest extends a warm welcome to visitors. Habitat for a rich abundance of plants, animals and birds, Ketchikan is a reserve of natural beauty, where 20 percent of its 15,000 inhabitants can trace their origins to the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian native tribes of Alaska.

Arrival: The first glimpse of Ketchikan from the veranda of an arriving cruise ship is of an inviting, waterfront village framed against the backdrop of a lush green mountain range. There is no official cruise terminal; ships anchor next to the pier. If four ships are in port on the same day, one will anchor offshore and tender passengers. Travelers can stroll down the gangplank and along the bustling waterfront promenade right into the heart of downtown Ketchikan.

Ketchikan Alaska Cruise

The first stop for cruise passengers going it alone should be the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau at the center of the pier on Front Street. The helpful staff is a ready resource for local activities. A self-guided walking tour of the town starts here.

Passengers in need of a quick java life can pop into the Ketchikan Coffee Co., steps away from the Visitors Bureau. For those who skipped breakfast on board, try the Alaskan Surf Fish & Ship Care, a favorite among the locals for a short-order breakfast or full-scale lunch.

Independent Sightseeing: A two-mile, two-and-a-half hour, self-guided tour takes in just about every point of interest in town. Use the free mpa the bureau provides, and follow the markers in the order suggested.

Off The Beaten Path: Dozens of wildlife-viewing experineces are available by boat or plane, or on foot. A hike in the Tongass National Forest is highlighted by a pause at one of the many viewing sites. The glacier-carved wilderness of Musty Fjords Natural Monument - inhabited by whales, porpoise, sea lions, seals and bald eagles-can be explored via swift sightseeing vessels.

Best Souvenirs: Gift and souvenir shops abound, offering carvings of walrus ivory, soapstone, jade and other natural materials. Paintings, prints and pottery are popular. The Ketchikan Mining Company (on Front Street near the docks) features all things Alaskan. Salmon jerky is an unusual and popular souvenir. For souvenirs look for a silver hand symbol and "Made in Alaska" legend which signifies authentic Alaskan craft.

Ketchikan Shore Excursions

A wide variety of excursions are offered, including everything from salmon fishing to a four-hour "Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari." One of the most popular tours is a visit to Saxman Native Village with constumed native dancers, and Totem Park, advertised as the largest gathering of totem poles in the world. Another fun-filled diversion, especially for the kids, is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show" with competitive tree climbing, log rolling, choppind and the like.

Who Goes There: Among the major lines scheduled to anchor in Ketchikan are Carnival Cruise LInes, Celebrity Cruises, Cruise West, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean and Silversea Cruises.

For more information: www.visit-ketchikan.com

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Ketchikan Cruise

Ketchikan Alaska Cruise

Ketchikan Shore Excursions

In Ketchikan, cruise passengers can easily explore the Alaskan Frontier Town during a port call.