Cruise Guide for Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan, Alaska, is the site of an ancient Tlingit fish camp and was a supply town during the gold rush. Ketchikan is about 3 mi/5 km long but only a couple of blocks deep. Located on the southwest shore of Revillagigedo Island, it's the first port of call into Alaska, hence its nickname, The First City. It is considered an Alaska Native cultural center for the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian tribes, as well as a sportfishing mecca. The town generally gets more than 150 in/388 cm of rain annually, but don't let the liquid sunshine (as residents prefer to call it) keep you inside—Ketchikan is worth exploring in any kind of weather.
Location
Ketchikan is a popular first or last stop on many Alaskan cruises. As many as six cruise ships can dock in Ketchikan. Ships have assigned dock space or they anchor in Tongass Narrows, and passengers are tendered into town by smaller craft. Most visitor attractions are within walking distance of the docks.
Ketchikan's visitors center is on the docks between Berth One and Berth Two, and has free walking-tour maps, brochures and tour-reservation booths. Public phones and restrooms are also available there. The center is open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm and whenever ships are in port (phone 907-225-6166; http://www.visit-ketchikan.com). A second visitors center is located near Berth Three and also has pay phones and restrooms. Public restrooms are also located near Berth Four in the Newtown area.
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least expensive way to see the area, but you won't have to waste your limited time making arrangements yourself—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship. Shore excursions—and their prices—vary from cruise line to cruise line. Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for additional information.
