Ketchikan Cruise Port Guide

For cruise passengers in Ketchikan, a top attraction is the historic Creek Street, a boardwalk promenade on pilings over the creek, easily walkable from the cruise docks.

For a spectacular natural experience, many opt for a boat or floatplane tour to the breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument, an excursion that fits well within a typical port day.

To experience Tlingit and Haida culture, visit Totem Bight State Historical Park, which showcases beautifully restored totem poles and a clan house and is about a 20-minute drive from the port.

Another popular option right near the docks is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, offering family-friendly entertainment.

From Ketchikan, many cruise passengers take short trips to experience the region's unique culture and dramatic landscapes.

A very popular excursion is a flightseeing tour over the Misty Fjords National Monument, a vast wilderness area located about 22 miles east of the city, with tours typically lasting around two hours.

For a cultural experience, the Saxman Native Village is only 2.5 miles south of the cruise port, a quick 10-minute drive to see its renowned collection of totem poles. Another option is the Tsimshian community of Metlakatla, which is a 45-minute ferry ride away.

The official currency in Ketchikan is the United States Dollar (USD). As Ketchikan is part of the United States, Euros are not accepted for transactions.

Credit cards are widely accepted in almost all establishments, including shops, restaurants, and tour operators in the main tourist areas.

For those needing cash, ATMs are plentiful and can be easily found near the cruise ship docks, in local banks, and throughout the downtown area.

Ketchikan is a very safe port for tourists, with the main safety considerations relating to the environment rather than crime.

Be cautious on the historic wooden boardwalks, such as on Creek Street, as they become very slippery when wet, and always be prepared for rain.

While the downtown area is safe to explore independently, guided tours are strongly recommended for excursions into the Tongass National Forest for wildlife and wilderness safety.

Ketchikan's climate during the cruise season (May to September) is cool and exceptionally wet, as it's located within a temperate rainforest.

Expect frequent rainfall and average temperatures ranging from the low 50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (10-18°C).

Passengers should pack waterproof layers, including a reliable rain jacket and water-resistant shoes, to comfortably explore this gateway to the Tongass National Forest.

Ketchikan's cruise ship docks are located directly in the downtown area, making many attractions like historic Creek Street easily accessible on foot.

For destinations further away, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Public Transit system operates bus routes, such as the Silver Line, with fares costing a few dollars.

Taxis are generally available at the port and are metered, while ride-sharing services have a very limited presence and may not be consistently available.

Ketchikan offers a vibrant shopping scene centered around the cruise ship docks and the historic boardwalk of Creek Street.

Popular souvenirs include authentic Native Alaskan art from the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples, such as small totem poles and carvings, as well as ulu knives and locally smoked salmon.

Prices in retail stores are generally fixed and not negotiable.

Alaska has no statewide sales tax, providing a great shopping advantage, but specific duty-free options depend on the cruise line and your final destination.