About the Sitka, Alaska Cruise Port
The Port of Ketchikan in Alaska is a great port because it’s located right by the town of Ketchikan, so there are many things to do and see without spending money on transportation or an excursion. Located on the southeastern tip of Alaska, Ketchikan has 64 points of interest in the town, just a short distance from the port. Ketchikan is a small city with less than 14,000 residents, but it welcomes over 1.4 million cruisers to its town each year. The Port of Ketchikan can accommodate four cruise ships.
The welcome sign to the town of Ketchikan, Alaska
Free Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska
The town of Ketchikan is easily walkable from the cruise port, and there are several great shops, bars, and restaurants to visit on foot. You can do a self-guided walking tour using this Ketchikan walking tour map, courtesy of the Ketchikan Historical Society. Key landmarks and sites include the famous Ketchikan Welcome Arch, colorful shops along Creek Street, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, “The Rock” statue, and the Totem Heritage Center and City Park. The free activities in Ketchikan are abundant. Other downtown activities, such as Dolly’s House Museum, aren’t free but are low-cost and worth a visit.
Ketchikan Port Taxis
Colorful buildings in the cruise port town of Ketchikan, Alaska
Rideshare options like Uber and Lyft are new to Ketchikan, so these are now options, along with traditional taxi services, which run 24/7. The cost of a taxi in Ketchikan is $3.70 drop and $3.50 per mile, and municipal city buses run seven days a week. With so much to do and see in the town right off the port, however, many cruisers opt to just explore on foot.
Weather in Ketchikan
Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in America, so plan for precipitation, although it is often in the form of a light drizzle. Ketchikan has a mild maritime or oceanic climate, characterized by clouds, high humidity, and rain. As with other Alaskan ports, dressing in layers is advised. During peak Alaskan cruise season (May-September), the daily mean temperature generally ranges from 46-67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ketchikan Cruise Port Ship Schedule
The City of Ketchikan provides a regularly updated Ketchikan cruise port schedule on its website.
Ketchikan, Alaska Time Zone
Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for Alaskan cruise itineraries where multiple time zone changes can occur on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when making plans for your stop at the port, especially for excursions. Ketchikan’s time zone is Alaska Daylight Time (ADT), which is one hour behind Pacific Time.
Best Excursions in Ketchikan, Alaska
Alaska cruise excursions are generally more expensive than other itineraries. While this is a great port to explore on foot, here are some of the top things to do in Ketchikan if you prefer the freedom and flexibility of an independent excursion:
