Search
Close this search box.

What You Need to Know about the Sitka Cruise Port: Shuttle, Excursions & Weather

A Holland America Line cruise ship docked at an Alaskan cruise port

About the Sitka, Alaska Cruise Port

The Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal in Sitka, Alaska is a modern port that greets cruisers from many of the major cruise lines. The Sitka dock is a premier port of call on Alaskan itineraries, accommodating two cruise ships, and it features a beautiful wood building, opened in 2011, that fits perfectly into the glacial carved mountains of the area. While you may not realize it while exploring the touristic areas, Sitka is the largest US city by size, at a whopping 2,870 square miles.

This port is unique in that it can only be accessed by air or sea. It offers unique local shops and restaurants and a free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes to downtown Sitka, which is about six miles from the port and a 10-15-minute ride. Cruisers who purchase excursions will meet with their tour operator and group at the port entrance.

A woman in a coat and winter hat poses in front of the welcome sign at the Sitka cruise port in Sitka, Alaska

The welcome sign greets cruisers porting at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal in Sitka, Alaska

The entrance sign to the Sitka National Historical Park in Sitka, Alaska

Free Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska

There are many great free activities in Sitka, from staying at port to enjoying the local shops and restaurants at the terminal, to taking the free shuttle downtown to explore there. The town of Sitka is unique and charming, and just walking around is a fun experience. There are several historic sites in Sitka, many of which are free, such as the Sitka National Historical Park, where cruisers can see 20 different totem poles throughout the park and learn about the Tlingit (pronounced “Kling-it”) culture.

Sitka Port Taxis

Sitka is a rare cruise port where Uber is not an option, but it’s not generally necessary given the accessibility of the free shuttle service. Cruisers who want private transportation or to venture off the beaten path can hire a taxi service, where fares are set.

Best Excursions in Sitka, Alaska

Alaska cruise excursions are generally more expensive than other itineraries. While this is a great port to explore on foot and shuttle, here are some of the best things to do in Sitka. Before booking on your own, though, be sure to check out my post on the pros and cons of independent versus cruise line-provided excursions.

Weather in Sitka

Sitka has an oceanic climate, meaning a temperate climate with moderate but generally cool temperatures and ample precipitation (think gray and drizzly). As with most Alaskan ports, dressing in layers is advised. During peak Alaskan cruise season (May-September), the daily mean temperature generally ranges from 48-57 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sitka Cruise Port Ship Schedule

CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) Alaska provides a regularly updated Sitka cruise schedule.

Sitka, 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 port, especially for excursions. Sitka’s time zone is Alaska Daylight Time (ADT), which is one hour behind Pacific Time.

Other Things to do in Sitka

ABOUT ME
Professor Melissa!

Welcome!

Hey there… I’m Professor Melissa. I’m a travel enthusiast who, for too long, let work dominate my life. In recent years, I’ve prioritized pursuing one of my biggest passions — traveling, and I’ve found cruising to be the most affordable and enjoyable way to do that. As an educator (yes, I am an actual university professor), I find joy in sharing with others what I learn along the way.

FOLLOW ME ON

The Ultimate Cruise Guidebook

More Posts

What You Need to Know About Taino Bay: Lazy River and Free Things to Do

The Taino Bay cruise port is located in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, and is pronounced (pronounced Ty-ee-no) Bay.

Getting to Port

If you live close to your departure port, you may drive there, in which case you’ll need to determine where

Subscribe to my cruiseletter for great cruise content delivered straight to your inbox

Sign up to Receive My Newsletter

Drop in your email here to catch up with all of my latest cruise updates and recommendations. As a special bonus, once you sign up you’ll receive my Ultimate Cruise Packing Guide FREE!


Subscription Form for body section

This will close in 0 seconds

Scroll to Top
Get my FREE Cruise Packing List & Planning Guide

Sign up for my weekly cruiseletter for insider tips and info.