Ketchikan has two docks: Downtown Ketchikan and Ward Cove. Norwegian docks at the latter, which is approximately a 15-minute drive from downtown. The cruise terminal at Ward Cove is an entertainment mecca with shopping, dining, and live entertainment. If you don’t have an excursion booked, this would be a great option to spend an hour or two before heading downtown. For everyone’s convenience, the city provides a complimentary shuttle service to the downtown area.
You’re probably hearing a lot about Norwegian and Ward Cove as the Gault Family saga makes the news rounds. I’ll say this. Whether you book your excursions through the cruise line, direct with the local tour operators, or through companies like Project Expedition and Viator, it is extremely important that you know the all aboard time which is clearly communicated to guests, how long it will take you to get back to port, and plan to be back on the ship approximately one hour prior to the all aboard time. So much headache and heartache could be avoided if everyone followed through on this.
In my opinion, the excursion companies were the most organized in Ketchikan. Once we entered the cruise terminal, we were lined up based on our selections, and bused out in no time flat. Hence the reason I don’t have a picture of the activity in the terminal. Our excursion for the day was a cruise to Silver Lodge where a seafood feast awaited.
This was our first truly sunny day, and everywhere we turned, we felt we were in a postcard.
We went on a short hike of the grounds and saw one of the largest Western Red Cedar trees in the world.
And then it was time to eat! Can you tell our table was excited?!
Too soon, and with full bellies, we were sailing back to Ward Cove. The teens headed back to the ship while the FamTrav Husband and I did a little shopping in the terminal. Then on the walk back to the ship we spotted tons of jellyfish. Look closely, what may look like bubbles are just really tiny jellyfish.
My final post in this series will cover why you shouldn’t skip Victoria, and include helpful tips about cruising Alaska. Be sure to check back.
Our Alaska Adventure: Norwegian Encore
Our Alaska Adventure: Glacier Bay
Our Alaska Adventure: Ketchikan (Ward Cove)
Our Alaska Adventure: Victoria + Alaska Cruise Tips
Shop my winter staples from Amazon that I’ve used and loved for years:
Down Coat With Fur Hood (silver not available at this time) / Satin Lined Beanie with Faux Fur Pom / Waterproof Winter Gloves with Touch Screen / Ankle Boot
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