Ketchikan (Revillagigedo Island, Alaska)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island, which is part of Alexander Archipelago in southeastern Alaska. The cruise port is near Canada's southern border. All cruise ships dock near downtown.
Originally a fishing settlement and a supply centre for gold miners during the 1890s, in Ketchikan several canneries were opened as the town developed. The meaning of Kach Khanna, its Tlingit Indian name, is "spread wings of prostrate eagle."
For travelers arriving in Ketchikan AK during summer salmon spawning season, there is a better show from the boardwalk. Outside, tourists can watch thousands of king salmon (aka humpies) crowding their way upstream.
Other famous sights in Ketchikan include its totem poles, probably the world's biggest and most elaborate wood carvings collection. In town don't miss the Totem heritage Centre housing a collection of authentic poles. At Totem Bight State Park and the village of Saxman, you can see exquisite examples of totem poles and watch enactments of clan dances and legends. Other activities include kayaking on Ketchikan Creek, a fly-in fly fishing expedition to remote trout streams, flightseeing over Misty Fjords National Wilderness and guided eco-tours to spot local wildlife.
On June 4, 2016, Port Ketchikan's Berth 3 was damaged by the Celebrity Cruises liner Celebrity Infinity while docking. Due to the sustained serious damages, the pier became inoperative. The collision was caused by a sudden gust of wind and resulted in around USD 0,93 million in damages.
The vessel was approaching Berth 3 when a strong wind (up to 20 m/sec) pushed it into the structure, Repair works started on June 7, and by July 5 the pier was useable again. During pier's repair, ships in Ketchikan had to use port's other 3 piers or to anchor near Berth 3 and transport their passengers via tenders. In the period June 3 - July 5, the damaged Berth 3 had a total of 35 scheduled/booked ship calls.
On September 25, 2017, Port Ketchikan welcomed its 1 millionth cruiseship tourist in a single Alaskan season (a Fort Lauderdale family with two children on the NCL ship Norwegian Jewel.
Walker Cove (part of Misty Fjords National Monument) is located approx 42 mi (68 km) from Ketchikan AK, and extends approx 9 mi (15 km) into mainland Alaska. Walker Cove as destination features stunning scenery with towering rocks (on fjord's both side) and a multitude (hundreds) of waterfalls. Wildlife seeing opportunities along the shoreline include bears, seals, bald eagles.
In early-November 2019, NCLH (owner of the cruise companies NCL-Norwegian, RSSC-Regent and Oceania) announced signing a deal for 30-year preferential berthing at Ward Cove. The agreement allowed NCLH to build a new (2-ship pier) at the cruise port. The new pier will have capacity to dock simultaneously two liners, each with passenger capacity ~4000. The project is scheduled for completion in 2020 summer.
Ketchikan cruise terminal
Follows the Ketchikan cruise port's map also showing all major tourist attractions near the port.
Next map shows the locations of the port's 3 dedicated cruise piers (docks 1, 2, 3) and all the passenger terminal facilities.
(NEW) Ward Cove Cruise Terminal
In June 2019, NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announced company's plans to construct in Ketchikan a private dock (cruise terminal) in Ward Cove - located approx 5 mi / 8 km north of the city. For the new 2-berth dock, NCL contracted the Alaskan companies Ward Cove Group (Ketchikan-based, construction works and materials) and Godspeed Inc (Fairbanks, tours). The permit for the construction works was issued on January 21, 2020. Dock-side dredging works will be conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
The new dock will be at the site of the Ketchikan Pulp Company (factory operational between 1954-1997/defunct) which was owned by Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (1973-founded) and is currently ranked world's largest producer of OSB (oriented strand board) and engineered wood building products.
Ward Cove project's Phase 1 is expected to cost ~USD 50 million, with scheduled completion in 2020. Project's Phase 2 includes the building of a passenger terminal and tourist centre. NCL will have priority docking rights. Other cruise ships may use it only when NCL is not.
Both new berths can handle Post-Panamax ships (world's largest cruise liners). Shuttle bus service for cruise passengers from the new terminal to downtown Ketchikan will be provided complimentary.
Port Ketchikan's downtown dock currently can handle only one such large vessel at a time. Reconfiguring this publicly-owned dock to allow berthing for more mega-ships was estimated at ~USD 150 million (including shoreside infrastructure improvements).
Ketchikan tours, shore excursions, hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
Tongass National Forest
Port Ketchikan cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Ketchikan, Revillagigedo Island, Alaska. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
Day | Ship | Arrival | Departure |
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9 April, 2021 Friday | ![]() | ||
18 April, 2021 Sunday | ![]() |
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