Ketchikan (Revillagigedo Island, Alaska)

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

Ketchikan tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

Tongass National Forest