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Guide to Alaska (Cruise Edition)

  • Writer: Lauren Diaz
    Lauren Diaz
  • Jun 16
  • 14 min read

We recently sailed on a 7-night Alaska cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line aboard the Norwegian Jade from May 19th - May 26th, and it was one of the most scenic and memorable itineraries we’ve ever done. The cruise began in Vancouver and ended in Whittier, Alaska, with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Icy Strait Point. If Alaska’s on your list, this is such a fun way to see it. Here's everything we did, what we ate, and all the details to help you plan a trip of your own. Even if you’re not sailing with NCL, be sure to check out my recommendations in each port. Most of them apply no matter which cruise line you’re on!


Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own!


Table of Contents:



General Tips:


  • Layers are essential! The weather can change quickly, from sunny and mild to rainy and windy within minutes. I highly recommend packing a waterproof outer layer.

  • Temperatures stayed in the mid to high 40s (°F) in mid-May. Not freezing, but definitely chilly, especially in the mornings or on deck.

  • You’re still in the US, so no need to worry about exchanging currency. Credit cards were accepted everywhere we went. But you do need a passport to get to Canada and board the ship.

  • If you can, book a balcony. It is absolutely worth it, especially if you are cruising through Glacier Bay! We heard from a lot of people that if you are sailing north (Vancouver to Alaska) you should book a stateroom on the right (starboard) side of the ship. I can't speak for the other side but we did have some incredible views the whole time so it was a great tip.

  • Even though you are sailing near land the whole time, there is often no service. So be sure to dedicate additional funds to purchasing onboard wifi (it was powered with Starlink and had very reliable connection) or download any essentials before setting sail.


Before we get into everything about the ship itself, let’s start with the itinerary:


General Tips:


Vancouver:


Where to Stay:


Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel


We stayed at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel for one night before our cruise and it was a great choice. The location was super convenient, it's a 10 minute walk to the cruise terminal, waterfront, and downtown. If you have too many bags you can also take a less than 5 min. taxi straight into the port for $15.


Address: 1128 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6E 4R5, Canada



Things to Do:


Stanley Park



One of Vancouver’s most recommended landmarks and a must if you’re visiting, even for a short stay. The park is massive but very walkable or bikeable. You can follow the seawall path along the water, stop at viewpoints, see totem poles, and take in beautiful skyline and mountain views. It’s a great way to spend a few hours outdoors!


Here’s what we visited:


  • Totem Poles: A collection of totem poles, with some dating back to the 1880s. Super easy to access right off the seawall

  • Brockton Point: A great spot for harbor and skyline views, with a small lighthouse.

  • Seawall Path: We walked along this to get to most of the stops in the park. The views were nonstop and we even saw a few seals in the water so keep your eyes peeled!

  • Shakespeare Garden + Stanley Park Rose Garden: These are located near the park entrance. We weren’t there during peak rose season but still saw tons of beautiful flowers so it's worth a visit


We didn’t make it to these, but had them on our list:


  • Beaver Lake or Lost Lagoon: Quiet corners of the park if you want more nature and fewer people

  • Third Beach: A laid-back beach area, especially popular at sunset

  • Prospect Point: A lookout with views over Lions Gate Bridge and the water, plus a café and gift shop

  • Vancouver Aquarium: One of the top indoor attractions in the city with lots of marine life exhibits, touch tanks, and more

  • Stanley Park Brewing: A brewery/restaurant with a huge variety of beers on tap and classic bar food


Granville Island



This small island just outside of downtown is basically a waterfront shopping district and public market rolled into one. The main event here is the Granville Island Public Market, which we absolutely loved. We always try to check out food halls when we travel, and this one had everything: fresh produce, local food stalls, flowers, coffee, baked goods, and handmade gifts.


The surrounding shops are also worth exploring. You’ll find art galleries, bookstores, boutique shops, and even a store that sells musical instruments. It’s a fun place to wander, grab lunch, and take in the harbor views.


Address: 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2, Canada



Gastown



This is one of Vancouver's oldest neighborhoods and has a really unique look and feel. The cobblestone streets, old brick buildings, and mix of local shops make it a fun area to walk around. You'll find boutiques, gift shops, coffee spots, and some cute bars and restaurants throughout.


One of the main landmarks here is the Gastown Steam Clock. It's an antique-style clock that uses steam and whistles to tell the time. It goes off every 15 minutes! I would recommend heading to Gastown earlier in the day though. By 5 pm, most of the stores were already closed.


Address (Steam Clock): 305 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B9, Canada


Our flight was delayed coming in, so unfortunately we didn’t have as much time in Vancouver as we had hoped. But if you have a little more time to explore, here are a few other popular activities and attractions in the area:


  • Vancouver Lookout: An observation deck that gives you 360-degree views of the city

  • VanDusen Botanical Garden or Queen Elizabeth Park: Some beautiful green spaces if you're into gardens, nature trails, or just want to take a breather from the city

  • Grouse Mountain: A short trip from downtown, this is known to be a great spot for hiking, scenic views, and a gondola ride up to the top

  • Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: A pretty garden in Chinatown modeled after traditional Ming Dynasty gardens


Where to Eat & Drink:


Vancouver is 100% a foodie city but again we didn't have much time to explore the food scene with only about 24 hours in town. Here are the two spots we did go to that I would recommend!


Dinesty Dumpling House



This was our one dinner in Vancouver and it did not disappoint. They have a massive menu with all the dumplings you can imagine as well as noodle dishes, soups, rice dishes, and more.


Address: 1719 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C9, Canada



The Keefer Bar - #28 on The North America's 50 Best Bars List 2025



This cocktail bar in Chinatown serves up everything from the classics to more complex, inventive drinks like clarified cocktails. The whole place has an apothecary vibe that comes through in both the decor and the menu that mixes in some really interesting ingredients and flavors. I highly recommend making a reservation, they were really full but thankfully able to take us on their patio as walk-ins!


Address: 135 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3, Canada



Ketchikan:


Our first stop on the cruise was Ketchikan, also known as the salmon capital of the world. This town is super walkable and full of character, with colorful buildings, waterfront views, and shops selling everything from salmon jerky to art prints. We didn’t book a paid excursion here and didn’t feel like we needed one. It was easy to spend a few hours just walking around and exploring on our own. One thing to note: Norwegian Cruise Line docks in Ward Cove, which is about 15 minutes outside of the main town. They offer a free shuttle to and from downtown!


Things to Do:


Welcome to Ketchikan Sign



You’ll spot this cute little sign as soon as you get into the downtown area. Walk down the main street from here and you’ll hit a bunch of great local shops. It also leads you right into some of the main attractions like Whale Park and Creek Street.


Whale Park



This is a small, peaceful park right in the center of town with blooming trees, a totem pole, and benches where you can stop and take in the view. It’s a great little spot to rest if you’ve been walking around and it’s right on the way to everything else.


Creek Street



One of the most iconic spots in Ketchikan. This historic boardwalk was once the town’s red light district and now it’s full of colorful little shops and galleries built on stilts over the water. If you’re there during salmon season, you’ll see them swimming upstream, but we were just a bit early in the season.


Ketchikan Salmon Walk


Right off of Creek Street, you’ll find a trail called Married Man’s Trail that winds along the creek and leads up into the woods. If you keep following it, you’ll end up on a scenic 1.5-mile loop that hugs the water and gives you a chance to spot salmon in the stream.


Totem Heritage Center



Along the Salmon Walk, you’ll also find the Totem Heritage Center. This small museum houses original 19th-century totem poles and other Alaska Native artifacts. It’s a quick stop but worth visiting if you want to learn more about the history and significance of the totems around town.


Address: 601 Deermount St, Ketchikan, AK 99901


Price: $6 per adult



In addition to these main stops, I’d honestly just recommend wandering. Walk the waterfront, pop into the shops, and enjoy the views. It’s an easygoing port that doesn’t require a set itinerary to enjoy.


If you're looking for more things to do, here are a few we didn’t make it to:

  • Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: A show that features competitive logging events and is one of the most recommended things to do in this port. For us, it felt a little too touristy and gimmicky but i've seen good reviews!

  • Saxman Totem Park: Just outside of downtown, this park has one of the largest collections of standing totem poles in the world. You can visit on your own or book a tour that includes transportation and a cultural demonstration.

  • Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary: A nature reserve where you can take a guided walk through the rainforest and possibly spot wildlife like eagles and bears.


Where to Eat & Drink:


Mission Street Market



This cute little local coffee shop had some of the best coffee and matcha we had on the trip. It’s a cozy spot right in town, perfect for a quick caffeine fix before you start exploring.


Address: 210 Mission St, Ketchikan, AK 99901


Alaska Fish House


This was hands down the best lunch we had during the trip. The menu has all kinds of fresh seafood options: fish and chips, tacos, burgers, bowls. Everything we tried was absolutely amazing. We got the smoked salmon chowder (a must), the blackened fish tacos, and the fish and chips trio. It’s fast-casual, walk-ins only, with waterfront seating and absolutely lives up to the hype.


Address: 3 Creek St, Ketchikan, AK 99901


Bawden Street Brewing Co.



A great local brewery with a fun selection of beers including IPAs, stouts, sours, and more. You can order flights to try a few and there’s a cute little patio outside if the weather’s nice.


Address: 325 Bawden St, Ketchikan, AK 99901


Juneau:


Next stop was Juneau, the capital of Alaska. This is one of the largest ports on the itinerary and easily one of our favorites. While you can definitely spend time exploring the town, this is also one of the best places on the cruise to book a wildlife excursion. Whether it’s whale watching, spotting bald eagles, or getting up close to a glacier, Juneau is the place to do it.


Things to Do:




I can't recommend this tour enough. We booked it independently through Viator and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The company is locally owned and super organized. They picked us up right in front of the Goldbelt Tram station, which is where most cruise ships dock, and took us to the marina where we boarded the boat. The two-hour cruise was beautiful. Even if we hadn’t seen wildlife, the scenery alone would have been worth it. But we were lucky and saw humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles. The staff on board was incredibly knowledgeable and made the experience even better.


After the boat ride, we were dropped off at Mendenhall Glacier where we had 90 minutes to explore on our own. We did the Nugget Falls Trail, which is about 2 miles round trip and takes you to a beautiful waterfall right next to the glacier. Highly recommend this combo tour if you’re looking to do both major sights in one go.


Price: $199 per person



Goldbelt Tram



This aerial tram takes you up Mount Roberts and gives you great views of downtown Juneau and the harbor. At the top, there’s a gift shop, restaurant and bar, and a few short trails with scenic lookouts and totem poles. It’s a nice stop if you’re looking for something easy, but if you’re short on time or budget, it’s not essential.


Address: 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801


Price: $60 per person



Even if you’re not doing a full excursion, Juneau is a great port to just wander. Right along the waterfront and Main Street, you’ll find tons of shops selling everything from local art and handmade jewelry to books, outdoor gear, and fun Alaska-themed souvenirs. There are also little cafés, bars, and scenic viewpoints all along the way. It’s a really easy area to walk around and get a feel for the town.


Where to Eat & Drink:


Tracy's King Crab Shack



If you’ve done any research on Juneau, chances are you’ve already heard about Tracy’s. It’s one of the most recommended spots for Alaskan King Crab and yes, it lives up to the hype. The price is steep (currently $80 per pound, and they suggest a pound per person), so we treated it like a splurge or an edible excursion. We split the $238 bucket for three people, and it was absolutely worth it. The crab was juicy, flavorful, and so satisfying. If crab isn’t your thing, they also have a few other menu options. They also only take walk-ins! As a tip, i'd go at a very random time, we went at around 3:30 for example and didn't have to make a line at all.

Address: 432 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801



Red Dog Saloon



This is a fun and quirky bar to pop into for a drink while you’re in town. The interior is wild with old-timey saloon vibes, sawdust on the floor, and walls covered in memorabilia. They’re known for their signature “duck fart” shot (Baileys, Kahlúa, and Crown Royal), but they have a full bar and you can try other "fart" shots with different floaters if whiskey isn't your favorite. We also tried the “reindeer fart,” which was topped with Rumple Minze. A total tourist spot, but honestly worth a quick stop.


Address: 278 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801



Skagway:


The next port was Skagway, which felt like stepping back in time. This historic gold rush town was once the gateway for people heading into the Yukon and Klondike fields in search of gold. The main street is lined with preserved wooden buildings, old saloons, and locally owned shops. It’s compact and super walkable, and there’s a lot of interesting history packed into a small area.


Things to Do:


White Pass & Yukon Route Railway



Aside from the whale-watching tour in Juneau, this was our favorite excursion of the trip. The scenic railway departs right from downtown and winds its way into the mountains along the original gold rush trail. We did the White Pass Summit route, which is about three hours round-trip and takes you up to the USA/Canada border and back.


The ride was absolutely beautiful. You’ll see waterfalls, bridges, forests, and snowy peaks. The train itself is comfortable and has huge windows or you can stand in the front or back of the car to be al fresco. On our date, they offered departures at 8 AM, 9 AM, and noon. We went with the 9 AM and it wasn’t too crowded, but the midday one looked packed.


Address: 231 2nd Ave, Skagway, AK 99840


Price: $150 per person



Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center



This free museum is located right by the rail depot and gives you more context on the town’s gold rush history. It’s small but really well done if you want to learn more about how Skagway became such a key stop during that era.


Address: 2nd Ave & Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840



Aside from these spots, like the other ports, I’d suggest just walking around and exploring. You’ll come across so many shops, historic buildings, and little corners that make this town feel like a movie set.


Where to Eat & Drink:


Salty Siren


A cute seafood spot overlooking the port with a solid variety of dishes. They serve beer from nearby Skagway Brewing Co. and have both indoor and outdoor seating. While it wasn’t as memorable as the Alaska Fish House, we still enjoyed it. The fish and chips and fish sandwich were the standouts!


Address: 205 Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840


Klondike Dough Boy



This is a great spot for a sweet treat. They serve Alaskan fry bread, which is essentially an elephant ear, fried fresh right in front of you. It’s sweet, crispy, definitely a good little snack between stops.


Address: 3rd & Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840



Skagway Spirits Distillery


A family-run distillery making their own vodka and gin. They have a well-curated cocktail list so you can sample the spirits in mixed drinks, or they’ll let you try one shot of each spirit straight. The space is cozy and welcoming, it's worth a stop if you're into craft spirits.


Address: 941 Alaska St, Skagway, AK 99840



Klondike Brewing Company



A great brewery right in the heart of Skagway with a nice variety of beers and a laid-back vibe. They offer flights, have a good selection of snacks, and a beautiful indoor space for cooler days. There’s also a large patio if you want to hang outside with a drink.


Address: 204 2nd Ave, Skagway, AK 99840



Icy Strait Point:


This is one of the smaller and quieter ports, but it’s beautiful. The scenery here is stunning, and it’s a great place to take it slow and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. We spotted sea otters and bald eagles just from walking along the water.


Things to Do:


Sky Peak Gondola



We booked the Sky Peak Gondola for $49 per person. It’s a relaxing ride up the mountain with gorgeous views of the forest and water below. Once you reach the top, there isn’t much to do besides enjoy the scenery and take photos. It’s a nice way to spend an hour or so, but not essential if you’re short on time or budget.


Address: Icy Strait Point, Hoonah, AK 99829


Price: $49 per person, booked on ship



Hoonah Cannery



Right near the port you’ll find the restored cannery, which has been turned into a museum and shopping area. It’s worth walking through for local art, crafts, souvenirs, and a bit of history. It’s also where many excursions depart from.


Optional Excursions


We didn’t do any major excursions here, but if you haven’t had the chance to go whale watching, kayaking, ziplining, or bear viewing in other ports, Icy Strait is another great place to book those types of activities!


Whittier:


Things to Do:


Alaska Railroad



Whittier is where the cruise ends, and while it’s surrounded by gorgeous scenery, the area you dock at is strictly a cruise port, there isn’t much else to do here. We booked the Alaska Railroad transfer from Whittier to Anchorage Airport for $119 per person, and it ended up being the perfect way to wrap up the trip.


If you plan to take this train, I recommend booking it directly through your cruise line. That way, they’ll include the short bus transfer from the port to the train station, and you’ll be guaranteed to disembark on time. The ride itself is scenic and peaceful, with views of mountains, rivers, and wildlife along the way.


And that's a wrap on our Alaska itinerary. I really hope this helps you get some ideas for your future trip!



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