Unforgetable Ports
Alaska's wild attractions are legendary, but you'll find the cities and towns you visit on your voyage to be equally memorable. Sailing into ports along the Inside Passage, you'll get a glimpse into the welcoming personality of the Alaskan people and a taste of the fascinating gold rush history that has left its mark on the regions streets, saloons, and storefronts.
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Juneau
As the capitol of Alaska, there are plenty of exciting options in the port of Juneau! Take the Mt. Roberts Tramway for a birds-eye view of the city where prospectors hoped to hit the jackpot. Explore Mendenhall Glacier, just a few minutes away from the cruise port. Take a glacier viewing helicopter tour or even dog sled on a glacier. Be sure to save time for the many thriving cafes, galleries, and seafood restaurants. |
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Skagway
During the gold rush, Skagway - gateway to the Klondike - boasted 20,000 residents and nearly as many saloons, dance halls and gambling palaces. Today the city of 1,000 is perhaps Alaska's most lovingly preserved example of gold rush era life. More than 100 years later, Skagway still retains the feel of those Gold Rush days, though most travelers now arrive by cruise ship and follow part of the original Gold Rush route by tourist train. The immensely walkable and historic downtown has also largely been restored to its roots, complete with false-fronted buildings and wooden sidewalks. The most popular excursion in Alaska is a ride on the narrow-gauge Yukon & White Pass Railroad. This 1800s built passage offers riders breathtaking views of mountain tops and valleys with plenty of stunning bridges and hairpin turns as you journey into the Yukon territory of Canada. It is a must-dofor any visitor to Skagway. |
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Ketchikan
Charming Creek Street, one of the town's main attractions, was the red-light district during the gold rush days. Today it houses several boutique shops selling local handicrafts. Equally famous are native totem poles on display the Saxon Native Village or Totem Bight State Park, and the regions fabled salmon fishing. Another major attraction in Ketchikan is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, a Travel Channel "must see" located only a block from the ship. The Alaskan lumberjacks battle it out with Canadian Lumberjacks in chopping, sawing, tree climbing, axe throwing, log rolling, and much more. |
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