Tag: ketchikan alaska

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MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Day 3: Exploring Ketchikan & Creek Street 🚢

MSC Poesia Ketchikan Day 3

Day 3 of our 7-night Alaska cruise aboard the MSC Poesia brought us to our first port of call, Ketchikan, Alaska. Ketchikan is known for its rain, but we ended up with an absolutely beautiful sunny day, which made it perfect for exploring on foot.

After breakfast and coffee aboard the ship, we headed ashore and spent most of the day simply walking around town. Ketchikan is one of our favorite Alaska cruise ports, and if you choose not to do an excursion, there is still so much to see within walking distance of the cruise docks.

Watch our full Day 3 MSC Poesia Alaska cruise vlog here: https://youtu.be/RJ1kKnUGL6U

🚢 Exploring Downtown Ketchikan

We were docked close to downtown, making it easy to start exploring almost immediately. Several other ships were in port that day, including Anthem of the Seas and Queen Elizabeth, so Ketchikan was definitely busy.

One of our first stops was the Knob Hill Overlook, located above the tunnel near Front Street. There are quite a few stairs to reach it, but the views over the harbor, downtown Ketchikan, and the cruise ships make it worth the climb.

Downtown Ketchikan, Alaska with Anthem of the Seas docked at the cruise port on a sunny day.
A beautiful sunny view over downtown Ketchikan with Anthem of the Seas docked along the waterfront.

From there, we continued walking through some of the streets above downtown before making our way toward the salmon ladder and Married Man’s Trail.

🐟 Salmon Ladder & Married Man’s Trail

The Ketchikan Salmon Ladder is an easy stop to add while exploring the area, especially during salmon season. We could see plenty of fish in the creek during our visit.

Ketchikan salmon ladder with visitors watching salmon in the creek near Married Man’s Trail.
The salmon ladder in Ketchikan is a beautiful short walk from the downtown area and Creek Street.

From the salmon ladder, we followed Married Man’s Trail toward Creek Street. The trail and surrounding boardwalks were very busy that day, but it is a scenic walk and a fun way to approach one of Ketchikan’s most famous areas.

🏘️ Walking Creek Street

We always enjoy visiting Creek Street, and this visit didn’t disappoint. We walked along the wooden boardwalk, browsed some of the shops, and spent plenty of time looking down into the creek.

Historic Creek Street boardwalk in Ketchikan, Alaska on a sunny day.
Exploring the historic Creek Street boardwalk during our day in Ketchikan, Alaska.

One of the fun things about Creek Street is that you never really know what you might see. During our visit we spotted lots of salmon and even watched a seal swimming around looking for an easy meal. We also saw a bald eagle later in the day.

The funicular up to Cape Fox Lodge was closed for maintenance during our visit, but there was still plenty to explore around Creek Street and the surrounding waterfront.

🌊 Walking the Ketchikan Waterfront

After Creek Street, we continued toward Thomas Basin and the viewing platform, walked along the waterfront, and then made our way back through downtown Ketchikan.

There are lots of signs throughout town explaining the local history, salmon, boats, and other parts of life in Ketchikan, which makes simply walking around a lot more interesting.

Eventually, we made our way back toward the ship and the large eagle sculpture near the tunnel, which was right around the area where the MSC Poesia was docked.

Eagle sculpture near the tunnel and cruise dock in downtown Ketchikan, Alaska.
The large eagle sculpture near the tunnel was just a short walk from where the MSC Poesia docked in Ketchikan.

After a late lunch aboard the ship, we actually headed back into town again for another walk. This time we tackled one of the very steep hills above downtown before taking a more gradual route back toward the waterfront. It was a good way to get some exercise after lunch and enjoy a little more of Ketchikan before leaving port.

🌅 Back Aboard MSC Poesia

Sail away from Ketchikan was beautiful. The sunshine continued as we left the dock and sailed past the mountains, trees, islands, and other ships making their way out of port.

That evening, we enjoyed dinner at Il Palladio Restaurant before heading to Teatro Carlo Felice for the Mother Nature production show. The show featured plenty of dancing and acrobatics, with the aerial performances and other acrobatic acts being some of the highlights for us.

Acrobatic performers during the Mother Nature production show in Teatro Carlo Felice aboard MSC Poesia.
The Mother Nature production show aboard MSC Poesia featured impressive acrobatics, aerial performances, dancing, and dramatic stage effects.

Ketchikan ended up being a fantastic first port day of our Alaska cruise. We had great weather, spotted some wildlife, walked a lot of the downtown area, and once again remembered why this is one of our favorite Alaska cruise ports.

Next up, the MSC Poesia takes us to Icy Strait Point, Alaska.

Watch our full Day 3 vlog here: https://youtu.be/RJ1kKnUGL6U

More MSC Poesia Articles & Videos 🚢

📽️ MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Day 1: Sail Away from Seattle
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-alaska-cruise-day-1/

📽️ MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Day 2: Sea Day & Gala Night
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-alaska-cruise-day-2/

❓ 10 Questions Before Sailing MSC Poesia (Answered!)
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-questions-before-sailing/

🛏️ MSC Poesia Aft Balcony Cabin Tour: Stateroom 11250
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-aft-balcony-cabin-tour/

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Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise: Day 6, Ketchikan Boat Tour & Evening Chic

Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise: Ketchikan Lighthouse Totems & Eagles Excursion - Day 6 Vlog

Our sixth day aboard the Celebrity Solstice brought us to our final Alaska port, Ketchikan, after a relaxing morning at sea. We spent the morning whale spotting from the ship, relaxing in the hot tubs, and enjoying lunch in the Grand Epernay Restaurant before arriving in port. Even with a rainy forecast, we were excited for another day of exploring Alaska! 🚢🌲

🎥 Watch Our Celebrity Solstice Day 6 Vlog

Join us as we spend Day 6 of our Celebrity Solstice Alaska cruise in Ketchikan, take the Lighthouse Totems & Eagles Excursion, and return to the ship for Evening Chic night and complimentary lobster tail.

Lighthouse Totems & Eagles Excursion

After arriving in Ketchikan, we met our tour group at the Liquid Sunshine Gauge in downtown Ketchikan, where Lighthouse Excursions picked us up and shuttled us over to Ward Cove for the Lighthouse Totems & Eagles Excursion. If you’re looking for a smaller, more personal excursion, this was a fantastic option. Our knowledgeable guides shared stories about the local history, Native culture, and wildlife while we cruised the scenic waterways around Ketchikan.

Lighthouse Excursions boat docked in Ward Cove before the Lighthouse Totems & Eagles Excursion in Ketchikan, Alaska.
The Lighthouse Excursions boat ready to take us on the Lighthouse Totems & Eagles Excursion in Ketchikan, Alaska.

One of the highlights of the tour was spotting numerous bald eagles throughout the excursion. We also enjoyed views of Guard Island Lighthouse, Totem Bight State Historical Park from the water, beautiful coastal scenery, and an Alaska-inspired snack sampler while learning more about life in southeast Alaska. Even though the weather was wet, it didn’t take away from the experience, and the scenery had that classic misty Alaska atmosphere.

If you’d like to learn more about this excursion, visit Lighthouse Excursions:
https://lighthouseexcursion.com/

Two bald eagles perched on a navigation marker in the waters near Ketchikan, Alaska during the Lighthouse Totems & Eagles Excursion.
Two bald eagles perched on a navigation marker during our Lighthouse Totems & Eagles Excursion near Ketchikan.

Evening Chic & Complimentary Lobster Tail

Back aboard the Celebrity Solstice, it was time for our second Evening Chic night. Before dinner, we enjoyed a fantastic performance by guest entertainer Hayden Smith in the Solstice Theater.

Dinner in the Grand Epernay Restaurant featured one of the highlights many Celebrity Cruises guests look forward to, complimentary lobster tail served during Evening Chic night. It was another wonderful meal and the perfect way to end our final Alaska port day before enjoying the Shine the Night celebration and dueling pianos later in the evening. 🦞✨

Complimentary lobster tail served with rice and broccoli during Evening Chic night in the Grand Epernay Restaurant on Celebrity Solstice.
Complimentary lobster tail with rice and broccoli served during Evening Chic night in the Grand Epernay Restaurant aboard the Celebrity Solstice.

Our final Alaska port was another memorable day aboard the Celebrity Solstice. From relaxing at sea and exploring Ketchikan to spotting bald eagles and enjoying another fantastic evening onboard, Day 6 offered a wonderful mix of Alaska adventure and life aboard the ship. Next up is our final sea day before returning to Vancouver.

Related Celebrity Solstice Articles

If you’re planning a Celebrity Solstice Alaska cruise, you may also enjoy these related articles:

🌅 Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise: Day 1, Sail Away from Vancouver
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/celebrity-solstice-alaska-cruise-day-1/

🌊 Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise: Sea Day & Evening Chic – Day 2
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/celebrity-solstice-sea-day-day-2/

🌲 Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise: Exploring Icy Strait Point – Day 3
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/celebrity-solstice-icy-strait-point-day-3/

🏔️ Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise: Hubbard Glacier – Day 4
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/celebrity-solstice-hubbard-glacier-day-4/

🐋 Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise: Juneau & Whale Watching – Day 5
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/celebrity-solstice-juneau-whale-watching-day-5/

🛏️ Celebrity Solstice Inside Cabin Tour, Sideways Stateroom 7160
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/celebrity-solstice-inside-cabin-tour/

❓ 10 Questions We Had Before Sailing Celebrity Solstice (Answered)
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/celebrity-solstice-tips/

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Grand Princess Alaska Cruise VLOGATHON (7-Night Alaska Cruise Compilation)

Grand Princess Alaska Cruise VLOGATHON (Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan & Dawes Glacier)

If you’re planning a Grand Princess Alaska cruise or simply enjoy Alaska cruise vlogs, join us for our complete 7-night Grand Princess Alaska Cruise VLOGATHON! This full cruise compilation follows our round-trip Alaska adventure from Vancouver, BC, with unforgettable stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, along with breathtaking scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.

Watch the full VLOGATHON here:

🎥 Grand Princess Alaska Cruise VLOGATHON
https://youtu.be/6GnOhGswflc

7-Night Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Itinerary

This VLOGATHON includes our complete Alaska cruise from embarkation to disembarkation:

  • 🚢 Day 1: Embarkation Day – We board the Grand Princess at Canada Place in Vancouver and begin our Alaska adventure.
  • 🌊 Day 2: Sea Day – We explore the ship, enjoy onboard activities, and settle into cruise life.
  • 🧊 Day 3: Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier – We take the local bus to Mendenhall Glacier before exploring downtown Juneau and visiting the famous whale statue.
  • 🚂 Day 4: Skagway – We tour the town aboard the Skagway Street Car Tour and hike to beautiful Yakutania Point.
  • 🏔️ Day 5: Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier – We sail through Endicott Arm and experience the incredible Dawes Glacier, one of the highlights of our Alaska cruise.
  • 🦀 Day 6: Ketchikan – We explore Alaska’s First City, take the Ketchikan Duck Tour, and visit historic Creek Street.
  • 🌊 Day 7: Final Sea Day – We enjoy one last relaxing day at sea while cruising the scenic Inside Passage back toward Vancouver.

Whether you’re researching the Grand Princess, planning an Alaska cruise, or looking for a complete day-by-day cruise vlog, we hope this VLOGATHON gives you a great look at everything you can experience on this unforgettable itinerary.

Watch the Full VLOGATHON

Related Grand Princess Videos

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The Ketchikan Duck Tour: Exploring the Salmon Capital by Land and Sea! 🦆🚌💨

Ketchikan Duck Tour: Ketchikan Alaska Excursion

The Ketchikan Duck Tour: Exploring the Salmon Capital by Land and Sea! 🦆🚌💨

If you are looking for a unique and memorable shore excursion in Ketchikan, Alaska, the Ketchikan Duck Tour should be at the top of your list! 🏔️ This 90 minute adventure is a “land and sea” experience that is a total blast for both kids and adults. It is the perfect way to get a lot of information about the city while enjoying some thrill along the way. 🌊

🔗 Book the Ketchikan Duck Tour here (Affiliate): https://sovrn.co/75d1v6a

Convenient and Informative 🎙️🛳️

One of the best things about this tour is that it picks you up right at the cruise ship dock. ⚓ No need to worry about long walks or complicated meeting points. As soon as you board the amphibious “Duck,” your narrator starts sharing fascinating stories about Ketchikan’s culture, history, and its reputation as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” 🐟

During the land portion, you’ll cruise past iconic landmarks like:

  • Historic Creek Street 🏘️
  • The Salmon Ladder 🪜🐟
  • Whale Park 🐳

The Famous Splashdown! 💦🚤

The highlight for everyone on board is definitely the “splashdown.” 🌊 The vessel drives right off the road and straight into the Tongass Narrows! Seeing a bus turn into a boat is a thrill that never gets old. 🤩

Once you are out on the water, you get a front row seat to Ketchikan’s busy waterfront. You’ll see:

  • The Local Fishing Fleet 🎣🚢
  • Seaplanes taking off and landing right next to you ✈️💦
  • Bald Eagles and other local wildlife 🦅🌲

Perfect for Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨

Because the tour is narrated and keeps moving, it’s a great option for families with children or anyone who wants a comprehensive look at the city without a full day of walking. It hits all the highlights in a short amount of time, leaving you plenty of the day to explore the local shops or enjoy a fresh salmon lunch! 🍴😋

Check out our full Ketchikan Duck Tour experience in the video below! 👇🎥

🔗 Book the Ketchikan Duck Tour here (Affiliate): https://sovrn.co/75d1v6a

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🚢 Day 6 on the Grand Princess – Exploring Ketchikan on the 🦆 Duck Tour

Our Alaskan adventure aboard the Grand Princess continued with Day 6 taking us to the charming waterfront town of Ketchikan, Alaska 🐟. Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and rich in Native culture and Gold Rush history, Ketchikan is a favorite stop for many cruise travelers 🌲.

For this port day, we decided to experience the Ketchikan Duck Tour 🦆, a fun and unique amphibious excursion that takes you both on land and into the water 🌊 for an unforgettable sightseeing adventure. This narrated 90-minute tour gave us a fantastic overview of the city’s highlights, including Creek Street and the Salmon Ladder 📸. As the Duck vehicle rolled down the streets and then splashed into the harbor, we got incredible views of Ketchikan from both perspectives 😍.

After the tour, we spent some time exploring downtown Ketchikan before hiking up to Knob Hill Overlook, where we enjoyed stunning views of the town and harbor 🏞️. We also stopped to take photos under the famous Ketchikan sign 📷 and soaked in the vibrant local atmosphere.

Back on board the Grand Princess, we wrapped up the evening with a delicious dinner 🍽️ and the high-energy “British Invasion” show 🎶 in the Princess Theater.

📍 Watch the full video here: Watch on YouTube

📅 Book Your Ketchikan Duck Tour (Affiliate)
https://sovrn.co/9bef3j0

From the charming streets to the sparkling harbor views ✨, Ketchikan and the Duck Tour made for a memorable Day 6 of our cruise. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning, this excursion is a fantastic way to see it all while having a great time 🤩.

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Holland America Koningsdam Alaska Cruise: Ketchikan AK (VLOG Day 6)

Embark on a thrilling Alaskan adventure with us aboard the Holland America Koningsdam! Day 6 takes us to the enchanting town of Ketchikan, Alaska, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Last Frontier. From witnessing the awe-inspiring Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show to exploring the historic Creek Street and bustling downtown Ketchikan, there’s something for everyone. As the day winds down, we return to the comfort of the Koningsdam for a delectable Dutch dinner, captivating entertainment, and the lively Orange Party. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of Ketchikan and the Koningsdam.

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Crown Princess Alaska Cruise: Ketchikan AK – Creek Street (Day 9 VLOG)

Set sail with us for Day 9 of our Alaskan Cruise aboard the Crown Princess! Today, we dock at the charming port of Ketchikan, Alaska. Our adventure takes us through bustling Downtown Ketchikan, along the historic Creek Street, and onto the scenic Married Man’s Trail. We’ll explore City Park and capture breathtaking views from Nob Hill Overlook. Witness the thrill of seals chasing salmon in Ketchikan Creek before enjoying a scenic sail away. As evening falls, we’ll indulge in a delicious meal at the Crown Princess’s Main Dining Room, followed by captivating entertainment. Join us for another unforgettable day in Alaska!

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Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Port – Free Walking Tour

Are you wondering what to do in Ketchikan Alaska during your cruise port day? This video will guide you through the free walking tour of historic Downtown Ketchican Alaska. You will visit 36 locations on this Ketchikan tour that will turn into an Alaskan scavenger hunt. The free maps can be found at several locations around Ketchikan We found ours at Sockeye Sam’s Store near all of the cruise ships. This tour will take you past many exciting Ketchikan locations including several totem poles, Ketchikan Creek & Falls, Totem Heritage Center, Creek Street, Dolly’s House Museum, Eagle Park and more.
More info on the Ketchikan walking tour – https://www.alaska.org/guide/downtown-ketchikan-walking-tour

Ketchikan Walking Tour Map (Slightly Revised from Ours) – https://www.alaska.org/assets/content/related_items_pdfs/Ketchikan-Walking-Tour.pdf

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Norwegian Joy Cruise Vlog – Day 3 Ketchikan Alaska

This day 3 Vlog is of our cruise to Alaska onboard the Norwegian Joy. In this video, we will visit Ketchikan Alaska and enjoy its beauty. We will do the full downtown Ketchikan walking tour and visit great places like Creek Street, Ketchikan Creek, Totem Poles, Shops and so much more. This cruise set sail from Seattle and visits several ports and locations in Alaska and B.C. including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria and the Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm. The Norwegian Joy is part of the Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus class and is a sister ship to the Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss. The NCL Joy is a massive ship that is 333.46 metres in length and can hold 3883 passengers and 1700 crew. The Norwegian Joy currently has itineraries to the Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast, Alaska, Bermuda, Panama Canal and the Caribbean. The NCL Joy has so many features including go-carts, laser tag, mini-golf, water slides, pools, hot tubs, buffets, restaurants, casino, theater and so much more. This Norwegian ship was truly amazing and a Joy to sail on.