Fun Things to Do in Port on Your Alaska Cruise

Welcome to the wild and rugged beauty of America’s Last Frontier and 49th state, where the great outdoors take center stage. On your Alaska cruise to Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Tracy Arm Fjord, a bounty of adventure awaits. From glacier hiking to dogsledding and salmon fishing, dive into these top things you must do on your Alaska cruise. 

Alaska Glacier Adventures

Get up close and personal with Alaska’s icy giants in a boatload of exhilarating ways. 

• Juneau’s top natural attraction is Mendenhall Glacier; board a seaplane to soar above it on a flight-seeing tour of its majesty. Or take a helicopter over Juneau Ice Field to land directly on it for a guided hike.
  
  
• Topping this adventurous list of things to do when cruising to Ketchikan is Misty Fjords National Monument. The calving glaciers and dramatic cliffs are especially impressive with a bird’s-eye view from a seaplane.
  
  
• In Tracy Arm Fjord, witness the monumental Sawyer Glacier, which wows with towering walls of blue ice. Naturalist John Muir called it “one of the most dramatically stunning fjords of Southeast Alaska.” With floating ice as big as boats, experience the dramatic splash when it calves. 
  

Alaska Fishing Expeditions

For all the anglers, Alaska is paradise. The state is renowned for its world-class fishing, so prepare for some serious — and savory — action. Select local chefs will prepare your catch, or you can ship it home. 

• Go sport fishing in Sitka to reel in salmon or halibut. They’re particularly abundant in the waters around this historic fishing village. Or try for trout fly fishing on a Sitka river in a custom-built aluminum runabout.
  
  
• Though Ketchikan is the Salmon Capital of the World, that’s not the only species in abundance at this Alaska cruise destination. Go crabbing “Deadliest Catch” style on the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour. 
  
  
• There’s salmon fishing in Juneau, too. Learn the ins and outs of the best way to catch them, then head to the best local fishing holes to try your hand at casting and catching. You can also tour a salmon hatchery, then dine on wild salmon grilled over an open fire by Salmon Creek.
  
  

Alaska Wildlife Sightings

The wildlife in Alaska is famous for its abundance, and not shy about making an appearance. 

• On your Alaska cruise to Tracy Arm Fjord, don’t miss an excursion to North Sawyer Glacier to see — and photograph — bald eagles, harbor seals and mountain goats in the wild. Bear encounters and whales spottings are common occurrences, too.
  
  
• Whale-watching in Juneau is world-renowned with sightings almost guaranteed. Prepare to be mesmerized by orcas and humpbacks breaching the surface. Or hike Mount Roberts, and stay quiet to stumble upon wild deer and eagles. 
  
  
• Wildlife tours in Sitka include Alaska’s most enthralling birds of prey. The Alaska Raptor Center is a 17-acre avian rehab where you can meet the raptors in residence and watch them regain their gift of flight.
  

Alaska Dogsledding

Don’t miss your once-in-a-lifetime chance to partake in the timeless Alaskan tradition of dogsledding across snow and ice. 

• Book a dogsledding adventure on your Alaska cruise to Juneau and mush through the pristine wilderness behind an impressive pack of beautiful huskies. Hop on a helicopter to the Juneau Icefield, learn the techniques, then take the reins and dash through the Last Frontier.
  
  
• In Ketchikan, travel deep into the Alaskan forest mushing with your canine team of athletes. Your adventure includes a visit to a mushing camp to learn the art of dogsledding from the experts.
  
  
• Traverse the rugged terrains of Baranof Island in Sitka, guided by your trusted pack of tireless sled dogs. Meet the huskies and their mushers who share their passion for this time-honored Alaskan tradition.
  

No matter what you choose to do in Alaska’s great outdoors, remember to enjoy the journey, and pack your sense of adventure.

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