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What to Do on an Alaska Cruise: Ports, Packing Tips & More
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items Planning an Alaska cruise? This guide covers everything you need to know—from what to pack, to the best things to do in each port, plus top-rated land tours before or after your cruise. Whether you're exploring glaciers, riding historic trains, or sp...
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Sections
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Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska
Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska
Things to Do in Victoria, British Columbia
Alaska Land Tours & Pre/Post Cruise Adventures
What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is Alaska’s capital and a haven for glacier lovers and wildlife watchers. This section features top excursions including Mendenhall Glacier tours, whale watching, flightseeing, and visiting the Alaska State Museum.
Great opportunity to see a glacier up close and some tours even allow you to walk on it.
Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau | Book Tickets & Tours Online
The most popular tour in Juneau!
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching
Great way to see Juneau from above as well as a great hike at the top
Goldbelt Tram
Great way to see a glacier and the scenery around Juneau.
Juneau Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk
Learn the history of Alaska in this fabulous museum
Alaska State Museum
If you are looking for King Crab legs this is the place, give yourself enough time to wait in the line!
Tracy’s King Crab Shack-Main
Another great restaurant in Juneau, it is right of the tram.
Twisted Fish Company Alaskan Grill | Juneau, AK
If you want an authenic Juneau Saloon experience this is your place, the floor is covered in sawdust!
Red Dog Saloon
Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska
Known for its gold rush history, Skagway offers scenic rail adventures, hiking, and charming downtown shops. This section highlights the iconic White Pass Railway, Yukon day trips, and historic walking tours. Don’t skip: The Red Onion Saloon and the ...
Hands down the number 1 thing to do in Skagway. Book from your ship !
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
Fun way to see Skagway and they meet you at the ship!
Skagway Streetcar Company
Meet a real klondike husky dog and maybe get lucky finding gold!
Sled Dog Adventure and Pan for Gold in the Yukon - Skagway
A very authentic Alaskan experience!
Red Onion Saloon
Great hike to see the beauty of Alaska
Lower Dewey Lake Trail, Alaska
Highly recommended by our tour guides and by others on our ship!
Skagway Brewing Company
Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is famous for its Native Alaskan culture, totem poles, and fishing. Here you’ll find recommended tours like the Misty Fjords floatplane ride, rainforest hikes, and the Saxman Totem Park experience. Look out for eagles and black bears—especi...
Here's your chance to fly in a floatplane and check out the scenery of Ketchikan
Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour - Ketchikan
Must see in Ketchikan, and if you are lucky enough to be there during Salmon season you may see them running along with bears chasing them
Creek Street - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Great way to see Ketchikan from land and sea
Ketchikan Duck Tour
Learn the history of Totem poles!
Totem Bight State Historical Park
The number 1 thing to do in Ketchikan!
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Great place to eat and close to where the ships dock and the lumberjack show!
The Alaska Fish House
Great restaurant to enjoy Alaskan favorites
Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House
Artisan coffee and baked goods with views of the harbor.
Pilothouse Coffee
Coffee, light fare, and a shop all in one—super cute and very photogenic.
Sweet Mermaids
Things to Do in Victoria, British Columbia
Many Alaska cruises include a stop in Victoria. Even with limited time, you can explore the stunning Butchart Gardens, tour the historic Empress Hotel, or stroll the Inner Harbour. Includes quick excursion ideas for cruisers with just a few evening h...
Stunning floral displays and peaceful walking paths—perfect for evening visits.
The Butchart Gardens
Lit up beautifully at night; stroll the promenade or take a harbor boat tour.
Inner Harbour | Victoria, BC
Fun way to learn about the history of Victoria
Ghostly Walks in Victoria, BC with Discover the Past
A local favorite for sustainable fish & chips served from a repurposed shipping container near the Inner Harbour.
Red Fish Blue Fish
Farm-to-table menu with seafood and fresh local produce—great cocktails too.
10 Acres Bistro
Waterfront location with good seafood and a relaxing view of the harbor.
Steamship Grill & Bar
Alaska Land Tours & Pre/Post Cruise Adventures
Extend your trip with a land tour to Denali National Park, Fairbanks, or the Kenai Peninsula. This section includes must-do multi-day rail and bus tours, scenic lodges, and how to plan a land and sea package. Tip: These tours offer your best shot at ...
Denali is a must see if you get the chance. Multi-day adventure by rail or motorcoach. Includes wildlife viewing, hiking, and optional flightseeing.
All Denali National Park Tours & Excursions
Great way to get between Anchorage and Fairbanks
Alaska Railway GoldStar Service
Departing from Seward, this tour gets you close to glaciers, sea lions, and puffins.
Kenai Fjords National Park
If you are visiting in the Fall or Winter this is a must.
Aurora Borealis Real-Time Tracker | Explore Fairbanks, Alaska
Stay at a luxurious resort with mountain tram rides, glacier hikes, and spa treatments.
Alyeska Resort
What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
Packing for Alaska means preparing for sunshine, rain, and chilly glacier breezes—all in one day. This section has must-have items for layering, shore excursions, sea days, and those once-in-a-lifetime wildlife photos.
Raincoat is a must for Alaska, be sure and pack one that you can wear over layers if needed.
Women's Rain Jackets & Waterproof Coats | REI Co-op
Raincoat is a must for Alaska, be sure and pack one that you can wear over layers if needed.
Men's Rain Jackets
Binoculars are a must for spotting wildlife on your Alaskan Cruise
*Amazon Best Sellers: Best Binoculars
If you are prone to motions sickness be sure to pack something to help with it.
Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband
Alaska is a rain forest so be sure to take something to keep your electronics and other items dry. I usually put a drybag in my small packable day backpack.
Dry Bags
A small backpack to take on your excursions comes in very useful for shore excursions and hikes.
WATERFLY Small Lightweight 20L Packable Backpack
Even though it will probably rain, staying hydrated on your cruise is important.
The 6 Best Water Bottles of 2025 | Reviews by Wirecutter
Great for keeping things organized in your cabin. Most cabin walls, door and ceiling are metal so these heavy duty hooks provide the ability to hang up jackets, hats, bags, etc.
Neosmuk Magnetic Hooks, 30lb Heavy Duty
Great night light for the bathroom on a cruise. It has both motion sensor and stay on capabilities, as well as a magnetic base so it will stick to the wall or celing.
Cruise On Motion-Activated LED Light, Magnetic Base, 360° Rotating Night Lamp
Great bag to keep your money and phone dry, as well as carry essentials on shore excursions.
Foldie Foldable Crossbody Bag - Blue
I have Merrells that I bought for hiking, so these are a more affordable pair that was recommended to me.
Water Proof Shoes: Fishing Boots & Deck Shoes for Men & Women