Ketchikan cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: The city berths are on downtown Ketchikan's waterfront. Ward Cove's shuttle brings passengers to Berth IV on that waterfront.

• Shuttle: Ward Cove's published 2026 service was complimentary between its Welcome Center and downtown Berth IV, with an estimated 20 minutes of driving each way. Board at the far end of the Welcome Center.

Service details checked 2026-11-03 with The Mill at Ward Cove. For a later sailing, use the transfer arrangements issued for your call.

Downtown: the city's four cruise berths run from Berth I in the south to Berth IV in the north. Ships berth alongside here. Once you're ashore, you're already on the town waterfront, so note your berth number before setting off.

Ward Cove: take the terminal shuttle for the town visit. The driving estimate covers the road journey, so leave time for getting off the ship, boarding the bus and continuing from Berth IV to your chosen sight. On arrival in town, identify the return boarding point before walking away.

Some calls use tenders: Norwegian Cruise Line lists Ketchikan as a port where docking or anchoring varies by call. Follow your ship's instructions for the landing and return boat.

About this port

Ketchikan gives you a choice between Creek Street's wooden boardwalk over the water and an indoor introduction to the Tongass rainforest. Both suit a day spent in town. The detail that shapes your visit is where you come ashore: the downtown berths are on the waterfront, while Ward Cove involves a transfer into town and back. Establish your arrival arrangements before planning your time ashore.

Getting Around

Creek Street is a compact area you can explore on foot from downtown, reached by sidewalks and stairways. Its cafés, small shops and local art make it easy to break up the walk. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is also downtown, at 50 Main Street.

For a short call, these town visits keep the day straightforward. Ward Cove passengers should count their walking time back to Berth IV as part of the return journey. Save the berth number or Ward Cove's name on your phone so that everyone in your group knows where you're heading back.

Things to Do

• Creek Street: follow the wooden boardwalk beside Ketchikan Creek and look at the preserved buildings, public art and interpretation signs. The former red-light district tells part of the town's fishing and waterfront history. Salmon may be visible during their seasonal migration, typically in late summer, but sightings depend on timing and conditions. It's a worthwhile historic walk without relying on wildlife appearing.
• Southeast Alaska Discovery Center: choose this for an indoor visit about the Tongass National Forest and the people who live around it. Exhibits include a recreated Native fishing village, alongside films and ranger interpretation. At 50 Main Street, it fits a town-based outing. Consult the centre's visitor information for opening arrangements before making it the centrepiece of your day.

Getting back to your ship

Getting back: for a downtown berth, return to your own numbered berth and follow the ship's boarding instructions. For Ward Cove, return first to Berth IV, then take the shuttle back to the terminal and continue to your ship.

If your call uses tenders, return to your ship's designated landing before its last-tender deadline, allowing for the boat queue and crossing.

Ward Cove's 2026 instructions distinguish the last bus from Ward Cove (WC) from the last bus from downtown Berth IV (DT). The downtown departure is the one that matters for your return. Establish its time for your call before leaving the terminal. Count back from the ship's all-aboard time, allowing for the walk to Berth IV, a wait to board, the road journey and boarding the ship. Reaching downtown's waterfront is only the first part of a Ward Cove return.

Practical Information

Wear shoes with grip: Creek Street's boardwalk can be slippery when wet. Give wildlife space and don't feed it. If stairs are a difficulty, ask for a suitable route before setting off towards Creek Street. A short distance on a map doesn't establish an accessible route from your ship.