It’s not uncommon to overhear fellow cruise passengers say, “Why should I pay for a meal in port when I can have free food back on the ship? One of my favorite activities when I’m on a cruise is the chance to experience all types of local food in port. A storied past mixed with jaw-dropping scenery sets Sitka, Alaska apart from other ports.
RCI-Royal Caribbean celebrating Alaska culture with “Locals Onboard” program
Discover a range of available cruises departing from Sitka in June 2023, and easily compare options to find your perfect itinerary. Captain JuJu’s – Another seafood mobile unit, Captain JuJu’s is owned by a local fishing family and they cook up what they’ve caught that morning. Their truck is a pumpkin-orange color and sort of tucked away around the corner and across from St. Michael’s Cathedral, on Seward Street. Ludvig’s Chowder Cart – Located within the Sitka Sound Science Center, this is literally a food cart. An offshoot of award-winning Ludvig’s Bistro, the food cart serves Ludvig’s renown seafood chowder by the gallons every day.
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If you head in the opposite direction of the boat harbor, that’s where the majority of shops are located. You can find Sitka-branded souvenirs and Alaska t-shirts or head to Old Harbor Books and step back in time at this cozy book store. From the shuttle bus drop point in front of Harrigan Centennial Hall, you’re on Lincoln Street, the main downtown drag. There are a a couple of very nice upscale shops right across from Centennial Hall, opposite the harbor. Sitka Hotel Restaurant – You can’t miss this western-looking building with Sitka Hotel in big white letters on the old-time faux front. Fresh fish and seafood, high-quality steaks and of course, chowder are the mainstays.
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Cruise News Update: Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCL.
Posted: Sat, 14 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruise Ports in Alaska region
Bayview Pub – Upstairs in the building across from Centennial Hall on Lincoln Street. Also, one of the few places in town to get a Baranof Brew…beer made in Sitka. Maybe I’m a bit jaded but after a while, I think cruise food gets monotonous. Plus, I think that a really great way to get to know a destination is to taste their food; whatever might be the local specialty. If hiking is your thing and if your ship is in town for a full day, there are several hiking trails to explore. Trails range from easy to difficult and consider buying a can of bear spray for your hike.
During Alaskan season 2023, Sitka reported a record year with handled ~560,000 cruise ship tourists. In addition to wildlife and fishing, visitors can explore the stunning glaciers and fjords of Alaska, with various activities available, including kayaking, hiking, and helicopter tours. June also offers the opportunity to visit the historic gold rush town of Skagway, where visitors can learn about the fascinating history of the region. Sitka has two places for ships to dock; Old Sitka Dock (just renamed Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal) and Crescent Harbor. About six miles out from the city’s downtown, Old Sitka Dock is where most large cruise ships tie-up; from Grand Princess to NatGeo expedition ships.
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Slightly spicy, not too creamy-thick, this is one of the best chowders I’ve eaten. There are also freshly-made baguette sandwiches, an assortment of cold drinks and picnic-type tables to sit at and enjoy your lunch. Sitka is one of those small towns where you can see almost all of the sights within walking distance on one day in port. From where the complimentary bus drops you off at Centennial Hall, pick up a Sitka walking map and head out on your own. The back of the map has a list of all the attractions that are within walking distance.
Alaska cruise from Sitka in June 2023
Summertime provides a wonderful opportunity to view tufted puffins and other sea birds at St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge. While out on the ocean, you may also spot sea otters, sea lions and other marine wildlife. The list of communities on Sitka Island includes Baranof Warm Springs, Port Alexander, Port Armstrong, Port Walter and Sitka. Important industries for the locals are fishing (tours and commercial), seafood processing, tourism (also by cruise ship passengers), and hunting tours (brown bears, Sitka deer).
Sitka, Alaska
You’ll be dropped off in front of Harrigan Centennial Hall in the heart of downtown. Among luxury cruise lines, Seabourn will usually drop anchor at Crescent Harbor while Silversea heads to Old Sitka Dock. Sitka lies at the heart of the largest temperate rain forest in the world, the Tongass National Forest. Take to the water for a picturesque boat trip or kayaking adventure among nearby islands or charter a boat to nearby fishing grounds to fish for world-class salmon and halibut. In August 2021, the Sitka City Assembly authorized a 20-year lease of land (between Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal and Sitka Ferry Terminal) for cruise development. Sitka is delightfully different, curiously quirky and one of the most special places you’ll ever visit, whether on a cruise or a land-based vacation.
Visitors can also expect to see an abundance of wildlife during their Alaskan cruise in July, with humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, and otters frequently spotted in the waters. Bald eagles and other bird species are also commonly seen, making it a great time for birdwatching. The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise shiparrivals from all major cruise lines. Inorder to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departuretimes just follow the ship’s link.
With an average temperature ranging from 50-65°F (10-18°C), visitors can expect comfortable weather conditions and longer daylight hours, allowing for more time to explore the natural wonders of Alaska. Choose from a range of popular cruise lines, such as Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition and Un-Cruise Adventures, and explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Alaska on a cruise from Sitka in June 2023. Nestled between snowcapped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, many of Sitka’s shore excursions are meant to bring you closer to the island’s natural beauty. Here’s a list of some of the most popular shore excursions to do in Sitka. Most shore excursions are available through your cruise ship while some others are offered by local vendors at Centennial Hall. The new Terminal is sized ~3720 m2 (~40000 ft2) and houses 6x retail shops, 2x restaurants, an open-air terrace (covered), a departure point for shore excursions.
All three are located in the Alexander Archipelago and are part of the Tongass National Forest. Most of the islands' area is protected wilderness, with a minimal human presence on them. A large part of Baranof is designated as "South Baranof Wilderness".
Another tourist attraction is the Fortress of the Bear (habitat for orphaned or sick brown bears in the Tongass Forest). Wildlife viewing and fishing tours are available via walking, biking, boating and kayaking (in Sitka Sound). July is also an excellent time to try out outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking, as the warmer weather provides the perfect conditions for these activities. Visitors can explore the scenic coastal rainforests and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
A walk up Castle Hill offers the ideal vantage point to take in Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano. Visits to the Fortress of the Bear and Alaska Raptor Center are in order for any animal-lover. Both provide the opportunity to see Alaska wildlife, such as bears or raptors up-close, but safely. You won’t find any Diamonds International, Del Sol or Little Switzerlands. Back Door Café – Literally located at the back door of Old Harbor Books, you can also enter around the back of the building, in the alley. In addition to terrific coffee and assorted teas, they also make fresh pies, cakes, soups and one lunch entreé.
Currently, at Port Sitka (locode USSIT) can dock two large-sized ships simultaneously. The Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal (2021-expanded) now has max capacity 8000 passengers. Embark on a breathtaking adventure with an Alaskan cruise departing from Sitka in July 2023. Journey through pristine wilderness filled with glimmering glaciers, towering mountains, lush forests, rare wildlife, and charming waterfront communities. Discover a range of available cruises departing from Sitka in July 2023, and easily compare options to find your perfect itinerary. Embark on a breathtaking adventure with an Alaskan cruise departing from Sitka in June 2023.
Halibut Point Crab & Chowder – Family-owned, what looks like a big, white circus tent is actually one of the best crab restaurants in town. As soon as you step off your ship at the Old Sitka Dock, you can’t miss it. A lot of cruisers will stop here for a late lunch after a shore excursion.
This place tends to get very crowded when the big ships are in town, so plan on either an early or late lunch. The original Mean Queen is located on Harbor Drive, just before the bridge across Sitka Sound. The second and newer location is at Totem Square, across from Pioneer House, on Katlian. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and a great view of the harbor.
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