MS Zuiderdam — 7-Night Alaska

Cruise ships typically dock at one of the berths directly along the downtown waterfront, which is the heart of Ketchikan. The main street and attractions are within a very short walk from the gangway. Ships do not usually anchor offshore and tender passengers here.

• Walk1-5 minutesfree

  Most ships dock directly in downtown Ketchikan, placing you steps away from shops, restaurants, and attractions like Creek Street. The entire downtown area is easily walkable.

• Taxi or Rideshare5-15 minutes, depending on destinationtypically around $8-20 USD for shorter rides

  Taxis are available near the pier for destinations further afield, such as Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Native Village. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your trip.

• Public Bus10-30 minutes, depending on route and waitusually about $2 USD per ride

  The Ketchikan Gateway Borough public transit offers routes to various parts of the city and surrounding areas. For destinations within the immediate downtown area, walking is generally more direct.

Watch out. Ketchikan is known for its frequent rain, so carrying a waterproof jacket or umbrella is advisable, even on days that start clear. The ground can also be uneven in parts of the historic district.

Worth doing here

• Stroll Creek Street

  This historic boardwalk offers scenic views, unique shops, and art galleries, suitable for a leisurely walk for most travellers.

  It is a short, flat walk from the cruise ship docks and can take about one to two hours to explore comfortably. There is no admission fee to walk the street itself.

• Watch the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

  This entertaining live performance showcases competitive lumberjack sports and provides a fun, engaging experience for all ages.

  The show venue is a brief walk from the cruise ship terminal, with performances lasting about 60-75 minutes. Tickets typically cost around $40-$50 per adult; confirm current prices when booking.

• Visit Saxman Native Village

  Explore one of the largest collections of standing totem poles in Alaska and learn about Tlingit culture, offering a unique cultural insight for visitors.

  This village is a short taxi ride or shuttle bus journey, about 15-20 minutes south of the cruise port, and can take two to three hours to visit. Guided tours, which often include transportation, typically cost around $45-$65 per person; confirm with the village or tour operator for current pricing and schedules.

Cruise ships in Seattle typically berth at either Pier 66 (Bell Street Cruise Terminal) or Pier 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal). Pier 66 is in the downtown area, within easy walking distance of many attractions. Pier 91 is about 3 to 4 miles north of the city center; walking from this terminal to downtown is generally not practical.

• Walk10-20 minutesFree

  This is only an option if your ship is docked at Pier 66, which is directly adjacent to downtown Seattle.

• Cruise line shuttle15-25 minutesTypically around $8-12 USD per person each way

  Most cruise lines offer a shuttle service from Pier 91 to a central downtown location, such as near Pike Place Market; confirm availability and current pricing with your line when you book.

• Taxi or rideshare15-20 minutesUsually about $25-35 USD per car

  Taxis are often available at the terminal exit, while rideshare services can be booked via app; fares vary with traffic and demand.

• Public bus30-45 minutesAround $2.75-3.00 USD per person

  From Pier 91, this requires a walk of about 15 minutes outside the terminal area to find a bus stop; check the King County Metro website for current routes and schedules.

Watch out. If your ship docks at Pier 91, plan for transport as the distance to downtown is too far for most passengers to walk comfortably.

Worth doing here

Cruise ships in Seattle typically berth at either Pier 66 (Bell Street Cruise Terminal) or Pier 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal). Pier 66 is in the downtown area, within easy walking distance of many attractions. Pier 91 is about 3 to 4 miles north of the city center; walking from this terminal to downtown is generally not practical.

• Walk10-20 minutesFree

  This is only an option if your ship is docked at Pier 66, which is directly adjacent to downtown Seattle.

• Cruise line shuttle15-25 minutesTypically around $8-12 USD per person each way

  Most cruise lines offer a shuttle service from Pier 91 to a central downtown location, such as near Pike Place Market; confirm availability and current pricing with your line when you book.

• Taxi or rideshare15-20 minutesUsually about $25-35 USD per car

  Taxis are often available at the terminal exit, while rideshare services can be booked via app; fares vary with traffic and demand.

• Public bus30-45 minutesAround $2.75-3.00 USD per person

  From Pier 91, this requires a walk of about 15 minutes outside the terminal area to find a bus stop; check the King County Metro website for current routes and schedules.

Watch out. If your ship docks at Pier 91, plan for transport as the distance to downtown is too far for most passengers to walk comfortably.

Worth doing here

Most cruise ships dock directly in downtown Juneau, at one of several piers like Marine Park, Franklin Street, or the South Franklin Dock. These are all within a short distance of the main tourist area. Occasionally, ships may use the A.J. Dock a little further north, but tendering is rare.

• Walk5-15 minutesFree

  The ship often berths right next to the downtown area, offering direct access to shops, restaurants, and tour departure points.

• Taxi or rideshare3-5 minutesTypically around $8-15 USD for a short ride

  Taxis are usually available near the cruise terminals and can be useful for those with mobility concerns or heading slightly further afield. Confirm the fare before starting.

Watch out. Juneau is a popular port and can become very crowded when multiple ships are in port, especially in the main downtown area and for popular attractions.

Worth doing here

• Visit Mendenhall Glacier

  This offers a stunning natural wonder with paved walking trails suitable for most visitors.

  Approximately 30-45 minutes each way by shuttle from the cruise terminal, taking 2-3 hours round trip including time at the visitor center. Shuttles typically cost around $40-50 USD per person round trip, but confirm with local providers.

• Go Whale Watching

  This offers the chance to see diverse marine wildlife in their natural habitat, suitable for most ages.

  Excursions typically last 3-4 hours, including travel to and from the boat. They depart from near the cruise terminal or require a short shuttle ride. Prices usually range from $150-200 USD per person; book in advance, possibly through the ship for guaranteed return.

• Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway

  It provides panoramic views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and surrounding mountains without a strenuous hike.

  The tram base is a short walk from the cruise docks, and the ride itself is quick, taking about 15 minutes each way. Allow 1-2 hours for the ride and exploring the top. Tickets are usually about $45-50 USD per person, but check current prices at the station.

• Stroll Downtown Juneau

  This allows for a relaxed day of local shopping, exploring the historic streets, and visiting nearby points of interest on foot.

  The downtown area is immediately accessible from the cruise ship docks, requiring only walking. It can fill 1-3 hours depending on your pace and how many shops or sights you visit. There is no admission fee unless entering specific attractions.