Tucked into a bay on the western side of Baranof Island, Sitka is located on the outer coast of Alaskas Inside Passage and is only accessible by air and sea. Application error: a client-side exception has occurred Application error: a client-side exception has occurred (see the browser console for more information). Depending on the cruise company, your ship may drop anchor offshore instead of pulling into the port. If you are planning on staying for longer than just a cruise visit then here are the best hotels to stay in Sitka. Icy Strait Point: you will always be tendered to shore as the cruise ship dock has not been put in yet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are you a cruise addict? You can also take a half-day salmon and halibut fishing charter dont worry about not being able to take your catch back to the ship with you. A $5 entry fee allows you to explore the historic icons inside the church. Sitka Dock Kicks Off 2022 Cruise Season With New Terminal, Welcomes Two Ships to Port added by Chris McGraw | Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal on May 11, 2022View all posts by Chris McGraw | Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal , on Sitka Dock Kicks Off 2022 Cruise Season With New Terminal, Welcomes Two Ships to Port, Submit Press Release, OP/ED or Letter to the Editor, Chris McGraw | Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. TEMPERATURE 59 F HIGH 48 F LOW AVG. Craft beer fans can find local Baranof Island Brewing Company beer around town or can visit the brewerys tasting room to enjoy a flight of beer. Some bears that could not be returned in nature are resident there and live in this natural environment where you can safely admire them up close. Sitka Cruise Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Ratings of Sitka Cruise Port But youll likely be able to see plenty of sea lines, harbor seals, and sometimes sea otters. Carnival Luminosa will depart A Carnival ship is due to sail from an American port for the first time next month after the liner relocates from Australia (RepositionCruises.com RSSC-Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveiled its new special-interest itineraries aboard its flagship Seven Seas Explorer, which is deployed in Alaska in Indigenously-owned company Alaskan Dream Cruises opened its 2024 itineraries for booking at the 2023's rates. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below. generally accepted standard rates are: The U.S. has no official language at the federal level, but English drugstores and supermarkets are routinely open 24 hours per day, 7 Adults Located on the western coast of Baranof Island, Sitka is a popular stop on cruises of Alaska's Inside Passage. Remember when cruising to Sitka its very walkable, so be sure to bring sturdy footwear as well as separates for layering to keep up with the demands of the areas constantly changing weather. - Sitka is definitely a treasure in the usan wilderness. In addition, Sitka has worked hard to build an extensive network of hiking trails through the non profit Sitka Trail Works. The Best hike in every Alaska cruise port - Ordinary Adventures Read More. However, some birds, which could not survive in nature, are permanent residents there. As its mission statement reads, the center is dedicated to increasing understanding and awareness of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of coastal Alaska through education and research.. If you find yourself in this small town, here are some suggestions to make the most of your trip. Terms and conditions Saturday, and often with shorter hours on Sundays - generally 11 a.m. The volunteer-run rescue center for orphaned bears is deep in the heart of Tongass National Forest. Note to overseas visitors: Prices of goods and services always seem lower than they really are, as taxes and gratuities are seldom included. Sightseeing in Sitka works up quite an appetite, and you can find everything from roadside stands offering reindeer sausage to full-service establishments with regional and international fare on the menu. Cruise ships could also anchor and tender to the either O'Connell Bridge or Crescent Harbor docks. The first tourist cruises visiting Sitka were operated by the Pacific Coast Steamship Company (1876-founded/1916-defunct) starting in 1884. Russian Bishop's House 4. Both the ship's excursion and Sitka wildlife tours are sold out for that day. All are located on the eastern coast. But we know you probably have a few questions about your visit as well, such as thebest time of yearto plan your cruise. Here are our recommendations for the best things to see in Sitka, Alaska. The cruise calendar displays the ship's estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship's next port-of-call. In 1867 the USA purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire. } Hikers are bound to find magnificent views and wild berries located along the path. The content of this site is protected by copyright. For such a small city, youll find a variety of restaurants featuring locally caught seafood since commercial fishing is one of the leading industries here. Riding the Rails Up North: Alaska and Canadas Best Trains, The REAL Truth About Spains Destinations: From Budget To Food, New Stay & Cruise Packages from MSC Cruises, The Top 4 Cayman Islands Beaches You Have To Visit, SpaceX Installs Starlink On First Ships In Aida Fleet, Exciting Changes For Cruisers At Port Everglades. Visit Sitka National Historical Park to learn about the Battle of Sitka in 1804 between the Tlingit people and the Russian colonists. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Of course, these are only a sample of the incredible things to do in Sitka, Alaska. It was originally built by Alexander Baranov after he established his fur trade activities in the area. The building is the largest hand-carved house screen in Southeast Alaska. From Lincon street you can go to the top of this hill in order to have an interesting view of Sitka and its strait. a temperate rain forest under towering trees, observe migrating For a closer look at the local sea life, you could opt for a boat tour around the harbor or charter a fishing trip. Popular with locals, Goddard Hot Springs are a cluster of natural pools and hot tubs located along the coast 16 miles (26 kilometers) south of Sitka. October through mid-May open by appointment only. 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. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Ride a 10-minute free shuttle to town. Known by the locals as Castle Hill, this is one of the most important historical sites in all of Alaska. ); The last shuttle from downtown is 30 minutes prior to your ship all aboard time. With the rapid population growth and the discovery of gold, in 1906 Alaska's capital moved north - to Juneau. Sitka cruise ship schedule . reasons. ", "We celebrate the opening of the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, knowing the importance of our business in Alaska as well as that of the port communities and small businesses," said Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president of shore excursions, port operations serving Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn. Ranger-led tours are offered every 30 minutes. (KCAW photo/Tash Kimmell) Assuming the pandemic steers a better course next spring, Sitka is . days per week, while department stores, shopping centers and most other CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has announced its plans to reposition three of its ships this spring (RepositionCruises.com). 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. Leaving: Vancouver. Its also host to various cultural events throughout the summer. This shelter for bears has the mission of rehabilitating sick or orphaned cubs in order to reintroduce them into the wild. And in 1972, the museum was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Sitka is also home to one of Alaska's most impressive raptor rehabilitation centers and a refuge for orphaned bears. The shuttle drops-off and picks up at Harrigan Centennial Hall every 10 minutes. THE 25 BEST Cruises to Sitka, AK 2023 (with Prices) - Sitka Cruise Port How to Get into Town Most likely your large ship will dock about 6 miles north from town at what the locals call the Old Sitka Dock. Sites of interest in Sitka AK include the Russian Blockhouse, Russian Cemetery, Russian Orthodox Cathedral St Michael's (1848-built, 1966-rebuilt after destruction by fire), Sheldon Jackson College Museum (housing Russian and native mementos). The Gavan Hill and Indian River trails starts nearby. Cruise schedule for all Alaskan ports here http://claalaska.com/ We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox. } In major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles, many Sitka Dock welcomed Royal Caribbean International's Ovation of the Seas and Princess Cruises' Royal Princess, two of the largest cruise ships to visit Alaska, to port on Saturday, May. Here are some of our recommendations of things to do in Sitka, Alaska. For lunch, hit up Ludvigs Chowder Cart adjacent to the Sitka Sound Science Center for their signature chowder and enjoy magnificent views of the bay. ): $2-5, possibly more for very large The island is separated from mainland USA by Blake Channel. Built by the Russians shortly after they became a significant presence in Alaska, St. Michaels Orthodox Cathedral still retains the double onion domes common to Russian architecture of the time. In fact,New Archangel (as Sitka was then known) served as the capital of the Russian-American colony from 1808 until 1867. from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. { Plan to be on deck when your ship sails into Sitka Sound, particularly This picturesque town (as Novoarkhangelsk/New Archangel) was the capital of the Russia-owned Alaska between 1799-1867 which explains the pleasant blend of American, Indian and Russian cultures. Be sure to stop by the gift shop next door for some of the best seafood chowder in Alaska. A shuttle for cruise guests between the terminal and downtown Sitka is designed to load up to four 60-passenger motor coaches at a time. Coordinates 57.126, -135.379; LOCODE USSIT; Local Time 2023-07-08 00:10; 54F 12.1C. Most cruise ships dock at the Old Sitka Dock at Halibut Point, 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) north of downtown and a. Maybe coffee isnt your style, but who doesnt love homemade chocolate? Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. When visiting Sitka, most ships will dock at the new Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal at Halibut Point which is located 7 miles north of downtown Sitka. The dock/pier has length 120 m (1300 ft) and can accommodate two ships with total capacity ~8000 passengers. On clear days, fronting the Pacific Ocean, Sitka rivals Juneau AK for the beauty of its surroundings. Sitka AK USA Cruise Port - WHATSINPORT.COM Jun AVG. Check out the cruise tips section for practical tips to make your trip a pleasant experience. Several states have declared Not to mention, the town is featured front and center in the movie The Proposal.. Adults and children alike will love the energetic drum beats and the chance to join a native dance around the fire pit. If your cruise to Alaska includes a stop in Sitka, here are the 28 best things to do in Sitka Alaska cruise port. Helpful. Heart Lake Trail is a popular trail for cyclists, families, and bears! 4. Sitka Dock Kicks Off 2022 Cruise Season with New Terminal, Welcomes Two If you happen to take a September cruise, make sure you plan time to visit theWhale Park. The McGraw family purchased the waterfront property where the cruise terminal is located in 2005. ATM's everywhere. The town is located on Wrangell Island (Alexander Archipelago, southeastern Alaska, USA). Free shuttle buses to downtown are usually provided if docked here. The Sitka Historical Society opened its museum in 1967 and is located in Sitkas historic downtown area. Sitka is a fantastic Alaska cruise port for hiking and exploring on your own! One of the best ways to witness the beauty of Alaska is to take a kayaking or canoeing trip. A complementary shuttle is provided, giving cruise passengers a scenic coastal 10-15 minute drive into the downtown. The trail is moderately challenging but well worth the climb. The best hike near Sitka's cruise ship dock. Situated within the Sitka National Historic Park, Totem Trail winds through a natural rain forest landscape under towering totem poles and the cedar trees from which theyre carved along with lots of Sitka spruce, giant ferns, and forest berries. The McGraw family purchased the waterfront property where the cruise terminal is located in 2005. 1000 Raptor Way, 1-800-643-9425, May-September Su-F 8AM-4PM. Celebrity Mercury at anchor in Sitka Sound, Alaska. About us The park covers 113 acres and is the site of the final battle of 1804 between the native Tlingit people and the Russians. I love the freedom that cruising provides, meeting new people, and exploring amazing new ships. Even if you have other tours planned, its worth your time to wander through the downtown historic section. Cruiseline.ui.init({ daily 9AM-5PM. The building is also called the Sheetk wan Naa Kahdi, which roughly translates to The House of the Sitka People.. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Sitka, Baranof Island, Alaska. And why does it belong on your list ofmust-see destinations? The rescue center is supported entirely by visitor donations and is open to family members of all ages. Day and Christmas Day where stores are generally closed), Help us to keep this page up to date: Mail us your suggestions. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared with third party vendors, or used specifically by this site or app. Round out your colonial Russian education with a tour of the nearbyBishops House. You can look out over the bay from the comfort of a gazebo picnic area and watch humpback whales jump and splash. Another tourist attraction is the Fortress of the Bear (habitat for orphaned or sick brown bears in the Tongass Forest). The Alaskan cruise season coincides with the towns annual Music Festival. Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers, Monthly Climate Averages for Sitka AK USA. Then visit the cultural center to watch traditional Native artists demonstrate their beading, weaving, and carving crafts. At walking distance from downtown is Sitka National Historic Park boasts Native American artists at work and its Russian Memorial Trail (lined with totem poles carved by Tlingit and Haida Indians) leads to the site of the Battle of Alaska. Visit Saxman Totem Park. Check out the Russian Bishop's House and watch New Archangel Dancers perform traditional choreography. At Baranof Castle in 1867, the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place. Either way, the dropoff point in Sitka town is likely to beHarrigan Centennial Hall. Old Sitka Dock. The region boasts a rich Tlingit native culture combined with Russian settlement history. You wont find the typical jewelry stores scattered throughout the Caribbean. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. The Tlingit Natives built the strategic fortification well before the Russians first visit, which later served as the location of Alaskas land transfer from Russia to the United States. By signing up you agree to receive content from us. Schedule Review Hotels. This was the foundation of the first permanent Russian government settlement in North America. Most of the cruise ships that visit Sitka dock about six miles north of the town at what locals call the "Old Sitka Dock," which has now been renamed the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. Cruise ships to Baranof Island dock (anchor) at Sitka AK (port town on the island's eastern coast). In 2021 was completed the expanded Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, but the facility was officially inaugurated on May 7, 2022 (during the visit of Ovation OTS). But beware DO NOT ring the bell. Here are some tips to help you. for very short stays (optional), Food delivery (pizza, etc. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cruise ships will use a floating dock, about 6 miles north of downtown. Departure . "We're thrilled to welcome summer 2022 cruise passengers with this state-of-the-art dock and facility," said Chris McGraw, owner of Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. Free shuttles run between the dock and downtown Sitka. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Remember to visit the Alaska Raptor Centre, where injured owls, eagles, hawks, and other birds of preyare treated and released back into the wild. As youre researching different cruise options, youve probably seen Sitka listed on many itineraries. The town is full of rich history, from the native Tlingit clans to a Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Bishops House. Thanks to a new privately owned cruise ship dock and terminal, it's hurtling toward becoming a mainline destination on Southeast Alaska's lucrative cruise route, joining established ports. To learn more about their culture and how they lived off the land, stop in for a visit at the Tlingit Clan House. Please dont forget to come back to whatsinport.com for new and updated port guides. Sitka Cruise Ship Schedule | Sitka Cruise Port Schedule - Cruise Timetables 2015-2023, Cruise and Sea. Most cruise ships that visit Sitka arrive at the Old Dock at Halibut Point, outside of Sitka town. A free shuttle bus service is provided by the port to and from downtown Sitka. Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada), List of ports in country: United States of America. Nature lovers will marvel at the breathtaking scenery via a kayak, hike, or harbor cruise. Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a sailing up north 2. It isnt uncommon for kayakers to see whales breaching the waters, grizzly bears taking a tip in the river, or eagles soaring in the sky. The festive is Alaskas premiere music festival and runs for three weeks every June. Best way to get to FOTB and raptor center from cruise dock? - Sitka Excursions are available for beginners and expert paddlers alike and include all gear and instruction. Sitka has more historical sites than any other town in Alaska, and most of Sitkas historical landmarks are within walking distance of downtown. Tipping in America is widely used and expected. Ready to greet this season's cruise travelers is the newly constructed Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, a 40,000-square-foot timber-framed facility featuring local retail shops and restaurants, an outdoor covered terrace and a departure point for land- and water-based shore excursions. ", "The Sitka community has worked incredibly hard to prepare its residents and destination partners to accommodate the arrival of cruise guests who are seeking special Alaska vacation memories in one of the world's top destinations," said Royal Caribbean Group Director of Destination Development, Alaska and West Coast, Preston Carnahan. "A thriving travel economy allows Sitka to continue to be a vibrant city with every opportunity for families to live, work and play. Visit Bayside Pub for well-crafted, unpretentious pub fare with a mesmerizing view. This ethnographic museum presents a collection of period objects, costumes and totem poles. Historical Park. For the most recent version of this page, visit: https://www.cruiseandsea.com/port/sitka-alaska/.