sitka ak cruise ship schedule 2023

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Sitka, Alaska Cruise Ship Schedule

Sitka, Alaska  cruise ship calendar 2023 provides the opportunity to search the arrival and departure schedules of cruise ships. The timetable displays dates and times of the cruise ships visiting this US port-of-call based is on the major cruise lines itineraries.  Please note, the cruise port schedule is based on updated itineraries from the following cruise lines: Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Marella Cruises, TUI, P&O Cruises, Aida Cruises, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Viking Cruises and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. Here you can  view cruise ship Itineraries  classified by cruise lines.

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• Quantum Of The Seas 4.819 passengers 30 May 2024 - 08:00
• ms Westerdam 2.362 passengers 30 May 2024 - 08:00
• Viking Orion 930 passengers 31 May 2024 - 00:00
• Norwegian Sun 2.323 passengers 31 May 2024 - 10:00
• Explora 1 1.473 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Silver Muse 691 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• Ovation Of The Seas 4.819 passengers 02 Jun 2024 - 10:00
• Silver Nova 728 passengers 03 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• Norwegian Bliss 4.903 passengers 03 Jun 2024 - 11:00
• Radiance Of The Seas 2.546 passengers 04 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Brilliance Of The Seas 2.580 passengers 04 Jun 2024 - 11:59
• ms Eurodam 2.525 passengers 05 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Quantum Of The Seas 4.819 passengers 05 Jun 2024 - 09:30
• Viking Orion 930 passengers 06 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Oceania Regatta 803 passengers 06 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• ms Westerdam 2.362 passengers 06 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Seven Seas Explorer 829 passengers 07 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Norwegian Sun 2.323 passengers 09 Jun 2024 - 11:00
• Celebrity Summit 2.590 passengers 10 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Seabourn Odyssey 540 passengers 10 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Silver Muse 691 passengers 10 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• Norwegian Bliss 4.903 passengers 10 Jun 2024 - 11:00
• Ovation Of The Seas 4.819 passengers 11 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Silver Nova 728 passengers 11 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• Brilliance Of The Seas 2.580 passengers 11 Jun 2024 - 11:59
• ms Eurodam 2.525 passengers 12 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Quantum Of The Seas 4.819 passengers 12 Jun 2024 - 09:30
• ms Westerdam 2.362 passengers 12 Jun 2024 - 10:00
• Queen Elizabeth 2.503 passengers 13 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Explora 1 1.473 passengers 15 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Ovation Of The Seas 4.819 passengers 16 Jun 2024 - 10:00
• Oceania Regatta 803 passengers 17 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Silver Nova 728 passengers 17 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• Norwegian Bliss 4.903 passengers 17 Jun 2024 - 11:00
• Radiance Of The Seas 2.546 passengers 18 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Brilliance Of The Seas 2.580 passengers 18 Jun 2024 - 11:59
• ms Eurodam 2.525 passengers 19 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Quantum Of The Seas 4.819 passengers 19 Jun 2024 - 09:30
• Viking Orion 930 passengers 20 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Norwegian Sun 2.323 passengers 20 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Seabourn Odyssey 540 passengers 20 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Seven Seas Explorer 829 passengers 21 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Explora 1 1.473 passengers 22 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Celebrity Summit 2.590 passengers 24 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• Silver Muse 691 passengers 24 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• Norwegian Bliss 4.903 passengers 24 Jun 2024 - 11:00
• Silver Nova 728 passengers 25 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• Oceania Regatta 803 passengers 25 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• Brilliance Of The Seas 2.580 passengers 25 Jun 2024 - 11:59
• Viking Orion 930 passengers 26 Jun 2024 - 00:00

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Sitka, Alaska, US

A storied past mixed with jaw-dropping scenery sets Sitka, Alaska apart from other ports. Located on Baranof Island surrounded by the Sitka Sound’s icy blue water, it not only boasts lush scenery and captivating wildlife, Sitka offers a unique glimpse into Alaska history. Russia controlled Alaska from the mid-1700s until the United States purchased it in 1867, and Sitka was settled as the capital of Russian America with the name New Archangel.

Sail to Sitka on an Alaska Cruise today and you’ll see vestiges of Russia’s influence. Stroll past the onion dome of St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, both National Historic Landmarks. On a Sitka, Alaska shore excursion, stop by the visitor center of the Sitka National Historical park to peruse fascinating collections of Russian and Native Alaskan artifacts, and then join a ranger-led tour of the battlefield where Russia fought the native Tlingit people. 

Surrounded by the Tongass National rain forest, nature abounds in Sitka, Alaska. 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. 

Top 3: Things To Do In Sitka, Alaska

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Sitka cruise port

• Coordinates 57.126, -135.379
• LOCODE USSIT
• Local Time 2024-05-29 20:44

Sitka cruise ship schedule

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Alaska – All Ports – All Vessels – 2024

ANC – Anchorage – 2024 BRW – Barrow – 2024 CDV – Cordova – 2024 DH – Dutch Harbor – 2024 GB – Glacier Bay – 2024 HNS – Haines – 2024 HOM – Homer – 2024 HUB – Hubbard Glacier – 2024 ISP – Icy Strait Point – 2024 JNU – Juneau – 2024 KAK – Kake – 2024 KDK – Kodiak – 2024 KLW – Klawock – 2024 KTN – Ketchikan – 2024 MET – Metlakatla – 2024 NOM – Nome – 2024 PDH – Prudhoe Bay- 2024 PTB – Petersburg – 2024 SEA – Seattle – 2024 SEW – Seward – 2024 SFO – San Francisco – 2024 SIT – Sitka – 2024 SKG – Skagway – 2024 TA – Tracy Arm – 2024 VAN – Vancouver – 2024 VDZ – Valdez – 2024 VIC – Victoria – 2024 WHT – Whittier – 2024 WRG – Wrangell ~2024

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Sitka, Alaska

All information about sitka cruise port. timetable for the arrival of ships, the time of their stay and the number of passengers. sitka port news. weather forecast and historical weather, as well as water temperatures around sitka..

Sitka: tourist information

One look at lovely Sitka and you'll know why Alexander Baranof, governor of the Russian American Company, decided to build his "castle" here. With views of island-studded waters and stately spruce forests reaching to the water's edge, Sitka is considered Alaska's most beautiful seaside town. Sitka's past is a unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian history.

Our historic and scenic community is situated on Baranof Island, nestled between forested mountains and the great Pacific Ocean, on the outer waters of Alaska's Inside Passage. Sitka offers a combination of Native culture, Russian history, and Alaskan wilderness which will provide a diverse and unequaled experience.

Wildlife adds to Sitka's natural beauty. Our mild climate, rich habitat and relatively low human population make Sitka one of the best places to view wildlife. Nearby waters are a popular feeding ground for humpback whales in the late fall and early spring. 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.

Sitka lies at the heart of the largest temperate rain forest in the world, the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy the fresh outdoors on well-marked mountain trails. 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.

• Country: USA
• Capital: Washington, D.C.
• Government: United States
• State/Region: Alaska
• Time Zone: -9 GMT
• Language: English
• Latitude: 57.0530600
• Longitude: -135.3300000
• Est. Population: 8881
• Currency: US Dollar
• Fire: Sitka Fire Department - 209 Lake Street, Sitka, Alaska 99835; Phone: (907)747-3233
• Police: Sitka Police Department - 304 Lake St, Sitka, Alaska 99835; Phone: (907)747-3245
• Hospital: Sitka Community Hospital - 209 Moller Drive, Sitka, Alaska 99835; Phone: (907)747-3241
• General: Emergency Phone: 911

Sitka Cruise Port Schedule

Sitka in the News

• May 1, 2024 RCI-Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas fixes propulsion issue, sets sail for Alaska RCI-Royal Caribbean International's ship Radiance of the Seas has completed necessary repairs and...
• Dec 18, 2023 HAL-Holland America unveils 4 new 'Legendary Voyages' for 2025-2026 Responding to demand, HAL-Holland America Line expands its collection of 'Legendary Voyages' with...
• Dec 14, 2023 Cunard unveils Alaska 2025 season aboard Queen Elizabeth In 2025, enthusiasts of maritime exploration have the opportunity to embark on an exceptional sea...
• Nov 3, 2023 RCI-Royal Caribbean opens bookings for 2025 Alaska Summer Adventures RCI-Royal Caribbean International is expanding its cruise offerings in Alaska for summer 2025. Th...
• Oct 5, 2023 Oceania Cruises' ship Riviera debuts in Alaska in 2025 Oceania Cruises has revealed that its extensively refurbished ship, the 1250-passenger ship Rivie...
• Aug 26, 2023 Seabourn unveils 24 voyages to Alaska, Canada and New England USA (summer & fall 2025) Following Seabourn's recent announcement disclosing their 2025 itineraries, the focus now shifts ...
• Aug 22, 2023 RCI-Royal Caribbean celebrating Alaska culture with “Locals Onboard” program RCI-Royal Caribbean International has launched the "Locals Onboard" program in collaboration with...
• Aug 6, 2023 Princess unveils 2025 Alaska cruise and cruisetours season Princess Cruises has revealed its 2025 Alaska cruise and cruisetours season, presenting 3 captiva...
• Jul 21, 2023 HAL-Holland America opens bookings for 2025 Alaska Season HAL-Holland America Line has now opened reservations for its 2025 Alaska season. With a remarkabl...
• Jul 19, 2023 Holland America Alaska Glacier and Wildlife Cruises Top the Industry Holland America Line plans to excel in Alaska Cruising in 2025, offering unparalleled glacier ex...
• Jul 10, 2023 Ruby Princess Finally Departing San Francisco After Collision Princess Cruises’ Crown-class Ruby Princess is finally ready to get underway after appropri...
• Jul 8, 2023 Damaged Cruise Ship Remains in Port After Crashing Into Pier Guests aboard Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess continue to wait as the ship remains docked i...
• Jul 8, 2023 Damaged Ruby Princess to Depart on Revised Itinerary Nearly thirty-six hours after colliding with Pier 27 while docking in San Francisco, the repairs ...
• Jul 7, 2023 Princess Cruises Ship Damaged After Striking Pier Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess collided with the pier in San Francisco while docking early...
• Jul 2, 2023 Outdated ENC led to cruise ship striking terminal Over reliance on an electronic chart, miscommunication and an outdated navigational chart were al...

Port rating and occupancy

Port of Sitka ranks 1107th in the world in terms of the number of tourists visiting it.

Number of cruise ship calls in the coming year: 0 .

The total number of tourists (passengers) of cruise ships in the port of Sitka in the next 12 months is 0 .

According to the popularity rating among more than 1,000 cruise ports in the world , Sitka ranks 56.

Weather in Sitka

Current water temperature in Sitka now is 47°F (8.5°C)

Water temperature data provided by seatemperature.net .

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Alaska Cruises from Sitka, Alaska

Sitka, a picturesque coastal town nestled in the heart of Alaska's Inside Passage, serves as an enchanting departure port for your Alaskan cruise. This charming city seamlessly blends natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a laid-back atmosphere, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through the Last Frontier. Explore a variety of Alaska cruises in 2024 departing from Sitka , including itineraries from Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition , and Un-Cruise Adventures , among the most well-known cruise lines. Ships usually depart from the Sitka Cruise Terminal in the late afternoon, allowing ample time for passengers to check-in and settle aboard their cruise ship.

The best time to take cruises from Sitka

The best time to visit Sitka and embark on your Alaskan cruise is during the summer months, from May to September. This period offers milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and a higher chance of clear skies, allowing for optimal wildlife sightings and outdoor exploration. It aligns with the peak season for cruises in the region, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere in the city and ample opportunities to partake in local events and festivals. Explore cruises from that depart in the months of May 2024 , June 2024 , July 2024 , August 2024 , and September 2024 .

Duration of cruises from Sitka

Cruise Lines offer itineraries from Sitka that range from 6 to 7 days. You can choose cruises lasting from 6-day cruise , and 7-day cruise , depending on the length of your holiday.

Cruise to Alaska from Sitka Schedule 2024

The ship schedule for the year 2024 includes numerous exciting voyages from Sitka, the picturesque capital city of Alaska, to various enchanting destinations across the beautiful state. Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard luxurious cruise ships, and experience the breathtaking natural wonders, rich wildlife, and charming coastal towns that Alaska has to offer. Explore magnificent glaciers, witness majestic humpback whales, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of this remarkable region. Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures, serene landscapes, or cultural encounters, the ship schedule for 2024 from Sitka to Alaska promises an extraordinary travel experience filled with unforgettable memories.

Sitka, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and enchanting atmosphere, serves as an idyllic departure port for your Alaskan cruise. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region, explore the city's historical landmarks, and savor the flavors of local cuisine. From the moment you set sail from the Sitka Cruise Terminal, you will embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning wonders of Alaska's Inside Passage.

7-day Alaska cruise from Sitka

Ng quest, lindblad-national geographic expedition.

Date: July 21, 2024

Ports of Call: Juneau, Tracy Arm, Petersburg, Chatham Strait, Icy Strait, Glacier Bay, Southeast Alaskas Islands, Sitka; View Itinerary

NG Venture, Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition

Date: June 15, 2024

Date: August 18, 2024

Safari Endeavour, Un-Cruise Adventures

Ports of Call: Sitka, Krestof, Baranof Island, Chichagof Island, Icy Strait, Glacier Bay, Lynn Canal, Juneau; View Itinerary

Date: June 1, 2024

Date: June 29, 2024

6-day Alaska cruise from SItka

Ng sea bird, lindblad-national geographic expedition.

Date: August 19, 2024

Ports of Call: Juneau, Tracy Arm, Haines, Icy Strait, Baranof Island, Sitka; View Itinerary

Date: July 27, 2024

Date: August 10, 2024

Date: September 21, 2024

NG Sea Lion, Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition

Date: September 6, 2024

Date: August 29, 2024

Date: August 7, 2024

Date: September 1, 2024

Date: August 24, 2024

Date: June 23, 2024

Date: May 31, 2024

Date: July 7, 2024

Date: August 4, 2024

Date: June 9, 2024

Date: July 13, 2024

Date: July 10, 2024

Date: August 27, 2024

Date: July 30, 2024

Date: June 20, 2024

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Things to do in Sitka from a cruise ship 2023 + free on your own 🏔 My easy-going one day in Sitka in May (Princess) 🏔 Alaska cruise travel blog

I went to Sitka cruise port on a Princess cruise in May 2023.

This is basically what I did! Your experience may vary!

You do need to take a shuttle from the Sitka cruise port to get to town.

But it is easy enough with the free shuttle from the Sitka cruise port .

How to spend one day in Sitka

You can have a perfect one day in Sitka by going for a marine wildlife watching boat tour in the morning and then have a walk around Sitka National Historical Park in the afternoon.

In the morning, you have a chance to see sea otters, sea lions, and maybe even some whales.

In the afternoon, you can have a quiet walk through a forest along the shoreline to see totem poles that are a part of Alaska’s culture.

What is Sitka known for?

Sitka is known for totem poles, sea otters, and as having a Russian past.

If you want to see totem poles, Sitka is one of the best places to see totem poles during your Alaska cruise !

As it goes in Alaska, your experience can vary based on weather and seeing marine life is not guaranteed! Marine animals are wild and they do what they want! That said, Sitka is one of the best cruise ports to see sea otters floating around on their backs!

I did see some sea otters (but not a lot) on my Sitka Sound boat tour, but apparently it’s not uncommon to see lots of sea otters floating around!

If you want a chance to see sea otters, Sitka is the place to do a marine wildlife tour during your Alaska cruise! (Glacier Bay National Park can also be good for sea otters with binoculars. There are park rangers onboard during a Glacier Bay National Park day to help you spot them!)

Sitka used to be the capital when it was a Russian territory so there’s Russian influence in Sitka.

More below about my experience in Sitka cruise port!

Things to do in sitka for a perfect one day in sitka cruise port.

• Sitka Sound boat tour
• Sitka coastal sea walk
• Sitka National Historical Park

This is what I did when in Sitka!

Just to give you an idea, here is how I spent my one day in Sitka!

• 9:30am: Arrived at Sitka Visitor Center (aka Sitka town)
• 9:45am: Started the Sitka Sound boat tour
• 12:30pm: Arrived back at Crescent Harbor at the end of the boat tour
• 12:40pm: Started the Sitka Sea Walk along Crescent Harbor from the Visitor Center
• 12:50pm: Arrived at Sitka National Historical Park
• 2:15pm: Left Sitka town and got on a shuttle back to Sitka cruise port

The cruise ship doesn’t dock directly in the town area of Sitka, which is where my Sitka Sound boat tour started from.

If you’re in Sitka cruise port and want to do things, you’ll want to go to the town area.

You need to take a shuttle to get to there.

Princess offers a free shuttle to get from the Sitka cruise port to town.

I think I got off the ship a little over an hour after the announcement was made that we could leave the ship, and it was quick and easy to get off the ship and get on the shuttle to town.

There was no line for the shuttle, so that was very nice.

The bus departed shortly after I got on the bus.

It was around a 15 minute shuttle ride from the Sitka cruise port to town.

The shuttle drop-off is right in town at the Sitka Visitor Center.

You can make your first stop there to get a map and find other things to do around town.

There is also a bathroom at the Sitka Visitor Center.

When I walked in to the Sitka Visitor Center, I did see that there was some sort of Russian cultural show for $15 per person.

Right near the shuttle drop-off and visitor center is the Crescent Harbor where a lot of small boats are docked.

This is where my marine wildlife tour was starting from, and it was also the meeting point of my tour. 

I booked the tour independently through Sitka Sound Tours, not through the cruise ship.

I met the captain of the boat at the dock, and shortly thereafter, it was off to sail the Sitka Sound in search of wildlife on a small boat!

It was a 6 passenger boat so it would have been a small group no matter what!

I was the only one booked for the tour, so it was like a private tour!

It is not always the case that tours go on with just one person!

The captain was born and raised and Sitka, and his wife was born on what seemed like a small random island in the Sitka Sound! (He pointed it out.)

As I’ve discovered from taking several tours in Alaska, people have all sorts of stories for why they are in Alaska.

So if you are going on a tour, ask your tour guide about how they ended up in Alaska!

Sea otters look SO cute in pictures!

In looking at the Princess cruise excursions in Sitka, it seemed like there were a lot of “sea otter” tours, so it seemed like Sitka was the place to see sea otters.

And this is what I wanted to see most on a Sitka Sound boat tour.

The captain took us to places where seeing a lot of sea otters is common, but unfortunately, the sea otters were not around.

And so it goes with marine life.

There is no guarantee!

While it’s disappointing, this is just how it goes with marine life watching, so it’s important to understand this.

I did see a few sea otters floating around a couple of time, so the goal of seeing sea otters was accomplished.

Other than the sea otters, I was happy to see sea lions pretty up close!

We passed two buoys in which the sea lions were laying around on.

I learned in one of the Princess onboard speaker sessions about Alaska wildlife that sea lions like to hang out on the pier so it was cool to see it in action!

While we were at one of the buoys, there was even a sea lion that came and swam towards the boat!

It was also interesting that while on the boat ride, there was a distress call that came on the radio that was made by another boat that had to be rescued.

And apparently, it was a tour boat with 12 passengers.

There was an engine fire, and the boat was able to get to shore where the passengers were able to get off the boat.

It turns out the captain also worked on a boat out on the Bering Sea too, with a close call story of his own.

The Bering Sea is the famous rough fishing waters of Alaska.

If you know the TV show the Deadliest Catch, that’s the Bering Sea.

There is also a Deadliest Catch tour in Ketchikan .

Sailing around the Sitka Sound, there were snow-capped mountains to be seen all around.

And that’s the Sitka Sound boat tour I did!

I booked the marine wildlife tour directly with Sitka Sound Tours.

Even if you don’t see all the marine life that you had hoped to, at least you will have the experience of sailing with a true Alaska captain!

After the Sitka Sound boat tour, I walked to the Sitka National Historical Park.

It was around a 10 minute walk from the Sitka Visitor Center to the Sitka National Historical Park.

Part of it was along the coastal Sitka Sea Walk.

Once at the national park, you can go to the national park visitor center for a brochure and a map of the park.

There is also a small exhibit inside the visitor center.

And then you can start the Totem Trail!

It was a quiet walk through the forest on the Totem Trail to see totem poles.

The national park is also located directly on the shoreline, so you can go out and walk along the shore.

Or you can sit at one of the picnic tables or benches to sit and take in the scenery too.

At the end of the Totem Trail, there was also a “totem exhibit” and the “carving shed” which are quick stops.

You can see a totem pole in the making at the carving shed.

And then after I did a little walk around, I headed back to the Sitka Visitor Center to take the shuttle back to the cruise port!

Once again, there was minimal wait and was not a big deal.

And that’s a little bit about my one day in Sitka!

I was in Sitka on May 7, 2023. It was an Alaska cruise to Sitka on the Sapphire Princess. Your experience may vary!

HAPPY ONE DAY IN SITKA FROM A CRUISE SHIP!

• cruise luggage tags
• no-surge power strip
• basic binoculars for wildlife watching on glacier sea days
• cocktail dress for formal night
• What is embarkation day like? Sample: Vancouver embarkation day
• What is disembarkation like? Sample: Vancouver disembarkation and Whittier disembarkation
• Dinner food menu on my Alaska cruise
• Best whale watching in Alaska
• Best dog sledding in Alaska (on a glacier, on snow, in summer!)
• Snorkeling in Alaska 😂
• Deadliest Catch tour (as seen on TV!)
• Juneau icefield seaplane + Taku Glacier Lodge salmon bake
• Nugget Falls in Tongass National Forest (Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area)
• Helicopter + glacier walk to see blue ice
• Klondike Highway to Fraser BC + White Pass summit train
• What I did on another Skagway cruise ship arrival: Dog sledding and Yakutania Point
• Totem Bight State Historical Park
• Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness seaplane + wilderness landing
• Creek Street
• Icy Strait Point to Hoonah
• Sitka National Historical Park totem poles
• Things to do in Sitka
• What is it like: Glacier Bay National Park from a cruise ship
• This was not available on my early season cruise: Hubbard Glacier excursion (yes, you can get off the ship on a sea day! available until early September... if it's not already sold out!)
• Tips for first Princess cruise (getting familiar with Princess food + more!)
• Ideas for your first Alaska cruise

Port Schedule

Schedules are subject to change without notice. Please contact cruise lines for specific information.

Port All Ports ADAK ALERT BAY ANCHORAGE ASTORIA BARTLETT COVE COLLEGE FJORD CORDOVA DUTCH HARBOR ELFIN COVE ENDICOTT ARM GLACIER BAY HAINES HOMER HUBBARD GLACIER ICY BAY ICY STRAIT POINT JUNEAU KAKE KENAI FJORD KETCHIKAN KLAWOCK KLEMTU KODIAK LOS ANGELES METLAKATLA MISTY FJORD NANAIMO NOME PETERSBURG POINT BARROW PRINCE RUPERT PRUDHOE BAY SAN FRANCISCO SEATTLE SEWARD SITKA SKAGWAY ST. MATHEW ST. PAUL TRACY ARM VALDEZ VANCOUVER VICTORIA WHITTIER WILLIAM HENRY BAY WRANGELL

Ship All Ships AMERICAN CONSTELLATION BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS CARNIVAL LUMINOSA CARNIVAL MIRACLE CARNIVAL PANORAMA CARNIVAL SPIRIT CROWN PRINCESS CRYSTAL SERENITY DISCOVERY PRINCESS DISNEY WONDER EDGE EURODAM FRIDTJOF NANSEN GRAND PRINCESS HANSEATIC SPIRIT KONINGSDAM LE BOREAL LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT LE SOLEAL MAJESTIC PRINCESS NG QUEST NG RESOLUTION NG SEA BIRD NG SEA LION NG VENTURE NIEUW AMSTERDAM NOORDAM NORWEGIAN BLISS NORWEGIAN ENCORE NORWEGIAN JEWEL NORWEGIAN SPIRIT NORWEGIAN SUN OCEAN VICTORY OVATION OF SEAS PACIFIC WORLD QUANTUM OF THE SEAS QUEEN ELIZABETH RADIANCE OF THE SEAS REGATTA ROALD AMUNDSEN ROYAL PRINCESS RUBY PRINCESS SAPPHIRE PRINCESS SEABOURN ODYSSEY SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER SILVER MUSE SILVER NOVA SILVER SHADOW SILVER WIND SOLSTICE SUMMIT SYLIVA EARLE VIKING ORION WESTERDAM ZAANDAM

Sitka Cruise Ship Schedule For September 2023

The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship

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Thinking of booking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line ? You have a lot of choices. The Miami-based line operates vessels in almost every corner of the world, with a wide range of itineraries in many destinations.

You’ll find Norwegian ships everywhere, from the Caribbean and the Bahamas to Europe, Asia and Australia. The line is also a big player in Hawaii.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

In addition, Norwegian is particularly known for cruises to Bermuda out of Boston and New York City, and it offers Canada and New England cruises regularly. It also operates some Panama Canal sailings and trips from the West Coast of the U.S. to the Mexican Riviera.

In North America, Norwegian ships sail from a relatively wide range of home ports, including Boston; New York City; Miami and Tampa; San Juan, Puerto Rico; New Orleans; San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco; Seattle; Honolulu; Vancouver, British Columbia; Quebec City and Quebec in Canada; and Seward, Alaska.

Here is a look at the best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line

Some of Norwegian’s most exciting itineraries are in Europe, where the line is a significant player. It offers a wide range of itineraries in the Mediterranean and across northern Europe.

Norwegian will typically deploy around half of its 19 ships to the continent from spring to fall, making Europe its biggest focus for more than half the year. Norwegian also sometimes offers Europe cruises in the winter — albeit typically with just one ship.

Norwegian’s Mediterranean sailings provide the chance to see such iconic destinations as Barcelona in Spain; and Florence, Rome and Naples in Italy in a single cruise. Or, you can sign up for a Mediterranean cruise that focuses on the Greek Islands.

In northern Europe, Norwegian will take you to such famed Baltic cities as Stockholm; Tallinn, Estonia; and Helsinki in a single sailing.

In past years, such Baltic trips have also included a multiday call at St. Petersburg, Russia — traditionally the highlight of any Baltic sailings. However, like all major cruise lines, Norwegian pulled St. Petersburg from Baltic itineraries for 2022 and 2023 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As of the publishing of this guide, Norwegian had opened bookings for all of its Baltic sailing through late 2025, and St. Petersburg remains off the schedule for all of them. The line hasn’t said when it might return to St. Petersburg.

For those looking to explore northern Europe, Norwegian also offers itineraries that zero in on Iceland, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Norwegian’s Europe voyages range widely in length from just three nights to a whopping 19 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Norwegian offers that include calls in Europe are one-way trips between Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens), and Dubai. Typically lasting 18 or 19 nights, these will often include stops in Israel and sometimes Greece, as well as visits to Egypt, Jordan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

In Northern Europe, Norwegian ships mostly sail out of Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen, England’s Southampton and Reykjavík in Iceland.

In the Mediterranean, the line’s hubs are Barcelona, Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice in Italy, Piraeus (the port for Athens) in Greece, and Istanbul.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian ships

The Caribbean and the Bahamas

The Caribbean and the Bahamas have always been a big area of operations for Norwegian. In fact, for a long time, the regions were so much the focus that the line included “Caribbean” in its name. Up until 1987, Norwegian was known as Norwegian Caribbean Line.

These days, Norwegian usually keeps just two of its 19 vessels in the Caribbean and the Bahamas year-round (in recent years, the year-round ships have been Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Escape, both sailing to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from Florida ports). However, it really ramps things up in the region in the winter, when it deploys a large portion of its ships to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Norwegian currently has 15 of its 19 ships scheduled to sail to the Caribbean and the Bahamas for at least part of 2024 — including its newest and most advanced ship, the 3,219-passenger Norwegian Viva.

Related: I’ve sailed on nearly every Norwegian ship. Here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima

Norwegian offers a broad range of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from more than half a dozen home ports. If you’re looking for something short, the line has you covered in the form of lots of quick, three- and four-night trips from Miami to the Bahamas.

It also offers an abundance of seven-night sailings to Caribbean and Bahamian ports, as well as a handful of longer trips in the region that range from nine to 14 nights.

At the core of the line’s Caribbean and Bahamas program are its seven-night sailings, which break down into three broad categories:

• Eastern Caribbean voyages
• Western Caribbean voyages
• Southern Caribbean voyages

A typical seven-night Norwegian sailing to the Eastern Caribbean includes stops in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas.

Norwegian’s seven Western Caribbean voyages will typically include a visit to Roatan, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico.

The line’s Southern Caribbean itineraries will often bring visits to Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Lucia and St. Kitts. They typically begin and end in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

When sailing to the Caribbean, Norwegian ships generally sail out of Miami, Port Canaveral and Tampa in Florida; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The line also offers Caribbean sailings out of New Orleans, New York City and, occasionally, Panama City, Panama.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian’s Latitudes Reward loyalty program

Norwegian is the undisputed leader in Hawaii cruises. Most cruise lines that offer sailings to Hawaii only offer a limited number of such trips during a few months each year. Norwegian, by contrast, offers sailings around the Hawaiian Islands out of Honolulu every week of the year — the only cruise line in the world to do so.

Norwegian’s Hawaii voyages are also more intensely focused on Hawaii than the Hawaii trips offered by most other lines. This is because Norwegian offers its Hawaii cruises on one of the only cruise ships in the world that meets the regulatory requirements allowing it to spend all its time in the destination.

Norwegian’s Hawaii trips take place on Norwegian’s 2,186-passenger Pride of America, which has the rare distinction of being both U.S.-flagged and U.S.-crewed. By law, only such a vessel can cruise full-time in Hawaii without regularly traveling long distances to foreign ports.

An iconic presence in Hawaii, Pride of America has been permanently dedicated to the archipelago since its debut in 2005. It offers a repeating seven-night itinerary that begins each Saturday in Honolulu and brings the chance to visit four different Hawaiian islands on a single seven-night trip.

Beginning and ending on the island of Oahu, the itinerary includes two days each on the islands of Maui, Kauai and Hawaii. The two-day visit to Maui involves an overnight stay at the port of Kahului.

The two-day visit to Kauai involves an overnight stay at the port of Nawiliwili. The two-day visit to Hawaii is split between a call at Hilo and a call at Kona.

Related: The 8 classes of Norwegian ships, explained

Norwegian isn’t the biggest player in Alaska cruises. The giants of cruising to Alaska are Princess Cruises and Holland America , which are sister lines that control a large percentage of the market.

Still, Norwegian typically sends three to five vessels to Alaska every summer, and its big, activity-filled ships are a popular pick with families looking to visit the destination.

The Alaska cruise season is a short one, lasting roughly from May to early October.

For 2024, Norwegian plans to deploy four ships to the Alaska market for the full season:

• Norwegian Encore : Norwegian’s biggest vessel will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Seattle. It will call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, plus Victoria, British Columbia. It will also visit Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing.
• Norwegian Sun: This ship will operate a mix of nine- to 11-night sailings to Alaska out of Seattle. The list of port calls varies based on the length of the trips.
• Norwegian Bliss : The 4,002-passenger vessel will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Seattle. On most sailings, it will call at Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point in Alaska, plus Victoria, British Columbia. It will also visit Alaska’s Endicott Arm for glacier viewing. Some sailings at the start and end of the season substitute a visit to Skagway and Glacier Bay National Park for the stops in Sitka and Icy Strait Point, and drop the visit to Endicott Arm.
• Norwegian Jewel. The 2,376-passenger ship will operate one-way voyages to Alaska between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska. The trips typically include stops in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, plus a visit to either Glacier Bay National Park or Icy Strait Point.

In recent years, the 2,018-passenger Norwegian Spirit also has spent its summers sailing in Alaska, but its Alaska voyages for 2024 were canceled as a result of the vessel being chartered to another company.

The appeal of the one-way sailings on Norwegian Jewel is that they can be combined with Norwegian-organized land tours of Alaska lasting from three to six days to create 10- to 13-night “cruisetours.”

The land tour portion of such trips brings visits to such well-known interior Alaska locations as Denali National Park and the town of Fairbanks.

Related: The ultimate Alaska cruise guide  

Norwegian usually deploys two ships on Bermuda runs every year — one out of New York City and one out of Boston.

In both cases, the sailings offered are mostly seven nights in length and include a two-night stay in Bermuda.

For 2024, Norwegian will devote one of its biggest and newest ships, the 3,802-passenger Norwegian Joy, to Bermuda. It will run out of New York. The line’s 2,394-passenger Norwegian Gem will sail to Bermuda out of Boston.

In addition, the line’s 3,969-passenger Norwegian Getaway will operate a handful of sailings to Bermuda out of New York during the early part of 2024, and the 3,963-passenger Norwegian Breakaway will operate a few sailings to Bermuda out of New York toward the end of 2024.

The line’s relatively new Norwegian Prima will operate a single Bermuda sailing out of New York at the end of 2024.

While most of Norwegian’s Bermuda sailings are seven nights in length, the line also sometimes offers a few shorter four- and five-night Bermuda sailings and, occasionally, a longer, nine-night Bermuda sailing.

Note that the shorter Bermuda sailings can offer very little time in the country, sometimes as few as nine hours.

Bottom line

Norwegian offers a wide range of itineraries in destinations around the world, from the Caribbean to Asia. However, you’ll find the most choices among Norwegian itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe.

The line is also well-known for voyages around Hawaii and to Bermuda. Its Hawaii sailings, in particular, are something of a rarity in the industry.

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