The maximum number of participants is 6 guests. We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox. A fresh take on Alaskan fishing. Most major US cell phone companies offer coverage in downtown Sitka. Keep an eye out for seals, otters, and birds in addition to whales. Book Now. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. If youre looking to break a sweat while in Ketchikan, consider hiking to the peak of Deer Mountain. While an Alaska cruise brings stunning landscapes and wildlife, there is also the opportunity to learn more about southeast Alaskas Native culture and history. Private Shore Excursions allow you to travel with your party alone. Your local guide is equipped . Tip: If it's salmon spawning season, keep an eye out for a footbridge over Indian River, where you can spot thousands of fish making their way upstream. Sitka Cruise Tips, Activities, and Overview. THE 10 BEST Sitka Shore Excursions (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor In 1799, Russian explorers settled Old Sitka, much to the dismay of the Native people. There are standard 20-, 40- and 60-minute tours. Sitka was originally inhabited by the Native Tlingit people. Music lovers considering an Alaskan cruise should definitely plan to dock in Sitka during the month of June! What to Budget, here are the best hotels to stay in Sitka, Discuss this topic at our Cruise Boards >, Free daily cruise updates to your inbox >, Subscribe for daily cruise news on YouTube >, It's time to check today's cruise deals right here >, Costa Cruises Names New Southern Europe Vice President, Cruise Line Unveils Fare Discounts for Loyalty Members, MSC Cruises Temporarily Closing Private Island, Cruise Line Acquires New Ship for Three-Year Voyage. The Tatoosh Islands Wilderness Kayak Adventure takes guests on a guided kayak tour of the Tatoosh islands with the chance of encountering bald eagles, seals, whales, sea lions, and otters. In nice weather, you can dine on the back porch. Also in the park is the Russian Memorial Trail, leading visitors to the grounds of the Battle of Sitka. Learn and gain a deeper appreciation for Alaska's indigenous culture on this hour-long excursion. An exclusive small group excursion - 6 maximum - offers you personal service and more time looking for whales, sea otters, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. Built in 1848 by St. Innocent, it was the first Orthodox church ever built in North America. A cruise to Sitka, much like other Alaska cruise ports, brings the opportunity to spot majestic wildlife, particularly in the ocean waters. While a small brewery, it offers a relaxing way to wind down after a busy day in port prior to boarding the ship. On Princess - they picked them up at the pier. There's nothing left of the original structure, which burned in 1898. For all tours in Alaska we recommend wearing layers, the top one waterproof. Today the Russian Bishops House has been transformed into a museum, offering artifact displays and information about daily life in Russian Alaska. Most cruise ships that visit Sitka arrive at the Old Dock at Halibut Point, outside of Sitka town. You asked your most pressing Alaska cruise questions, and today, we're answering each and every one. A two-hour excursion shows you why Sitka is one of the most charming ports in Alaska. Rockfish, cod, herring, salmon, and halibut are popular throughout the Ketchikan area, although salmon and halibut are the most common. Alaska shore excursions give you an up-close view of this wild, beautiful state. Lace-up your hiking boots and get ready for a six-mile hike into the Alaskan rainforest. Royal Caribbean releases new 2023 Alaska cruises to book, Royal Caribbean releases 2020 Alaska and Hawaii sailings, What it's like to go on an Alaskan cruise at the end of the season. 4.6 (36) Experienced local guides will share their knowledge of the beautiful Sitka region and wildlife with guests on this 2-hour tour. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. From paying baggage fees to risking lost luggage, I find, Royal Caribbean has released its Alaska cruises for 2023 season. Totem poles punctuate these trails. Visitors looking to explore Sitkas nature are in luck, as there are a variety of day hikes to choose from. Nature lovers will marvel at the breathtaking scenery via a kayak, hike, or harbor cruise. You can learn more about the history of the site from the many plaques that line the ascending walkway. You should be in good physical health if you reserve one of these tours. It commemorates the 1804 Battle of Sitka that took place between the Russian settlers and the Tlingit tribespeople. The centers small aquarium houses sea urchins, anemones, starfish, rockfish, sculpins, salmon, a wolf eel, and more. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. If you have questions about tours prior to booking, please email [emailprotected]. Youll drive by some of the historic Russian monuments, walk through the National Historical Park which features Tlingit totem poles, and youll visit the Fortress of the Bear which is a habitat for orphaned bear cubs! 22 miles east of Ketchikan is the Misty Fjords National Monument, a natural array of cliffs, fjords, and 3,000 ft. mountains emerging straight up from the ocean. Keep your camera and binoculars ready, as you may also encounter otters, sea lions, and a variety . Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! Sitka Alaska Shore Tours This combination allows for flora and fauna that is spectacular with an ever-present view of Mount Edgecumbe and the informally named Peak 5390. With maximum five passengers on board the 24-foot vessel, you're guaranteed an intimate and immersive tour experience. Your experienced guides will take you through the southeastern waters of the state, searching out seals, sea lions, otters, birds, and making stops for humpback whales and orcas. Following the Battle of Sitka, the Russians established New Archangel as a permanent settlement where they continued to control the land until the Alaska Purchase in 1867. As it is located right over a creek, youll also have the chance to spot wildlife such as salmon and otters playing in the water. For something different, try a brew flavored with spruce tips. Having once been a part of the Russian empire, the small town of Sitka, in Alaska, has a fascinating history that also includes a rich indigenous culture. Review: North Star Alaska Experience on Ovation of the Seas, Advice for visiting Vancouver before your Alaska cruise. To cap off this tour your final stop will be at Sitka National Historical Park. Your ship has docked, and youre surrounded by the stunning mountains and waters of Sitka Sound. Cruise to Sitka, Alaska. (Each vehicle accommodates up to 7 passengers). Your cruise line will likely offer sea kayaking as a shore excursion. For more ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in Sitka. Does anyone know if excursions booked directly with Royal Caribbean pick you up at the pier in Sitka or do you need to take the shuttle into Sitka to get the excursion? Passengers looking to get extra active may enjoy the Sitka Bike and Hike excursion, which brings guests on a 4 mile bike ride along the shore of the Pacific ocean and 1 mile hike through the rainforest. Sitka is unique amongst towns in Southeast Alaska due to its location on the Outer Coast. Its not uncommon for kayakers to see whales breaching in the water, eagles soaring in the sky, or grizzly bears lumbering along the coast. Learn more about Alaska and see nature up close on this amazing excursion of Sitka's bears, raptors, and totems. Most hikers will stop at Picnic Rock (2,550) as the trail to the top of Mt. It will also include instructions on what to do in the very unlikely event that you encounter difficulties in meeting up with your guide. Fortress of the Bear: Want to see Alaskan bears up close? The trail is moderately challenging but well worth the climb. Check with your provider before your trip to see where youll have coverage. We had booked Best of Sitka, but could not get off the ship in time. Fortress of the Bear has a three-quarter acre habitat in the Tongass National Forest, and visiting the facility offers the opportunity to get within just 25 feet of Alaskas brown bears in a natural setting. Sitka truly offers the best of Alaska. This park is also the site of a battle between . Shore Excursions & Cruise Guided Tours | Royal Caribbean Cruises (240 Lincoln St.; 907-747-8120; opening hours vary, depending on when ships are in port), The Russian Bishop's House: A National Historic Landmark operated by the National Park Service, this impressive structure across Lincoln Street from Centennial Hall was built in 1842. Your guide is an actual Alaskan resident that loves where they live and love to share their stories of life in Sitka. Moderate Physical Activity: A fair amount of walking is required, and you may need to climb up full flights of steps and or negotiate uneven terrain. Sitka Scenic Tour | Alaska Shore Excursions Theoldest national parkin Alaska covers 113 acres just outside the town of Sitka. Bears are generally shy and tend to avoid people. (Inside the Sitka Sound Science Center gift shop, 834 Lincoln Street; 907-966-3663; May through mid-September, open Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), Backdoor Cafe: Another local favorite, this cozy downtown coffeehouse in back of a bookstore is filled with local artwork and serves custom-roasted espresso, homemade soup, bagel sandwiches and pastries. While prices might seem high at first glance, they include the gratuity, so factor that in. So we actually were on another tour, not sure the name of it. Stroll throughout lofty totem poles in the Sitka National Historical Park, observe . Nonetheless, its always helpful to have an idea of what opportunities are available in your port of call to ensure you have the best day possible. The area is a dense rainforest complete with waterfalls and glacial lakes, as well as abundant wildlife. Visit and entrance fee to Fortress of the Bear! Buses run from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with three route loops. From fish tacos to salmon chowder and Alaskan king crab, this is the place to eat in Ketchikan if you want to try Alaskas seafood. Sitkas cruise season perfectly coincides with the towns annualMusic Festival, which runs for three weeks every June. Youll learn all about how these magnificent birds fly, feed, and nest in the Alaskan wilderness. Lets take a look at the best activities to do on a cruise to Sitka. Outside is a salmon hatchery and, in a separate building, a gift shop with lots of books, T-shirts and other fun items. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone!
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