Best Alaska Cruise Ports: Skagway vs Ketchikan (Plus Juneau & More Photo-Worthy Stops)

Best Alaska Cruise Ports: Skagway vs Ketchikan (Plus Juneau & More Photo-Worthy Stops)

If you’re deciding between Skagway or Ketchikan, both offer unforgettable Alaskan experiences — but each has its own personality. Skagway is best for mountain views, historic railways, and sweeping alpine photography, while Ketchikanshines with rainforest trails, totem culture, and wildlife encounters. Whether you crave the drama of the White Pass train or the calm of Misty Fjords, this guide compares tours, weather tips, and photo highlights to help you choose the perfect port for your Alaska cruise day.

A Day in Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Nugget Falls, and the Wild Encounters That Stay With You

A Day in Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Nugget Falls, and the Wild Encounters That Stay With You

There’s something about Juneau that never loses its wonder. Even after years of living here, I can step outside and be reminded that Alaska doesn’t just ask you to look—it asks you to feel.

This past week, I wandered out toward Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls, two of Juneau’s most iconic spots. They’ve been photographed thousands of times, yet each visit is a little different. The air feels new, the water crashes a bit louder, and the trails hold fresh surprises.