Global Ports Holding (GPH), the cruise port management firm headquartered in the UK, officially took over the operation of Port Castries, St. Lucia, on April 30, 2024. The island nation signed a memorandum of understanding with the port operator in the fall of 2022, and after 18 months of negotiations, the agreement is now finalized.
The pact bolsters GPH’s expansion into the Caribbean, following similar management agreements with San Juan, Puerto Rico; Antigua; and Nassau, Bahamas.
Saint Lucia accommodates cruise ships at two terminals. The main facility is the Pointe Seraphine Cruise Port Terminal, which is about a 20-minute walk from downtown, while the smaller La Place Carenage Cruise Port Terminal is located closer to downtown.
Port Castries, Saint Lucia Cruise Port Ceremony
Under the 30-year concession contract, GPH will invest in a series of upgrades and improvements to cruise facilities at Pointe Seraphine. The management firm has not revealed the financial terms of the deal or the amount of its investment in the redevelopment of the port.
The port operator is known for expanding and upgrading facilities once it takes over management. In Nassau, Bahamas, for instance, GPH has invested $187 million on port infrastructure.
At St. Lucia’s Pointe Seraphine, GPH’s plans indicate that at least one cruise ship berth will be expanded to accommodate the world’s largest ships. Currently, these include Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class and Icon-class vessels, all of which exceed 1,100 feet in length.
Also, at Pointe Seraphine, two additional berths will be realigned, and a boardwalk will be constructed to provide easier access to the town of Castries from the cruise terminal. Also, a new vendor arcade and ferry facility will be built at Fishermen’s Village at Banannes Bay.
“What we have is a new economic arrangement. We will get the best of both worlds – we let you develop the infrastructure in exchange for a “rental” of the cruise port for 30 years, but you will pay us. You will employ people and you will improve the quality of life of the people of Saint Lucia. That is what is most important to me,” said Philip Pierre, prime minister of St. Lucia.
Port Operator Hopes to Reach 1 Million Annual Cruise Arrivals
St. Lucia is a port call on many Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries, and reached a record in cruise arrivals in 2019, when 790,000 cruisers visited. With the planned cruise terminal improvements, along with marketing and other efforts, GPH expects the cruise passenger volume to exceed 1 million annually.
Cruise Ships in St. Lucia (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Like other Caribbean destinations, St. Lucia’s high season begins in October and continues through March. Cruise ship calls during summer significantly drop off, but several ships are scheduled to call in summer 2024, including Disney Cruise Line’s 2,700-guest Disney Magic, Royal Caribbean’s 2,000-guest Rhapsody of the Seas, Princess Cruises’ 3,100-guest EmeraldPrincess, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner. Rhapsody of the Seas is slated to call weekly at St. Lucia on 7-day cruises offered roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
GPH officials pointed to the need for St. Lucia to be able to accommodate the world’s largest ships if the port is to substantially grow.
“Enhancements to the berth at Pointe Seraphine in Castries will assist in reaching our passenger traffic targets by accommodating the world’s largest cruise ships. These days, cruise lines are constructing vessels that are wider and longer than ever before. It’s imperative that we modernize our port infrastructure to welcome these new ships and maintain our competitiveness as a premier cruising destination,” said Lancelot Arnold, director of GPH Eastern Caribbean and general manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port.
The management company has not provided a timeline for completion of improvements to the St. Lucia cruise terminals and port area, but said it would work closely with local government and other stakeholders as the project moves forward.
Princess Cruises unveiled plans for its 2026 world cruise, a 114-day journey aboard the Coral Princess, set to cover an impressive 35,000 nautical miles across six continents. The announcement detailed a route that will take passengers to 52 ports in 28 countries, marking it as the most destination-rich voyage the cruise line has ever offered.
Departures are scheduled from Fort Lauderdale on January 5, 2026, and Los Angeles on January 21, 2026, providing flexible starting points for global travelers.
“This 2026 World Cruise addresses a growing interest in longer voyages that make stops at more exotic destinations, and the urge to do it as part of a more all-inclusive experience,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises.
Coral Princess, Panama Canal (Photo Credit: ackats / Shutterstock)
“Our 2026 World Cruise offers our most destination-rich itinerary ever so guests can immerse themselves in a global experience rich with landmarks, ancient ruins, unique landscapes, wildlife, gastronomy, cultures, and heritage,” he said.
The expansive itinerary, which includes stops at several exotic locations and 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is now open for bookings. It will feature late-night calls in 13 ports, including Singapore, Sydney, and Honolulu, as well as an overnight call in Hong Kong.
The cruise will also be jam-packed with entertainment and educational programs to further immerse passengers in local cultures. Traditional folkloric shows and themed parties will celebrate respective locales, and the schedule is filled with guest lecturers and destination ambassadors, including representatives from Hawaii and Māori cultures.
Princess Cruises’ Longest Journey Itinerary
The Coral Princess 2026 World Cruise departs on a roundtrip journey from Fort Lauderdale on January 5, and will be available to book in various segments. The first leg for the 91,627-gross-ton ship will travel to Cartagena, Colombia, and pass through the Panama Canal en route to Los Angeles, calling in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, and Puerto Chiapas, Huatulco, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
The second embarkation point for the World Cruise will launch in Los Angeles on January 21, traveling to Honolulu and Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii, and crossing the International Date Line as it sails to Western Samoa; Suva and Dravuni Island, Fiji; and Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Dunedin, and Fjordland National Park, New Zealand.
Coral Princess will arrive in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia, on February 18 and 20 respectively, continuing on to Rabaul, New Guinea, and an inaugural call in Boracay, Philippines, with an overnight in Hong Kong on March 4. From there, the voyage continues in Asia, calling in Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand, and Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Photo Credit: Dans Destinations / Shutterstock
The 2,000-passenger and nearly 900-crew-filled Coral Princess will spend seven days at sea before transiting through the Suez Canal on March 23 and 24, 2026. From there, the European portion will bring passengers to Limassol, Cyprus, and Rhodes, Crete, Athens, and Santorini, Greece.
The voyage continues to explore Kotor, Montenegro; Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia; Corfu, Greece; and Valletta, Malta, before enjoying a tour of Italy. Here, passengers will explore Sicily, Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence, and Pisa in early April.
The cruise then travels to Toulon/Provence, France, and Barcelona and Ceuta, Spanish Morocco, Spain. It travels around the Iberian Peninsula and heads north, calling on Lisbon; Paris; Bruges, Belgium; and Dover for London, England, arriving at the latter on April 19.
The final 11 days of Crown Princess’ journey will be all sea days with the exception of an April 23 call in the Azores of Portugal. It will conclude in Fort Lauderdale on April 30, where Los Angeles passengers will have to secure transportation back to L.A.
Guests booked on Carnival Legend‘s next sailings can look forward to some upgrades and additions to the 22-year-old vessel when she completes her dry dock update. The ship is now out of service for the next month, and Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has announced what updates are coming to the vessel.
Several spaces will be removed while new spaces will be added to the 88,500-gross-ton, Spirit-class ship, and both public areas and guest staterooms are scheduled for extensive work.
First, the ship’s nightclub, Medusa’s Lair Dance Club, currently portside on Decks 1 and 2, will be transformed from two levels to just one level, with new ADA-accessible cabins added in the removed space. Prior to the refit, Carnival Legend only had 17 accessible staterooms.
Additional work to further enhance Carnival Legend‘s accessibility will also be completed, particularly to add more ADA-compliant spaces to various bars and other public areas.
Also coming to Carnival Legend are several brand new spaces, including a dedicated Chef’s Table venue. The exclusive dining experience is wildly popular, and the new space may give more guests the opportunity to enjoy the unique menu and entertaining interaction with the ship’s culinary staff.
A new Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge will also debut on Carnival Legend after her month-long dry dock. The patriotically-themed venue was first featured on Carnival Panorama when that ship joined the fleet in 2019, and has proven so popular that it is being added to older ships as they are renovated.
The ship’s casino is also being completely redone and new slot machines will be added to offer guests updated gameplay. The biggest announcement for public spaces is a welcome new addition to Carnival Legend, one that guests of all ages will be able to enjoy.
“On this particular ship we will add a Seaside Theater dive-in movie big screen as well,”Heald confirmed.
The big screen is a popular feature on other Carnival ships, offering regular first-run movies, sporting events, and visual enhancement to pool deck activities and events such as the Sail Away party, other deck parties, and sea day contests.
Other aspects of the ship’s public areas will also be redone, as is standard during dry dock renovations. All new carpeting, updated lighting, decking replacement, upholstery refreshing, painting, and other maintenance will all be completed to ensure Carnival Legend looks her very best when she welcomes guests again. It isn’t just the ship’s public areas that will be updated during her weeks in dry dock, however.
“All the balconies will be completely redone and looked after and repainted and look brand new with the glass all shiny and fabulous,”Heald said.
Carnival Legend features 632 balcony staterooms, as well as 50 different suites that also have balconies. Balcony staterooms are often the most popular for travelers to book, offering not only amazing ocean views, but also a private space to enjoy when public decks may seem a bit crowded.
Including balcony, oceanview, and interior staterooms, Carnival Legend can welcome 2,124 guests at double occupancy before her refit.
Setting Sail on the New Carnival Legend
Carnival Legend will remain in dry dock until approximately May 29, at which time she will move to Barcelona to welcome her first post-refurbishment guests on Thursday, May 30 to begin the ship’s European summer season. That first sailing is an 9-night roundtrip journey from Barcelona, visiting Malta, Sicily, Naples, Rome, Pisa, and Toulon before the ship returns to Barcelona on June 7.
Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock
The next Barcelona departure will move the ship to Dover, where she will offer a selection of 9- and 12-night itineraries calling on ports around the British Isles and Iceland, depending on the departure date.
In mid-August, Carnival Legend will reposition to Rome to spend the remainder of the summer and early fall offering eastern Mediterranean cruises to the Greek Isles, Turkey, and top ports in Italy.
On October 26, the ship will sail a transatlantic cruise to Tampa, where she will spend the winter months offering Caribbean itineraries and the occasional Panama Canal cruise. In 2025, Carnival Legend will move to homeport first in San Francisco and later to Galveston.
With so many homeports and a diverse array of itineraries planned for Carnival Legend, travelers will have plenty of amazing opportunities to experience all the new enhancements on the popular ship, no matter where or when they want to set sail.
Just weeks after eight guests were late to return to the cruise terminal and were left behind in western Africa as their Norwegian Cruise Line ship departed, an elderly couple has experienced a very similar situation on a different Norwegian ship in Spain.
The couple, Richard and Claudene Gordon of Salt Lake City, Utah, were aboard the 10-night, one-way sailing on Norwegian Viva that departed Lisbon, Portugal on Friday, April 26.
When the ship called to Motril along Spain’s southern coast on Monday, April 29, the couple enjoyed an independently arranged shore tour to the historic city of Granada, 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of the cruise port.
Driving time between the cruise port and Granada is approximately 50-60 minutes one-way, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Unfortunately, the tour bus with the Gordons was delayed by a rainstorm while returning to the port, and the guests realized they would not make the stated 5:30 p.m. all-aboard time.
Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: GEORGE STAMATIS)
The couple was able to contact a relative onboard the ship – they were sailing with family and friends to celebrate Richard’s 85th birthday – at about 5:45 p.m., who was then able to alert Norwegian Viva‘s crew members about the delay.
Unfortunately, the ship does have to maintain a set schedule with port departures, and was unable to wait for the couple. The Gordons claim to have arrived at the cruise port just after 6 p.m., when the vessel had been scheduled to depart, and expressed frustration that previous departures in the sailing had not left promptly.
“Our cruise began in Lisbon and we departed from Lisbon about one and a half hours after the scheduled departure at 4 p.m.,”the couple told CNN.“Then the next night or two, at least a half-hour late from the dock, so it is clear that they do not always leave on the exact moment scheduled.”
Prior to arriving in Motril, the ship had already visited Gibraltar and Cadiz. Mediterranean itineraries are generally port-intensive, and Norwegian Viva has no days at sea on the 10-night itinerary before she arrives in Civitavecchia, Italy on Monday, May 6.
The Gordons were unable to locate a representative from Norwegian Cruise Line on the pier and instead, visited a local police department for assistance. The cruise line, meanwhile, attempted several times to contact the couple at the phone numbers and emergency contact information provided, but without success.
Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship
It is unknown whether the couple had the appropriate calling plan on their phones so the cruise line could contact them, or if their phones were out of battery power or otherwise unable to get a signal.
Catching up with the cruise ship has proven more challenging, as the Gordon’s daughter wasn’t able to find a way for the couple to reach Ibiza on Tuesday to meet the ship. Instead, they flew to Palma de Mallorca to return to Norwegian Viva on Wednesday, May 3.
Norwegian Cruise Line provided a taxi from the couple’s hotel in Palma de Mallorca to the cruise port, and they were escorted back onboard.
Similarities to Previous Incident
This week’s “left behind” saga from Norwegian Viva is somewhat similar to the recent incident involving Norwegian Dawn. On March 27, eight passengers failed to return to the ship on time in Sao Tome and Principe and spent several days – and thousands of dollars – traveling through different African nations to catch up to the vessel.
The common denominator in both cases is that the impacted travelers chose to arrange independent shore tours, rather than selecting tours through the cruise line.
Norwegian Dawn Docked at Port (Photo Credit: MNStudio)
If tours are arranged through the cruise line – in partnership with local companies that have been vetted for safety, comfort, expertise, and other factors – a ship will generally either wait for travelers to return in case of a delay. If waiting is not possible due to weather, tidal forces, or other factors, or the cruise line will make arrangements for guests to rejoin the ship, covering essential expenses along the way.
Exact policies vary by cruise line and the individual circumstances of such unfortunate incidents.
Ultimately, every cruise traveler is responsible for returning to their ship by the all-aboard time. While some passengers prefer independent tours for greater variety or lower costs, it is always a risk that even a very reputable, highly recommended company might experience delays due to weather, vehicle trouble, blocked traffic, or other out-of-their-control circumstances.
Furthermore, it is critical to have one’s contact information updated, particularly for international travel, in case it is necessary for the ship to contact you. This isn’t always due to a delay, and could occasionally be due to unforeseen circumstances.
For example, in August 2023, Carnival Pride was visiting Cork, Ireland when severe weather arrived earlier than expected, forcing the ship to recall passengers earlier than the planned departure time. Updated phone numbers make that type of contact easier and can help ensure everyone is able to reach the ship as quickly as possible.
Ketchikan, Alaska, may be known as the unofficial “salmon capital of the world,” but it is much more than its fishing industry. That’s because the remote city is also home to an important Alaskan port of call—the Ketchikan Cruise Port.
Not only is it a high-traffic cruise port, but it also showcases the rugged and untamed beauty of the Last Frontier.
If you are planning an Alaskan cruise, your ship will likely spend time at the relatively small but crucially important Ketchikan Cruise Port.
To help you get the most out of your visit, we will provide you with all of the information you need to know about the port itself and the surrounding area.
Ketchikan Cruise Port, also known as the Port of Ketchikan, is located on Revillagigedo Island near the southeast tip of Alaska. It is also right on the doorstep of the city from which it takes its name, providing visitors with easy access to everything it has to offer.
While Ketchikan is only home to a permanent population of roughly 8,000 residents, it still has plenty to offer visitors. At just 88 miles away, the town and its port are significantly closer to Prince Rupert, BC, Canada, than to the major cities of Alaska, like Juneau, Skagway, and Anchorage.
Cruise Ship Docked at Ketchikan Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Russ Heinl)
This strategic southern location is actually why it is such a high-traffic port of call. With so many cruise ships departing from Seattle, Los Angeles, and Vancouver, Canada, Ketchikan Cruise Port provides many visitors their first opportunity to step on Alaskan soil.
Ketchikan Cruise Port Address
The port’s actual address is 334 Front Street, Ketchikan, AK, USA 99901.
The port is one of the most defining features of the south end of the City of Ketchikan, so it is relatively easy to find. It is also strategically situated along the scenic Tongass Narrows, which divide Revillagigedo Island from the nearby Gravina Island that the city faces. Visitors can easily find it by simply walking along the city’s coastline.
Ketchikan Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Distance from the Airport to Ketchikan
While most passengers will find themselves in Ketchikan Cruise Port as part of a port of call visit, it is also used by some cruise lines as a point of embarkation. If you need to fly to meet your ship at the port, you will be relieved to learn that it is conveniently close to Ketchikan International Airport (KTN).
Given that the airport is on a separate island on the other side of the Tongass Narrows, there are no direct roads connecting it to the cruise port. However, the Ketchikan Airport Ferry provides transportation between the town and the airport.
Ketchikan International Airport (KTN), Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas / Shutterstock
Ferries cross the Tongass Narrows every 15 minutes, from 6:15 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. local time. For one-way travel, tickets are $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Even if you are waiting due to a delay, there is a comfortable indoor passenger waiting area.
Ferry rides take roughly 30 minutes, but they allow travelers to glimpse some of the views that make Ketchikan such a special place. Once you have arrived in Ketchikan, you will need to use one of the Ketchikan Airport Shuttles to take you to the cruise port, as the ferry’s drop-off points are closer to downtown than the cruise ship berths.
You also have the option to take a taxi or shared ride van, which are both usually waiting at the ferry terminal.
Cruise Lines that Use Ketchikan Cruise Port
The port is visited by all the major cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises.
Ketchikan Port Terminals and Piers
Following a 2020 expansion project paid for by NCLH, the parent company of Norwegian and Oceania Cruise Lines, Ketchikan Cruise Port now has three dedicated cruise piers.
The three piers are divided into four berths, each capable of handling Panamax-sized cruise ships. Given Ketchikan’s remoteness and relatively small size, the city’s cruise port is quite impressive.
Navigating the cruise port is relatively straightforward, as the four berths are numbered sequentially from south to north along the waterfront.
While terminal facilities are limited, Berth III and Berth IV both have indoor areas where passengers can wait. The two smaller berths, Daly Float and Ryus Float, do not have their own indoor terminal facilities, but there are indoor waiting areas at the port’s entrance.
Terminal Facilities and Services
Terminal facilities are limited at the Ketchikan Cruise Port; however, there are two visitor centers where cruise passengers can wait for their boarding times. The visitor centers have open seating areas, making them a great place to stay dry.
The main tourist information center is near the port’s main entrance. Here, you will find representatives from each major cruise line operating out of the port. You can ask questions or even purchase local excursion packages. You’ll also find plenty of hiking maps, bus schedules, and brochures for things to do in and around Ketchikan.
The Cruise Pier in Ketchikan (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
Washroom facilities are spread throughout the port, and they are relatively well-maintained. If you are looking for transportation into the core of downtown Ketchikan, the city offers a free shuttle service. Well-marked pickup zones are at each of the four cruise berths, so you shouldn’t have any problem getting on a shuttle bus.
Once you have taken the shuttle into downtown, using the local bus is a great way to save money. With bus fares only costing $1, it’s a cheap and easy way to get around the city.
Unfortunately, the port does not offer free public Wi-Fi, but there are plenty of coffee shops within the city where you can connect to the internet.
As for accessibility, the port is wheelchair-friendly, with ramps ensuring that all passengers can easily find their way to and from their respective ships.
Seasonal Weather Conditions in Ketchikan
Aside from its once-booming salmon and halibut fishing industry, Ketchikan is most famous for its incredible rainfall. With roughly 300 days of rain per year and an average annual rainfall of 200 inches, you will want to make sure you are packing waterproof outerwear.
Cruise Ships Docked at Ketchikan Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Stillgravity)
In fact, Ketchikan is considered to be the fourth wettest city on earth, so make sure you dress accordingly, no matter when you visit. With that said, temperatures and conditions do vary from season to season:
Summer (June to August)
Temperatures range from 50° to 65°F. While these pleasant conditions are great for spending time outdoors, rain is, unsurprisingly, quite frequent. This is particularly true for July, so pack lightweight, waterproof layers.
Fall (September to November)
Temperatures tend to drop substantially, with the average sitting between 40° and 55°F. Rainfall also remains fairly regular, so make sure you pack waterproof gear, even if it looks like it will be a dry day.
Winter (December to February)
Due to how far south it is along Alaska’s Inside Passage, winters are relatively mild by Alaskan standards. Anticipate temperatures between 30° and 45°F, but plenty of rain. Snowfall is uncommon, so you will want to prioritize waterproof clothing rather than typical winter outerwear.
Spring (March to May)
Spring temperatures range between 40° and 55°F. The milder weather also brings even more rain, so be ready to get wet.
Navigating from the Port to the City
As mentioned, Ketchikan Cruise Port is located conveniently close to the city’s southern edge. If you want to go to the town center, you can easily board one of the free shuttle buses.
Ketchikan Map (Photo Credit: Alexandre.ROSA)
If you prefer to make your way into the city more directly, there are taxi pickup zones just outside the port. Remember that Ketchikan has a small population, so there are few taxis, and rideshare services, like Uber, are non-existent.
Port staff will direct you during the disembarkation process, so navigating the port is pretty straightforward.
Things to Do Near the Port of Ketchikan
Since the port is so conveniently close to the city, there are plenty of things those visiting by cruise ship can do, even if they do not want to travel far. We recommend the following attractions, as they’re all within walking distance:
Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
Located just a two-minute walk from the cruise ship docks, this small visitor center is a great place to start your Ketchikan adventure. Operated by the US Forest Service as part of their duty to protect the Tongass National Forest, the center offers an excellent background in the region.
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
With interactive exhibits and hosted activities informing visitors about the area’s culture, history, and local wildlife, you will learn plenty. Learn all about the unique nature of Southeast Alaska’s coastal waters and temperate rainforest ecosystem before you venture out to explore it first-hand.
Make Your Way to the Ketchikan Totem Heritage Center
Located just a 15-minute walk from the port, the Totem Heritage Center allows visitors to examine the intricate carvings of real totem poles. Learn all about the stories and traditions of Alaska’s indigenous peoples with your own eyes.
Wander Down Creek Street
Walking to Ketchikan’s most historic area only takes about seven minutes. The street is actually a raised boardwalk that sits on stilts, so it has a genuinely rugged appearance. In the olden days, the “street” served as the town’s red-light district, where fisherman and sailors passing through Ketchikan would spend their hard-earned money.
Creek Street in Ketchikan (Photo Credit: Alexandre.ROSA)
Today, visitors can walk along the water and view historic wooden buildings that once served as brothels and seedy bars. Make sure you check out Dolly’s House Museum along Creek Street for souvenirs.
Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness Flyover Tours
Consider taking a seaplane tour of this national monument and wilderness preserve. Just 22 miles east of Ketchikan, plenty of tour operators are willing to fly visitors over the area.
View glaciers and the rainforest vegetation, and try to spot some of Alaska’s famed wildlife, like grizzly bears, bald eagles, seals, and even humpback whales.
Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators)
Almost every package will include roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship port to the float plane docks, so it is very easy to enjoy this unique experience.
Salmon Fishing Charters
If you want to feel like you’re in an episode of Discovery’s Deadliest Catch, you can’t miss out on the chance to fish Ketchikan’s pristine waters. Salmon fishing charters are easy to book, and most depart from docks near the cruise port, including Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters, which you can walk to in minutes.
Hiking Trails
If you want to brave the rain and explore the wilderness of Alaska by foot, there are plenty of options for scenic hiking trails, including the Rainbird Trail and Deer Mountain Trails. At a distance of 1.3 miles from the port, the Deer Mountain Trailhead is the easiest to reach. Just make sure you dress appropriately, as the 5.2-mile trail takes about 4 hours to complete.
If seafood isn’t your thing, Tap House & Burger Bar is a nice casual spot. For those looking to wet their whistle, Arctic Bar is definitely worth a visit. As Ketchikan’s oldest continuously operating bar, it’s a meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan, Right Next to the Port (Photo Credit: Alexandre.ROSA)
As for shopping, Ketchikan has plenty of independently owned stores, most of which specialize in gifts and souvenirs. There are also several art galleries offering both traditional native and contemporary art pieces.
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, we recommend visiting Salmon Landing Market, just outside the cruise port. If you need hiking gear and warm clothing, Pacific Pride and Tongass Trading Co. are two outdoor outfitters in downtown Ketchikan, and locals trust both.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Ketchikan walkable from a cruise ship?
Yes, you can easily walk into Ketchikan from your cruise ship, as the port is located right on the city border.
Can I tour Ketchikan on my own?
Absolutely! Ketchikan is a very walkable city and home to plenty of interesting tourist destinations. While there are plenty of walking tours you can participate in, they aren’t necessary to enjoy the city.
Is there a free shuttle in Ketchikan?
Yes, the city of Ketchikan operates a free shuttle that takes cruise passengers from the cruise ship berths to the city center.
Disney Cruise Line has released a tantalizing trio of photos from the ongoing construction of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the new private destination the cruise line is developing on the south end of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas.
These insider looks – the second set of photos Disney has released of the new destination – offer a glimpse of the colorful architecture and thoughtful design of the 700-acre destination, which is embracing Bahamian inspiration and culture to offer an authentic experience for all visitors.
At first glance, the smooth shapes of rooflines and rounded angles evoke a connection to nature and mimic the look of natural seashells, bringing guests closer to the water and marine habitat in a soothing and peaceful way. At the same time, bright colors and murals on other structures showcase the vibrancy of the Bahamas through the work of local artists.
Sneak Peek at Disney Cruise Lines Lookout Cay
Closer examination of the teaser photos shows broad, graceful boardwalks, abundant native plants, and wide sandy spaces drawing closer and closer to completion and welcoming guests.
Brilliantly colored cabanas at Serenity Bay feature tropical hues, expansive shade, and immediate beach access, with wood walkways carefully positioned over the dunes to ensure everyone can reach the water without damage to the nearby habitat. Each cabana also features broad windows for uninterrupted views when relaxing in the climate-controlled interior.
A great deal is still to come as final details are put on Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, now just weeks from welcoming its first guests in June 2024.
Disney’s Under Construction Private Destination
Mabrika Cove will be the entry point for the destination and visitors’ first welcome to the unique development. Traditional dancing and music at the Goombay Cultural Center will offer unique Bahamian experiences, and the cruise line has partnered with local artists, historians, and cultural ambassadors to ensure an authentic vibe at all parts of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Disney Cruise Line is expected to continue to tease details of the new destination in the weeks leading up to its grand opening. Just days ago, a big reveal was made of new outfits for Mickey, Minnie, and other Disney friends for their adventures at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Each new outfit shows tropical colors and traditional Junkanoo influences perfect for the Bahamian destination.
Disney’s Under Construction Private Destination
Visiting Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
The new development was first announced in 2019 as Disney Cruise Line’s second private destination in the Bahamas, following the tremendous popularity of Castaway Cay. The opening was first anticipated to be in late 2022 or early 2023, but the pandemic disruption altered that timeline significantly.
Now, however, the new getaway spot is just weeks from completion and slated to welcome the first guests from Disney Fantasy on a unique double-visit itinerary. The ship will depart Port Canaveral on June 8, 2024 for a 7-night sailing that will visit Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point twice, as the first and last port stops on the cruise. In between, the ship will visit Nassau as well as Castaway Cay.
Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship Rescue (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Disney Magic and Disney Dream will also offer visits to Lookout Cay, with both ships sailing from Fort Lauderdale. Disney Magic will be homeported from Port Everglades beginning on May 9, after finishing departures from San Juan, while Disney Dream will homeport from Port Everglades from November 2, after finishing her European summer season.
It should be noted that while Disney Wish sails from Port Canaveral with 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises, she does not currently offer any itineraries featuring Lookout Cay but does visit Castaway Cay on each departure.
Likewise, when Disney Treasure – sister ship to Disney Wish – debuts from Port Canaveral in December, she will also not be visiting Lookout Cay but features Castaway Cay on both Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries.
In what promises to be a unique voyage for Norwegian Cruise Line, the “Big Nude Boat” is scheduled to set sail from Miami in February 2025. It will offer a distinctive travel experience for those who prefer to cruise sans attire.
The 11-day Caribbean cruise, a full charter from Bare Necessities, seeks to blend the liberating experience of a clothing-optional vacation with the amenities and services of a traditional cruise.
Departing on February 3, 2025, and returning on Valentine’s Day, the cruise aboard the nearly 2,400-passenger Norwegian Pearl will visit a series of picturesque destinations in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Dominica, Martinique, and St. Lucia.
(Photo Credit: Mykola Komarovskyy)
Bare Necessities is a tour and travel company that specializes in clothing-optional vacations. Founded in 1990, it focuses on arranging cruises aboard chartered ships, with earlier nude cruises in the Caribbean and Europe, such as the “Big Nude Boat 2024,” which took place on Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Pride and the 2023 “Wonders of the Mediterranean” cruise, which was hosted by Star Clipper’s five-masted Royal Clipper.
Clothing-Optional Cruise Will Feature Exclusive Nude Days at Sea and Excursions
“The Big Nude Boat 2025’s” journey will begin and end with visits to Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, where passengers can snorkel, zipline, and relax in cabanas. Both visits to the private island are exclusive calls, which means passengers may be able to forgo clothing.
The cruise aboard the 93,530-gross-ton Norwegian Pearl will then proceed to San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roseau, Dominica; Fort-de-France, Martinique, and Castries, St. Lucia. The sailing will also include two “Nude Days at Sea.”
Some additional shore excursions will also be clothing optional. Although not listed on Norwegian Cruise Line’s website, Bare Necessities is providing passengers with guaranteed options, which the travel company says sells out quickly.
Special events will also be planned but have not yet been released. On Carnival Pride, the clothing-optional fun included a pirate night costume party, a deck dance party where the only “attire” required was LED lights, and passenger talent shows.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
However, the “Big Nude Boat” is not devoid of regulations. In order to maintain a respectful atmosphere, Bare Necessities and the cruise line have established clear decorum guidelines for all passengers.
When the ship is at sea or anchored, nudity is generally allowed. However, when the ship is docked, all passengers must be fully clothed on all parts of the vessel, including private balconies, until an announcement is made that it is acceptable to be nude again.
Clothing is also required in all dining areas, not including bathrobes or lingerie, the latter of which is forbidden as general attire, along with fetish wear. Specific rules regarding appropriate conduct in public areas will also be enforced.
Additional precautions, such as mandatory towel use on shared seating and strict non-photo zones throughout the ship, will also ensure privacy and comfort for all passengers.
Inside cabins start at $2,000 per person, with the 3-bedroom Haven Garden Villa on Deck 14 priced at $33,155 per person.
A Greek Isles clothing-optional cruise by Bare Necessities is currently underway on Royal Clipper with a second launching on May 11. A second nude cruise for 2025 is currently accepting bookings. The October 26 cruise will travel from the Great Barrier Reef to Vanuatu aboard Scenic Cruises’ Scenic Eclipse II.
Cruise lines often alert guests to potentially dangerous situations at ports of call, such as advising travelers not to rent scooters or use unlicensed tour operators. Carnival Cruise Line has issued a more unusual advisory to guests aboard Carnival Radiance, however, regarding certain attractions operating in Ensenada, Mexico.
In a letter delivered to each stateroom, guests are advised not to participate in these unique wildlife encounters for a variety of reasons.
“As you get ready for our visit to Ensenada, we have an important advisory. You may encounter restaurants/attractions (not associated with the ship’s shore excursions program) in the port of Ensenada that allow you to touch or otherwise interact with tiger cubs,”the letter explained.
“For public health, safety, and environmental reasons, Carnival recommends that you do not partake in such attractions, including, but not limited to, the tiger cub attractions.”
Photo Credit: schlyx / Shutterstock
The letter is signed by the ship’s master, Captain Eduardo Ferrone. There is no date on individual letters, as they are likely being distributed on every sailing that visits the Mexican destination.
The 101,509-gross-ton, Sunshine-class Carnival Radiance is homeported year-round from Long Beach, California, offering a variety of Mexican Riviera and Baja Mexico itineraries, as well as longer Carnival Journeys cruises to Hawaii.
Many travelers are eager for exotic, one-of-a-kind experiences, and cruises offer plenty of opportunities for those bucket-list moments at every destination.
Interactions with wildlife and animals are often tremendously popular, with passengers booking experiences such as dolphin swims, stingray feedings, swimming with pigs, horseback rides, aviary visits, and other options at different ports of call.
While the letter regarding tiger cubs does not go into details about why these interactions are not advised, it should be noted that tigers are not native to Mexico. The animals involved in these opportunities may have questionable backgrounds or could have been acquired by less-than-ethical means.
For example, training, vaccinations, proper handling, humane treatment, and other critical details cannot be verified, and such interactions could easily be unsafe should any animals react poorly during a visit. Furthermore, organizers offering these encounters may not have proper insurance or licensure to safeguard visitors.
A tiger cub can weigh 75-150 pounds or more before it is mature, and is easily capable of inflicting serious injuries via teeth or claws if frightened, startled, or mishandled.
In addition to tiger cubs, other animals advertised as available for “interactions” in Ensenada – Cruise Hive will not share the name of the organization offering this activity – including monkeys, falcons, and farm animals.
It must also be noted that these activities are undoubtedly questionable by US standards, but they are legal in Mexico, and often have affiliations with local or regional conservation organizations.
Great Wildlife Encounters to Enjoy
Cruise travelers who want to experience local wildlife have plenty of safe, exciting options to try depending on where they visit.
In Costa Maya, for example, a treetop aviary right at the cruise port offers up-close visits with a variety of tropical birds. In Nassau, guests can easily visit Ardastra Gardens to see the famous flamingos and enjoy an interactive tortoise feeding experience.
Flamingos in Costa Maya, Mexico (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Numerous Caribbean destinations offer snorkeling and dolphin, sea lion, or stingray encounter experiences, or guests can visit the Grand Cayman Turtle Farm to witness the conservation of sea turtles.
Meanwhile, in Alaska, whale-watching tours are always popular options, and some tours offer the opportunity to spot black bears. Glass-bottom boat tours also offer great ways to see tropical fish without getting wet.
Nature hikes in Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean also offer opportunities to see local wildlife and numerous birds, and cruise guests can even spot pelicans, frigatebirds, dolphins, and flying fish right from the open decks if they keep a sharp lookout.
In a video announcement that debuted on the Virgin Voyages’ website at noon on May 1, Virgin Voyages teased a number of highlights for its newest ship, Brilliant Lady. Debuting in September 2025, the new cruise ship will explore the four corners of North America, with journeys ranging from 5 to 14 nights.
Launching from four homeports – New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle – Virgin Voyages revealed two new destination highlights. As part of its new itineraries, Brilliant Lady will be Virgin Voyage’s first ship to sail through the Panama Canal and the first to adventure in Alaska.
“We’re taking you on a true North American tour the way only Virgin Voyages can,” said Natasha Salzedo, director, itineraries & destinations. “It’s like the ultimate road trip, only by sea.”
Brilliant Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: UrAvgPhoto)
Added Sir Richard Branson, Virgin’s founder,“This ship is going to be brilliant in every possible way, and that includes the incredible new places we can travel to. Alaska, L.A., New York – here we come!”
The ship will launch in September 2025 in New York City, where it will embark on five cruises either to the pink sand beaches of Bermuda and charming Charleston, South Carolina, or prime leaf peeping journeys in New England and Canada with calls in Boston, Maine, Halifax, New Brunswick, and Quebec City. Brilliant Lady’s inaugural sail is slated for September 5, 2025.
Brilliant Lady will then sail to Miami to winter in the Caribbean, sailing 17 7- to 12-night voyages to passenger favorites like Turks & Caicos, Antigua, and Grand Cayman. New to the cruise line will be a call in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
The ship will then transition from Miami to Los Angeles on an epic 16-night voyage through the Panama Canal. Departing on March 21, 2026, Brilliant Lady will visit Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Los Cabos, Mexico, before spending April and May in Southern California. Four voyages will take passengers to Baja California and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as well as San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Catalina Island.
Finally, Brilliant Lady will head to Seattle in May 2026 for a summer season in Alaska, the first for Virgin Voyages. The ship is scheduled to remain in the Pacific Northwest through September 2026, although full itineraries are still in development.
Brilliant Lady to Debut Enhanced Features as Virgin Voyages’ Final Lady Ship
The final vessel in the Virgin Voyage fleet of Lady ships, Brilliant Lady will accommodate up to 2,762 passengers and weigh 110,000 gross tons. Frank Weber, senior vice president, fleet operations, Virgin Voyages, said first fleet-to-design elements will be revealed in coming months, but did announce a new category of Sea Terrace cabins will debut on Brilliant Lady.
“She has been adapted in certain parts to allow her to specifically sail through the world’s most famous short cut, the Panama Canal,” he said, revealing the adaptation required more “snug” Sea Terraces cabins.
Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages
“To make it a little ‘extra,’ we have added a second hammock to the balconies,” Weber touted.
The executive team continued to tease additional upgrades and changes to Brilliant Lady, such as new tastes to follow Virgin Voyages Eat and Drink Festival, indicating the festival will serve as an introduction to treats to come.
Also vaguely revealed will be more live music, more comedy, and more shows, all to be announced “slowly” in the coming months.
Bookings will open for the Alaskan sailings this summer, with Virgin Voyages opening an “Alaska Front(ier) of the Line Pass” that allows Sailors to secure a place in line ahead of the openings. Placeholders, available on May 8, 2024, will start at $500 for Sea Terraces.
A new “Brilliant 4 You Pass” will soon be available to access all four of Brilliant Lady’s “MerMaiden” voyages. Sailors previously slated to sail on Brilliant Lady will be given priority access to book a MerMaiden voyage.
