Port guide · United States

Ketchikan cruise port

Creekside boardwalks, carved cedar and a harbour with two very different arrivals.

Alaska itineraries

Port layout: Downtown berths and a separate Ward Cove facility [1][2]
Can I walk?: Yes from a downtown berth [1][2]
Best first move: Check whether your ship calls at a downtown berth or Ward Cove before choosing a town plan.

Port essentials

The city’s four cruise berths line downtown Ketchikan. Ward Cove is a separate facility with a shuttle connection to the city. [1][2]

Best first move

Check whether your ship calls at a downtown berth or Ward Cove before choosing a town plan.

On foot

Can I walk?

Yes from a downtown berth. At Ward Cove, plan on the operator’s downtown shuttle or a confirmed transfer. Varies by sailing [1][2]

Ashore

Transport options

Walk from a city berth: Follow the downtown waterfront from your numbered berth, then turn inland if your plan includes Creek Street. Check before you go [1][2]
Ward Cove shuttle: The operator lists a shuttle between Ward Cove and downtown Berth IV. Check the service for your ship and ask about the return cutoff before riding into town. Check before you go [1][2]

Arrival

Terminals and docking

Downtown berths I–IV: City berths are numbered south to north along the waterfront. Save the number as well as the ship name. Varies by sailing [1][2]
The Mill at Ward Cove: A separate cruise facility. Downtown Berth IV is the shuttle stop when that service is running. Varies by sailing [1][2]

Time ashore

Enjoy your time ashore

Choose one anchor for your visit, then add a second stop if your return plan allows.

Creek Street

The historic boardwalk follows Ketchikan Creek past buildings raised above the water. [3][4]

On a port day Make it the anchor of a downtown loop and decide on any extra walking once you arrive.
Totem Heritage Center

The centre preserves historic totem poles and interprets the area’s Indigenous carving traditions. [3][4]

On a port day Check opening hours and plan the inland leg separately from your waterfront walk.

Back on board

Getting back to the ship

From Ward Cove, be back at the downtown shuttle stop early enough for the ride and any queue. From a city berth, return to the number you saved. Work back from your ship’s all-aboard time. Departure is the scheduled time the ship leaves.

All aboard is your deadline to return. Departure is when the ship is scheduled to leave.

Ketchikan cruise port FAQ

Is Ward Cove the same as downtown Ketchikan?

No. Ward Cove has its own facility. The operator connects it to downtown Berth IV by shuttle. Varies by sailing [1][2]

Where do I go for the shuttle back to Ward Cove?

The operator lists Berth IV downtown. Verify the exact pickup point and return arrangements for your ship. Varies by sailing [1][2]

Sources & verification

Sources and last checked

Guide last checked 10 November 2026. Confirm your terminal, transport and all-aboard time for your sailing.

City of Ketchikan · Downtown berths
Official publisher · Direct source · Last checked 10 November 2026
The Mill at Ward Cove · Shuttle and schedules
Official publisher · Direct source · Last checked 10 November 2026
City of Ketchikan · Totem Heritage Center
Official publisher · Direct source · Last checked 10 November 2026
Visit Ketchikan · Creek Street
Official publisher · Direct source · Last checked 10 November 2026

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