Alaska Cruise Ports on your own with Jennifer Black

Jennifer, a veteran of the Alaska cruise industry and Jennie talk about their favorite things to do on your own in each Alaska cruise port.

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Music credits:  Largo Montebello, by Domenico Mannelli, CC.

Transcript

Jennie Flaming: 0:04

Are you curious about Alaska's different cruise ports and which one to visit what to do while you're there whether to take a tour, or go round on your own? That is what we're talking about today. Welcome to the Alaska uncovered podcast with me, your host, Jennie Thwing Flaming. My occasional co host and full time husband, Jay and I bring you accurate, helpful and entertaining information about Alaska travel, and life in Alaska. Before we start the episode, we would like to thank our Patreon members for making this podcast possible. You can join them at the link in the show notes. We are so grateful for your support of independent podcasts. Enjoy the show. My guest today is Jennifer black. Jennifer has worked in the Alaska cruise industry in various roles for 25 years. She has lived in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Hoonah. And loves to share her insider knowledge about Southeast Alaska with visitors. Fun fact, Jennifer and I had the same job in Skagway back in the day, not at the same time. Jennifer, welcome to Alaska uncovered. Thank you for being here.

Jennifer: 1:25

Oh, thank you, Jennie. Actually, you're the reason I went to Alaska. So you

Jennie Flaming: 1:30

know, that's so funny, because I always start by asking people, how did you get to Alaska? So yeah, tell everybody how that happened. Yeah,

Jennifer: 1:40

so I was finishing my undergrad and didn't want to get a real job. So I applied for some different positions in Skagway because I had met some friends that worked there. And one of those was with you. Princess tours? Yes. Yeah. Yeah, I remember the interview and how excited I was when you call me back for the job and just be the summer gig. And here we are all these years later.

Jennie Flaming: 2:10

I know. It's so fun. Yeah. And, by the way, I believe that was in 2000. Is that right? That's correct. Yeah, yes. Okay. So you know, it's been a little while that we've known each other. So fun. Okay. So today, we're talking about, you know, since you have lived in so many different cruise ports, you've worked in this industry, for 25, nearly 25 years, and I've lived in a couple of cruise ports and have worked in this industry a long time, too. So you know, we're going to be talking about the different cruise ports, and you know, things people can do there. So maybe to get us started. Jennifer, could you just talk a little bit about what ports are in Alaska and just sort of general, maybe a little bit of general cruising advice for first time, Alaska cruisers. And I will say that even though these are cruise ports, these are all places you can also visit on your own. So everything we're talking about today is something that you don't pretty much that you don't have to be on a cruise to do. So yeah. Give us your general thoughts, Jennifer and then we'll jump into the different ports.

Jennifer: 3:32

Great. Yeah, that's that's a great point, Jenny, too. I think the best way to visit Alaska for the first time is on a cruise because it is so vast, there's so many destinations to visit but they're so far away and yeah, challenging to get to if you don't know the landscape, meaning how to how to organize your flights and ferries and things like that. So um, cruising is a great introduction to see Southeast Alaska and even cruise tours up into Anchorage and Fairbanks. Then you have somebody else with that knowledge to guide you through that process. Yeah,

Jennie Flaming: 4:13

I agree.

Jennifer: 4:14

Um, historically, the three main ports more are I guess, Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. And they have been in operation for decades now. And they have well established shore excursions, lots of retail shops and restaurants and things to do on your own as well. But as the industry has grown as more and more ships are coming into the region, and more and more guests are visiting Alaska, new ports are becoming more popular as well as up and down the coast. And Newport was just launched three weeks ago in Co Op Alaska, which is on Prince of Wales Island, and I think we'll be seeing more of that happening through the years as well.

Jennie Flaming: 5:07

Yeah. And Jennifer, which crew cruise lines are going to dock in 2024? Um,

Jennifer: 5:14

there is seaborne. Okay, and Oceania, so it's the high end luxury ships that are something a little bit different and something a little more private. Yep.

Jennie Flaming: 5:29

One thing I should also mention, before we go further, is there are some other ports in other parts of Alaska that those smaller expedition luxury ships go to. And sometimes bigger ships, like places like Kodiak and on Alaska are known, but those are not in southeast Alaska. So we're not talking about those today. But there are some others as well. Okay, any more general thoughts? Jennifer, before we talk about specific places?

Jennifer: 6:00

Um, I would say for for those I know, it's May so if you're listening to this, trying to plan for 2025 or beyond, or even starting your you're planning in the fall? Um, I don't, I wouldn't say I would say don't worry too much about what ports you visit, because you're going to have a great time, no matter where you go. So when you're looking at booking your cruise, do it that do it in a way that fits your travel, schedule and travel needs. I would also suggest if you have flexibility to book, a cruise that starts on an weekday versus a weekend, that when you visit the ports, the main ports especially, there'll be a lot, a lot more choices when it comes to shore excursions that are available because there won't be as many guests in the port on those days. So what has traditionally happened is cruise lines turn so they do embarkation and disembarkation on weekend. And that means that a lot of the ships are following the same routes and same itineraries. So some of the bigger ports get more congested. When follow those itineraries. Yes,

Jennie Flaming: 7:23

that is so true. I'm really glad you brought that up and also about the ports because as people are going to hear very soon. There's many wonderful things about all these ports. So I totally agree with you like your travel schedule, the cruise line or ship that you want. And like also, whether you're going one way or roundtrip, like those things are a lot more important than like exactly which ports you're at, because they're all going to be awesome. Yeah, so great. Cool. All right. So we're gonna talk about six and then we'll get into like, if there's anything else you want to add Jennifer about some of the smaller ones or ones that mostly smaller ships are going to, we can totally jump in with that as well. But for everybody listening just to know where we're going, we're going to start up the north end of Southeast Alaska or the Inside Passage. So we're gonna start with Skagway and go to Hanes. And then I see st point which is Pune and then Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. All right. So it's good to start with Skagway, I think because we both live there at the same time. So Jennifer, what are some of the things that you think are really great choices for visitors in Skagway?

Jennifer: 8:45

This guy has so many options, really. And I think that's kind of overwhelming. Yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 8:53

Especially when people are like, Wait, there's 700 people living in this town? How can there be 9000 tours? Yeah, exactly.

Jennifer: 9:02

Well, I think, you know, the tour component that is the most well known obviously is the white pass scenic railway. And there are multiple options associated with that train excursion, and all of them are great. My favorite, however, is the lake Bennett excursion, because it takes you to life Bennett, where the Stampeders built their boats to then go up the river to the finite goldfields up in Dawson City. So it's a very historical and beautiful area and a smaller group compared to the large capacity trains that are just going back and forth on the mountain. So I would say that is my favorite excursion in Skagway for all age levels. Yeah, a little bit of hiking around like Bennett and great lunch and beautiful scenery. Yeah,

Jennie Flaming: 10:01

I totally, I totally agree. I mean, one thing I think is really cool about Skagway is it gives you the opportunity if you are doing a cruise only through Alaska, Skagway is kind of the one place that you can get into a really different climate. You know like going up inland a little bit and I agree about that. Anything else for for Skagway me other favorites.

Jennifer: 10:29

Um, also, there's two ports that you can do in southeast anyway, there's more many more of North that two ports where you can easily access glaciers and one is Skagway and others Junos. So if you want to do glacier, dogsledding or glacier, hiking or walking, Skagway is a great option for that. Yeah. And that's, that's kind of a glacier. flightseeing is one of those things where if you want to go, you should try to book it in both sports and see Yes, cooperates or return another time for a week and make sure that you have time to go do that glacier adventure, because weather can be fickle, and yes, change with every five minutes as people say. So yeah, make sure to give yourself multiple opportunities. If that is something high on your list. Yeah, really good advice.

Jennie Flaming: 11:30

I know you and I have both spent a lot of time trying to reorganize flights around the weather. Yeah, are waiting for flights ourselves. Lots and lots of time. Yeah, okay. But otherwise,

Jennifer: 11:45

Skagway is great for all sorts of adventures. There's rock climbing and ziplining and hiking and rafting and all the adventure things so yes. Great for overall for sure. wonderful experiences. Yeah,

Jennie Flaming: 12:02

I totally agree with you another tour that people really, really, really love. I mean, I like it to you, but one that is very popular with people, not just my opinion, um, is the one that combines white paths with the Gold Rush camp and the the dog sledding or that time, it's different from like being on a glacier because you don't actually ride with the dogs in the summer, but like you get to gold pan and see puppies and and that's pretty cool to you.

Jennifer: 12:32

It's very cool. Yes. Yes, yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 12:36

Okay, any. Let's see anything else about Skagway? Well, I

Jennifer: 12:41

think if you're exploring on your own, there's lots of hiking trails that are very accessible. So yes. Yeah. It's fairly easy. And it's very easy and Skagway to get up to a hiking trail and get a nice view and get away. Yep, fresh air. So.

Jennie Flaming: 13:04

And like right off the dock like you don't need transport. I mean, there is no transportation details. You just walk to the end of the dock and they go Yeah, exactly. Yeah. Do you have a favorite hike personally in Skagway?

Jennifer: 13:19

Well, I used to when I lived there. I lived on a boat in the harbor and almost every morning with hyped up to lower duty like Yeah, and that was I missed that.

Jennie Flaming: 13:31

That was a great. Yeah. Yeah, I agree. And part of what was so cool about lower Dewey is that it's like a pretty short hike. So you don't have to dedicate the whole day to it. You could just be like, get out of town for a minute and exactly go and come back. Yeah, I agree. That's a really good one. Yeah, okay. Oh, one other thing about Skagway is that you can do some tours that are out in Daiichi that go along the Chilkoot Trail. There's a couple of different options. That is another good choice for people who like to get away from it all. And don't mind being on a gravel windy road for

Jennifer: 14:18

a little bit. Yeah, I agree that yeah, it's a beautiful area out there. And again, connecting to the history of Yep, goldrush great location. Yeah, yes. Okay.

Jennie Flaming: 14:34

Are we ready to go to the next town? I think so. Okay, cool. All right. Next up is hanes and I don't know about you, Jennifer. But I will always in forever associate Hanes with a day off. Yes. If you you know if you live in Skagway during the summer, it's really fun and wonderful but it is a little bit like Living in Disneyland because it's a town of like, less than 1000 people with maybe 10,000 cruise ship visitors every day. So it's a little bananas. And so you know, going over to Hanes is a nice way to get away from it. So before we totally dive into Hanes just so those of you listening know, there's two ways that you could visit Hanes autocruise. One is if your ship is one of the very small number of ships that actually calls at Hanes so actually docks there. The other is to do a tour to Hanes when your ship is in Skagway and I will also add we have another episode from a few months ago back in April that specifically about going to Hanes it makes a great place to go as an Independent Traveler to Okay, so with that in mind, Jennifer, favorite things in Haynes, oh,

Jennifer: 15:57

favorite things in hangs? Um, well, just the community itself is just so lovely. Does a slower pace and it's just a great, great day off. So when you're on vacation, you need those two? Yes. But um, yeah, the chill cat bald, bald eagle Preserve. is amazing. There's float trips and river trips up and down that river. And there's some great adventure experiences there as well. kayaking and hiking in Haines. Yeah, she's really fun. And quirky things like the Hammer Museum. Yeah, yeah, ours would be that interesting.

Jennie Flaming: 16:46

Really, really random museum but cool. If you like weird random things when you travel, but Hammer Museum is like a must see my

Jennifer: 16:55

opinion. Yeah. Well, anything else? For Hanes? No, I don't think so. Yeah,

Jennie Flaming: 17:10

I think the other thing that I would say this is, this is harder to do. You know, if you go over there on a tour from Skagway, then you're, it's going to be a small group. But you're still going to need to stay with a group if your ship is in Haines, just walking around that like Fort Seward area where the historic buildings are, and where the port Chilkoot distillery is is a really, kind of again, I think my opinion is very much colored by there is a large space of grass and you can sit there quietly. Yes. It's not necessarily what visitors want to do. But it's pretty awesome. I gotta say it is. It is beyond also, like you were saying, Jennifer, about being able to hike, kayak, whatever. That's one thing that is kind of cool about Hanes to you is that has, like, there's Lake kayaking in hands, which is kind of unique. It's really beautiful. And I totally agree with you about the bald eagle Preserve. It's a very unique place in North America for bald eagles, for sure. Yes, it is.

Jennifer: 18:21

Okay, well,

Jennie Flaming: 18:26

let's move on then. To icy strait point, Hoonah. And maybe before we get into things to do there, Jennifer, could you share a little bit about kind of how icy strait point came to be? Because I think that's a really interesting story. And since I know you worked there, and were involved in that, I would, I would love to hear then have you share with everybody a little bit about about its origin story?

Jennifer: 18:57

Yeah, great. Um, yeah, I straight point was built by Huna totem Corporation, and Huna totem Corporation is an Alaska Native village corporation that was established with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971. Back in the early 2000s, the board of Hoonah totem decided to purchase a historic cannery, a mile and a half outside of the community of Hoonah and turn it into a cruise ship destination. They were able to get commitments from Royal Caribbean and celebrity to move forward with that project and opened in 2004 as a tender board. In 2015, they built their first stock and in 2019 finished their second doc. And the goal really is to create economic development. or the local residents and the shareholders of Veneto Dunn, who are descendants of Hoonah, the Hoonah people and those of Glacier Bay as well.

Jennie Flaming: 20:14

That is a really cool story. Thank you for, for sharing about that. So, um, yeah, so one of the things just to know is that icy strait point is fairly new. Um, which is, I mean, the place isn't new. But the everything, all the facilities are new, which is pretty cool. So, Jennifer, what are some of the really cool things or interesting things for visitors to do there?

Jennifer: 20:43

Yeah. Whale watching is spectacular. It's guaranteed unless you're coming in early April or late October, but it's guaranteed on every trip. And it's less. There are less boats on the water than there are in Juneau. So Juno is also a great place for whale watching. But that icy strait point you get off your ship be walked to the dock where your whalewatching vessel is tied up, and you go straight out onto the water. There's no bus transfers, there's no time spent getting to your excursion because you're right there. Yep, that's phenomenal. And then they also are home to the world's largest sip. World's Largest separator. It is taller than the Empire State Building. And they have six lines side by side and reach speeds of 60 miles an hour. And it is amazing.

Jennie Flaming: 21:45

I'm gonna tell you, I personally, I'm not a fan of ziplining. But I know I'm in the minority in the world on that. And if you do love ziplining you gotta do it there. It's well I really love it.

Jennifer: 21:58

That yes, and I will say I am not a huge fan of ziplining either. I don't very much like standing on a tree and having it move and the platform, right? No, but the zip writer is different. There's gates, you're in a harness, not just a harness, but like this seat that you're harnessed into. Okay, a couple of seconds. Yes. It takes your breath away your adrenaline skyrockets. And if you're afraid if you're afraid of heights, you feel that but just instantaneously and then you're flying and soaring through there and get to see all the amazing sights below. It's definitely a different experience than that typical. Is that blind.

Jennie Flaming: 22:45

Okay? Yeah. Oh, okay. So you've convinced me to give it a try. Next.

Jennifer: 22:52

We'll go together. Okay, that sounds good. And then there's a new addition, within the last couple of years is the gondola system that they've installed to a one transport guests between the different docks, the two different docks, and also up to the top of the mountain. So it's part of the brighter experience. So you take the gondola up, and is it right or down, and then they have some other tours that depart from the top of the mountain as well. Again, on beautiful, you know, clear days, you get beautiful views of the area and icy Strait, which is actually the waterway that I'm doing there. And it's gorgeous. It's a gorgeous, gorgeous views. Beautiful New gondola system. Something you definitely have to check out.

Jennie Flaming: 23:44

Yeah, I have not been there to experience the gondola gondola thing. So that is cool. I can't wait to see that to you. That's awesome. Okay, anything else about AC st point.

Jennifer: 24:00

Um, there's lots of there's a couple of different restaurants on the site. Lots of things to do as you walk around. It is more of a contained facility. So you can take a shuttle bus into the community of Pune. But that is really where locals live. It's yeah. Yeah. So just be mindful of that as it as you if you do take a shuttle into Hoonah that this is people's front and backyard. And that is the nice thing about having this separation between the port and the community is it it creates a different feeling and some more kind of protection and privacy for the local residents.

Jennie Flaming: 24:44

Yeah, and that is very different from every other community that we're talking about in this episode. Yeah, yeah. Except maybe Sitka is similar, I

Jennifer: 24:54

guess. Right? Yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 24:58

Okay, awesome. Well, let's move to Juneau then. And by the way, before we do that, so icy strait point and the community of Hoonah are quite close to Glacier Bay National Park. The reason we're not talking about Glacier Bay National Park in this episode, even though it's awesome, is because it's not a place unless you're on a small expedition ship. It's not a place where you get off the ship. So it's super cool, but you don't have to make decisions about what to do because you're just there and you look and experience it. But I see st point is very close to Glacier Bay. Yeah. All right. So Juno, knots on Juno. Jennifer. Well, and I already

Jennifer: 25:49

mentioned glacier access. So helicopters float planes Taku Taku. Glacier Lodge. Yep. Airboat Tours up the river now. Glaciers, glaciers, glaciers. And then secondary whalewatching. Another location where we'll? Well sightings are guaranteed. Yeah, there are lots of different operators. They do combinations. With, you know, Sam and bakes and Mendenhall Glacier, although, as you covered in another episode, there's limitations to that. Yeah. But yeah, there's all sorts of different combinations with whale watching in general, which is really nice. Yeah. Yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 26:38

Yeah. Would you say? So? If you were choosing if you were on a cruise that was going to both icy strait point and you know, would you do the whale watching an icy Street? Or would you do it in judo?

Jennifer: 26:50

I would do it in icy straight. Yeah. Yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 26:53

I think that makes sense for the reasons you mentioned. Yeah. And then, depending on the port time, you

Jennifer: 27:00

can still do it, and you can still walk around and you can still go for a hike. And you can do other things, too. Yeah. I mean, whale watching in Juneau's phenomenal guest writers there do a great job. They do. And yeah, and the whales, but it's, in a lot of ways, just simpler and more effective use of your time. Yep. Great point. Yeah. Yeah. Cool. Okay. Anything.

Jennie Flaming: 27:32

And by the way, we have lots of episodes of this podcast, as Jennifer mentioned, that are about Juneau. In May, we had an updated episode about the Mendenhall Glacier because things have changed. Well, sorted change sort of not changed at the glacier, but kind of the way it works is a little bit different. We also have episodes about whale watching and the Juno food tour, and some others. So if you're going to do you know definitely go back and listen to those episodes. Any other any other thoughts you have about Gino? Jennifer? Yeah,

Jennifer: 28:08

yeah, definitely. Yes. I agree. Your episodes on Juneau are fabulous. Yeah, and similar to Skagway and catch. Again, being one of these well established sports, there's lots to do. So if you want to go hiking, if you want to go kayaking, or canoeing, there's, there's so many options. And and I'd also say just in general, the tour operators in Alaska are from phenomenal. Yeah, if you book independently or you book through the cruise line, some of those are the same operators.

Jennie Flaming: 28:43

Yes.

Jennifer: 28:45

And they are buying far locals. So make sure to, to, you know, just choose the excursion that looks like the best option for you what you'd like to do, and you'll have a fabulous time.

Jennie Flaming: 29:01

I totally agree. And I'm glad that you brought that up. Because sometimes people think well, I want to book not through the cruise line, because I want to book with like a local company, which is awesome. But I think it is important for people to know that the majority of the time in Alaska, it's going to be a local company, no matter what. It's more just about how you're booking it. Right. Exactly. Yeah. Okay. And I agree with you, you know, do you know is if you are in downtown, do you know and enter busy shit day, it's like a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, whatever. It's gonna be bananas down there. But don't like I just want to encourage you not to be put off by that because Juno is such a wonderful community and I think Do you know probably overall, is my favorite cruise port. Just because There are so many options there. I mean, there's literally something for everybody there. Yes. Um, yeah. And especially, you know, it's funny. This has come up in several other episodes is Tracy's crab shack that like, people I often have, like clients or people who listen to the podcast or whatever they're like, it seems really touristy. It's like, yes, but it's also awesome. Love it. So like, don't, don't skip it because there's a long line of people with shopping bags and brand new white shirt shoes. You know? Like don't, don't don't miss out.

Jennifer: 30:38

Yes, absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, it's touristy. Because it's there for the tourists. So

Jennie Flaming: 30:44

yeah. Yeah. It's a big part of Juneau's economy. Yeah, exactly.

Jennifer: 30:48

And just because it was created for that purpose, doesn't mean it doesn't benefit the locals and amazing experience. So. Yeah, good point.

Jennie Flaming: 30:59

I also for high I mean, there's so many amazing hikes in Juneau. But I really love like, if it's a nice day, the trail from the top of the tram, like riding up the tram, and that you can really get away from it all in like two minutes if you walk up that Ridge Trail from there. Yes. Yeah. And then you can skip the long, muddy, steep forest hike. And just get the view. But you know, if you want to do the long, muddy, redid forest hike, cool, like that's free, so that's cool, but it's not the best part of the hike first. No,

Jennifer: 31:43

the best part. The top for sure. Have you

Jennie Flaming: 31:47

Jennifer, have you been to Juneau since they put in the new totem poles along the? The like where? I think they have just been up since last summer?

Jennifer: 31:58

Maybe? No, I have not. I haven't been there. Yeah, I

Jennie Flaming: 32:02

went last summer. And they're really cool. They're like, you know, they've always had like, not always, but for a long time. There's been like a walking path, you know, kind of from downtown that goes out a little ways to like where the whale sculpture is. But there are these pretty new beautiful totem poles. And there are even more new ones since I've been there. It's and it's flat. And it's it's beautiful.

Jennifer: 32:29

Yeah, that's great. Yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 32:32

Yeah. Anything else about Gino?

Jennifer: 32:35

I think that's about it. I think I probably should have said this at the very beginning is that also the best way to see Alaska is on tour. So, you know, it can be a little pricey sometimes to report, but it's really the way to get out and see exactly. And it doesn't take very long. You know, it's not like you'd have to take a long bus ride to get out to see Yep, attractions and get to the wilderness. Definitely, definitely book something and get out and experience that. And then you still have time for shopping and exploring the local communities as well.

Jennie Flaming: 33:16

I totally agree. And it's like, there are so many places in Alaska, you just can't get to on your own. You know, you have to get there on a boat or a plane or something like that. So it just allows you to see so much more if you go out on a tour. Yeah,

Jennifer: 33:33

definitely. All right. Well, we're

Jennie Flaming: 33:36

gonna take a short break. And when we come back, we're going to talk about a couple more imports. Hi, everyone. Jennie here. I hope you're enjoying this episode so far. I wanted to take a moment to share a few ways I can help you make your dream Alaska trip happen beyond the podcast. First of all, if you're traveling in 2024, don't miss out on getting the Alaska 2024 stickers we have in our shop designed by Jay. They're super unique and beautiful. If you're planning a trip in the future, there are lots of other ways I can help as well. For starters, you can take my free quiz to give you the best Alaska itinerary for your travel style. Second, I've got done for you itineraries as well as digital planners for your trip, including specific ones for cruising for driving to Alaska, and any other kind of Alaska trip you can imagine. My planners will help you make it a reality. Finally, if you want some personalized travel advice from me, I offer 30 minute planning sessions on Zoom. Dates are limited during the summer since I'm on the road quite a bit, but there are still some dates available. In the fall I will again offer custom itinerary planning and cruise bookings for the 2025 season, as well as Alaska winter trips. I love have to work with you to make your dream trip happen to Alaska. And I hope I get to meet you. Links for all of these different ways I can help are in the show notes below below our patreon link. Now back to the show. And we are back with Jennifer black and Jennifer and I work together in Skagway and have both worked in this industry in various ways since then, and we are talking about kind of a general overview of our favorite things to do in different Southeast Alaska cruise ports. So let's go to catch a can next, Jennifer, I think this is the only bill except for Hanes, sort of this is the only one that I don't believe either of us have lived in. But I know we've both been there are plenty. So what are your thoughts about Sitka? Alaska? Oh, it's

Jennifer: 35:59

just kind of beautiful. It really is. I love Sitka, I've not lived there. No, but but just the the surrounding area, the Russian influence with the architecture, and the native culture combination is just makes it a very rich destination to visit. It's just beautiful. And there's also some great things to do there include getting out on the water again, going out and looking for wildlife. They don't have the whale watching guarantees there but lots of sea otters and sea lions and lots of little islands around to explore, which is fun. Yeah, my favorite kayaking tour is actually in Sitka. Yeah, it's, they take you out on a bigger pontoon boat, not a pontoon boat, I'm sorry, like, inflatable boat, oh, cool, remote area where they have a float house. And from that float house, you get into kayaks and kayak around and then head back to that should be a boat again. But just the way that you get out and away from everything. up into these Island waterways are just it's just gorgeous. It's Yes. A favorite of mine. And then, yeah, definitely explore the Russian culture and the clinker culture. There. Is that click it dance group that does a show a couple of times a day. There's also Russian dancers that do shows that any combination, including those is well received. Yeah. And then yeah, there are hiking trails as well. Yeah. The one thing about Sitka though, is the drive from where the ships dock into town into the community is about seven miles. And so there is a shuttle that operates. And so just plan on spending a little bit of time taking the shuttle between Yep, community and the board. Yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 38:24

Yeah, yeah. Sitka. It's so it's so beautiful. Um, yeah, I totally agree. And the history stuff is cool. You know, Sitka is the first place that the US flag with 49 stars was flown. So that's kind of fun to go to that spot. And the National Park Service has the historical park there where you can, it's just such a beautiful trail and it's flat and well graded. It's gravel, it's not paved, but it goes through the forest. And then there are lots of totem poles and it's just really beautiful. Yeah, along with everything you said, that I have not ever done a kayak tour there. That sounds amazing.

Jennifer: 39:11

I did it years and years ago on a fam trip and I just every time I still think about it as the best experience that's kayaking experience I've had in Alaska that was, you know, a cruise ship sort of Kayak experience anyway. Yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 39:28

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, for sure. Um, I also will just say that Sitka has, I mean, all of these ports have great food, but like Sitka has some kind of fun, like there's that cafe and like the back of the bookstore that has amazing cinnamon rolls and there are food a fish oriented food truck that has like fish and chip ash Mo's, I have fish and chips and smoked salmon makin Cheese that I'm ever thinking about that every day. Every time I think about Sitka Oh, yeah. Okay, anything else for Sitka?

Jennifer: 40:13

Um, yeah, I may have said this already. But yeah, there's the lots of adventure type things there as well. So there's a new adventure park that's opening at the end of the month too. And it'll be fun to check out. Yeah. But yeah, again, hiking, kayaking, ATV tours. All those fun things exist there as well. Yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 40:36

Awesome. Okay. HaCha Qian, another place that you have lived? I have not. Um, so let's talk tell us about Ketchikan. Which Yeah.

Jennifer: 40:53

As you can see, cool, like it's quaint. It's it's a logging town. It's not really anymore, but that's where it got its roots, it's logging and fishing. And you still see that as you walk around the community. Creek Street is the former Red Light District and now No, there's gift shops there but it gives you that sense of what it was like when it was a split catch cans establish. The Lumberjack show is a great option for all ages and fairly inexpensive and you can combine that with other options including the different total parks

Jennie Flaming: 41:41

so what the museum yeah

Jennifer: 41:43

Potlatch Park sorry. Oh, yeah, well, Ash park that also has the Firearms Museum and antique car museum. And then there's access to Misty fjords from Ketchikan both by boat and by float plane. Yep. Which is a beautiful area. Yeah. And again, lots of adventure experiences. Lots of cultural aspects to Ketchikan with logging the native culture and then adventure with hiking, biking and kayaking. Sign Zodiac tours. Yeah, all sorts of fun things. Yes, totally.

Jennie Flaming: 42:30

And Ketchikan is either going to be your first Alaska port or your last one to if you're going there, because it's the furthest south closest to you. You know, Vancouver and Seattle.

Jennifer: 42:43

Yes. Yeah. And Ketchikan is unique in that there are two facilities where the cruise ships dock. Yeah, there's downtown Ketchikan and they have four berths there. Plus ships can tender meaning anchor outside and tender into the port into downtown. Yeah. And then there's more code which is seven miles north of downtown. Yep. They have a two berth facility as well. So just pay attention when you have booked your your cruise look to see where your ship is actually docking because it will be either downtown or at Ward Cove. Yes. Which will make a little bit of a difference to get to the downtown area. Yeah, for a shuttle, a complimentary shuttle from Ward Cove to downtown and reverse. So just plan on spending a little bit of time. Yep. Getting to your destination. Yep. Especially if you book

Jennie Flaming: 43:45

a tour. That's not through your cruise line. You want to make sure you know where you are. And account for that time. Yes, exactly.

Jennifer: 43:54

And many of the independent operators also pick up at word co so check with them in advance. They may pick you up right at work, hope or y'all need to take the shuttle to downtown and walk to the rain gauge to meet your independent operator. The

Jennie Flaming: 44:08

rain gauge

Jennifer: 44:10

rain gauge

Jennie Flaming: 44:12

the liquid sunshine. Yeah, I mean, I feel like we should talk about that to you because all of Southeast Alaska is very is a very wet rainy climate. And that's part of why it's so beautiful. But catch you can like statistically has the largest number of inches of rain per year. So don't be put off by that. Bring a great rain jacket and be ready to have a great time.

Jennifer: 44:43

Yeah, good. Good. Great points. Yeah. All the ports are inside the Tongass National Forests, the largest temperate rainforests in the world. And yes, it rains a lot and Ketchikan they measure it and feet, not inch So, yes,

Jennie Flaming: 45:02

that tells you something right there. Yeah, in, you know, in Seattle. It's pretty rainy for a lot of the year but like, as far as the amount of water falling in the sky, it's actually like, way less than like Miami. It's just gray a lot and so yeah Ketchikan is very wet even compared to Seattle.

Jennifer: 45:24

Yes, yes it is. And although I'd say I don't feel like Ketchikan is quite as gray as Juneau can be, or Yeah, north because when it rains it just is serious about raining. Yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 45:38

Right. And then it's like, stop raining now.

Jennifer: 45:41

Exactly. Yeah. The waterfall occurs and then it stops and becomes sunny again. So yeah, but yeah, plant definitely dress in layers. Sure. Yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 45:53

Especially if you're going out on a tour because it could be pouring rain when you start it might be sunny when you come back.

Jennifer: 46:00

Bring your sunscreen and sunglasses as well.

Jennie Flaming: 46:04

Yeah, which feels goofy when it's pouring rain, but after a while you learn that's an important part of it. Oh man. Yeah. And I you know, we've talked about some hikes in different ports to you. You know, Ketchikan also has hiking but the Ketchikan and Sitka the trails aren't quite as like, right there near the cruise dock like they are in Skagway, and you know, yeah. So great. You so yeah, it's a little more. It's very doable if you're a hiker like absolutely do it. But it's a little a little more of a project to get to the, to the trail. Yes,

Jennifer: 46:44

yeah. You typically have to take a taxi or Uber to get to the trailhead, and then, but well worth the height to Yeah,

Jennie Flaming: 46:51

definitely. Specially if it's a nice day. Yeah. Okay. Any other. So, of course, there are other reports that we haven't talked about. That's some of the smaller ships go to places like Ringle, and Petersburg? And is there anything you want to bring up or share about those places? Jennifer, before we move towards wrapping up? Um,

Jennifer: 47:21

yeah, I would just say that look, for new course to be coming online in the next couple of years to wrangle has had some cruise ship calls for, I don't know, probably 10 years now. But they are the not the wild expedition style ships plus the high end luxury cruise. But that could potentially grow in the future as well. And then yeah, there are other courts that have had a few calls, or are showing interest such as cake and, and goon and

Jennie Flaming: 48:01

other places like that. Well, well, if those do expand, we'll have to have you come back and tell us. I'd love to. Yeah, that'd be awesome. Okay, so to wrap up kind of adapting the questions that I like to ask my guests a little bit since we're talking about all of Southeast Alaska. So Jennifer, what's your favorite months in southeast Alaska?

Jennifer: 48:31

So my favorite month is April. I know there's not a lot of cruises coming that time of the year, but everything starts to green, green up and flew. And it's like life coming back for the area. So a bit slower pace. There's not quite as many guests. And it's just a lovely time of the year. It's still a little bit cool, but generally pretty sunny as well. Excuse me. Yeah. Yeah. So as far as, like shoulder season, travel, that's what I would suggest. And just in general, I love I love April and Alaska.

Jennie Flaming: 49:18

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's it. It does have that waking up feeling especially in southeast Alaska. Yeah. Yeah. Cool. Okay, so how about a favorite restaurant? And I know there's lots of great places everywhere that we've talked about, um, any particular favorites you want to call out? Um,

Jennifer: 49:44

well, I would just say in general, go to a seafood restaurant. Eat the crowd. Eat back. Halibut eat the salmon. Yeah, it's all fresh. It's locally sourced. Yeah. You You will enjoy it. And then you'll be spoiled. And yes. Like me and yes. Oh, that's so that's so real. Yeah. And if you think you don't like salmon or if you think you don't like seafood, as long as you're not allergic, you should try it because it is different. It is fast. And it might change your mind a little bit.

Jennie Flaming: 50:23

Yeah. Yeah, I totally agree about that. For sure. Yeah. Okay, so finally, what's your favorite thing to do? On a day off in NA, southeast Alaska.

Jennifer: 50:43

I would say getting out on a boat, whether that's fishing or just kind of exploring islands going beachcombing just getting out and getting away. It's really easy to do in southeast Alaska. Like I said before, you can be in the communities and then in five minutes, you're in the middle of nowhere, especially on a boat. So that's what I would do. Yeah.

Jennie Flaming: 51:08

I love that. That is such good advice. Yes. Love it. Wonderful. Well, Jennifer, thank you so much for joining me today and talking about all these wonderful places that people can visit in southeast Alaska. Thank you so much.

Jennifer: 51:26

Thank you, Jenny was a pleasure.

Jennie Flaming: 51:29

I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Jennifer. Before you go please consider Subscribing to our Patreon. The link is in the show notes. Thank you for listening and supporting Alaska uncovered