Cruises to Skagway

1,142 Reviews
Skagway, Alaska (Photo: Ruth Peterkin/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Skagway

In 1897, gold stampeders from all over the world arrived in Skagway by steamship, bound for the Dawson Gold Fields in Canada's Yukon Territory. It wasn't long before the rough-and-tumble tent town was festooned with boardwalks, dance halls, inns and saloons.

More than 100 years later, Skagway still retains the feel of those Gold Rush days, though most travelers now arrive by cruise ship and follow part of the original Gold Rush route by tourist train. (Learn more about the Gold Rush at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center on 2nd and Broadway.)

The immensely walkable -- four blocks wide by 22 blocks long -- historic downtown has also largely been restored to its roots, complete with false-fronted buildings and wooden sidewalks. It's an utterly charming place -- if a tad precious. But a brief walk off the beaten path of Broadway reveals fresh-faced businesses, like Skagway Spirits, offering a unique take on local business.

Skagway consistently ranks as one of Alaska's most popular cruise ports. It's not unusual to find four ships docked there on the same day.

  • More about Skagway

  • Why Cruise to Skagway?

  • Skagway Cruise Port Facilities?

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Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Spirit (Photo: Adam Coulter)

18 Night
Transpacific

2,123 Reviews
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Sapphire Princess
Sapphire Princess (Photo: Princess Cruises)

10 Night
Alaska Cruise

1,020 Reviews
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Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel

7 Night
Alaska Cruise

2,355 Reviews
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Riviera
Riviera

9 Night
Alaska Cruise

782 Reviews
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9 Night
Alaska - Seattle

2,355 Reviews
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25 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

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7 Night
Alaska Cruise

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14 Night
Great Alaska Explorer

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7 Night
Alaska Inside Passage

558 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska Inside Passage

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7 Night
Alaska Cruise

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7 Night
Alaska Cruise

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7 Night
Alaska - Northbound Whittier

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9 Night
Alaska - Seattle

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Alaska - Other

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More about Skagway

Why Cruise to Skagway?

Pros:

Skagway is tiny, so it's easy for visitors to explore in one day.

Cons:

There's a lot to do out of town -- dog sledding, train rides -- making it tough to choose just one activity.

Bottom Line:

Plan carefully to maximize your time in and around this gold rush port.

Skagway Cruise Port Facilities?

Ships line up at one of three deep-water docks, all an easy walk from the heart of town. Small ships may dock at a fourth location, the Ferry Dock, also a few minutes from town.

The port doesn't offer a cruise terminal or facilities. Cruise ships share the port with industrial traffic. Inexpensive municipal buses run from the dock to town. Skagway Visitors Center, 245 Broadway, is about an eight-minute walk.

Good to Know?

Given that most goods and foodstuffs are flown or shipped into Alaska from the "outside," you might be a bit surprised by the higher-than-average costs of food and other essentials.

Also be aware that many flightseeing tours, including dogsledding on a glacier, are weather dependent and could be canceled due to high winds or poor visibility. Keep a Plan B on hand to reduce disappointment.

Getting Around?

On Foot: Skagway is an easy walking town. Most shops are on one street: Broadway.

By Bike: You can rent a bike at Sockeye Cycles, 381 5th Avenue, 907-983-2851. Consider a ride down the White Pass Klondike gold route.

Renting a Car: To explore the outer reaches of this region of southeast Alaska, you can rent a car through Avis, located at the Westmark Hotel, Spring Street near 3rd, 800-331-1212, advance reservations highly recommended; Sourdough Rentals, 351 6th Avenue, 907-983-2523.

You're better off signing up for a tour of some sort -- whether through your ship or via the handful of independent trip companies.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

Currency is the U.S. dollar. There is an ATM at the Wells Fargo Bank at 6th and Broadway (the town's only bank).

Language?

English is spoken.


Skagway Cruise Reviews
Skagway is currently a tender-only port until they can get the rock-slide issue at the ship pier resolved.Read More
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bookanothercruise
We took the White Pass railway and it was outstanding! A must do while in Skagway. Wish we had more time to visit the actual little town though.Read More
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SuzetteStouten
What an amazing, delightful little town. The White Pass Scenic railroad was an excellent excursion. Lunch as Skagway Boeing was very good. Cute shops and authentic old-time Alaska feel.Read More
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sheldondusty
Skagway has a fascinating history as the gateway to the Klondike gold rush of 1898. There are many historic buildings and an old graveyard which is worth a look. Visit the National Park visitor center immediately oRead More
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SilverTraveller2

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