Located on the Pacific coast of the Inside Passage, Sitka is a bit off the main cruise routes through Southeast Alaska. While many companies do offer itineraries with a port stop in Sitka, plenty more itineraries stick to the calm waterways further inland and make other port stops like Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point. If you're on this post, you may have stops in those ports of call too – but you also want to know what to do during your time in Sitka, and which Sitka shore excursions are the best...

You've finally decided: 2023 is the year to take the Alaska cruise you've been dreaming of – whether it's been a few years or a lifetime of waiting. One of the most exciting prospects when booking an Alaska cruise is choosing your Alaska cruise excursions in each port. These ports are where you can experience the real Alaska – if you know which excursions to choose, that is...

Alaska is a dream destination, and people are always surprised to learn that I grew up there. After that, they often ask me "What is it like to grow up in Alaska?" I love answering this, as it reveals that – for all its magic – Alaska is a pretty normal place with spectacular scenery. Then, people usually follow up by asking "Can you help me plan my Alaskan cruise/choose my Alaska cruise excursions?"...

Alaska's first city, Ketchikan, is surprisingly colorful. The buildings and waterfront are a mosaic of color: greens, reds, purples, and yellows are punctuated with totem poles (including the one in the U.S. passport!) and fishing industry memorabilia. Like most ports in the Last Frontier, Ketchikan has character – as do the Ketchikan shore excursions you can book during your Alaska cruise...

As you plan your Alaska cruise, you'll see there are some destinations that almost every single cruise will visit. Juneau is one of those places. Nearly every cruise provider offers at least one cruise that goes through the capital city. The big cruise companies offer Juneau shore excursions you can take during your port stop there to help you fill the time (though you can certainly spend the time on your own)....

There are so many ways to see Alaska, it can quickly get overwhelming when you're planning a trip. Maybe you've already narrowed it down a bit and know you want to take an Alaska cruise – that's a good start. But even then, you might soon find yourself drowning in a sea of open tabs on your computer, comparing companies, itineraries, prices, and more...