Alaska cruises often make a stop in Ketchikan, the “First City of Alaska.” Most ships dock downtown, but some pull into Ward Cove, a newer port about seven miles north. This alternative docking location has stirred mixed opinions among cruise passengers.
In this guide, I’ll share my recent experience docking at Ward Cove and explore the advantages and drawbacks of an itinerary that includes it.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings developed the Ward Cove cruise port in partnership with Ward Cove Dock Group. It was built on a former pulp mill site and designed to accommodate Norwegian’s large Breakaway class vessels. Arriving in Ward Cove, I could see the water clarifying tanks once used by the pulp mill on the port side.
The two-berth terminal opened in 2021 and offers an alternative to Ketchikan’s downtown docks. While there are excursions from the port, the distance from downtown has been a point of debate among visitors. I took a solo cruise on the Norwegian Bliss, and share my thoughts.
Where Is Ward Cove, Alaska?
Ward Cove sits on the western coast of Revillagigedo Island in Alaska. The cove is accessed by land from the N Tongass Hwy.
Which Cruise Lines Dock There?
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), which owns the port, has priority access to Ward Cove’s two berths. For the 2025 Alaska cruise season, Oceania, Viking, and Regent use it as their Ketchikan port of call.
Ward Cove continues to develop the new port to encourage its guests to stay in the area. Expect to see more shops, restaurants, and services shortly. The out-of-town location provides a more serene experience enjoyed by those who like the outdoors.
What’s The Difference Between Ward Cove And Ketchikan?
With its 7-mile distance from downtown Ketchikan, Ward Cove creates a geographical separation between the two areas. This distance means travelers docking at Ward Cove will need transportation to reach Ketchikan’s downtown attractions.
Those docking in Ketchikan’s downtown port can disembark their vessel and walk to attractions. Passengers in Ward Cove don’t have that luxury.
Ward Cove has its own shopping options, that some travelers have raved about. However, many classic Alaskan attractions, like Creek Street and the family-friendly Lumberjack Show, are just a short walk from the other docks, making them easier to access.
Ward Cove Cruise Terminal
The Ward Cove Cruise Terminal can accommodate two large vessels simultaneously. Disembarking my ship, a large building called “The Mill” welcomed me and fellow guests.
There’s a short walk from the ship to the brick building, but those who are mobility challenged can use the care cart. It’s a larger golf cart vehicle like they use at airports.
The Mill At Ward Cove
Once Alaska’s longest-running pulp mill, its large red brick building was converted into the Ward Cove welcome center. This huge repurposed building has mostly souvenir shopping, but also a theater and a small museum (if you can call it that). The museum has chain saws, and old mill equpment.
While The Mill has many options for shopping, I didn’t find enough things to keep me busy, especially since I’m not a shopper. The Whistle Stop Café offers Alaska craft beer, drinks and snacks. I appreciated the building’s complimentary wi-fi service. Log into WCDG Guest with no password.
Outside of shopping, there is sea cycling, hiking, biking, or kayaking when staying in the area.
Ward Cove To Ketchikan Shuttles
Transportation between Ward Cove and downtown Ketchikan is provided via complimentary shuttle services. The shuttle ride typically takes 20-30 minutes each way.
I arrived in Ward Cove on the Bliss along with the Norwegian Jade. With both ships docking at 7 am, the wait for shuttles was 90 minutes. Shuttle priority was given to cruise line excursion booked guests, Haven guests, and Platinum+ members of their Latitudes Rewards program.
Those without priority shuttle access reached downtown long after 9 am and had just over an hour to line up for the last shuttle back at 11:30 am. Interestingly, there were no cruise ships docked downtown that day.
When docked in Ward Cove, we recommend checking the time for the last shuttle back. With long wait times and an additional ½ hour ride, expect to spend two hours or more of your port day in transit. Not ideal! Can you walk to downtown? Not really; on foot, it will take 2 hrs 30 mins.
When docking in this port, we suggest checking the Ketchikan cruise ship schedule to see how many ships are docking in Ward Cove. It may influence your decision to take the cruise ship shuttle, stay in Ward Cove, or do an organized tour instead.
The long shuttle wait was one of the misses of my Norwegian Bliss cruise.
Taxis are available but wait times were as long as the shuttles. A harbor cruise to downtown was also sold by Norwegian. It was USD 79 (USD 29 with a USD 50 shore excursion credit) each way. The cruise took one hour.
The Pros Of Docking In Ward Cove
While there aren’t any real advantages to docking in Ward Cove, the cruise line has created some selling points. Although not many benefit cruise guests.
It Reduces Congestion Downtown
Since the Ketchikan cruise port can accommodate four vessels, the addition of Ward Cove means two more ships can visit on the same day. More visitors bring more money to businesses that rely on tourism.
Disbursing the tourists across two ports creates less congestion. Apparently, this benefits both visitors and locals alike. Maybe, more so for the latter. However, most visitors want to spend time in downtown Ketchikan, and the transportation time cuts into their ability to explore the city effectively.
For those that have been to Ward Cove, it’s a deal breaker to dock there again. Only a few, usually those who stay in Ward Cove, don’t mind the alternative remote location.
It’s More Remote
For guests who like the pristine natural beauty, Ward Cove may be right up their alley. Those who favor Icy Strait Point, another remote cruise destination, will probably not oppose the downtown shuttle.
I am not a big fan of Ward Cove’s location. But, since I travel to Alaska several times a year, it wasn’t a breaking point for me. Knowing that two ships were in port, I decided to skip the hassle of following the crowd heading south. I took an excursion heading north to Potlatch Totem Park instead.
It meant my day was more relaxed. I was off the ship early, completed my tour and reboarded in time to enjoy breakfast at 9:30 am.
I enjoyed the rest of my port day on my balcony, enjoying mother nature. The area around Ward Cove is beautiful with lots of bald eagles. On the sail in and out, I viewed a 40-foot giant cross, erected by the Spokely family by the waterline.
Close To Totem Bight State Historic Park
One significant advantage of Ward Cove is its proximity to Totem Bight State Historic Park and Potlatch Park. By heading north on a trolley ride, I avoided the congestion going south.
Totem Bight State Historic Park is an essential cultural attraction and one of many parks with living totem poles. On a previous trip, I visited Saxman Native Village without a tour. It is conveniently located 2.5 miles south of downtown and easily accessible by local bus.
Like the Saxman Native Village, Totem Bight State Historic Park features its own collection of totem poles and a traditional clan house. Here, I learned about Native Alaskan culture while exploring the impressive totem carvings.
Potlatch Totem Park features a clan house, totems, a carving shed, and a small car museum in the same area.
The Cons Of Docking In Ward Cove
Ward Cove is Norwegian Cruise Line’s dedicated port in Ketchikan, but passengers should consider its drawbacks. Transportation logistics, excursion limitations, and time constraints can impact your port day, which may ultimately affect your Alaska cruise experience.
Long Shuttle Waits
The distance between Ward Cove and downtown Ketchikan creates transportation hurdles. Although they use double decker buses that carry 80 guests, wait times can be frustrating. During peak disembarkation periods, hundreds of passengers simultaneously leave the ship.
During my stop, the wait time was 90 minutes. I’ve experienced a similar situation in Sitka, where I waited over 45 minutes each way with two ships in port. During worst-case scenarios, transportation in these shuttle-required ports can be a “hot mess.”
I met many guests who booked independent tours downtown and missed them because they couldn’t get there in time.
Short Docking Times
NCL port calls in Ketchikan often feature relatively brief stays, which becomes more problematic when docked at Ward Cove. My cruise docked for 6 hours, but all aboard time gave us 5.5 hours in port. Since shuttle waits and transportation to and from town can take 3-1/2 hours, guests were limited in what they could do.
Before heading to town, know the last shuttle back. These are posted on your daily planner and at the port. Initially, our last shuttle to downtown was posted as 9:30 am but updated to 10:30 am.
The limited hours make self-exploration of Ketchikan challenging. I found passengers often chose between a single excursion or a downtown visit rather than enjoying both during their port day.
Some Tours Aren’t Available From Ward Cove
Ward Cove’s remote location creates excursion planning complications. While some adventure-focused excursions operate well from this location, approximately half of typical Ketchikan activities require transportation to downtown first.
This extra travel step means guests only have access to certain tours. Previously, I took a 5.45-hour tour out of downtown Ketchikan through my cruise line when we were docked for 6 hours. We arrived back 10 minutes before departure.
This Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer would not be possible from Ward Cove with a port stop of 6 hours.
The Family That Got Left Behind
While visiting Ward Cove, we heard about a notable incident involving an Oklahoma family left behind in Ketchikan. The nine-member family had booked an NCL-hosted excursion to the popular Lumberjack Show.
According to reports, they arrived on time for their return shuttle. But since the bus couldn’t accommodate all nine, they were asked to wait for the next shuttle, which never came.
The family reportedly faced over USD 10,000 in additional expenses to get home. This incident sparked significant discussion about port procedures and excursion management. The Gault family eventually got home from Ketchikan. After negative media press, Norwegian Cruise Line agreed to reimburse them.
Following this incident, there were calls for cruise lines and tour operators to improve their coordination and communication systems to prevent similar situations in the future. For visitors to Ward Cove and Ketchikan, we recommend always:
- Keeping smartphones synchronized with ship time.
- Carrying contact information for the ship.
- Building extra time into independent excursions.
- Not relying on the last shuttle back.
- Carrying your passport in case the worst happens.
Should You Book An Itinerary That Stops In Ward Cove?
Deciding whether to book a cruise that docks at Ward Cove instead of downtown Ketchikan is a personal choice. If it’s your only trip to Alaska or have limited mobility, we suggest choosing a line that docks downtown.
Being centralized gives better options for exploring on your own or taking a tour. For those who cruise often, docking in Ward Cove may not be a deterrent. I know many cruisers who stay onboard on port days.
Planning ahead is crucial if your itinerary includes Ward Cove. Booking excursions through your cruise line (like NCL) can secure early shuttle access. Having a high loyalty status with NCL can give priority shuttle access for those exploring independently.
Based on my experience, docking in Ward Cove isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker. However, since I travel to Alaska often, I might feel differently if it were my only trip. That said, the long waits and required shuttles can be a nuisance, especially for those with limited port time.
