Cruising Inside Passage July 19 to 29, 2023

Question

We are a married couple in our late 70’s with some physical limitations that prevent hiking or climbing lots of steps. We are still breathing and have a great spirit so we are still checking boxes on our bucket list. Alaska has been on our wish list for a long while.

We will be participating in easy excursions at each port for a couple of hours in the morning. There will still be a few hours in the afternoon and early evening before the ship sails. To simplify things, I included what we are already scheduled to see. We enjoy meeting the locals, learning about their culture, visiting quaint shops and souvenir shopping for family and grandchildren as well as taking pictures of interesting sights and, of course, nature.

Are any of these ports near towns with shops or places of interest that may not be included in our excursion? I would appreciate suggestions of things not to miss.

We will Embark on a Viking cruise ship in

Vancouver Canada

Scenic Sailing: inside passage

Ketchikan (Potlatch Totem Park)

Sitka (Scenic bus tour and performance by the

Story Dancers followed by free time)

Juneau - on our own

Skagway - drive thru Historic Skagway and to White

Pass Summit

Icy Strait point - on our own with an optional one-day

Gondola pass

Scenic Sailing: Yakutat Bay

Valdez (booked a 5 hours Columbia Glacier Cruise)

- hoping another boat ride is worth the time and $

Seward - a full day that includes a two hour visit to

the Sealife Center and free time

Disembark in Seward the following morning.

Bus shuttle to Anchorage airport

I appreciate any help you can offer.

Thank you!

Answer

Your Inside Passage cruise itinerary is wonderful for those who enjoy scenic views, cultural experiences, and light exploration. Since you prefer easy excursions and limited walking, I’ve highlighted accessible options and nearby towns or activities for each port that can complement your planned excursions.

Ketchikan: Your excursion includes Potlatch Totem Park, which is excellent for culture and photography. Ketchikan’s town center is very walkable and has charming shops, galleries, and local art displays.

Creek Street: Historic boardwalk with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Very easy to navigate.
Totem Heritage Center: Features preserved Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian totem poles; small and accessible.
Local souvenir shops along the waterfront and in downtown Ketchikan for native crafts and Alaskan gifts.

Sitka: Scenic bus tour and Story Dancers performance will cover most of the highlights. The downtown area is compact and walkable, with shops and historic buildings.

Totem Park and Raptor Center nearby if you want a gentle stroll and wildlife viewing.
Small galleries and craft shops downtown for souvenirs and local art.
Russian Bishop’s House: Historic site, accessible with minimal walking.

Juneau: You will be on your own, so you have flexibility. Juneau is walkable downtown, but taxis or shuttles can help you reach nearby sites without much walking.

Mount Roberts Tramway: Accessible tram to a viewing platform with minimal walking.
Alaska State Museum: Offers a cultural overview; accessible and interesting.
Downtown shops and local markets for souvenirs and gifts.

Skagway: Your drive-through of Historic Skagway and White Pass Summit is scenic and largely accessible. If you have extra time, consider:

Historic downtown Skagway: Easy to walk and browse old-time shops and museums.
Red Onion Saloon: Historic bar with a small museum area.
Train station area: Photogenic and accessible for a few pictures without strenuous walking.

Icy Strait Point: Gondola ride is a good option if you want a scenic view without walking. The area has a small village-like atmosphere with shops and easy paths.

Explore the Icy Strait Point village for local craft shops.
Lookout points along the waterfront for photos and wildlife viewing.

Yakutat Bay (Scenic Sailing): This will primarily be a scenic experience from the ship, so no additional walking is required.

Valdez: Your Columbia Glacier Cruise is excellent. If considering another boat ride, it can be enjoyable if you want more glacier viewing without walking, but the first cruise should be sufficient for photos and wildlife spotting.

Seward: You have a full day including the SeaLife Center. After that:

Downtown Seward: Walkable shops and galleries for souvenirs.
Waterfront promenade: Gentle walk along the harbor with photo opportunities.
Small cafes or bakeries near the cruise docks for light refreshments before departure.

Overall, your cruise schedule is well-suited for gentle exploration. In each port, focusing on accessible downtown areas, waterfront promenades, and easy cultural sites will let you enjoy Alaska’s charm without physical strain.

Tip: If you want to maximize comfort, consider pre-booking taxis or shuttles at ports where you’ll be on your own, especially in Juneau and Icy Strait Point, to avoid long waits.

Cruising Inside Passage July 19 to 29, 2023

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