Cruise ships

Question

We are planning a trip to Sitka sometime in the next year , our Grandson is stationed there with the Coast Guard. How do I found out when cruise ships will be there , we would prefer to visit when there is no cruise ships docked there .

Answer

Planning a trip to Sitka with the goal of avoiding cruise ship crowds is definitely doable, but it requires checking schedules in advance since Sitka is a popular stop for Alaska cruises, particularly in the summer months.

Here’s how you can find out when cruise ships will be in Sitka:

Official Port Schedule: Sitka maintains a port schedule for cruise ships, which is typically available through the City & Borough of Sitka’s official website or the Port of Sitka office. This schedule lists expected ship arrivals and departures for the season.
Cruise Line Itineraries: Check the websites of cruise lines that visit Alaska, such as Princess Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian, and Celebrity Cruises. Many provide detailed itineraries showing the ports and dates for upcoming seasons. This can give you an idea of peak cruise traffic days.
Third-Party Cruise Tracking: Websites like CruiseMapper or CruiseCritic provide cruise schedules and can be filtered for Sitka. They often include historical data, so you can see which days are typically busy.
Local Tourism Office: The Sitka Visitor Information Center can be a helpful resource. They can tell you about typical cruise ship traffic and suggest quieter times to visit.

Additional tips for planning your trip:

Cruise ships mostly operate from May through September. Early May or late September are usually less crowded, with fewer ships docked.
Weekdays might be slightly busier than weekends, depending on cruise itineraries, so check the exact dates if you have flexibility.
Visiting outside of the main cruise season ensures you can enjoy Sitka more peacefully, with easier access to local attractions and restaurants.

In summary, your best approach is to check the official port schedule, cross-reference with cruise line itineraries, and perhaps contact the Sitka Visitor Center for guidance. Planning around the cruise ship schedule will help you enjoy Sitka without the crowds.